BEACONIZED TIME ENTRY SYSTEM

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with beaconized time entry are described. In one embodiment, a method includes controlling a wireless receiver of a computing device to listen for beacon signals transmitted by beacon devices located at different locations within a work site. The example method may also include evaluating a first beacon signal from a first beacon device and a second beacon signal from a second beacon device to determine that the first beacon device is located at a first location and that the second beacon device is located at a second location. The example method may also include determining whether the computing device entered the work site or exited the work site based upon a sequence of receiving the beacon signals and the relative position of the locations of the beacon devices. The example method may also include transmitting a time entry command to a remote computing system.

BACKGROUND

Many places of employment track employee work hours. Existing technological processes for tracking employee work hours can employ a manual time entry system where employees can manually enter time entries through a user interface provided by a computer system. Unfortunately, manual time entry can be error prone and imprecise such as where a user enters incorrect time entry data or forgets to enter time entry data. Other existing technological processes can utilize a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to control security access of employees at various locations in a building. In particular, an employee is required to carry an RFID tag that is scanned when the user attempts to pass a security point in a work site. Because a single scanner is used for identifying the RFID tag, the RFID system is unable to determine whether the employee entered or exited the work site, but just that the RFID tag was scanned. Thus, existing technological processes for tracking employee work hours suffer from technological problems of being error prone, imprecise, and/or requiring employees to carry additional RFID tags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Computerized systems and methods are described herein that provide for beaconized time entry. In particular, a beacon enabled system is employed to determine when a user enters a work site to start working and when the user exits the work site to stop working. The beacon enabled system improves existing technological processes for tracking employee work hours by setting up beacon devices located at different locations at a work site. The beacon devices are configured to transmit beacon signals that are received and evaluated by a computing device, such as a mobile phone of an employee, to determine whether the computing device entered the work site or exited the work site. In this way, the computing device can transmit time entry data to a remote computing system, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, for tracking when a user of the computing device enters the work site to start working and exits the work site to stop working. Thus, this beacon system improves existing technological processes for tracking employee work hours by solving technical problems relating to errors from manual input of time entries, time entry imprecision where users forget to enter time entries, and requiring employees to carry additional RFID tags.

With reference toFIG. 1, one embodiment of a system100associated with beaconized time entry is illustrated. The system100may be implemented as a communication module105hosted on a computing device110, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a wearable device, or any other computer such as the computer515ofFIG. 5. The system100is configured to operate with beacon devices placed at different locations around a work site115, such as an office building, a warehouse, a retail store, a construction site, equipment, a vehicle, or any other indoor or outdoor location at which employees can perform work. A beacon device comprises transmitter hardware capable of emitting beacon signals that can be detected by other computing devices, such as the computing device110. The beacon device can transmit beacon signals that deliver proximity-based and context-aware messages that can be used by receiving devices to identify the beacon device and determine their proximity to the beacon device. Thus, the computing device110can “see” the beacon device when the computing device110is close enough to the beacon device to receive beacon signals transmitted from the beacon device. The beacon device can be configured to repeatedly transmit beacon signals so that the computing device110can detect the beacon device in real time as the computing device110moves around the work site115. In one embodiment, the beacon device can utilize Bluetooth technology to transmit beacon signals so that any computing device with Bluetooth functionality can receive the beacon signals.

In one embodiment, an application on the computing device110implements the communication module105for communicating with the beacon enabled system. The communication module105is configured to control a wireless receiver of the computing device110to listen for beacon signals transmitted by beacon devices located at the work site115. In one embodiment, the wireless receiver is a Bluetooth transceiver. At the work site115, a beacon device120is positioned at a first location at the work site115. In one embodiment, the beacon device120is installed at an entrance150to the work site115, for example on a wall or ceiling at a position that is outside of the entrance150. The beacon device120is configured to emit beacon signals125, which may comprise a sequence of characters or other data that identify the beacon device120. In one embodiment, the beacon signals125are encoded with a first portion of data comprising a first beacon identifier of the beacon device120, a second portion of data comprising a site identifier of the work site115, and/or other information that can be used to determine whether the computing device110has entered or exited the work site115.

A second beacon device130is positioned at a second location relative to the work site115. In one embodiment, the beacon device130is installed at the entrance150to the work site115, for example on a wall or ceiling at a position that is offset from the first beacon device120(e.g., inside of the entrance150. The beacon device130is configured to emit beacon signals135, which may comprise a sequence of characters or other data. The beacon signals135are encoded with a first portion comprising a second beacon identifier of the beacon device130, a second portion comprising the site identifier of the work site115, and/or other information that can be used to determine whether the computing device110has entered or exited the work site115.

