Reusable Entity Modeling for Low-Code Application Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing entity modeling systems require specialized IT skills, are not reusable or extensible, and struggle with polymorphic relationships and run-time versus design-time considerations, making it difficult to customize and update applications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An entity modeling system that allows end users to customize and extend entity-based applications using pre-defined building blocks, which can be updated without losing customizations, and includes a low-code application development platform for seamless integration and management of entities and their relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If entity modeling systems require specialized IT skills and manual customization for each update, then application functionality can be tailored to specific needs, but development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments applications into reusable entity building blocks that can be independently customized and assembled. Each building block represents a discrete functional unit that can be modified without affecting the entire application, enabling parallel development and reducing overall development time while maintaining customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining standardized entity building blocks with common functionalities before application development begins. These pre-configured blocks can be directly applied to multiple projects, eliminating the need to recreate common structures and reducing repetitive development work across different applications.
2Reliability
If entity modeling tools require specialized data administration skills, then database management can be performed effectively, but the tools become inaccessible to end users without IT expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing end users to customize applications directly using the entity building block interface without requiring specialized data administration skills. Users can assemble and configure entities through intuitive operations, while the system automatically handles the complex database management and data administration tasks in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The entity building blocks serve as an intermediary layer between end users and the underlying database management system. Users interact with simplified building blocks rather than directly with database structures, while the system automatically translates these high-level entities into appropriate database operations, shielding users from complexity while maintaining data integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications are heavily customized by customers, then specific business needs are met, but updating applications becomes difficult as customizations must be re-applied
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by maintaining a clear separation between the stable core application (defined by entity building blocks) and customizable configurations. When applications are updated, the system dynamically detects which customizations apply to the new version and automatically applies them, allowing the application structure to adapt to updates while preserving business-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to track customizations made by customers and automatically re-apply them during application updates. The system monitors changes to entity configurations and maintains a record of customizations, then uses this feedback information to automatically restore custom settings when updated application versions are deployed, eliminating manual re-customization efforts.
4Productivity
If entity modeling requires writing code for user interfaces and learning multiple software tools, then functionality can be implemented, but the learning curve and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by providing a single unified interface for entity building block operations that handles multiple functions (creation, modification, assembly, configuration) through consistent operations. This universal interface eliminates the need to learn multiple specialized software tools, as all entity manipulation tasks can be performed through the same standardized operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the complex code-writing and interface-development tasks from the user's workflow by providing pre-built entity building blocks with embedded functionality. Users take out only the essential configuration decisions needed for their specific application while the system handles the complex implementation details, reducing operational complexity while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed herein provide an application development platform in an enterprise computing environment. More specifically, in certain embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed that enable an application development platform to reuse, extend, and/or customize entity-based applications in an enterprise computing environment. The application development platform can extend an entity to include user configured settings including zero or at least one of a property, a permission, an action, a behavior, or a resource to the entity to generate user customized versions of the entity. The applications may be customized by an end user, while allowing the underlying application to be updated without losing any user customizations.