Global Entity Management in Software Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software applications face inefficiencies in data input and management, particularly when dealing with entities that already exist within global data collections, as users must manually re-enter data and lack tools for editing or controlling entity records across multiple applications, with textual representations being cumbersome and not visually engaging.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to search and retrieve entity records from a global collection, copy data into a non-global collection, and display entities in a visually helpful manner, such as a pictorial graphic format, enabling users to efficiently manage and edit entity data across applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually enter entity data into software applications, then data can be stored and accessed, but time is wasted and redundant data entry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for and retrieving entity data from external sources (social media, business databases, consumer databases) before the user needs to enter it. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual data entry by having the data ready and available when the user initiates a search or data retrieval request.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of entity data from external sources and stores them in the application's database. Instead of requiring users to re-enter data, the system copies relevant information from social media networks, business databases, and consumer databases, making it immediately available for use while the original data remains in its source location.
2Ease of operation
If users manually enter entity data, then data can be stored, but the process is tedious and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically searching for, retrieving, and populating entity data without requiring manual user input. When a user searches for an entity, the system independently queries external databases, retrieves relevant information, and populates the data fields automatically, eliminating the tedious manual entry process while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If entity data is stored in global collections, then data sharing is enabled, but users lack control to edit or manage records across applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments entity data into two distinct layers: a global collection for data sharing and a user-controlled local collection for management. The global collection enables data sharing across applications and users, while the user's local collection provides control over editing, appending, and deleting records. This segmentation allows both data sharing and user control to coexist without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the user's local collection) between the global data sources and the user's direct control mechanisms. This intermediary allows users to manage and control entity records locally while still maintaining connections to global data sources, enabling both sharing and control functions to operate effectively.
4Loss of information
If entity data is displayed in textual format, then information can be conveyed, but users may miss data fields and spend more time absorbing information
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from one-dimensional textual data presentation to multi-dimensional visual presentation by incorporating graphical elements, icons, and spatial organization. This dimensional change allows users to perceive data relationships and field information more quickly and comprehensively, reducing the time needed to absorb information while maintaining completeness of data presentation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If users need to edit and control entity records, then data management flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data management functions into distinct operational layers: global data storage, user-local data control, and automated retrieval processes. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive data management flexibility (editing, appending, deleting records) while keeping the complexity localized and managed through clear separation of concerns, rather than requiring complex integrated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems to utilize entities from global collections in software applications. An example method comprises providing an application to receive a search request for entities within a global collection, displaying retrieved records, receiving user input including a selected entity, and copying data from a selected entity into a non-global collection of data. Another method comprises displaying a pictorial graphic depicting a business card, and synchronizing the graphical elements with a global entity record. Examples of systems generally comprise a data storage, a server, a first application configured to receive first user input and insert user input into a global collection of entities, a second application configured to display data associated with at least one entity record from a global collection of entity records, receive second user input, and copy data associated with a selected global entity record to a non-global collection of entities.