The beacon device120and the beacon device130are positioned relative to one another such that a communication module105of the computing device110will sequentially detect the different beacon signals. The order in which the beacon devices are detected determines the direction a worker is travelling, which is either entering or exiting the entrance150. In one embodiment, when the computing device110enters the work site115(by a worker carrying the computer device110), the communication module105, through the wireless receiver, will first receive and detect the beacon signals125emitted by the beacon device120. The communication module105determines that the computing device110is within communication range of the beacon device120based upon receiving the beacon signals125. As the computing device enters the work site115through the entrance150, the communication module105, through the wireless receiver, will next receive and detect the beacon signals135emitted by the second beacon device130. The communication module105determines that the computing device110is within communication range of the beacon device130based upon receiving the beacon signals135.

The communication module105can use the beacon identifiers to query a data structure, such as a table, to identify the locations of the beacon devices with respect to one another and the work site115. The communication module105determines whether the computing device110entered the work site115or exited the work site115based upon the sequence of detecting the different beacon signals and the first location of the beacon device120relative to the second location of the beacon device130with respect to the work site115, such as the entrance150. In one embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110entered the work site115because the beacon signals125from the beacon device120were detected before the beacon signals135from the beacon device130and because the beacon device120is positioned outside of the entrance150and the beacon device is positioned inside of the entrance150. Similarly, the communication module105would determine that the computing device110exited the work site115where the beacon signals125from the beacon device120were detected after the beacon signals135from the beacon device130and because the beacon device120is positioned outside of the entrance150and the beacon device is positioned inside of the entrance150.

Upon determining that the computing device110entered the work site115, the communication module105transmits a first time entry command over a network to a remote computing system140, such as an ERP system, for updating user time entry data145. The time entry command may comprise various information, such as a time at which the computing device110entered the work site115, an identifier of the computing device110, an employee identifier of the employee that is assigned to the computing device110, etc. The command causes the computing system140to generate a time entry for the worker in the user time entry data145that represents a work start time, for example.

Similarly, upon determining that the computing device110exited the work site115, the communication module105transmits a second time entry command over the network to the remote computing system140for updating the user time entry data145. For example, the second time entry command indicates that the worker exited the work site and thus stopped working. The command causes the computing system140to generate a time entry for the worker in the user time entry data145that represents a work stop time, for example. During any given day, the worker may enter and exit the work site115multiple times. Thus, present system can track the physical presence of the worker using an electronic system operating with the beacon devices120,130and can record more accurate work start and stop times that does not rely on manual inputting of data.

In this way, existing technological processes for tracking employee work time are improved by using the beacon enabled system and the communication module105for determining when employees enter and exit work sites. Start and stop time entries are controlled and generated based on a physical presence of the worker (and his/her computing device) relative to the beacon devices120,130, which produces more accurate work data. The present system can then avoid or reduce a reliance on manual entry of start and stop times, which are susceptible to error and/or intentional misinformation.

With reference toFIG. 2, one embodiment of a computer implemented method200associated with beacon enabled time entry is illustrated. In one embodiment, the method200is performed by the communication module105utilizing various computing resources of the computer515or other computers, such as the processor520for executing instructions associated with controlling a wireless receiver, evaluating beacon signals, and transmitting time entry commands. Memory535and/or disks555are used for storing data structures of beacon device data and/or other data. Network hardware is used for communication of time entry commands and/or other data between the computer515and remote computers over a network, such as for transmitting the time entry commands to a remote ERP system. The method200is triggered upon execution of an application on the computing device110that implements the communication module105.

A beacon enabled system is employed at a work site115, as illustrated by example system300ofFIG. 3A. In one embodiment, the work site115comprises a building. In another embodiment, the work site115comprises a room within the building, such as an employee's office. In another embodiment, the work site comprises a company vehicle or other company equipment. In this way, the beacon enabled system can be deployed for various indoor locations, outdoor locations, and/or objects such as vehicles for tracking employee work time. The beacon enabled system can comprise a single beacon device, two beacon devices, or any other number of beacon devices. Beacon devices can be positioned at various locations of the work site115, such as proximate to an entrance of the building, an entrance of the employee's office, within the company vehicle, etc. Beacon devices can be free standing, attached to or installed within a wall or structure, implemented as a standalone device, incorporated into another device, attached to or installed within a company asset or other object, etc.

In one embodiment of the beacon enabled system, the beacon device120is positioned at a first location, such as outside an entrance to an employee's office room. The beacon device130is positioned at a second location, such as inside the employee's office room and near the entrance. The beacon device120and the beacon device130can be positioned at any location such that beacon signals emitted from one of the beacon devices will be detected by the communication module105before or after beacon signals emitted from the other beacon device. For example, both beacon devices can be positioned in series inside the entrance of the employee's office room. In this way, the communication module105can use the sequence of which beacon signals are detected to determine whether the computing device110entered the employee's office room or exited the employee's office room.

