Metadata Overlay for Software Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaged software applications often fail to match the specific operational needs of companies due to variations in business practices and operations across different industries and locations, requiring costly and time-consuming customization that can lead to incompatibilities and ripple effects, especially when dealing with complex software modules and data processing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows customization of software applications by overlaying custom metadata on base metadata, enabling variations in data processing logic and data models, as well as user interfaces, which can be evaluated and executed in real-time, facilitating adaptation to different execution contexts without requiring extensive retesting or skilled personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packaged software applications are developed to cover a broad range of software application needs, then the software can serve multiple industries and businesses, but the software does not perfectly match a particular company's operational needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software into base metadata (core functionality) and custom metadata (company-specific adaptations). This segmentation allows the software to maintain a universal core while enabling personalized customization through separate metadata layers that can be independently configured and managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base metadata provides universal functionality that serves multiple industries and businesses, while the custom metadata layer enables the same software to adapt to specific company needs. This multi-functionality approach allows one software package to serve diverse purposes without sacrificing specialization capability.
2Ease of operation
If the software application is customized to match specific operational needs, then the software meets company requirements, but the customization may not be compatible with later upgrades and creates ripple effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a predefined metadata framework structure before customization occurs. This preliminary framework includes validation rules and compatibility checks that ensure custom metadata adheres to upgrade-compatible standards, preventing future compatibility issues before they arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata framework acts as an intermediary layer between the base software and company-specific customizations. This intermediary structure mediates between upgrade changes and custom adaptations, allowing updates to propagate through the framework without directly conflicting with customized elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional software tools are used to customize the software application, then the software can be adapted to business practices, but skilled computer programmers and highly trained personnel are required to implement changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables business users to perform self-service customization through the metadata framework. Users can independently configure and validate their own custom metadata without requiring programmer intervention, as the framework provides built-in validation and guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes in metadata rather than requiring code modifications. This approach transforms complex programming tasks into simpler configuration activities, where users adjust metadata parameters through standardized interfaces rather than writing or modifying software code.
4Ease of operation
If customization is implemented to satisfy varying business practices, then the software meets specific operational needs, but significant costs are incurred for merging different customizations and retraining end-users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a framework for merging multiple custom metadata sets through standardized validation and conflict resolution mechanisms. The system automatically identifies and resolves conflicts between different customizations, reducing the time and cost required to integrate multiple departmental or organizational customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework enables incremental customization and validation, allowing organizations to implement changes in stages rather than requiring complete re-customization during upgrades. This partial action approach reduces the overall time and resource investment needed for maintaining customizations across software versions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of generating and executing customized variants of a software application are provided. The customized variants include customization of user interfaces, data processing logic, and data models. Customization is accomplished by overlaying custom metadata on base metadata. The base metadata characterizes the software application and the custom metadata characterizes variants of the software application. The custom metadata and base metadata have an object-oriented relationship. Related variants are optionally applied as a set to assure compatibility between variants of the same software application.