Low-Code Platform Skill Integration for Workflow Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building intelligent workflows in enterprise software systems requires deep technical expertise across multiple areas, including machine learning, data analytics, and full stack development, which is often lacking in large enterprises, hindering enterprise digitalization.

Innovation Solution

A low-code/no-code development platform integrates intelligent workflow skills using drag-drop functionality, allowing users to select and execute skill artifacts during design-time and runtime, reducing the need for highly skilled developers and technical resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional programming approaches are used to build intelligent workflows, then functional capability and automation level are improved, but skill requirement and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent workflow automationVSAvoiddevelopment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a low-code/no-code development platform as an intermediary between users and the complex backend systems. This platform provides pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and automated code generation, allowing users to build intelligent workflows without needing deep programming expertise. The platform mediates the complexity by handling the technical intricacies while providing a simplified user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The development platform segments the workflow creation process into discrete, manageable components such as individual tasks, actions, and parameters. Users can assemble workflows by selecting and configuring these segmented elements rather than writing complete programs. This segmentation reduces complexity by breaking down the monolithic development task into smaller, more accessible units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If traditional programming approaches are used to build intelligent workflows, then functional capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent workflow capabilityVSAvoidease of development
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform provides pre-built templates and reusable components that can be copied and adapted for different workflows. Instead of creating everything from scratch, users can copy existing templates and modify them to fit their needs. This copying approach significantly reduces the effort and skill required while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The platform performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring common workflow patterns, data models, and integration templates. These preliminary configurations are prepared in advance and can be directly applied to new projects, eliminating the need for users to perform complex setup tasks and reducing the operational difficulty of workflow development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If skilled developers are required to build intelligent workflows, then application quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication qualityVSAvoiddevelopment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform enables self-service development where users can independently build and deploy intelligent workflows without requiring external expert developers. The system provides built-in guidance, validation, and error handling that allows non-experts to create reliable applications. This self-service capability dramatically increases productivity by eliminating the bottleneck of skilled developer availability while maintaining application quality through automated quality assurance features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240103814A1Low-no code development of intelligent workflow applications using skill artifacts
Publication Date: 2024.03.28 SAP SE
  • US20240103814A1 patent drawing
  • US20240103814A1 patent drawing
  • US20240103814A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for integrating skills into computer-executable applications using a low-code/no-code (LCNC) development platform.