PAS Model Software Layers for Versatility Complexity Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Product-based enterprises face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need to modify a single core product for various verticals, leading to repeated changes in the product code base for common components, which is resource-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A three-layered operational model comprising a product layer, application layer, and solution layer, where the product layer provides basic functionality, the application layer addresses specific business domains, and the solution layer customizes solutions to meet user requirements by mapping or specializing business objects across layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single core product containing all super set of functionality is used for all verticals, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to repeated modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic core product into three distinct layers: product layer (common functionality), application layer (vertical-specific functionality), and solution layer (customized solutions). This segmentation allows each layer to be independently developed and modified without affecting others, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the product architecture by adding the application layer between the product layer and solution layer. This dimensional change enables functionality to be organized hierarchically, allowing common components to be shared vertically across multiple applications while maintaining customization capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate products are built for different verticals, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to repeated changes across all products
Solution Approach 1:
The product layer is designed with universal, domain-agnostic functionality that can be reused across multiple applications and verticals. This universality ensures that common components are maintained in a single location, and any changes automatically benefit all applications, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The application layer acts as an intermediary between the product layer and solution layer. It provides vertical-specific functionality by composing and configuring product layer components, allowing changes to be made at the application level without propagating to other applications, thus improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the product code base is changed for common components, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases because changes must be repeated for all products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all common functionality into a single product layer that serves as a shared foundation for all applications. This consolidation ensures that changes to common components are made in one place and automatically reflected across all applications, eliminating the need to repeat changes and reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments of the present invention provide a PAS model for software design and development with a product layer including basic product level business objects (BO) to provide a basic functionality offered by software. An application layer is built on the product layer to include the application level business objects to provide inputs for a solution required by a user and to achieve desired business requirements. A solution layer is built on the application layer to include the solution level business object to address the specific business requirement of the user. The solution level business object is created using the application level business objects which is in turn created using the product level business objects to provide solution to meet the specific business requirement of the user.