Template-Driven ETL Package Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building and modifying Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) packages is complex and time-consuming, often requiring extensive knowledge and expertise, and can take months to complete, even for simple changes.

Innovation Solution

The development of tools that enable the creation and alteration of multiple executable ETL packages using a single template, allowing for the instantiation of various templates with data parameters to simplify the process of extracting, transforming, and loading data from databases to a data warehouse, thereby reducing the complexity and time required for building and maintaining ETL packages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods are used to build ETL packages, then the packages can be customized to specific data requirements, but the development time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ETL package creation process into reusable components: templates define the structural framework, data parameters provide specific values, and task definitions outline the operational steps. This segmentation allows customization through parameter substitution rather than rebuilding entire packages, reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing users to modify data parameters (such as source database names, table names, data types) within predefined templates. This enables customization of ETL packages for different data requirements without rewriting the entire package structure, thus reducing development time while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods are used to build ETL packages, then specific data requirements can be met, but the complexity of building and modifying packages increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidpackage construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal templates that can serve multiple data requirements. A single template structure can be used for different source databases, target warehouses, and data types by simply changing the data parameters. This universality reduces construction complexity while maintaining the ability to fulfill diverse data requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating template instances that can be replicated and modified. Instead of building ETL packages from scratch for each data requirement, users copy the template structure and substitute data parameters, significantly reducing construction complexity while meeting specific data needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods are used to modify ETL packages, then specific changes can be made, but the time required for modifications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodification capabilityVSAvoidmodification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the template structure, task sequences, and processing logic before actual modifications are needed. When changes are required, users only need to update data parameters rather than redesign the entire package structure, significantly reducing modification time while maintaining adaptability for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If extensive knowledge and experience are required to build ETL packages, then the packages can be optimized for performance, but the barrier to entry and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage performanceVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by providing self-explanatory templates with built-in best practices and validation mechanisms. The template system automatically handles complex tasks such as data type mapping, error handling, and performance optimization, allowing users with minimal expertise to create reliable ETL packages without requiring extensive prior knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7681185B2Template-driven approach to extract, transform, and/or load

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

System(s) and/or method(s) (“tools”) are described that enable multiple executable ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) packages to be built based on a single template. The tools also enable multiple executable ETL packages to be altered by altering a single template and/or set of data parameters. In some embodiments the tools provide many types of templates that are capable, once instantiated with data parameters, of performing many different types of processes useful in extracting, transforming, and/or loading data from databases to a data warehouse. In so doing, the tools can help users to more easily, accurately, and/or robustly build ETL packages.