Process Reconstruction via Standardized Event Format

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing business process reconstruction systems face challenges in automatically reconstructing process instances due to fragments being stored in different formats, requiring human intervention and limiting the generation of accurate key performance indicators (KPIs).

Innovation Solution

A method involving the extraction of system type and identification attributes, determining a hierarchy of functions, and generating a configuration file to selectively apply reconstruction methods, such as sort merge, key merge, and process template merge, to reconstruct process instances from disparate data sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data is extracted from multiple different source systems in different formats, then the system can gather process fragments from various databases, but it becomes impossible to automatically reconstruct the process instance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to extract data from multiple source systemsVSAvoidautomatic process instance reconstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (translation service and standardized event format) that mediates between diverse source systems and the process reconstruction engine. This intermediary translates different data formats into a common standardized format, enabling automatic reconstruction without direct integration between heterogeneous systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data format from heterogeneous (different formats from different sources) to homogeneous (standardized event format). By transforming all incoming data into a uniform structure with standardized fields and schemas, the system enables automated processing regardless of the original source format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If process fragments are stored in different formats from multiple source systems, then the system can collect comprehensive process data, but human intervention is required for process reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of process dataVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining schemas, data models, and translation rules before the actual process reconstruction occurs. This preliminary setup includes establishing the standardized event format structure and mapping rules for different source systems, which eliminates the need for manual intervention during the reconstruction phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically translating and reconstructing process instances without human assistance. The standardized format and automated translation service enable the system to serve itself, eliminating the need for manual data formatting and process assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If manual entry is required for fully manual process steps, then complete process information can be captured in the IT system, but the process optimization efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of process informationVSAvoidprocess optimization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual entry process with an automated information extraction and translation system. Instead of manually transcribing process step data into the IT system, the system automatically extracts data from source systems, translates it into the standardized format, and populates the process model, thereby eliminating manual labor while preserving complete process information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10360208B2Method and system of process reconstruction

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 SAG ARIS GMBH

AI summary

A method is provided for process reconstruction, including extracting system type attributes and associated system identification attributes from pieces of data, each system type attribute containing information identifying the type of system that generated the data, and each system identification attribute containing information identifying the system that generated the data; extracting a process identification attribute from the pieces of data that identifies the pieces of data as belonging to a process instance; determining a hierarchy of functions based on a grouping operation, the hierarchy being based on the system type attributes and the system identification attributes; generating a configuration file for applying reconstruction methods that is set to selectively apply each of the reconstruction methods based on the hierarchy of functions and a mapping table that pairs the system type attributes and the reconstruction methods; and applying the reconstruction methods to the pieces of data according to the configuration file.