Event Correlation Engine Automating IT Remediation Workflows

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Solution Overview

Problem

IT personnel face challenges in efficiently documenting and reusing problem-solving techniques for system failures, leading to prolonged downtime and inefficiencies in remediation processes.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors server data, identifies errors, records and stores remediation instructions, and retrieves similar error data to automate resolution processes, utilizing a Monitoring and Reporting Platform (MRP) and Event Correlation and Calculating Engine (ECCE) to generate alerts, track user workflows, and deploy rules for future error resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If IT personnel manually document and save problem-solving techniques, then future remediation efficiency improves, but the process of documenting and saving is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremediation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for documentation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures, stores, and manages remediation instructions without requiring manual intervention from IT personnel. The automated remediation system performs its own documentation and retrieval functions, eliminating the need for manual saving and loading of troubleshooting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of documentation and information retrieval with an automated electronic system. The system automatically captures error conditions, stores remediation instructions in a database, and retrieves appropriate instructions based on error patterns, eliminating manual typing, filing, and searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If automated remediation systems are implemented, then response time to errors improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated remediation system is divided into distinct functional modules: error detection module, database storage module, pattern matching module, instruction retrieval module, and execution module. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the remediation process, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between error detection and remediation execution. The database serves as a mediator that stores error conditions, remediation instructions, and their relationships, allowing the system to query and retrieve appropriate instructions without direct complex processing between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual troubleshooting steps are recorded, then knowledge is preserved for future use, but the recorded steps may contain errors or inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknowledge accuracyVSAvoidinformation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated remediation system executes captured instructions and monitors outcomes. This feedback loop allows the system to verify the accuracy of recorded remediation steps and correct errors in the database, ensuring that stored knowledge remains reliable and up-to-date.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and cleaning of remediation instructions before storing them in the database. By preparing and verifying the information in advance, the system prevents errors from being stored and ensures high quality of recorded knowledge from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9703624B2Event correlation and calculation engine
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US9703624B2 patent drawing
  • US9703624B2 patent drawing
  • US9703624B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for learning and implementing rules for remediating system errors are provided. The method may include identifying a configuration item that is not in compliance with a configuration baseline. The method may also include tracking a workflow executed by a remote user in an attempt to remediate the configuration error. The method may additionally include monitoring the status of the configuration item. In the event the workflow brings the configuration item in compliance with the configuration baseline, the method may further include storing the workflow in a database.