ERP Abstraction Layer Translates Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating enterprise resource planning systems with different communication commands, variables, and methods is time-consuming and costly, as existing systems require reconfiguration of software programs and source code to enable communication.
Innovation Solution
An enterprise resource planning system architecture with multiple layers, including a portal layer, process logic layer, user interface layer, business logic layer, abstraction layer, and connectivity layer, allows for seamless communication with external systems without reconfiguration by using reusable components and process agents to translate instructions into native formats recognized by external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If systems are integrated using traditional reconfiguration methods, then communication compatibility is achieved, but integration time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (abstraction layer with process agents) between the enterprise resource planning system and external systems. This intermediary translates communication protocols, commands, and data formats without requiring modification of either the core ERP system or the external systems, thereby achieving communication compatibility while avoiding time-consuming reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the integration architecture into distinct layers: the core ERP system, an abstraction layer with process agents, and the external system interface. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently configured and maintained, enabling rapid integration of new external systems without affecting the core ERP system or requiring extensive reconfiguration.
2Manufacturing precision
If communication protocols are customized for each external system, then communication precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal process agent framework that can handle multiple external systems with different communication protocols through a single standardized interface. The process agents are designed to be reusable and configurable, allowing the same agent architecture to serve multiple external systems without requiring custom development for each one, thus maintaining communication precision while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for enabling communication between two systems using different commands, variables, protocols, methods, or instructions. In an embodiment, exit points in a software application may be used to insert additional code without altering the source code. In an embodiment, this additional code may interface with a backend abstraction layer, which may contain an itemization of functions to performed on external systems or data. In an embodiment, the abstraction layer may interface with a connectivity layer. In an embodiment, the connectivity layer may include instructions in a format recognized by the external system that correspond to the desired function in the backend abstraction layer that is to be executed at the external system.