No-Code Integration Platform for MES Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to communicate with diverse external systems is complex, requiring high-level programming skills, and users often need intuitive and easy-to-use configuration techniques to handle updates and data format changes without disrupting manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A system integration platform using a no-code graphical user interface to define sequences of functionality blocks, allowing users to process data from source systems into formats ingestible by destination systems, without direct API communication between them, enabling customization and data transformation through pre-configured and configurable blocks with specific rules and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Production System is programmed to communicate with diverse external systems using traditional programming methods, then the system can handle complex data transformations and system integrations, but the programming complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integration platform that serves as an intermediary between diverse external systems and the Production System. This platform provides pre-built connectors and transformation rules for common systems (ERP, SCADA, QMS, etc.), allowing the Production System to communicate with external systems without requiring complex custom programming for each integration scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration platform segments the complex integration task into manageable components: standardized connectors for different system types, predefined transformation rules for data formats, and configurable mapping mechanisms. This segmentation allows users to assemble integrations by selecting and configuring discrete building blocks rather than writing complex integrated code.
2Reliability
If traditional programming methods are used to handle system upgrades and data format changes, then the system can maintain data consistency, but the time and effort required for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration platform provides dynamic configuration capabilities that allow users to adapt to system upgrades and data format changes without rewriting code. Users can modify connector parameters, transformation rules, and data mappings through configuration interfaces, enabling the system to dynamically adjust to new data formats and system versions while maintaining data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform performs preliminary actions by providing pre-built connectors and transformation templates for common systems and data formats. When a new system or data format is introduced, users can leverage existing templates as a starting point, significantly reducing the time required to implement and validate new integrations compared to building from scratch.
3Manufacturing precision
If professional programming knowledge is required to configure the Production System, then the system can be programmed precisely, but the ease of operation decreases for non-programmer users
Solution Approach 1:
The integration platform uses template copying mechanisms where pre-configured connectors and transformation rules for common systems (ERP, SCADA, QMS, etc.) can be copied and adapted to new integration scenarios. Users can start with a template that closely matches their needs and make minimal customizations, reducing both the precision required and the time needed for configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform implements universal configuration mechanisms that work across different system types and data formats. A single connector framework and transformation engine can handle multiple system integrations with consistent configuration approaches, allowing users to apply the same configuration skills across different integration scenarios without needing system-specific programming expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining, through a no-code graphical user interface, a sequence of functionality blocks defining a process to be performed by a system integration platform, and wherein each functionality block is configured to execute an operation on one or more input parameters to the functionality block to produce one or more output parameters from the functionality block. The system integration platform receives, source system data that includes one or more input parameters for a first functionality block. Data from the one or more source systems is processed by traversing the functionality blocks in a unidirectional manner from a beginning to an end, where one or more output parameters from a functionality block serves as input parameters for one or more immediately subsequent functionality blocks. A last functionality block outputs destination system data to be ingested by the one or more destination systems.