Network Information Management via Server-Side Software and Customizable Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information management systems require client computers to store and execute specific application software to access project-related information, limiting access to only those with the necessary software and memory capabilities, and are often restricted to specific project types, preventing flexible input and management of information across various entities.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system where a server executes software, allowing users to access and manipulate information through a browser, enabling customizable forms for inputting and managing information across various types of manageable entities without the need for specific client-side application software, thus allowing flexible setup and use for diverse projects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If client computers store and execute specific application software to access project-related information, then information access and management capabilities are provided, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase, limiting accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The application software is extracted from the client computer and relocated to the server computer. The server executes the application software and processes information, while clients only need a web browser to access the system. This extraction eliminates the need for clients to install, store, or execute complex application software, thereby reducing client-side device complexity while maintaining full information access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A web server acts as an intermediary between the client computers and the application software. The server receives requests from clients, executes the appropriate application software on the server side, and returns results to clients. This intermediary architecture allows clients to access sophisticated information management capabilities without needing to possess the actual application software, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and device complexity.
2Productivity
If pre-defined templates are used for inputting project-related information, then standardized data collection is achieved, but flexibility in information format and structure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, pre-defined templates to dynamic, user-configurable forms. Users can create, modify, and customize forms to match their specific information needs. The form definitions are stored in the database and can be changed at any time without requiring system reconfiguration. This dynamic approach maintains the productivity benefits of standardized templates while adding the adaptability to customize formats as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change the parameters of information collection by creating custom forms with different fields, data types, and structures. Instead of being constrained to fixed template parameters, users can modify form parameters to suit specific project requirements. This parameter flexibility enables the system to adapt to diverse information needs while maintaining efficient data collection processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application software is installed on client computers, then local processing and storage capabilities are available, but portability and accessibility from different devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be universally accessible from any device with a web browser. The same application software runs on the server and serves multiple clients simultaneously, regardless of their device type (desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone). This multi-functional architecture eliminates the need for device-specific software installations, enabling seamless cross-device accessibility while simplifying deployment since only the server requires software installation.
4Productivity
If specific application software is required on client computers, then dedicated functionality for project management is provided, but system versatility across different project types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments project management functionality into separate, configurable modules or forms. Each form represents a discrete functional unit that can be independently created, customized, and configured for specific project needs. Users can assemble different combinations of forms to suit different project types, maintaining high productivity through specialized functionality while achieving versatility through modular customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic modification of form parameters and structures to adapt to different project types. Instead of requiring different application software for different projects, users can change the parameters of existing forms or create new forms with appropriate fields and structures. This parameter flexibility enables the same core system to efficiently handle diverse project types, from construction to event planning to research projects.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing information over a network (104, FIG. 1) enables a user, at a client computer (102) to access and modify information accessible to a server (106). A user can create (FIG. 10) a new manageable entity (e.g., a project), which results in storage of entity-specific and non-specific information (FIG. 12) in a database (108, FIG. 1). In addition, a user can create or edit (FIG. 17) various forms, which can be associated with one or more manageable entities. Information describing the form (FIG. 21) is then maintained by the system. The form can then be used to enter or modify data associated with the manageable entity.