Product Data Format Conversion via Intermediate Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual regeneration of product management data between front-office and back-office computerized systems is time-consuming, error-prone, and costly, requiring frequent updates across multiple applications in a product lifecycle management system.
Innovation Solution
A software facility converts product management information from one format to another using an intermediate format, enabling seamless synchronization across different computerized systems, thereby providing a consistent view of product information across the enterprise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual regeneration of product management data is performed between front-office and back-office systems, then data synchronization is achieved, but time consumption increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate data format as a mediator between the front-office and back-office systems. This intermediate format serves as a standardized bridge that automatically transforms data between the different system formats, eliminating manual regeneration while ensuring accurate synchronization across all product management information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data regeneration with an automated computer-based transformation system. The system automatically converts data between different formats using defined transformation rules, eliminating human error and time consumption associated with manual data entry and regeneration.
2Loss of information
If manual data regeneration is performed frequently, then data currency is maintained, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate data format acts as a persistent mediator that stores transformed data in a standardized form. This allows both front-office and back-office systems to access the same current data without requiring frequent manual regeneration, reducing operational complexity while maintaining data currency through the shared intermediate representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data synchronization where the automated transformation process continuously maintains data currency without requiring manual intervention. The intermediate format automatically reflects changes from either system, allowing both front-office and back-office to access up-to-date information on demand without triggering complex regeneration operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate data formats are used in front-office and back-office systems, then system autonomy is maintained, but integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains system autonomy by allowing each system to retain its own data format while introducing an intermediate format as a bridge. The intermediate format translates between the front-office and back-office formats, enabling integration without requiring either system to change its native format, thus preserving autonomy while improving ease of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data integration process into distinct transformation layers: front-office data → intermediate format → back-office data. This segmentation allows each system to maintain its own format independently while the intermediate layer handles the integration complexity, making the overall system easier to manufacture and integrate without sacrificing either system's autonomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Stored product management information in a first format for use by a first computerized system is transformed to readily make the stored product management information available for use in a second computerized system that utilizes a second format in a cost-efficient and time-efficient manner.