In one embodiment, the beacon devices are positioned at a distance from one another so that the beacon signals125and the beacon signals135do not cause interference. In another embodiment, the beacon devices are positioned at a distance from one another so that the beacon signals125and the beacon signals135would not both be detected at the same time by the communication105. In another embodiment, the beacon devices are positioned at a distance from one another so that the beacon signals125and the beacon signals135could be detected at the same time when the computing device110is in certain locations such as between the beacon devices. In one embodiment, signal strengths of the beacon signals125and the beacon signals135is configured so that the beacon signals125and the beacon signals135do not cause interference.

The beacon device120is configured to emit beacon signals125encoded with a first beacon identifier of the beacon device120and a site identifier of the work site115. The beacon device130is configured to emit beacon signals135encoded with a second beacon identifier of the beacon device130and the site identifier of the work site115. A data structure can be created and populated with information mapping beacon identifiers to locations of beacons and/or other information. In this way, the communication module105can query the data structure using beacon identifiers to determine what corresponding beacon device is nearby and the location of that beacon device.

At205, the communication module105controls a wireless receiver of the computing device110to listen for beacon signals transmitted by beacon devices located at different locations at the work site115. In one embodiment, the communication module105, such as the application executing on the computing device110, accesses and controls a Bluetooth receiver of the computing device110using a Bluetooth driver installed within an operating system of the computing device110. Commands and functions of the Bluetooth driver can be used by the communication module105to obtain beacon signals received by the Bluetooth receiver. In this way, the communication module105controls the wireless receiver to receive beacon signals and provide the communication module105with access to the received beacon signals.

An employee, carrying the computing device110, may walk towards the entrance of the employee's office room, as illustrated inFIG. 3A. As the computing device110comes within communication range of the beacon device120, the communication module105receives the beacon signals125emitted from the beacon device120. At210, the communication module105parses the beacon signals125to identify the first beacon identifier of the beacon device120. In one embodiment, the beacon signals125are received as a sequence of characters or other data that can be parsed using parsing functionality. A first portion of the sequence of characters is parsed to identify the first beacon identifier of the beacon device120. A second portion of the sequence of characters is parsed to identify the site identifier of the work site115.

At215, the data structure mapping beacon identifiers to locations of corresponding beacon devices is queried by the communication module105using the first beacon identifier to determine the first location of the beacon device120. In one embodiment, the first beacon identifier is mapped within the data structure to the first location specifying that the beacon device120is located outside of an entrance to the work site115. The data structure may specify other information for the first beacon identifier, such as an indication that if the beacon signals125from the beacon device120are detected before the beacon signals135of the beacon device130, then the computing device110is entering the work site115. The data structure may also map site identifiers to work sites. Thus, the communication module105can query the data structure using the site identifier to determine that the employee is at the work site115.

The communication module105can also query the data structure using an employee identifier of the employee to determine whether the employee works at the work site115. In this way, the communication could105can determine that the computing device110is entering/exiting the work site115in order for the user to start working or stop working as opposed to merely entering another work site at which the employee does not work, and thus work time entry should not be recorded. The communication module105may store a first entry305that the beacon device120having the first beacon identifier and located at the first location was detected at a particular point in time.

The employee may enter into the employee's office room through the entrance, as illustrated inFIG. 3B. As the computing device110comes within communication range of the beacon device130, the communication module105receives the beacon signals135emitted from the beacon device130. In one embodiment, the communication module105may no longer receive the beacon signals125from the beacon device120because the computing device110is not within communication range of the beacon device120. At220, the communication module105parses the beacon signals135to identify the second beacon identifier of the beacon device130. In one embodiment, the beacon signals135are received as a sequence of characters or other data that can be parsed using parsing functionality. A first portion of the sequence of characters is parsed to identify the second beacon identifier of the beacon device130. A second portion of the sequence of characters is parsed to identify the site identifier of the work site115.

At225, the data structure mapping beacon identifiers to locations of corresponding beacon devices is queried by the communication module105using the second beacon identifier to determine the second location of the beacon device130. In one embodiment, the second beacon identifier is mapped within the data structure to the second location specifying that the beacon device130is located inside of the entrance to the work site115. The data structure may specify other information for the second beacon identifier, such as an indication that if the beacon signals135from the beacon device130are detected after the beacon signals125of the beacon device120, then the computing device110is entering the work site115. The data structure may also map site identifiers to work sites. Thus, the communication module105can query the data structure using the site identifier to determine that the employee is at the work site115.

The communication module105can also query the data structure using the employee identifier of the employee to determine whether the employee works at the work site115. In this way, the communication could105can determine that the computing device110is entering/exiting the work site115in order for the user to start working or stop working as opposed to merely entering another work site at which the employee does not work, and thus work time entry should not be recorded. The communication module105may store a second entry310that the beacon device130having the second beacon identifier and located at the second location was detected at a particular point in time subsequent to when the beacon signals125from the beacon device120were detected.

