External File Integration in Data Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business intelligence systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate and utilize external data files, such as spreadsheets, for analysis and reporting, limiting end-users' capabilities and requiring administrator tools or sophisticated cloud-based services.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to upload and integrate external files into a data model, matching columns and performing joins with existing data models, enabling the use of external data for queries and analyses through user-friendly interfaces and data mashups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If administrator tools or publishing tools are used to add external files to data models, then external files can be integrated into the data model, but the system complexity and technical expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to upload and integrate external files directly through user-friendly interfaces without requiring administrator tools or publishing tools. Users can independently perform data integration tasks that previously required specialized technical expertise or administrative privileges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between external files and the data model that automatically handles file processing, validation, and integration. This intermediary mechanism abstracts the complexity from users while maintaining robust data model integration capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based services are used to upload external files for defining complete models, then comprehensive data modeling is enabled, but accessibility and usability are limited to sophisticated users
Solution Approach 1:
The system empowers end-users with self-service capabilities to upload external files and automatically integrate them into existing data models. Users do not need to define complete models from scratch or possess sophisticated business analyst skills, making the system accessible to a broader user base.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to define complete data models, the system accepts partial data inputs from external files and automatically integrates them with existing data model structures. This partial action approach reduces user burden while maintaining comprehensive data modeling capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external files are uploaded through traditional methods, then data integration is achieved, but the process requires sophisticated technical expertise and administrator access
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows end-users to independently upload and integrate external files without requiring administrator access or sophisticated technical expertise. The user interface abstracts complex technical operations into simple, intuitive actions that any end-user can perform.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary processing layer automatically handles file validation, data formatting, and model integration, shielding users from technical complexities. This mediator mechanism enables sophisticated data integration while maintaining simple user interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes providing a fixed portion of a data model, uploading external files to an extended portion of the data model, matching at least some parts of the external files to the fixed portions of the data model, and using data from both the fixed and extended portions of the data model together. A computer-implemented method includes receiving a query from a user to a data model that includes a stored subject area portion and a stored extended subject area portion, accessing at least one storage to retrieve the subject area portion and the extended subject area portion, joining relevant portions of the subject area and extended subject area, extracting answers to the query from the joined portions, and reporting the answers to the user.