Web-Based ERP Access via Application Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ERP systems require users to install multiple applications, which is cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially on devices with limited computational power, and are often limited by specific operating systems, leading to reduced scalability and increased implementation costs for vendors.
Innovation Solution
Accessing ERP data through a web browser on user equipment, such as smartphones and tablets, eliminates the need for installing multiple applications and allows for OS-independent operation, with user permissions determining accessible modules and configurations stored on an application server, enabling a multi-tenant solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users install multiple ERP applications on their computing devices, then they can access data from different ERP modules, but the device becomes resource-intensive and cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between users and ERP data. Instead of installing ERP applications directly on user devices, the server hosts the applications and data, and users access them through web browsers. This mediator approach allows users to access ERP data without burdening their devices with resource-intensive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of installing local applications with a web-based access model. Users access ERP modules through web browsers using standard protocols, eliminating the need to install and maintain multiple applications on their devices. This substitution reduces device resource consumption while maintaining access capabilities.
2Reliability
If ERP applications are designed for specific operating systems, then they can run efficiently on those systems, but scalability across different devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ERP system universal by hosting it on a server that can be accessed through any web browser regardless of the underlying operating system. The server runs the ERP applications in a platform-independent manner, allowing users on different OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS) to access the same ERP modules through their respective browsers, thus achieving cross-platform compatibility while maintaining reliable performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vendors deploy separate servers for each enterprise, then they can customize applications to meet specific requirements, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ERP system into modular components that can be independently configured and activated. Each enterprise receives a customized configuration of ERP modules through software settings rather than separate physical servers. This segmentation allows vendors to provide enterprise-specific customizations by enabling/disabling specific modules or configuring parameters, while maintaining a shared infrastructure that reduces costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve enterprise-specific customizations. Instead of deploying different software instances on separate servers, the system modifies configuration parameters, module activation states, and access permissions to tailor the ERP system to each enterprise's requirements. This approach maintains a single shared infrastructure while providing customized functionality through software configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for accessing enterprise data is described herein. In an implementation, the method comprises receiving, by an application server (102), a login request from the user equipment (104), wherein the login request comprises login credentials corresponding to a user. Further, upon successful authentication of the user, user permissions corresponding to the user are ascertained based on one or more predetermined parameters. Further, a default application list is filtered based on the user permissions to obtain a user specific application list corresponding to the user, wherein the application list comprises a plurality of enterprise resource planning (ERP) modules, and wherein the user specific application list comprises one or more ERP modules from amongst the plurality of ERP modules. The method further comprises rendering the user specific application list to the user equipment (104) for providing access to data corresponding to the one or more ERP modules over the web browser.