Layered KPI Customization for Lineage-Preserving Analytics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data analytics environments struggle to provide customizable key performance indicators (KPIs) that cater to the diverse preferences of different customers, often requiring a save-as approach that loses lineage to the original KPI, and lack efficient storage and upgrade support.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing layered KPI customization by merging variations of KPI information on an original object at runtime, allowing for multi-level customizations without modifying the underlying KPI, and supporting extensibility for user interface decks and dashboards, with visible indicators for user-modified KPIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a save-as approach is used to create customized KPIs, then customization capability is improved, but lineage to the original KPI is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where customized KPI definitions are embedded within the original KPI object. The original KPI serves as the parent object, and customizations are stored as child elements or extensions that reference the parent. This nesting preserves the hierarchical relationship and lineage information while enabling full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal or versioning dimension to the KPI structure. Instead of replacing the original KPI with a save-as copy, the system creates versioned iterations or layered modifications that maintain the original as the base. This dimensional approach allows tracking of changes over time while preserving lineage to the source KPI definition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customizations are stored separately for different customers, then customization flexibility is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges common KPI definitions into a shared repository that can be reused across multiple customers. Instead of storing identical customizations separately for each customer, the system consolidates common elements into a single definition that can be instantiated multiple times with customer-specific parameters. This significantly reduces storage requirements while maintaining full customization flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal KPI templates that can serve multiple customers and use cases. These multi-functional definitions contain parameterized elements that can be customized for different customers without requiring separate storage for each variation. The universal templates reduce the overall quantity of stored data while enabling flexible customization for diverse customer needs.
3Ease of operation
If original KPI objects are modified directly to accommodate customizations, then ease of operation is improved, but upgrade capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the KPI system into distinct layers: the original/base KPI definition layer and the customization layer. Users can easily modify the customization layer without affecting the base layer, maintaining simplicity of operation. Meanwhile, the base layer remains intact and can be upgraded independently, preserving upgrade capability. This segmentation allows both ease of operation and upgradeability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer or wrapper that sits between the original KPI object and the customization modifications. This intermediary preserves the original object unchanged while providing a interface for easy customization. Upgrades to the original KPI can be applied through the intermediary without losing customizations, thus maintaining both operational ease and upgrade capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for providing key performance indicator (KPI) customization in an analytic applications environment, which enables data analytics within the context of an organizations enterprise software application or data environment, or a software-as-a-service or other type of cloud or computing environment. The system supports customization derived from multiple layers which, in aggregate, can yield a customized performance metric or KPI object. In accordance with an embodiment, the system enables creation of a customized KPI, by layering variations of the KPI information on an original (e.g., out-of-the-box or factory) KPI object which are merged at runtime to create the final customized KPI. Each delta-KPI can itself also support multiple, e.g., site/user levels/layers. The approach can be used to provide extensibility for user interface decks/dashboards on which KPI visualization objects, such as decks, cards, dashboards, or other types of visualizations, appear.