Intelligent Configuration Handler for ERP Upgrade Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficient and error-prone process of manually programming each change case during system upgrades in enterprise resource planning (ERP) system configurations, particularly due to large tables requiring individual coding for data exchange, is addressed.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent configuration handler utilizing a wildcard engine generates data pattern groups with wildcard characters, receives input selections, selects values, applies these to templates, and automatically replaces old patterns with new ones, activating and storing modified templates in a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual coding is used for each source value to target value mapping during system upgrades, then configuration changes can be implemented, but the process becomes inefficient and error-prone due to the considerably large table size required for data exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template copying where a single template definition can be replicated and applied to multiple source values simultaneously. Instead of individually coding each mapping, the system creates one template that can be instantiated multiple times across different data patterns, dramatically reducing the size of configuration tables and eliminating manual repetition while maintaining consistency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal templates that can serve multiple functions across different scenarios. A single template design can handle various source values and target values through parameterization, allowing the same template structure to be reused throughout the system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate individual coding for each configuration case, improving both efficiency and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manually programmed individual coding is used for configuration changes, then specific changes can be implemented, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameterized templates where specific values can be changed without modifying the underlying template structure. By using parameters and wildcards, the system allows flexible adaptation to different configurations through simple value substitution rather than manual reprogramming, dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining adaptability to various business requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-defined templates that are prepared in advance with common configuration patterns already established. These templates contain pre-configured logic and structures that can be directly applied to new configuration needs, eliminating the time-consuming process of manual programming while preserving the ability to adapt to specific requirements through parameter customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large tables with individual source value to target value mappings are used, then complete data exchange coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and error potential increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into template definitions and template instantiations. Instead of maintaining one large monolithic table with all source-target mappings, the system divides the configuration into reusable template components that can be independently managed. This segmentation reduces the apparent complexity by organizing data exchange coverage into modular, manageable units that can be applied systematically across multiple scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by defining templates once and then instantiating them multiple times, rather than defining each mapping individually. This inversion reduces complexity by flipping the relationship from many-to-many individual mappings to one-to-many template instantiations, achieving complete data exchange coverage with a much smaller and more manageable configuration structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements for configuration changes using a wildcard engine are provided. A data pattern group associated with one or more configuration sets may be generated. The data pattern group may include data patterns with one or more wildcard characters. An input selection may be received. Values for the data pattern group associated with the one or more configuration sets may be selected based on the input selection. The one or more templates associated with the data pattern group may be modified by applying the selected values to the one or more templates. Old data patterns may be automatically replaced with new data patterns. The modified one or more templates associated with the data pattern group may be activated via a template engine and stored in a database.