Workflow Engine for Asynchronous Product Listing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for updating product information on webpages are inefficient, requiring synchronization processes that hinder scalability and real-time updates, especially for multiple sellers listing or updating products simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a workflow engine to process multiple workflows simultaneously, associating metadata, validating product information, and storing it in a database, allowing for real-time listing and updating of products across multiple sellers, with features like distributed tracing and tiered quality of service for prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing synchronization methods are used for product listing and updating, then product information can be updated, but the process requires waiting for synchronization completion which increases time delay and reduces scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product listing and updating process into independent asynchronous operations. Each seller's product submission is handled as a separate workflow that can be processed independently, eliminating the need for synchronous waiting and enabling parallel processing across multiple sellers and products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically processes product listings in real-time as they arrive, rather than waiting for a synchronization cycle to complete. The workflow engine adapts the processing sequence based on incoming requests, allowing the system to scale dynamically with the number of sellers and products.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing synchronization methods are used, then product information can be updated, but multiple sellers cannot simultaneously list or update products without conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique workflow identifiers to each seller's product listing operation, segmenting the processing tasks to prevent conflicts. Each workflow is independent and can be processed simultaneously without interfering with other sellers' operations, while the database ensures data consistency through structured workflow coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow engine acts as an intermediary between multiple sellers and the database, coordinating concurrent operations to ensure data consistency. It manages the complexity of simultaneous updates by orchestrating workflows in a controlled manner, allowing multiple sellers to operate concurrently without direct conflicts.
3Productivity
If a workflow system processes multiple workflows simultaneously, then real-time listing and updating is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal workflow engine that handles multiple types of operations (product listing, updating, metadata association, validation) through a single standardized framework. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into one system rather than requiring separate processing mechanisms for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow system automatically manages its own execution, routing, and coordination without requiring external intervention. Workflows self-manage their processing sequences and dependencies, reducing the operational complexity burden on the system administrator and enabling scalable autonomous processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for updating product information on a webpage. One method comprises receiving, from a first seller, a first request to list at least one first product for sale on the webpage and receiving, from the first seller, product information associated with the at least one first product for sale. The method further comprises receiving, from the first seller, at least one image associated with the at least one first product for sale and providing the received product information associated with the at least one first product for sale to a workflow system, wherein the workflow system is configured to begin a first workflow to enter the product information into a database and configured to process multiple workflows substantially simultaneously. The first workflow may include listing the at least one first product for sale on the webpage.