Patent Publication Number: US-11036682-B2

Title: Flexible energy information aggregation

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Computing devices are used to implement various services and products. For example, a team of programmers may use a group of computing devices to develop an energy data collection service. The energy data collection service may be configured to assemble energy-related data associated with utility systems. 
     The service is designed to gather many types of energy-related data. Each type of energy-related data can vary, depending upon the source from which the type of energy-related data was retrieved. For example, different energy-related data can have different formats, parameters or values. 
     The energy-related data assembled by the energy data collection service can be used to perform a task, such as analyze energy-related behavior, identify trends, take physical action, etc. To do so, data relevant to the task needs to be identified for further processing. Accordingly, the team of programmers may interact with each of the computing devices to analyze the energy-related data and manually write code capable of identifying and retrieving the relevant data. 
     Analyzing the energy-related data and manually writing code are resource-intensive tasks. The analyzing and code writing involves much interaction by the team of programmers. Even after the analyzing and code writing have been completed, testing the written code is also resource-intensive and takes days or weeks to complete. As a result, the ability to perform a requested task has involved significantly delays, and/or has been prohibitively expensive. 
     In order to improve the performance of the computing devices, improve the speed at which the relevant data is identified so that a specified task can be performed, and decrease the resources needed to do the same, it is desirable for the providers of the services to be able to efficiently aggregate energy-related data. 
     Unfortunately, typical existing techniques are limited to using professional programmers to manually write custom code for a specified task, or implement inflexible querying methods that require knowledge of data structures to properly search and return correct data records. These custom query systems, thus, produce inaccurate results by returning inaccurate data records due to errors in the query itself. For example, a query may aggregate energy-related data that is irrelevant to a desired task, or fail to identify and aggregate some energy-related data that is relevant to the desired task. Thus, the aggregation of energy-related data has been restricted by time-consuming and resource-consuming processes that cause significant delay and much inaccuracy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one embodiment of the boundaries. In some embodiments one element may be implemented as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be implemented as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a method associated with flexible energy information aggregation. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where a graphical user interface is displayed. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where a request to generate a script associated with flexible energy information aggregation is received. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where energy buckets are generated. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where a plurality of energy dimensions are stored in an energy dimension data structure. 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where a script is generated. 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where energy information results are compiled. 
         FIG. 3G  illustrates an embodiment of a system associated with flexible energy information aggregation, where the graphical user interface is controlled to display customized energy information. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a non-transitory computer-readable medium. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a computing system configured with the example systems and/or methods disclosed. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of an integrated business system and an enterprise network in which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a multi-tenant distributed computing service platform. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Computerized systems and methods are described herein that that implement a graphical user interface for controlling energy information aggregation. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface is employed in a centralized manner to flexibly control aggregation of energy information from a target database. Specified energy information may be requested to perform a task. The task can include analyzing energy-related behavior, identifying trends in energy usage, predicting hardware problems, or taking physical action to repair hardware or prevent hardware failure. 
     The target database may store a large amount of energy information in data records collected from a plurality of sources. For example, the target data can store meter data, item data, billing data, etc. of a large number of consumers. Thus, the energy information stored by the target database may be diverse in terms of energy dimension, format, type, unit or other aspect. 
     Accurate aggregation of energy information that is relevant to a specified task can depend upon properly considering the variety of energy dimensions associated with data in the target database. For example, energy information in the target database that is associated with energy dimensions corresponding to the task may be relevant, and thus may be aggregated for the task. Energy information in the target database that is not associated with the energy dimensions corresponding to the task may not be relevant, and thus should not be aggregated for the task. 
     The disclosed system for flexible energy information aggregation improves existing technological processes for aggregating energy information by providing the graphical user interface that defines and controls a request for energy information aggregation. Thus, in one embodiment, the present system eliminates the use of custom query systems that require specific queries to be defined for each request (usually multiple queries to different systems). Rather in the present system, a script is generated based upon a request, and the script is executed on the target database to generate the aggregated energy information. The script may be constructed through dynamic SQL, for example. 
     The graphical user interface provides for a flexible and user-friendly interface through which scripts can be generated. The scripts are configured to extract relevant energy information in a targeted manner based upon a plurality of dimensions. 
