Integration Server Master Data Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a heterogeneous information technology environment, different computer systems accessing shared master data face challenges due to incompatible formats and independent development, leading to inefficient data replication and access, where one system may access outdated data while another has updated information.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a master data server and an integration server that dynamically maps master data from a central database to client-specific formats using mapping rules, allowing clients to access and modify data without replicating it locally, and performs necessary translations and consistency checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If master data is replicated across multiple databases in different systems, then each system can access data locally, but data inconsistency occurs and replication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary between client systems and the master database. The gateway server receives data requests from multiple client systems, translates them into appropriate database queries, and returns results. This mediator approach allows systems to access data without direct replication, maintaining consistency while enabling fast access through the centralized gateway interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server provides universal access functionality for multiple different client systems to access the same master database using their own proprietary data formats and protocols. Instead of replicating data for each system, the gateway serves as a universal interface that handles diverse access requirements from manufacturing systems, quality systems, maintenance systems, and other clients simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each system is developed independently with its own data storage and processing, then system flexibility and optimization are improved, but integration complexity and data access inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server acts as an intermediary that enables independent systems to integrate without modifying their existing architectures. Each system maintains its independence and can be developed optimally for its specific function, while the gateway handles the integration complexity by translating between different system protocols and the master database format.
3Speed
If data is replicated asynchronously to multiple databases, then local access performance is improved, but data freshness and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server provides fast local access performance by caching frequently accessed data in its memory while maintaining a connection to the master database. This allows rapid retrieval of cached data without direct database queries, while ensuring data freshness through periodic synchronization with the master database, thus achieving both speed and freshness without full replication.
Data Source
AI summary
A heterogeneous information technology system in which compatible and incompatible client systems are able to dynamically access master data stored in a master database maintained by a master data server. An integration server communicates with the client systems and the master data server, and in response to a request for data from a client system, maps the master data in the master database to mapped data based on a set of mapping rules associated with the client system, and sends the mapped data to the client system.