At230, the communication module105evaluates the first entry305and the second entry310to determine whether the computing device110entered the work site115or exited the work site115. In particular, the communication module105determines the sequence of which the beacon device were encountered based upon the sequence of which the beacon signals125and beacon signals135were detected. In one embodiment, the first entry305indicates that the beacon signals125emitted by the beacon device120were detected at a first time. The second entry310indicates that the beacon signals135emitted by the beacon device130were detected at a second time subsequent the first time. Thus, the communication module105determines that the beacon device120was encountered before the beacon device130.

The communication module105evaluates the first location of the beacon device120relative to the second location of the beacon device130. In one embodiment, the communication module105evaluates locational information within the first entry305and the second entry310to determine that the beacon device120is located outside of the entrance to the work site115and that the beacon device130is located inside of the entrance of the work site115. In this way, the communication module105can determine that the computing device110entered the work site115to start working because the beacon device120was encountered before the beacon device130.

The communication module105creates a time entry command315based upon the determination that the computing device110entered the work site115. In one embodiment, the time entry command315is only created if the computing device110remains within the work site115a threshold amount of time that is indicative of the employee performing work (e.g., as opposed to merely stopping by to pick up a jacket or to do other non-related work tasks). The communication module105creates the time entry command315as an instruction that instructs the remote computing system140, such as the ERP system, to create a time entry for the employee within the user time entry data145. The time entry command315may comprise the employee identifier of the employee, the site identifier of the work site115, and a time at which the computing device110entered the work site115. The time may correspond to the time at which the beacon signals125were detected, the time at which the beacon signals135were detected, or some other time derived from the times at which the beacon signals were detected from the beacon devices.

At235, the communication module105transmits the time entry command over a network, such as a wireless network, to the remote computing system140for creating a time entry for the employee within the user time entry data145to indicate that the employee entered the work site115to start working. In one embodiment, the communication module105invokes a representational state transfer (REST) application programming interface (API) to transmit the time entry command to the ERP system.

The employee may remain within the employee's office room to work for 4 hours before leaving the employee's office room for lunch, as illustrated inFIG. 3C. The employee, while carrying the computing device110, may move towards the entrance of the employee's office room in order to exit the employee's office room for lunch, as illustrated inFIG. 3D. As the computing device110comes within communication range of the beacon device130, the communication module105receives the beacon signals135from the beacon device130.

The communication module105parses the beacon signals135to identify the second beacon identifier of the beacon device130and the site identifier of the work site115. The communication module105queries the data structure using the second beacon identifier to determine that the computing device110has come within communication range of the beacon device130positioned at the second location on the inside of the entrance to the work site115. Accordingly, the communication module105creates a third entry320specifying that the computing device110encountered the beacon device130at the second location at a third time.

The employee may walk through the entrance and out of the employee office room, as illustrated inFIG. 3E. As the computing device110comes within communication range of the beacon device120, the communication module105receives the beacon signals125from the beacon device120. The communication module105parses the beacon signals125to identify the first beacon identifier of the beacon device120and the site identifier of the work site115. The communication module105queries the data structure using the first beacon identifier to determine that the computing device110has come within communication range of the beacon device120positioned at the first location on the outside of the entrance to the work site115. Accordingly, the communication module105creates a fourth entry325specifying that the computing device110encountered the beacon device130at the second location at a fourth time.

The communication module105creates a second time entry command330based upon the determination that the computing device110exited the work site115. In one embodiment, the second time entry command330is only created if the computing device110remained within the work site115a threshold amount of time that is indicative of the employee performing work. The communication module105creates the second time entry command330as an instruction that instructs the remote computing system140, such as the ERP system, to create a second time entry for the employee within the user time entry data145. The second time entry command330may comprise the employee identifier of the employee, the site identifier of the work site115, and a time at which the computing device110exited the work site115. The time may correspond to the time at which the beacon signals125were detected, the time at which the beacon signals135were detected, or some other time derived from the times at which the beacon signals were detected from the beacon devices.

In one embodiment of beaconized time entry, the communication module105does not transmit individual time entry commands for each time the computing devices110enters or exits the work site115. Instead the communication module105creates time entries that are locally stored on the computing device110until a trigger event causes the communication module105to transmit the time entries and/or a total number of hours worked to the remote computing system140. For example, the communication module105receives a plurality of beacon signals from a plurality of beacon devices during a work period, such as a work day or week for the employee. The triggering event may be where a current time corresponds to an end of the work day or week or other timespan. The triggering event could correspond to other triggers such as a current location of the computing device110(e.g., the computing device being the employee's home), receipt of a request for time entry data received from the remote computing device140, etc. The communication module105creates a plurality of time entries within a data structure stored within a storage device of the computing device110. The plurality of time entries specify times at which the employee entered the work site115to start working during the work period and exited the work site115to stop working during the work period.

