Engineering System File Origin Tracking for Data Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process and production systems, inconsistencies arise due to the lack of dependency tracking between output files generated by different engineering systems, and version management is often unsupported, leading to operational challenges in maintaining accurate data across tool chains.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize at least two engineering systems to generate and transmit output files with origin and link data, enabling the tracking of file dependencies and changes, and ensuring that updated operating variables are propagated across the system, using origin data to identify the source of each file and link data to connect them, thus preventing inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engineering systems are used to generate output files along a tool chain, then the functionality and capabilities of the system are improved, but inconsistencies and errors in data propagation between systems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where origin data is automatically propagated back from downstream engineering systems to upstream systems. When an output file is modified in a downstream system, the origin data (including file identity, version, and source information) is transmitted back to the originating upstream system, ensuring all systems have current information about data changes and dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces origin data as an intermediary element that mediates between multiple engineering systems. This origin data acts as a metadata layer that travels with output files through the tool chain, carrying information about file provenance, version, and dependencies, enabling automated tracking and consistency management without requiring direct system-to-system communication.
2Device complexity
If manual processes are used to track changes and manage versions, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically generates, transmits, and processes origin data without requiring manual intervention. Engineering systems automatically attach origin data to output files, automatically transmit this data through the tool chain, and automatically update their records based on received origin data, eliminating the need for manual change tracking while reducing time consumption.
3Reliability
If origin data and link data are automatically tracked and transmitted between engineering systems, then data consistency and reliability are improved, but system complexity and data management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal origin data structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies file provenance, tracks version information, establishes dependencies between systems, enables automated consistency checking, and provides audit trails. This multi-functional metadata approach consolidates multiple data management tasks into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a process and/or production installation by • - providing at least 2 engineering systems (12, 14, 16) for respectively producing an output file (20, 22, 24) that comprises an operating variable (B) for at least one component of the process and/or production installation, • - providing a first output file (20) by means of a first of the engineering systems (12), • - transmitting the first output file (20) from the first of the engineering systems (12) to at least a second of the engineering systems (14), • - providing a second output file (22) by means of the at least second of the engineering systems (14) using the first output file (20) and • - operating the process and/or production installation on the basis of the second output file (22), characterised by • - provision of first origin data (30) that describe an origin of the first output file (20) from the first of the engineering systems (12), and • - provision of second origin data (34) that describe an origin of the second output file (22) from the second of the engineering systems (14).