Workflow Metadata Transformation Engine for Cross-System Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional workflow management systems lack the ability to efficiently migrate workflows from one system to another due to compatibility issues, requiring significant human intervention and manual rebuilding or reprogramming, which is labor-intensive and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A workflow migration system that applies customized migration rules to transform and position workflow metadata from a source system to a target system, enabling automated migration without the need for manual rebuilding or reprogramming, using a transformation rules engine to generate compatible metadata and layout configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional manual migration processes are used to migrate workflows between systems, then compatibility between source and target systems can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires significant human intervention with specialized programming knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidmigration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a workflow migration system as an intermediary component that includes a migration rules engine and transformation templates. This intermediary automatically translates workflow data from the source system format to the target system format, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring compatibility between different systems through structured transformation rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of workflow migration (requiring human programmers to manually rebuild workflows) with an automated electronic system. The migration rules engine automatically applies transformation templates to convert workflow data, substituting human labor with an automated computational process that maintains compatibility while dramatically improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual rebuilding or reprogramming of workflows is performed to ensure compatibility with the target system, then system compatibility is achieved, but the process becomes inflexible and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidmigration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements transformation templates that are pre-configured with the necessary conversion rules and mappings between source and target system formats. These templates are prepared in advance, allowing the migration rules engine to automatically apply them during migration without requiring real-time manual analysis or reprogramming, thus reducing migration time while ensuring compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms workflow data by systematically changing parameters such as element types, properties, and connections from source system specifications to target system specifications. The migration rules engine automatically adjusts these parameters according to predefined transformation templates, enabling rapid conversion that maintains compatibility without manual reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated migration tools are implemented to improve migration efficiency, then productivity increases, but the complexity of the migration system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration efficiencyVSAvoidmigration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the migration system into distinct modular components: a migration rules engine, transformation templates, and a user interface. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the migration process independently, making the overall complex system manageable through clear separation of concerns while maintaining high automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the migration rules engine and transformation templates to be universally applicable across different workflow systems and formats. By creating a multi-functional system that can handle various source and target system combinations through a single automated platform, the patent reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If significant human intervention is required for workflow migration, then accuracy and compatibility can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration accuracyVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the migration system to perform self-service by automatically applying transformation templates and converting workflow data without requiring human operators to manually intervene. The migration rules engine autonomously handles the translation process, maintaining accuracy through predefined rules while eliminating the need for users to possess specialized programming knowledge or exert significant effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the complex migration process. The user interface allows users to initiate and monitor migration with minimal input, while the migration rules engine acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex transformation logic, thereby maintaining accuracy without requiring direct user involvement in the detailed migration operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11663038B2Workflow data migration management
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 SALESFORCE INC
  • US11663038B2 patent drawing
  • US11663038B2 patent drawing
  • US11663038B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for migrating a workflow from a source system to a target system. The systems and methods receive metadata defining a workflow configured for processing by the source system. A set of rules associated with transforming the metadata for processing by the target system are identified. A first rule is applied to the metadata to execute a first transformation of an element of the metadata. A second rule is applied to the metadata to execute a second transformation of a position of an element of the metadata. The systems and methods generate a transformed workflow including the first transformation and the second transformation. The transformed workflow is displayed via the target system.