The communication module105processes the data structure to analyze the time entries to calculate a total number of work hours that the user worked at the work site115during the work period. For example, the total number of work hours may be calculate as a sum of time between time entries where the user entered the work site115and corresponding subsequent time entries where the user exited the work site115. The communication module105transmits the total number of work hours over the network to the remote computing system140for recording a work period time entry for the user within the user time entry data145. The communication module105may also transmit the individual time entries to the remote computing system140. The communication module105may render the total number of work hours and/or the time entries through a display of the computing device110.

In one embodiment of beaconized time entry, the communication module105may render various messages and/or information on the display of the computing device110based upon whether the computing device110entered or exited the work site115. In one embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110entered the work site115. Accordingly, the communication module105queries the ERP system to identify a task for the user to perform at the work site, such as to repair a laptop. In this way, the communication module105renders a description of the task on the display of the computing device110.

In another embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110entered the work site115. Accordingly, the communication module105queries a message data structure of messages to identify a message mapped to an enter work event (e.g., “good morning”, “welcome back from lunch”, etc.). In this way, the communication module105renders the message on the display of the computing device110.

In another embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110exited the work site115. Accordingly, the communication module105queries the message data structure of messages to identify a message mapped to an exit work event (e.g., “have a safe commute home”, “enjoy your evening”, etc.). In this way, the communication module105renders the message on the display of the computing device110.

In another embodiment, the communication module105identifies a current date. Accordingly, the communication module105evaluates a user profile of the employee, which may be maintained by the ERP system, to identify an event associated with the user for the current date. The event can correspond to a task assigned to the user, a celebration, a work anniversary, a birthday event, a co-worker's birthday, a food day at work, a dress down day at work, or any other event related to the employee, the work site, other employees, etc. The message data structure is queried using the event to identify a message mapped to the event. In this way, the communication module105renders the message on the display of the computing device110. Similarly, the communication module105can query the ERP system to identify an event occurring at the work site115, such as a visitor visiting, a project meeting, a planned fire drill, etc. The communication module105renders information about the event on the display of the computing device110.

In another embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110exited the work site115and that a current time is a lunch time for the employee. Accordingly, the communication module105queries the message data structure of messages to identify a message mapping to a lunch restaurant suggestion. In this way, the communication module105renders the lunch restaurant suggestion on the display of the computing device110.

In another embodiment, the communication module105determines that the computing device110exited the work site. Accordingly, the communication module105queries the user profile to identify a home location of the user. The communication module105queries a traffic service to identify traffic information associated with a commute of the user to the home location. In this way, the communication module105renders the traffic information on the display of the computing device110. The communication module105may also render a map user interface populated with the traffic information and a route from the work site115to the home location in response to determining that the computing device110exited the work site115.

FIG. 4is an illustration of a scenario400involving an example non-transitory computer-readable medium405. In one embodiment, one or more of the components described herein are configured as program modules, such as the communication module105, stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium405. The program modules are configured with stored instructions, such as processor-executable instructions420, that when executed by at least a processor, such as processor440, cause the computing device to perform the corresponding function(s) as described herein. In one embodiment, the, functionality of the communication module105, stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium405, may be executed by the processor440as the processor-executable instructions420to perform an embodiment 425 of the method200ofFIG. 2.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium405includes the processor-executable instructions420that when executed by a processor440cause performance of at least some of the provisions herein. The non-transitory computer-readable medium405includes a memory semiconductor (e.g., a semiconductor utilizing static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) technologies), a platter of a hard disk drive, a flash memory device, or a magnetic or optical disc (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or floppy disk). The example non-transitory computer-readable medium405stores computer-readable data410that, when subjected to reading415by a reader435of a device430(e.g., a read head of a hard disk drive, or a read operation invoked on a solid-state storage device), express the processor-executable instructions420.

In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions420, when executed cause performance of operations, such as at least some of the example method200ofFIG. 2, for example. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions420are configured to cause implementation of a system, such as at least some of the example system100ofFIG. 1, for example.

FIG. 5illustrates an example computing device500that is configured and/or programmed with one or more of the example systems and methods described herein, and/or equivalents. The example computing device500may be the computer515that includes a processor520, a memory535, and I/O ports545operably connected by a bus525. In one embodiment, the, the computer515may include logic of the communication module105configured to facilitate the system100and/or the method200shown inFIGS. 1-2. In different embodiments, the logic of the communication module105may be implemented in hardware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium505with stored instructions, firmware, and/or combinations thereof. While the logic of the communication module105is illustrated as a hardware component attached to the bus525, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, the logic of the communication module105could be implemented in the processor520, stored in memory535, or stored in disk555.

In one embodiment, logic of the communication module105or the computer515is a means (e.g., structure: hardware, non-transitory computer-readable medium, firmware) for performing the actions described. In some embodiments, the computing device may be a server operating in a cloud computing system, a server configured in a Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture, a smart phone, laptop, tablet computing device, and so on.

