Form Object with Grid Representation for Data Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data collection and analysis tools, such as ERP systems and spreadsheets, face limitations in flexibility and consistency, particularly when dealing with informal or ad-hoc data collections and multiple instances across diverse parties, leading to potential data quality and integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of custom form objects that allow for the creation of flexible data capture and analysis tools, featuring a design process that includes form representation, grid representation, property assignment, and formula-based calculations, ensuring consistency and integrity through controlled revisions and centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spreadsheets are used for data collection and analysis, then flexibility and ease of tailoring are improved, but data consistency and integrity deteriorate when multiple instances are used across diverse parties
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the spreadsheet functionality into two distinct components: a standardized template layer that ensures consistency across all instances, and a customizable instance layer that allows local adaptations. This segmentation enables multiple parties to use customized instances while maintaining a common data structure and validation rules defined in the template layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates standardized templates that can be copied and distributed to multiple users and organizations. These templates serve as the authoritative source for data structure, formatting, and validation rules. When instances are created from templates, they inherit the standardized structure, ensuring consistency while allowing local customization within defined parameters.
2Reliability
If ERP systems are used for data collection and analysis, then data consistency and centralized control are improved, but flexibility and ease of deployment for informal or ad-hoc data collections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic templates that can adapt their structure and behavior based on the specific needs of different users and organizations. While maintaining a standardized core structure for consistency, the templates allow dynamic configuration of optional fields, validation rules, and calculation formulas. This enables the system to be rigid where needed for consistency and flexible where needed for adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different levels of standardization to different parts of the data collection process. Critical fields that require consistency across all instances are strictly controlled and validated, while optional or supplementary fields allow greater local customization. This local quality approach ensures data integrity for essential information while permitting flexibility for organization-specific requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instances of spreadsheets are modified to accommodate different user needs, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and data quality deteriorate due to undisciplined modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor and control modifications to spreadsheet instances. When users attempt to modify instance structures, the system validates changes against the master template and provides feedback on potential consistency issues. This feedback loop prevents undisciplined modifications that would compromise data quality while still allowing necessary adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and configuration checks before allowing instance modifications. By pre-defining acceptable modification parameters and validation rules in the master template, the system prevents future data quality issues. This preliminary action ensures that any customization made to instances remains within boundaries that preserve data integrity and consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A form representation of a form is created including an arrangement of form elements with possible data selections from which a form user will make actual selections. A grid representation is automatically created based on the form representation, including an array of cells corresponding to the form elements and the selections and being organized in a first dimension per the arrangement of the form elements and in a second dimension per the possible data selections. Subsequently, (i) properties are identified and property values are assigned to array cells, the property values being user-visible in respective cells in a properties view, and (ii) functions are created for performing calculations using the actual data selections and the property values to yield derived values during use of the form. Events may also be triggered that are defined in the form object.