     Thus, the present system improves existing technological processes for aggregating energy information by eliminating the need to use existing inflexible interfaces that cannot extract the relevant energy information with precision. The inflexible interfaces do not allow for the selection and combination of energy dimensions or data sources to take into account when aggregating. Thus, the system solves technical problems relating to errors, time delays and wasted resources caused by the extraction of irrelevant energy information and/or the failure to extract some relevant energy information. 
     The present system also improves existing technological processes for aggregating energy information by eliminating the need to employ a team of programmers to analyze the target database to develop an understanding, and then manually write code configured to aggregate the energy information based upon the understanding. By doing so, the system solves technical problems relating to errors, time delays and wasted resources caused by the use of the team of programmers to manually write the code. 
     The flexible energy information aggregation system is flexible by virtue of being capable of configuring and combining energy dimensions, data sources and other aspects to be taken into account when aggregating energy information. Similarly, the graphical user interface is centralized by virtue of being implemented as a single point of access that can be accessed from various remote devices to flexibly aggregate energy information. 
     The flexible energy information aggregation system also improves existing technological processes by improving the functionality of hardware, such a power grid or other energy-supplying infrastructure. For example, aggregated energy information can be analyzed to identify indications of hardware failure. The hardware failure can be remedied or preempted by modifying operation of the hardware, rerouting energy flow, or repairing or replacing one or more components of the hardware. Thus, the system mitigates or prevents hardware failures, and also mitigates delays and expenses caused by such hardware failures. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a computerized system  100  associated with flexible energy information aggregation is illustrated. A controlling module  105  generates graphical user interface instructions  107 . The controlling module  105  transmits the graphical user interface instructions  107  to an entity computer  115 . 
     The entity computer  115  executes the graphical user interface instructions  107  to display a graphical user interface  109  including a plurality of selectable inputs. The graphical user interface  109  is used by the entity computer  115  to generate a request  110  requesting that a script be generated. The script that is to be generated may be configured to perform flexible energy information aggregation. The entity computer  115  transmits the request  110  to the controlling module  105  over a network connection. 
     The controlling module  105  utilizes an energy dimension generator  120  to generate energy dimensions  125  (based upon the request  110 ) that are used to select the energy information to be aggregated. In one embodiment, the energy dimensions  125  reflect selectable inputs that were selected by a user of the graphical user interface  109  to generate the request  110 . For example, the energy dimensions  125  may specify that energy information be aggregated by market participant or by supplier. 
     The energy dimensions  125  are used to analyze an energy dimension data structure  130  in order to identify data records to be considered for the request  110 . The energy dimension data structure  130  includes data records of various energy dimensions that are available to be implemented for aggregating energy information. The energy dimension data structure  130  also includes data records of the various attributes associated with each energy dimension. 
     The controlling module  105  uses the energy dimension data structure  130  to generate energy buckets  135  representative of combinations of the energy dimensions  125 . For example, the controlling module may select energy dimensions in the energy dimension data structure  130  that match the energy dimensions  125  determined from the request  110 . In some examples, the controlling module  105  determines a plurality of unique combinations and/or permutations of the energy dimensions  125 . The energy buckets  135  may include an energy bucket for each unique combination and/or permutation of the energy dimensions  125 . 
     The controlling module  105  utilizes a script generator  140  to generate a script  145  based upon the energy buckets  135 . The script  145  is configured to perform the flexible energy information aggregation. The controlling module  105  transmits the script  145  to a target database  150  on a remote target server. 
     The controlling module  105  is configured to cause the execution of the script  145  on the target database  150 . Execution of the script  145  initiates the extraction of data that matches each energy bucket of the energy buckets  135 . The data is extracted into a dynamic table  155  in the target database  150 . An energy operation that is identified by the request  110  is run on the extracted data to generate aggregated energy information in the dynamic table  155 . 
     The graphical user interface  109  is then controlled to display customized energy information based upon the aggregated energy information. For example, the customized energy information may be created by formatting the aggregated energy information in accordance with settings of the entity computer  115 , and may then be provided for display in the graphical user interface  109 . 
     Thus, the graphical user interface  109  is used to efficiently and flexibly aggregate energy information from the target database  150 . The energy information is aggregated in response to a single request generated using the graphical user interface  109 , which decreases the time and resources that would otherwise need to be used to manually write code to identify and aggregate the relevant energy information. The graphical user interface  109  is accessible from any computing device than can establish a network connection with the controlling module  105 , which increases the ease with which the energy information can be aggregated. 