The means may be implemented, for example, as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) programmed to implement rule based source sequencing for allocation. The means may also be implemented as stored computer executable instructions that are presented to computer515as data510that are temporarily stored in memory535and then executed by processor520.

The logic of the communication module105may also provide means (e.g., hardware, non-transitory computer-readable medium505that stores executable instructions, firmware) for performing rule based source sequencing for allocation.

Generally describing an example configuration of the computer515, the processor520may be a variety of various processors including dual microprocessor and other multi-processor architectures. The memory535may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), and so on. Volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on.

The disks555may be operably connected to the computer515via, for example, the I/O interface540(e.g., card, device) and the I/O ports545. The disks555may be, for example, a magnetic disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive, a flash memory card, a memory stick, and so on. Furthermore, the disks555may be a CD-ROM drive, a CD-R drive, a CD-RW drive, a DVD ROM, and so on. The memory535can store a process, such as within the non-transitory computer-readable medium505, and/or data510, for example. The disk555and/or the memory535can store an operating system that controls and allocates resources of the computer515.

The computer515may interact with input/output (I/O) devices via the I/O interfaces540and the I/O ports545. The I/O devices may be, for example, a keyboard, a microphone, a pointing and selection device, cameras, video cards, displays, the disks555, the network devices550, and so on. The I/O ports545may include, for example, serial ports, parallel ports, and USB ports. I/O controllers530may connect the I/O interfaces540to the bus525.

The computer515can operate in a network environment and thus may be connected to the network devices550via the I/O interfaces540, and/or the I/O ports545. Through the network devices550, the computer515may interact with a network. Through the network, the computer515may be logically connected to remote computers (e.g., the computer515may reside within a distributed computing environment to which clients may connect). Networks with which the computer515may interact include, but are not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a new area network (WAN), and other networks.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating a system600in which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Enterprise network604may be associated with a business enterprise, such as a retailer, merchant, service provider, or other type of business. Alternatively, and in accordance with the advantages of an application service provider (ASP) hosted integrated business system (such as a multi-tenant data processing platform), the business enterprise may comprise fewer or no dedicated facilities or business network at all, provided that its end users have access to an internet browser and an internet connection.

For simplicity and clarity of explanation, the enterprise network604is represented by an on-site local area network606to which a plurality of personal computers608are connected, each generally dedicated to a particular end user, such as a service agent or other employee (although such dedication is not required), along with an exemplary remote user computer610that can be, for example, a laptop computer or tablet computer of a traveling employee having internet access through a public Wi-Fi access point, or other internet access method. The end users (consumers) associated with computers608and610may possess an internet-enabled smartphone or other electronic device (such as a PDA, tablet, laptop computer) having wireless internet access or other synchronization capabilities. Users of the enterprise network604interface with the integrated business system602across the Internet612or another suitable communications network or combination of networks.

Integrated business system602, which may be hosted by a dedicated third party, may include an integrated business server614and a web interface server616, coupled as shown inFIG. 6. It is to be appreciated that either or both of the integrated business server614and the web interface server616may be implemented on one or more different hardware systems and components, even though represented as singular units inFIG. 6.

In a typical example in which system602is operated by a third party for the benefit of multiple account owners/tenants, each of whom is operating a business, integrated business server614comprises an ERP module618and further comprises a CRM module620. In many cases, it will be desirable for the ERP module618to share methods, libraries, databases, subroutines, variables, etc., with CRM module620, and indeed ERP module618may be intertwined with CRM module620into an integrated Business Data Processing Platform (which may be single tenant, but is typically multi-tenant).

The ERP module618may include, but is not limited to, a finance and accounting module, an order processing module, a time and billing module, an inventory management and distribution module, an employee management and payroll module, a calendaring and collaboration module, a reporting and communication module, and other ERP-related modules. The CRM module620may include, but is not limited to, a sales force automation (SFA) module, a marketing automation module, a contact list module (not shown), a call center support module, a web-based customer support module, a reporting and communication module, and other CRM-related modules.

The integrated business server614(or multi-tenant data processing platform) further may provide other business functionalities including a web store/eCommerce module622, a partner and vendor management module624, and an integrated reporting module630. An SCM (supply chain management) module626and PLM (product lifecycle management) module628may also be provided. Web interface server616is configured and adapted to interface with the integrated business server614to provide one or more web-based user interfaces to end users of the enterprise network604.

