Streaming Transaction Workflows Using Microservices and Data Snapshots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction processing systems are complex, monolithic, and require extensive re-coding and re-deployment for changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential halts in the approval process, while lacking flexibility and robust record-keeping for audit purposes.
Innovation Solution
A transaction exchange platform utilizing a streaming data platform (SDP) and microservices to process transactions dynamically, allowing for flexible workflow reconfiguration, data snapshots, and robust record-keeping through directed acyclic graphs and microservice polling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monolithic payment processing system is used to handle transaction approval workflows, then the system can accommodate and enforce many aspects of the process, but the system becomes incredibly complex and requires extensive re-coding and re-deployment for changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monolithic payment processing system into multiple independent microservices, each responsible for specific workflow stages (e.g., validation microservice, risk management microservice, compliance microservice). This segmentation allows each component to be developed, deployed, and scaled independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable transaction approval processes through coordinated microservice communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a monolithic payment processing system is used, then the system can enforce approval workflows, but changes to single steps require re-coding and re-compiling large software components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic workflow configuration where approval workflows are defined as configurable parameters rather than hard-coded logic. Each microservice can be dynamically configured to handle different transaction types and approval stages without requiring code changes. This allows the system to adapt to changing business requirements by modifying workflow configurations at runtime, eliminating the need for re-coding and re-compiling when workflow steps need to be adjusted.
3Productivity
If a monolithic payment processing system is used, then the system can process transactions, but problems with individual steps grind the whole approval process to a halt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transaction approval process into independent microservices that can fail independently. When one microservice encounters a problem, only that specific service stops processing, while other microservices continue to process transactions. The system maintains overall productivity by allowing partial processing to continue and can implement retry mechanisms or fallback workflows to maintain approval process continuity despite individual service failures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a streaming data platform with microservices is used, then the system becomes more flexible and easier to reconfigure, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal workflow engine that handles multiple transaction types and approval workflows through a single configurable platform. The streaming data platform processes various transaction streams (payments, transfers, investments) using the same microservice architecture and data streaming mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage workflow reconfiguration flexibility across different business domains while using a consistent, reusable architecture that actually reduces overall system complexity despite the increased adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein may relate to a transaction exchange platform using a streaming data platform (SDP) and microservices to process transactions according to review and approval workflows. The transaction exchange platform may receive transactions from origination sources, which may be added to the SDP as transaction objects. Microservices on the transaction exchange platform may interact with the transaction objects based on configured workflows associated with the transactions. Processing on the transaction exchange platform may facilitate clearing and settlement of transactions. Some aspects may provide for dynamic and flexible reconfiguration of workflows and/or microservices. Other aspects may provide for data snapshots and workflow tracking, allowing for monitoring, quality control, and auditability of transactions on the transaction exchange platform.


