Automated SaaS Configuration via Decision Tree and AI
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Solution Overview
Problem
The onboarding process for complex multi-tenant SaaS applications is lengthy, resource-intensive, and error-prone due to the need for extensive manual configuration and interaction between entity representatives and application providers, requiring significant time, CPU cycles, and network resources.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a decision tree to programmatically select and present questions to a graphical user interface, collects answer data, and automatically generates configuration files for a SaaS instance, reducing manual entry and increasing efficiency by automating the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration process is used for onboarding entities to SaaS applications, then flexibility and customization are improved, but time consumption and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration templates and parameter sets that can be automatically applied during onboarding. Configuration options are prepared in advance as reusable templates, allowing rapid deployment without manual setup of each parameter from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing configuration parameters and settings to be replicated across multiple entities. A configuration created for one entity can be copied and applied to other entities, reducing repetitive manual configuration work while maintaining adaptability through selective modification.
2Reliability
If manual configuration process is used for onboarding entities to SaaS applications, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but error rate increases due to manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated validation and configuration generation systems that perform their own error checking and consistency verification without requiring manual review. The system automatically validates configuration parameters against defined rules and constraints, eliminating human error while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by implementing automated validation mechanisms that provide immediate feedback on configuration errors and inconsistencies. The system checks configuration parameters against predefined rules and notifies users of any issues, allowing for rapid correction while maintaining high accuracy standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive configuration parameters are provided for customization, then adaptability to different entities is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the configuration system into modular components and parameter groups. Configuration parameters are organized into distinct segments or categories that can be independently managed and applied, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universality by creating a multi-functional configuration system that can handle different entity types and requirements through a unified parameter framework. The same configuration infrastructure serves multiple purposes and adapts to various entities, reducing complexity compared to having separate configuration systems for each entity type.
4Manufacturing precision
If professional services representatives perform individualized configuration work, then configuration quality is improved, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by allowing high-quality configuration examples created by professionals to be replicated and reused across multiple entities. Configuration templates and best practices are captured and copied systematically, maintaining quality standards while eliminating the need for repeated manual work by professional services representatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having professional services representatives create and validate configuration templates in advance. These pre-configured templates encapsulate expert knowledge and can be automatically applied to multiple entities, maintaining high configuration quality while dramatically increasing onboarding throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method comprises, using a server computer that is communicatively coupled to an instance of an application program, and under stored program control: collecting answer data from a computing device by executing input AI instructions, to programmatically select a plurality of question data representing questions about configuration values of the application program, to cause rendering the question data in a user interface of a display device coupled to the computing device, and to select other question data automatically via a decision tree embodied in the input AI instructions; receiving a plurality of answer data from the computing device in response to the rendering of the question data; automatically repeating executing the input AI instructions and receiving the plurality of answer data to obtain a complete set of answer data; based on applying pre-defined programmatic rules to the answer data, identifying a plurality of contextually relevant domain objects and storing the domain objects; applying one or more programmed transformations to the domain objects to result in automatically generating one or more configuration files for the instance of the application program, the configuration files being formatted for machine parsing at the instance of the application program to cause automatic modification of one or more configuration parameters of the instance of the application program; uploading the one or more configuration files to the instance of the application program to cause the modification.