Usage Tracking Engine for Automatic Data Shelf Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large enterprise information systems, users face challenges in effectively tracking and managing frequently accessed data objects due to the manual intervention required for adding or removing favorites from a 'shelf' or similar constructs, leading to outdated information over time.

Innovation Solution

A usage tracking engine in the application layer automatically tracks data object access based on frequency, recency, geographic location, and calendar events, using a heuristic learning module to generate rankings for quick access and determine eligibility for placement on a 'shelf', considering personalized settings and past manual placements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to add or remove favorites from the shelf, then users can control which business objects are stored, but the shelf becomes outdated over time as users become busy with other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveManual control of shelf contentsVSAvoidUp-to-date status of shelf information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors and tracks user access to business objects, eliminating the need for manual shelf management. The usage tracking engine self-updates shelf contents based on observed usage patterns, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where usage data is collected, analyzed, and used to automatically update shelf contents. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the shelf remains current by constantly monitoring access patterns and adjusting favorites accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If a shelf construct is used to hold multiple most-used business objects, then quick access is enabled, but manual intervention is required to maintain it

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccess speed to business objectsVSAvoidAutomatic maintenance of shelf

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The usage tracking engine automatically performs all shelf maintenance tasks including adding new favorites, removing outdated ones, and reordering based on usage. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention while preserving fast access to frequently used business objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively identifies and prepares business objects for shelf placement by continuously monitoring usage patterns before users need them. This preliminary action ensures that frequently accessed objects are already positioned on the shelf before the user requires quick access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If manual tracking of frequently accessed data objects is implemented, then users can identify important data, but it becomes difficult to keep track with large volumes of customers and high frequency of contact

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTracking of frequently accessed dataVSAvoidUser efficiency in managing data objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual cognitive tracking mechanisms with an automated computational engine that continuously monitors and analyzes data access patterns. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems enables the handling of large data volumes without impacting user productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The usage tracking engine automatically performs the tracking and analysis of data object access patterns without requiring user effort. This self-service approach eliminates the productivity burden while ensuring comprehensive tracking of frequently accessed data across large customer bases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9471642B2Automatic flagging of frequently accessed data objects for business application

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 SAP SE

AI summary

Embodiments relate to management of data accessed from a database. A usage tracking engine of an application layer overlying a database, may automatically track (e.g. with a time stamp) access to specific data objects by particular users. This automatic tracking may be based upon one or more of the following: frequency of access, recency of access, user geographic location, and user calendar events. Based upon this data, the tracking engine applies an algorithm to automatically identify those data objects meriting special handling for quick access (e.g. for placement in a “shelf” or other construct readily accessible to the user). A heuristic learning module may generate a data object ranking based upon the usage data, and communicate that ranking to the usage tracking engine to determine a data object's eligibility for placement on the “shelf”. Such ranking may consider personalized settings, and/or a user's past manual shelf placement of data object(s).