Workflow Coordination System for Distributed Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In enterprise organizations with multiple interconnected computing systems, complex workflows often lead to inefficiencies due to teams independently manipulating the same data sets, resulting in irreconcilable data and delays as teams wait for necessary data from others to complete operations.

Innovation Solution

A workflow coordination system that generates and visualizes workflows, coordinates data transfer among distributed computing systems, and determines execution sequences based on dependencies, allowing teams to receive necessary data and complete operations efficiently with minimal redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple teams independently access and manipulate the same data sets, then each team can perform their operations autonomously, but data redundancy and irreconcilable data sets occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoiddata redundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a workflow coordination system as an intermediary that manages data access and manipulation across multiple teams. This central coordination mechanism prevents independent teams from creating irreconcilable data sets while maintaining their operational autonomy, directly resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and data redundancy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If teams wait for necessary data from other teams to complete operations, then data accuracy is maintained, but operational delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidoperational delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow coordination system performs preliminary actions by pre-coordinating data availability and preparing data sets before teams need them. This allows teams to proceed with operations without waiting, as the coordination system has already ensured data accuracy and availability in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where teams notify the coordination system when they complete operations or need data. This feedback loop allows the coordination system to dynamically manage data flow, ensuring accuracy while minimizing delays by proactively providing data when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a workflow coordination system coordinates execution among distributed computing systems, then workflow completion time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow completion speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow coordination system is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions including data management, team coordination, workflow tracking, and dependency resolution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while improving workflow completion speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10091123B2System and user interface for coordinating distributed workflow between multiple computing systems

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Systems and computer-readable media are disclosed for coordinating the distribution of workflow between multiple computing systems. Coordinating the distribution of workflow may include transferring data between multiple distributed computing systems using one or more networks. The workflow may include a series of operations to be executed. Execution of the first operation may be triggered by sending a message or a notification to a first computing system. After receiving a message or notification that execution of the first operation is complete, execution of a second operation may be triggered by sending a message or notification to a second computing device. The first computing device may be different than the second computing device.