Business Process Model Translator for Automated System Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current manual process of transitioning from business system modeling to configuration in computer systems often results in lost information, leading to significant rework and reduced return on investment due to mismatches between the modeled and configured systems.

Innovation Solution

An automated configuration architecture that integrates business process modeling with system configuration, using a translator/synchronizer component to generate configuration templates and questions based on the business process model, reducing redundancy and enhancing user interaction through a template and question generation model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual process is used to transfer information from modeling to configuration, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but information loss occurs and rework increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling information lossVSAvoidmanual process level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a translator/synchronizer component as an intermediary between the modeling tool and configuration tool. This mediator automatically transfers process model information to configuration parameters, eliminating manual information transfer and preventing information loss while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of information transfer with an automated electronic translation system. The translator/synchronizer automatically maps process model elements to configuration parameters, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated configuration is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration architecture into distinct functional components: a modeling tool, a translator/synchronizer, and a configuration tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving productivity while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The translator/synchronizer serves multiple functions: it translates process model information, synchronizes data between tools, and maps parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration is performed based on modeling information, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically translating and synchronizing configuration parameters based on the process model. This eliminates manual configuration operations, ensuring high precision while reducing operational complexity, as the system configures itself without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration operations with automated translation and synchronization processes. This substitution ensures that configuration parameters are accurately derived from the process model, improving manufacturing precision while eliminating manual operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3025281B1Automatic configuration of a computer system based on process modeling of an implemented process
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3025281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3025281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3025281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A configuration architecture automatically links the output of a business process modeler to a business system configuration tool. The output of the business process modeler is translated into a representation of a source business process that is used by the business system configuration tool to automatically generate configuration templates. A user can provide configuration information through the configuration templates. The configuration inputs are applied to an implementation of a business system to obtain a configured, working business system instance with the same functionality as the source business process.