Integrated GUI for RFE Submission and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for gathering user ideas for software enhancements are inefficient, leading to data corruption, loss, and lack of user feedback due to the use of multiple redundant and inconsistent tools, making it difficult to track and manage user-submitted requests for enhancements (RFEs).
Innovation Solution
Integrating RFE gathering functionality directly into the software product through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to submit context-sensitive RFE information, which is tagged with product and user identifiers, and stored in a database for efficient processing and feedback provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different management/analysis tools are used to process RFE information across support groups, then the RFE can be processed by different teams, but the RFE data may be corrupted or lost during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate management tools (Delta Case Management, Salesforce, Agile, Bugzilla, MRD tool) into a single integrated system. This unified platform eliminates data transfer between tools, preventing corruption and loss while maintaining the ability to process RFEs across all support groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal RFE management system that serves all support groups (L1, L2, L3, IPS) and all functional needs (case management, tracking, analysis) through a single platform. This multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining adaptability to different support team requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFE information is transferred across multiple support group boundaries and into different management tools, then the RFE can be evaluated by appropriate teams, but it becomes difficult to track where the RFE is in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tracking systems into a single unified tracking mechanism. The integrated system provides centralized visibility of RFE status across all support groups, eliminating the complexity of tracking through multiple disparate tools while maintaining the ability to route evaluations to appropriate teams.
3Ease of operation
If a call center is used to gather RFE information, then users can provide input, but there is little or no feedback to the user regarding the status of the RFE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism that provides users with real-time status updates on their RFE submissions. The system tracks and communicates the progression of RFEs through the evaluation process, ensuring users receive timely information about their input without requiring repeated contact with the call center.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used to process RFE information, then different support groups can use their preferred tools, but the overall processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple preferred tools into a single integrated platform that maintains the capabilities each support group needs while eliminating the inefficiencies of data transfer and manual synchronization between tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that provides all the functional capabilities needed by different support groups (case management, tracking, analysis) within a single platform, eliminating the productivity loss associated with using multiple separate tools while preserving adaptability to different team requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-assisted method of receiving request for enhancement (RFE) information includes providing, in a product, a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to present to the user one or more inputs for submitting RFE information. The method further includes conveying, by a first processor associated with the product, the RFE information the user submits to the one or more inputs, the RFE information being tagged with an identifier associating the RFE information with the product. The method also includes receiving, by a second processor, the RFE information and the associated identifier, and providing the RFE information and the associated identifier to a service team associated with the product.