     The customized energy information also provides an improved interface that assembles the energy information and modifies the assembled energy information. In one embodiment, the improved interface modifies the energy information by identifying and removing redundancies and conflicts between the energy information associated with different sources. The improved interface also serves to decrease the time and resources that would be needed to separately and independently access, review, and interact with energy information using existing techniques that are performed by submitting and processing multiple customized queries. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of a computer implemented method  200  associated with flexible energy information aggregation is illustrated. In one embodiment, the method  200  is performed by the controlling module  105  utilizing various computing resources of the computer  515 . The computing resources, such as the processor  520 , are used for executing instructions associated with flexible energy information aggregation as described herein. Memory  535  and/or disks  555  are used for storing data structures of commands for performing flexible energy information aggregation as described herein. Network hardware is used for communication of script commands, request commands, and/or graphical user interface data between the computer  515  and remote computers over a network, such as for providing a flexible energy information aggregation interface to devices. The method  200  is triggered upon determining that an energy information aggregation command is to be executed. 
     In one embodiment, the controlling module  105  generates graphical user interface instructions  107  that cause the computer to generate the graphical user interface  109 . A network connection is established between the controlling module  105  and the entity computer  115 . The graphical user interface instructions  107  for the graphical user interface  109  are transmitted to the entity computer  115  over the network connection. 
     In some examples, the graphical user interface instructions  107  are provided in response to receiving a request from the entity computer  115  for an energy information aggregation interface. The request may have been generated by a web browser operating on the entity computer  115 . In one embodiment, the request may have been generated as a part of a web application. 
     Upon receiving the graphical user interface instructions  107 , the entity computer  115  uses the graphical user interface instructions  107  to generate and display the graphical user interface  109  on a screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In some examples, the graphical user interface  109  is rendered within the web browser. 
     At  205 , a display is controlled to display the graphical user interface  109 , which may include an energy information aggregation interface. The energy information aggregation interface includes a plurality of selectable inputs. The selectable inputs of the energy information aggregation interface can be used (by a user of the entity computer  115 ) to define a request to generate a script associated with flexible energy information aggregation. The script can be applied to a target database  150  to aggregate energy information from the target database  150 . 
     In one embodiment, the graphical user interface  109  includes multiple input options, for example, a first selectable input  310 , a second selectable input  315 , and a third selectable input  320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Different amounts of input options may be implemented. Each selectable input can be a menu comprising a plurality of options, a text input box, or another type of input. 
     The first selectable input  310  is configurable to define the target database  150  from which energy information is to be aggregated. In some examples, the first selectable input  310  may be used to receive a target address of the target database  150  or a target server hosting the target database  150 . The target address may be a URL, an IP address, or another type of address. 
     The second selectable input  315  is configurable to define one or more energy dimensions to be used to aggregate the energy information. The energy dimensions can include various market participants, such as buyers or sellers. Alternatively and/or additionally, energy dimensions  315  can include a type of data, such as meter data, item data, or billed data. Alternatively and/or additionally, energy dimensions  315  can include a type of channel from which data may be retrieved, such a type of meter. 
     The third selectable input  320  is configurable to define one or more energy operations to be run on data extracted from the target database  150 . The energy operations can include a formula, a complex model, a sum, an average, etc. 
     In some examples, the graphical user interface  109  includes one or more additional selectable inputs. For example, a fourth selectable input may be configurable to define one or more interval sizes of data to be extracted. A fifth selectable input may be configurable to define a unit of measure to be used when presenting the customized energy information. A sixth selectable input may be configurable to define one or more time frames for data to be extracted or to be used when presenting the customized energy information. 
     The target database  150  defined via the first selectable input  310  can be targeted for energy information aggregation. In one embodiment, a network connection is established to the target database  150 , and the target database  150  is analyzed using the network connection. The one or more energy dimensions defined via the second selectable input  315  can later be used as criteria for determine which data to extract, and which data to not extract. The values defined for each selectable input can be transmitted to the controlling module  105  in response to selection of an activation button  322  configured to start the flexible energy information aggregation. 
