Graphical KPI Definition in Business Process Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing business process monitoring systems are limited by the need for fixed system-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are individually coded, lacking graphical modeling capabilities for KPI definition during process design, which restricts their deployment and integration within runtime environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for graphical modeling of business processes that allows for the definition of KPIs as part of the design procedure, enabling their inclusion in deployable units and provision to a runtime environment, using a computer-based integration suite with tools like webMethods Integration Server and Designer, allowing KPIs to be defined by dimensions, facts, and hierarchies without requiring manual coding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed system-level KPIs are individually coded, then KPI definitions are precise and reliable, but the complexity of deployment and integration increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveKPI definition precisionVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses XML files to store and transfer KPI definitions between design-time and runtime environments. The XML format serves as a standardized copy mechanism that preserves KPI definitions without requiring manual recoding, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining definition precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms KPI definitions from hardcoded parameters into configurable XML-based parameters. This allows KPIs to be defined once in design-time and automatically adapted to runtime environments through parameter transformation, reducing the complexity of individual coding for each deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If KPIs are defined manually through coding, then KPI definitions are accurate, but the time and effort required for definition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveKPI definition accuracyVSAvoidKPI definition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements design-time KPI definition capabilities where KPIs are predefined in XML files before deployment. This preliminary action allows business analysts to configure KPIs once during the design phase, eliminating the need for manual coding at runtime and significantly reducing definition time while maintaining accuracy through the structured XML format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables business analysts to independently define and configure KPIs using graphical tools and XML files without requiring programmer intervention. This self-service capability allows non-technical users to create accurate KPI definitions directly, reducing both time and dependency on development resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If KPIs are defined as part of design procedure, then integration with runtime environment improves, but the complexity of the modeling system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime integration capabilityVSAvoidmodeling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal XML-based format that serves multiple functions: storing KPI definitions, transferring data between environments, and enabling both design-time configuration and runtime execution. This multi-functional approach integrates KPI definition into the design procedure without requiring separate systems, thereby improving runtime integration while managing complexity through a unified standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9779367B2System, method and computer program product for generating key performance indicators in a business process monitor
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9779367B2 patent drawing
  • US9779367B2 patent drawing
  • US9779367B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method and computer program product to enable graphical modeling of business processes. KPIs may be defined as part of the design procedure of forming the process. Once defined, the definitions of the KPIs may be included in deployable units and provided to a runtime environment.