Transactional Module Integration Validation via Automated Test Case Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of new application modules into transactional processing systems often requires significant time and cooperation from integration consultants, leading to inefficiencies and uncertainties about the correctness of the integration process.

Innovation Solution

A method for validating the integration of transaction processing modules by entering predetermined transactional information, creating test messages, and comparing them with test cases to generate an indication of successful integration, allowing integration engineers to confirm correct integration with minimal consultant support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If integration engineers seek cooperation from integration consultants to integrate new application modules, then the integration process can be supported with expert guidance, but the integration process becomes time-consuming and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration correctnessVSAvoidintegration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service integration validation where the integration engineer can independently test and validate the integration of new application modules using automated test case execution. The system provides self-contained test suites that automatically verify integration correctness without requiring continuous consultant involvement, thereby reducing integration time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Test cases and validation frameworks are prepared in advance before the actual integration work begins. The system includes pre-configured test environments, predetermined test scenarios, and automated validation scripts that are ready to execute as soon as the new module is integrated, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site validation during the integration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If integration engineers work independently without integration consultant cooperation, then the integration process becomes faster and more efficient, but the engineer lacks assurance that the integration was performed correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration speedVSAvoidintegration correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where test cases automatically execute against the integrated module and provide immediate results. The validation system compares actual test outcomes with expected results and generates detailed reports that feedback to the integration engineer, confirming correctness without requiring consultant review or manual verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical validation processes with automated software-based testing systems. Instead of requiring consultants to manually review integration work, the system uses automated test case execution, data validation, and comparison algorithms to verify integration correctness, thereby enabling independent engineer work with assured reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional integration validation methods are used, then integration can be performed with minimal automation, but the process requires significant manual testing and verification effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual validation operations with automated testing frameworks that automatically execute test cases, validate data formats, verify transaction processing, and generate compliance reports. This substitution eliminates repetitive manual tasks while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly test case configuration and automated result interpretation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The validation system is designed as a universal platform that can validate multiple types of integrations, modules, and transaction formats through a single unified framework. The system handles diverse validation scenarios including data format verification, transaction flow validation, error handling testing, and compliance checking, all through one comprehensive toolset that reduces validation time across all integration types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7490272B2Method for validating the proper operation of a transactional management system

Publication Date: 2009.02.10 DURA OXLO LLC

AI summary

A transactional management system includes a plurality of functional modules, distributed in a WAN, for receiving and processing transactional information. The functional modules can include a dealer management system that receives transactional information and formats the information into a regular or test message for transmission over the WAN to either a router or a transaction service system which receives the message, performs certain service operations on the information contained in the message, and transmits the message to a provider management system. The transaction service system includes functionality that identifies a message as a test message, compares the test message to a test case, and if the test message is the same as the test case, generates a message to this effect.