Process Discovery Server Correlating Logs and Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for discovering executed processes are manual and incomplete, failing to accurately identify end-to-end processes that include system steps and tasks not reflected in database logs, leading to missed XP-Functions, XP-Chains, and inefficient testing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that correlates data from log files and database tables to identify executable process cells (XP-Cells) and functions, reconstructing end-to-end processes and generating test scripts, even when executed on different application servers, using a process discovery server that aggregates data and updates process information without interrupting applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual description and mapping of process objects is used, then experts can define processes, but the process discovery is incomplete and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service process discovery by automatically analyzing log files and database tables to identify executed processes, XP-Functions, and XP-Chains without requiring manual expert intervention. The process discovery server autonomously correlates data from multiple sources to reconstruct end-to-end processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of expert analysis with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to parse log files, query database tables, and reconstruct processes automatically, eliminating the need for manual mechanical analysis.
2Loss of information
If database logs are analyzed to determine process sequences, then partial sequences can be identified, but end-to-end processes including system steps not reflected in logs cannot be fully defined
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple sources including log files and database tables into a unified process model. The process discovery server combines information from application server logs, database server logs, and database tables to reconstruct complete end-to-end processes that span multiple systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a process discovery server as an intermediary component that mediates between raw log/database data and the final process model. This intermediary correlates data from multiple sources, resolves inconsistencies, and reconstructs the complete process flow including system steps not directly visible in logs.
3Productivity
If manual process mapping is performed, then processes can be documented, but testing and maintenance efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically discovering and documenting processes before testing and maintenance activities begin. The process discovery server continuously monitors and updates process models, ensuring that testing and maintenance teams work with current, accurate process information without manual documentation effort.
Data Source
AI summary
Data is gathered from a log file on a first application server, a log file on a second application server, a database on a database server, or any suitable combination thereof. By correlating the data from different sources, XP-Functions that execute in sequence on a single application server are identified and combined into a sequence referred to as an executable process chain (XP-Chain). The automatic process discovery server reconstructs end-to-end processes out of XP-Chains, even when the XP-Chains are executed on different application servers, based on log files and database data. A test script may be generated for an identified end-to-end process. By running the test script, proper functioning of the end-to-end process may be confirmed. Existing test scripts may be disabled for a formerly identified end-to-end process that is no longer found to be executed.