The integrated business system shown inFIG. 6may be hosted on a distributed computing system made up of at least one, but likely multiple, “servers.” A server is a physical computer dedicated to providing data storage and an execution environment for one or more software applications or services intended to serve the needs of the users of other computers that are in data communication with the server, for instance via a public network such as the Internet or a private “intranet” network. The server, and the services it provides, may be referred to as the “host” and the remote computers, and the software applications running on the remote computers, being served may be referred to as “clients.” Depending on the computing service(s) that a server offers it could be referred to as a database server, data storage server, file server, mail server, print server, web server, etc. A web server is a most often a combination of hardware and the software that helps deliver content, commonly by hosting a website, to client web browsers that access the web server via the Internet.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating elements or components of an example operating environment700in which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. As shown, a variety of clients702incorporating and/or incorporated into a variety of computing devices may communicate with a distributed computing service/platform708through one or more networks714. For example, a client may incorporate and/or be incorporated into a client application (e.g., software) implemented at least in part by one or more of the computing devices.

Examples of suitable computing devices include personal computers, server computers704, desktop computers706, laptop computers708, notebook computers, tablet computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)710, smart phones712, cell phones, and consumer electronic devices incorporating one or more computing device components, such as one or more electronic processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPU), or controllers. Examples of suitable networks714include networks utilizing wired and/or wireless communication technologies and networks operating in accordance with any suitable networking and/or communication protocol (e.g., the Internet). In use cases involving the delivery of customer support services, the computing devices noted represent the endpoint of the customer support delivery process, i.e., the consumer's device.

The distributed computing service/platform (which may also be referred to as a multi-tenant business data processing platform)708may include multiple processing tiers, including a user interface tier716, an application server tier720, and a data storage tier724. The user interface tier716may maintain multiple user interfaces718, including graphical user interfaces and/or web-based interfaces. The user interfaces may include a default user interface for the service to provide access to applications and data for a user or “tenant” of the service (depicted as “Service UI” in the figure), as well as one or more user interfaces that have been specialized/customized in accordance with user specific requirements (e.g., represented by “Tenant A UI”, . . . , “Tenant Z UI” in the figure, and which may be accessed via one or more APIs).

The default user interface may include components enabling a tenant to administer the tenant's participation in the functions and capabilities provided by the service platform, such as accessing data, causing the execution of specific data processing operations, etc. Each processing tier shown in the figure may be implemented with a set of computers and/or computer components including computer servers and processors, and may perform various functions, methods, processes, or operations as determined by the execution of a software application or set of instructions. The data storage tier724may include one or more data stores, which may include a Service Data store725and one or more Tenant Data stores726.

Each tenant data store726may contain tenant-specific data that is used as part of providing a range of tenant-specific business services or functions, including but not limited to ERP, CRM, eCommerce, Human Resources management, payroll, etc. Data stores may be implemented with any suitable data storage technology, including structured query language (SQL) based relational database management systems (RDBMS).

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, distributed computing service/platform708may be multi-tenant and service platform708may be operated by an entity in order to provide multiple tenants with a set of business related applications, data storage, and functionality. These applications and functionality may include ones that a business uses to manage various aspects of its operations. For example, the applications and functionality may include providing web-based access to business information systems, thereby allowing a user with a browser and an Internet or intranet connection to view, enter, process, or modify certain types of business information.

As noted, such business information systems may include an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that integrates the capabilities of several historically separate business computing systems into a common system, with the intention of streamlining business processes and increasing efficiencies on a business-wide level. By way of example, the capabilities or modules of an ERP system may include (but are not required to include, nor limited to only including): accounting, order processing, time and billing, inventory management, retail point of sale (POS) systems, eCommerce, product information management (PIM), demand/material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing, content management systems (CMS), professional services automation (PSA), employee management/payroll, human resources management, and employee calendaring and collaboration, as well as reporting and analysis capabilities relating to these functions. Such functions or business applications are typically implemented by one or more modules of software code/instructions that are maintained on and executed by one or more servers722that are part of the platform's Application Server Tier720.

Another business information system that may be provided as part of an integrated data processing and service platform is an integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, which is designed to assist in obtaining a better understanding of customers, enhance service to existing customers, and assist in acquiring new and profitable customers. By way of example, the capabilities or modules of a CRM system can include (but are not required to include, nor limited to only including): sales force automation (SFA), marketing automation, contact list, call center support, returns management authorization (RMA), loyalty program support, and web-based customer support, as well as reporting and analysis capabilities relating to these functions.

In addition to ERP and CRM functions, a business information system/platform (such as element708ofFIG. 7(A)) may also include one or more of an integrated partner and vendor management system, eCommerce system (e.g., a virtual storefront application or platform), product lifecycle management (PLM) system, Human Resources management system (which may include medical/dental insurance administration, payroll, etc.), or supply chain management (SCM) system. Such functions or business applications are typically implemented by one or more modules of software code/instructions that are maintained on and executed by one or more servers722that are part of the platform's Application Server Tier720.