     Accordingly, using the graphical user interface  109 , a user can launch the flexible energy information aggregation that can extract energy information from the target database  150 . The user would thus not need to analyze the target database  150  to develop an understanding or a model of the target database  150 . The users would also not need to use the understanding or model to manually write code configured to extract information using the target database  150 , the one or more energy dimensions or the one or more energy operations. 
     The graphical user interface  109  would be accessible from various remote devices in a centralized manner, as the graphical user interface  109  would serve as a connection to a single location which the various remote devices could access to launch flexible energy information aggregations. The centralized nature of the graphical user interface  109  eliminates the need to access multiple interfaces at multiple locations in order to launch flexible energy information aggregations. 
     Selection of the activation button  322  causes the entity computer  115  to generate the request  110 . The request  110  is transmitted via the network connection to the controlling module  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
     At  210 , the controlling module  105  receives the request  110 . The controlling module  105  parses the request  110  to identify criteria for creation of a script for flexible energy information aggregation. The criteria includes the plurality of energy dimensions and the energy operations specified in the request  110 . The criteria can also include other information that may be used to predict or filter energy dimensions, energy operations or other parameters used to create the script. 
     The energy dimension generator  120  extracts the energy dimensions  125  from the criteria. The energy dimensions  125  are used to analyze the energy dimension data structure  130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . In one embodiment, entries in the energy dimensions  125  are compared to entries in the energy dimension data structure  130 . 
     At  215 , energy dimensions are selected from available energy dimensions listed in the energy dimension data structure  130 . For example, matches between the entries in the energy dimensions  125  and the entries in the energy dimension data structure  130  may be used to select energy dimensions for the script being created. 
     The selected energy dimensions include energy dimensions that can be considered for implementation in the flexible energy information aggregation. The selected energy dimensions are retrieved from the energy dimension data structure  130  and used to generate the energy buckets  135 . 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates an example of entries stored in the energy dimension data structure  130 . The entries may be arranged based upon relationships between each energy dimension parameter  320  and a first attribute  305 , a second attribute  310 , and a third attribute  315  of each energy dimension parameter  320 . For example, a first energy dimension corresponding to a supplier may have a first attribute that is a name of the supplier, a second attribute that is a location of the supplier, and a third attribute that is a size of the supplier. 
     In one embodiment, each entry in the energy dimensions  125  that identifies an energy dimension is compared to the entries of the energy dimension parameter  320 . In one embodiment, each entry in the energy dimensions  125  that identifies one or more attributes is compared to the entries of the first attribute  305 , the second attribute  310  and/or the third attribute  315 . 
     As mentioned, the energy dimensions associated with matching entries are retrieved from the energy dimension data structure  130 . A plurality of combinations and/or permutations of the retrieved energy dimensions are determined. For example, all of the possible unique combinations and/or permutations of the retrieved energy dimensions may be determined. 
     At  215 , in addition to selecting the energy dimensions, the controlling module  105  generates energy buckets  135  for the combinations and/or permutations of energy dimensions. In one embodiment, an energy bucket may be generated for each of the combinations and/or permutations of energy dimensions. 
     In some examples, each energy dimension defines a collection of attributes that can be used to identify a segment of energy-related information. In some examples, each energy bucket is a data structure that comprises a combination of respective attributes defined by energy dimensions. 
     At  215 , in addition to generating energy buckets  135 , the controlling module  105  also uses the script generator  140  to generate the script  145 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3E . The script  145  is generated based upon the energy buckets  135 . For example, the script  145  may include instructions to extract, from the target database  150 , energy information matching energy dimensions associated with the energy buckets  135 . 
     In some embodiments, the script  145  is generated based upon the target database  150 . For example, the script  145  may be generated in a first format if a determination is made that the target database  150  is a first type of database, while the script  145  may be generated in a second format if a determination is made that the target database  150  is a second type of database. 
     In some embodiments, the script  145  is generated based upon the energy operations identified in the request. For example, the script  145  may include instructions to run the energy operations on at least some of the energy information extracted from the target database  150 . 
     At  220 , the controlling module  105  accesses the target database  150 . In one embodiment, the controlling module  105  establishes a network connection with the target server hosting the target database  150 . The controlling module  105  then transmits the script  145  to the target database  150  over the network connection. 
