Hierarchical IT Workflow Difference Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in understanding and managing differences between user-customized and model IT workflow data across various hierarchical levels in IT management systems, particularly when upgrading from previous versions, due to the complexity of workflow elements and rules.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determines and displays differences between user-customized and model IT workflow data across hierarchical levels, allowing users to visualize and make changes based on these differences, utilizing a workflow difference system with components like an IT workflow receiver, difference analyzer, and workflow selector to identify and display rule differences in a hierarchical format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users customize IT workflow data to meet specific infrastructure requirements, then the adaptability and suitability of the workflow to organizational needs improve, but the complexity of managing and understanding differences between customized and model workflows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments workflow differences by hierarchical level (global workflow, processes, metaphases, phases, transitions) and presents them in an organized structure. This segmentation allows users to manage complexity by focusing on one level at a time rather than overwhelming them with all differences simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison system that automatically analyzes and presents differences between customized and model workflows. This intermediary tool mediates the complexity by handling the analytical work and presenting results in a user-friendly format, reducing the cognitive burden on users.
2Ease of manufacture
If users modify model IT workflow data to comply with infrastructure requirements, then the suitability of the workflow to specific needs improves, but the time and effort required to identify and manage differences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary comparison actions by automatically analyzing differences between customized and model workflows before users need to make decisions. This preliminary analysis prepares the information in advance, saving users time when they need to review or approve workflow changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the differences between workflows in a standardized format that can be easily reviewed and compared. This copying mechanism allows users to examine workflow differences without directly manipulating the actual workflow data, making the review process more efficient.
3Manufacturing precision
If IT management systems provide detailed workflow elements and rules for customization, then the precision and control over workflow behavior improve, but the difficulty of detecting and understanding differences between workflow versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical comparison methods with an automated computational system that analyzes workflow differences. This substitution handles the complexity of comparing detailed rules and elements automatically, making detection easier while maintaining precision in the comparison process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis layer that sits between the detailed workflow elements and the user. This intermediary automatically processes the detailed rules and elements, identifying and presenting only the relevant differences, thus maintaining precision while reducing detection difficulty.
4Measurement precision
If users review workflow differences at multiple hierarchical levels, then the completeness and accuracy of workflow understanding improves, but the time required to analyze and make changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical levels (global workflow, processes, metaphases, phases, transitions) and allows users to review differences at each level systematically. This segmentation enables users to focus on specific levels as needed, improving accuracy for each level while managing overall review time through structured progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to perform partial reviews by selecting specific hierarchical levels to analyze rather than requiring complete review of all levels. This partial action approach maintains accuracy for the selected levels while reducing the time investment required, allowing users to balance thoroughness with time constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a first difference may be determined across respective first and second workflow elements in a first hierarchical level of respective first and second IT workflow data. A second difference may be determined across respective third and fourth workflow elements in a second hierarchical level of the respective first and second IT workflow data. A display representing the first and second differences may be generated.