Spreadsheet Synchronization via Intermediary and Periodic Action
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale projects face logistical challenges in synchronizing data across multiple spreadsheets due to the need for unique and editable formats, limited access control, and the complexity of traditional database applications, which are not user-friendly for entities managing data in disparate spreadsheet systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing data from multiple spreadsheets using a scheduling system, import and export agents, and a centralized database to manage dependencies and access control, ensuring that only relevant data is shared and updated across entities, with control language statements determining import and export processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional database applications are used for data synchronization, then data management capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high sophistication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spreadsheet synchronization system that acts as an intermediary between multiple spreadsheet applications and the underlying data requirements. This system automatically handles data collection, cleaning, validation, and synchronization between spreadsheets, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex database structures while maintaining reliable data management capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If each entity uses its own unique editable spreadsheet, then flexibility and ease of use are improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system enables spreadsheets to self-update automatically. Each spreadsheet serves itself by having the system monitor for changes, retrieve updated data, validate it against predefined criteria, and automatically push updates to dependent spreadsheets without manual intervention, thus maintaining flexibility while reducing synchronization complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring data validation rules, synchronization schedules, and dependency relationships between spreadsheets before actual data exchange occurs. This preparation work automates the synchronization process and reduces the complexity of manual coordination
3Stability of the object's composition
If data is regularly synchronized across multiple spreadsheets, then data consistency is improved, but time and computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic synchronization cycles where spreadsheets are updated at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The synchronization frequency is optimized to balance data consistency requirements with resource consumption, updating data only when necessary based on change detection and dependency relationships
4Reliability
If access control is implemented for different entities, then data confidentiality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different access control characteristics to different parts of the data structure. Each spreadsheet, cell range, or data element can have its own access permissions defined locally, allowing fine-grained control over what each entity can view or modify without requiring a complex global access control system
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and program product for synchronizing spreadsheet data. A system is provided having: a scheduling system for scheduling a first import time, a second import time, a first export time and a second export time; an import system for obtaining a first spreadsheet from a first entity at the first import time, and for obtaining a second spreadsheet from a second entity at the second import time; a synchronization system for synchronizing the first spreadsheet and the second spreadsheet to obtain a first revised spreadsheet and a second revised spreadsheet; and an export system for providing the first revised spreadsheet to the first entity at the first export time, and for providing the second revised spreadsheet to the second entity at the second export time.