Scheme-Based Identifier Management for B2B Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification lacks guidance on how to use, implement, or process identifiers in business applications, which hinders interoperability and consistency in business-to-business exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for configuring and managing identification schemes, including creating a scheme entity to represent the identification scheme, defining its structure, and associating it with identifiers, which allows for the generation, communication, and processing of unique and valid identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification is used to standardize business transactions, then interoperability between business partners is improved, but the lack of guidance on identifier usage leads to inconsistency in implementation and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific parameters and attributes for identifier entities, including identifier type, format patterns, length constraints, and validation rules. By defining these parameters systematically in the CCTS framework, the patent transforms the vague identifier usage into a structured system with measurable and controllable attributes, thereby improving consistency while maintaining manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments identifier management into distinct components: identifier definition, format specification, validation rules, and processing guidance. By dividing the identifier management system into these separable modules, each with specific responsibilities, the patent reduces overall complexity while ensuring comprehensive coverage of identifier usage requirements
2Reliability
If identifiers are generated without a structured scheme, then implementation flexibility is improved, but identifier uniqueness and validity cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic identifier generation through configurable format patterns and templates that can adapt to different business contexts. The system allows flexible combination of fixed elements (like prefixes and suffixes) with variable elements (like sequential numbers or UUIDs), enabling identifiers to be generated dynamically based on specific requirements while maintaining uniqueness through validation rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that mediates between the flexible generation process and the uniqueness requirement. This intermediary layer checks generated identifiers against existing ones, validates format compliance, and ensures uniqueness before finalizing the identifier, thus bridging the gap between flexibility and reliability
3Reliability
If identifier supplementary components are not standardized, then implementation simplicity is improved, but business-to-business exchange interoperability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identifier structure with standardized supplementary components that can serve multiple functions across different business contexts. The identifier entity includes universal elements like format patterns, length specifications, and validation rules that work across various B2B scenarios, while allowing optional context-specific extensions, thus achieving both interoperability and controlled complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. An identification scheme that is to be used for generating at least one identifier for an object is identified. A scheme entity that represents the identification scheme and includes at least one aspect thereof is created. The created scheme entity is stored in a repository such that the scheme entity can be selected for association with the identifier.