Data Interconnection Adapter for EQMS Format and Workflow Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of different Enterprise Quality Management Systems (EQMS) by suppliers and manufacturers leads to inefficiencies in data exchange and workflow synchronization, resulting in delayed communication of quality issues and misinterpretation of data due to the use of disparate systems and formats.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for bidirectional exchange of quality data using a common protocol, specifically the Quality Data eXchange (QDX) format, which allows for the conversion and interpretation of quality information between different EQMS systems, eliminating the need for pre-determination of required elements and formats, and enabling seamless communication through adapters and an interconnection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different EQMS systems are used by suppliers and manufacturers, then each system can maintain its own workflow and data format, but data exchange becomes inefficient and prone to misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adapter as an intermediary component that sits between different EQMS systems. The adapter receives data in the sending system's native format, translates it to a standardized intermediate format, and forwards it to the receiving system. This mediator approach allows both systems to maintain their independence while ensuring accurate data exchange without loss or misinterpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes data format parameters during transmission. The adapter transforms data structure, encoding, and representation parameters from the sender's format to the receiver's expected format. This parameter transformation enables compatible data exchange while preserving the original data's meaning and integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different EQMS systems with different workflow steps are used, then each system can optimize for its own processes, but workflow synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a workflow synchronization intermediary that maps between different workflow states and steps. It translates workflow progress indicators from one system's terminology and structure to another system's workflow framework, enabling real-time synchronization without requiring either system to change its optimized workflow design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter provides universal workflow translation capabilities that work across multiple different EQMS systems. It implements a standardized workflow representation that can accommodate various workflow structures, states, and progression models, allowing any two systems to synchronize regardless of their individual workflow customizations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual communication methods like phone or email are used to relay quality discrepancies, then system independence is maintained, but response time increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical communication methods (phone calls, emails) with an automated electronic data exchange system. The adapter automatically captures quality discrepancy data from the supplier's EQMS, translates it, and transmits it to the manufacturer's system in real-time. This substitution eliminates human intervention delays and errors while maintaining communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous automated data transmission between supplier and manufacturer systems. Quality data flows continuously through the adapter without interruption or manual re-entry, ensuring real-time visibility and immediate response to quality issues. This continuous action replaces the discontinuous, manual communication process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If data is sent in a format that the receiving system cannot interpret, then the sending system maintains its native format, but reformatting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a format conversion intermediary that preserves the sending system's native data format during transmission. It receives data in the original format, maintains it through the transmission process, and only performs format adaptation at the receiving end if needed. This approach minimizes reformatting operations while ensuring compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary format assessment and preparation before data transmission. The adapter pre-configures translation rules and format mappings based on the known characteristics of both sending and receiving systems. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time reformatting by having conversion parameters ready in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media storing instructions are described for receiving an Enterprise Quality Management (EQM) communication from a first computer system on the computer network, the EQM communication being transmitted in a first data format and being configured to pass EQM data between the first computer system and a second computer system on the computer network, determining whether the EQM communication is in a data format interpretable by the second computer system, transforming the EQM communication into a second data format interpretable by the second computer system based at least in part on a determination that the EQM communication is not in a data format interpretable by the second computer system, and transmitting the transformed EQM communication to the second computer system.