Automated Enterprise Software Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configuration management systems for enterprise software are inefficient, requiring manual updates of listbox values and access rights, which are tedious, error-prone, and often necessitate shutting down the software, causing user disruptions and bottlenecks due to the high volume of requests exceeding available manpower.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores configuration information in a relational database accessible via a web interface, allowing users to update listbox values and access rights periodically, with a process that retrieves and converts this information into configuration files while the software is running, eliminating the need for manual intervention and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updates of configuration information are performed, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to high volume of requests exceeding available manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration management where the software automatically retrieves configuration information from the database and updates its own configuration files without requiring manual intervention from the configuration management team, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving update speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of configuration updates with an automated electronic system that periodically queries the database and programmatically updates configuration files, eliminating the bottleneck of manual processing while maintaining configuration integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If software is shut down for configuration updates, then configuration files can be updated, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user disruptions and loss of on-going work
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration updates where the software can modify its configuration files while running, allowing the configuration management process to adapt to user needs in real-time without requiring system shutdown, thus maintaining both update capability and user continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management team can pre-update configuration information in the database before it is needed, and the automated system will pick up these changes during its next periodic cycle, allowing configuration updates to be prepared in advance without disrupting user operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent updates are performed to maintain current criteria, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to repeated shutdowns and user booting
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration management system operates continuously in the background, periodically updating configuration files without interrupting software operation or user workflows, thereby maintaining current criteria while eliminating repeated downtime and user disruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic automated updates where a background process queries the database at scheduled intervals and refreshes configuration files accordingly, ensuring criteria remain current while avoiding continuous interruptions to software operation and user productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of configuration management for enterprise software are disclosed. Some method embodiments comprise: storing updated configuration information for a software tool in a configuration database; periodically accessing the configuration database to retrieve updated configuration information; and when an updated configuration is found, replacing a configuration file for the software tool with an updated configuration file that incorporates the updated configuration information. In some embodiments, an API of the software tool may be automatically invoked to provide the software tool with updated configuration information. Using a separate configuration database in this manner enables a flexible web-based interface for many individuals to configure a shared tool without requiring downtime. Where needed, database access may be limited to authorized users. The configuration information may include user roles, listbox values, menu items, and other parameters affecting the user interface of the software tool.