Note that both functional advantages and strategic advantages may be gained through the use of an integrated business system comprising ERP, CRM, and other business capabilities, as for example where the integrated business system is integrated with a merchant's eCommerce platform and/or “web-store.” For example, a customer searching for a particular product can be directed to a merchant's website and presented with a wide array of product and/or services from the comfort of their home computer, or even from their mobile phone. When a customer initiates an online sales transaction via a browser-based interface, the integrated business system can process the order, update accounts receivable, update inventory databases and other ERP-based systems, and can also automatically update strategic customer information databases and other CRM-based systems. These modules and other applications and functionalities may advantageously be integrated and executed by a single code base accessing one or more integrated databases as necessary, forming an integrated business management system or platform (such as platform708ofFIG. 7).

As noted with regards toFIG. 6, the integrated business system shown inFIG. 7may be hosted on a distributed computing system made up of at least one, but typically multiple, “servers.” A server is a physical computer dedicated to providing data storage and an execution environment for one or more software applications or services intended to serve the needs of the users of other computers that are in data communication with the server, for instance via a public network such as the Internet or a private “intranet” network.

Rather than build and maintain such an integrated business system themselves, a business may utilize systems provided by a third party. Such a third party may implement an integrated business system/platform as described above in the context of a multi-tenant platform, wherein individual instantiations of a single comprehensive integrated business system are provided to a variety of tenants. One advantage to such multi-tenant platforms is the ability for each tenant to customize their instantiation of the integrated business system to that tenant's specific business needs or operational methods. Each tenant may be a business or entity that uses the multi-tenant platform to provide business data and functionality to multiple users. Some of those multiple users may have distinct roles or responsibilities within the business or entity.

In some cases, a tenant may desire to modify or supplement the functionality of an existing platform application by introducing an extension to that application, where the extension is to be made available to the tenant's employees and/or customers. In some cases, such an extension may be applied to the processing of the tenant's business related data that is resident on the platform. The extension may be developed by the tenant or by a 3rd party developer and then made available to the tenant for installation. The platform may include a “library” or catalog of available extensions, which can be accessed by a tenant and searched to identify an extension of interest. Software developers may be permitted to “publish” an extension to the library or catalog after appropriate validation of a proposed extension.

Thus, in an effort to permit tenants to obtain the services and functionality that they desire (which may include providing certain services to their end customers, such as functionality associated with an eCommerce platform), a multi-tenant service platform may permit a tenant to configure certain aspects of the available service(s) to better suit their business needs. In this way aspects of the service platform may be customizable, and thereby enable a tenant to configure aspects of the platform to provide distinctive services to their respective users or to groups of those users. For example, a business enterprise that uses the service platform may want to provide additional functions or capabilities to their employees and/or customers, or to cause their business data to be processed in a specific way in accordance with a defined workflow that is tailored to their business needs, etc.

Tenant customizations to the platform may include custom functionality (such as the capability to perform tenant or user-specific functions, data processing, or operations) built on top of lower level operating system functions. Some multi-tenant service platforms may offer the ability to customize functions or operations at a number of different levels of the service platform, from aesthetic modifications to a graphical user interface to providing integration of components and/or entire applications developed by independent third party vendors. This can be very beneficial, since by permitting use of components and/or applications developed by third party vendors, a multi-tenant service can significantly enhance the functionality available to tenants and increase tenant satisfaction with the platform.

As noted, in addition to user customizations, an independent software developer may create an extension to a particular application that is available to users through a multi-tenant data processing platform. The extension may add new functionality or capabilities to the underlying application. One or more tenants/users of the platform may wish to add the extension to the underlying application in order to be able to utilize the enhancements to the application that are made possible by the extension. Further, the developer may wish to upgrade or provide a patch to the extension as they recognize a need for fixes or additional functionality that would be beneficial to incorporate into the extension. In some cases, the developer may prefer to make the upgrade available to only a select set of users (at least initially) in order to obtain feedback for improving the newer version of the extension, to test the stability of the extension, or to assist them to segment the market for their extension(s).

In another embodiment, the described methods and/or their equivalents may be implemented with computer executable instructions. Thus, in one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable/storage medium is configured with stored computer executable instructions of an algorithm/executable application that when executed by a machine(s) cause the machine(s) (and/or associated components) to perform the method. Example machines include but are not limited to a processor, a computer, a server operating in a cloud computing system, a server configured in a Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture, a smart phone, and so on). In one embodiment, a computing device is implemented with one or more executable algorithms that are configured to perform any of the disclosed methods.

In one or more embodiments, the disclosed methods or their equivalents are performed by either: computer hardware configured to perform the method; or computer instructions embodied in a module stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium where the instructions are configured as an executable algorithm configured to perform the method when executed by at least a processor of a computing device.

A “data structure”, as used herein, is an organization of data in a computing system that is stored in a memory, a storage device, or other computerized system. A data structure may be any one of, for example, a data field, a data file, a data array, a data record, a database, a data table, a graph, a tree, a linked list, and so on. A data structure may be formed from and contain many other data structures (e.g., a database includes many data records). Other examples of data structures are possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments.