Workforce Management System Using XML Message Queues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current workforce management systems often operate inefficiently due to manual tracking and management methods or the use of multiple software applications, leading to suboptimal resource monitoring and scheduling.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising functional modules that communicate with a scheduler module, transformation module, and message module to convert data into XML format, apply business rules, and manage error messages, enabling real-time monitoring and management of employee schedules and resources across an enterprise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tracking and management methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but workforce management efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkforce management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments workforce management into distinct functional modules (scheduling module, tracking module, monitoring module, management module) that can operate independently but integrate through standardized messaging. This allows complex functionality to be achieved while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a universal messaging interface using XML format that enables different software applications to communicate through a common protocol. The standardized message structure with universal elements (employee ID, time stamps, event types) allows the system to handle multiple workforce management functions through a single integrated platform.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software applications are used, then functional versatility is improved, but system integration complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary messaging layer that translates between different software applications and the core workforce management functions. The XML-based message queue acts as a mediator, converting diverse application interfaces into standardized messages that can be processed uniformly, thereby reducing integration complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of communication from application-specific protocols to a standardized XML message format. By transforming data exchange parameters across different applications into a common structure with standardized elements and attributes, the system enables versatile functionality while simplifying integration through parameter standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If real-time monitoring is implemented, then workforce tracking accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining message structures, validation rules, and processing workflows before real-time data arrives. XML schemas and business rules are established in advance, allowing incoming real-time messages to be automatically validated and processed according to predetermined logic, thereby achieving accurate tracking without overwhelming processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging system implements self-service through automatic message validation, routing, and error handling. The XML-based messages include built-in validation through schemas, and the system automatically routes messages to appropriate handlers based on message type and content, reducing the need for complex manual processing while maintaining high tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7761879B1System and method for workforce management
Publication Date: 2010.07.20 AMERICAN AIRLINES INC
  • US7761879B1 patent drawing
  • US7761879B1 patent drawing
  • US7761879B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for workforce management. Information is received from a first application. The information is converted into a message in accordance with a predefined syntax. The message is placed into a queue. A topic is received from a second application. A determination is made if the message corresponds to the topic, and the message is sent to the second application.