     At  225 , the controlling module executes the script  145  on the target database  150 . The execution of the script  145  causes an initiation of extraction of data matching each of the energy buckets  135 . The data is extracted into a dynamic table  155  in the target database  150 . 
     The execution of the script  145  also causes the running of the energy operations, specified by the request  110 , on the extracted data to generate energy information in the dynamic table  155 . The execution causes the data that matches each energy bucket to seamlessly be modified on-the-fly by the energy operations. The modification of data by each energy bucket causes the generation of an energy information result in the dynamic table  155 . The energy information in the dynamic table  155  may thus include a plurality of energy information results. 
     The seamless and on-the-fly modification may be performed while the data that matches each energy bucket is stored in the target database  150  on the target server. Thus, the seamless and on-the-fly modification may be performed without copying the data that matches each energy bucket to a remote device (e.g., the entity computer  115  or a different computer) via a network connection. Accordingly, the system improves upon existing techniques that may require the data to be transferred to a different computer to be modified (e.g., thus requiring more time and the use of more bandwidth). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3F , the energy information in the dynamic table  155  may be retrieved by the controlling module  105  as part of energy information results  160 . For example, the energy information results  160  may be transmitted over a network connection between the controlling module  105  and the target database  150 . 
     The controlling module  105  parses the energy information results  160  to identify each energy information result. The controlling module  105  uses the identified energy information results to generate controlling customized energy information instructions  165 . The controlling module  105  establishes a network connection to the entity computer  115 , and transmits the controlling customized energy information instructions  165  to the entity computer  115 . 
     The controlling customized energy information instructions  165  are executed by the entity computer  115 . Thus, at  230 , the graphical user interface  109  is controlled to display customized energy information, as illustrated in  FIG. 3G . 
     The graphical user interface  109  can display information resulting from the extraction of data from the target database  150  and the application of energy operations to the extracted data. For example, the graphical user interface  109  can display a first graphical representation  350  of a first set of energy information with the energy dimensions of the request  110  and the energy operations of the request  110 . The first set of energy information can be associated with a first type of energy, or a first source of information, for example. 
     The graphical user interface  109  can display a second graphical representation  355  of a second set of energy information with the energy dimensions of the request  110  and the energy operations of the request  110 . The second set of energy information can be associated with a second type of energy, or a second source of information, for example. 
     The graphical user interface  109  can display a third graphical representation  360  of a third set of energy information with the energy dimensions of the request  110  and the energy operations of the request  110 . The third set of energy information can be associated with a third type of energy, or a third source of information, for example. 
     In some examples, after the energy operations are run to generate energy information in the dynamic table  155 , one or more additional scripts may be generated. For example, a second script that is configured to identify a second level of energy information may be generated. The second script may be executed on the target database  150 . 
     Execution of the second script may cause the extraction of second data into a second dynamic table in the target database  150 . For example, the second data may be extracted from the dynamic table  155  to the second dynamic table. A second energy operation may be run upon the second data in the second dynamic table. The customized energy information (that is displayed at  230 ) may thus be generated in the second dynamic table. The graphical user interface  109  may display the customized energy information upon retrieving the customized energy information from the second dynamic table. 
     In some examples, the script  145  or the second script may be configured to aggregate sets of data associated with different units, different time zones, different timeframes, etc. For example, a first set of data associated with a first unit and a second set of data associated with a second unit may be aggregated by converting one or both of the sets of data so that they share a common unit. In another example, a third set of data associated with a first time zone and a fourth set of data associated with a second time zone may be aggregated by converting one or both of the sets of data so that they share a common time zone. In another example, a fifth set of data associated with a first timeframe and a sixth set of data associated with a second timeframe may be aggregated by converting one or both of the sets of data so that they share a common timeframe. 
     In some examples, the customized energy information may be analyzed to determine energy usage. When the energy usage of a portion of the customized energy information exceeds a threshold usage, that portion of the customized energy information is determined to be associated with a hardware failure. For example, if the first set of energy information (associated with the first graphical representation  350 ) is indicative of energy usage exceeding the threshold usage, then hardware facilitating the flow or supply of energy that corresponds to the first set of energy information may be determined to have a hardware failure, or predicted to be likely to have a hardware failure. 
     Actions to avoid or remedy the hardware failure may be determined. For example, options to repair or replace of one or more components associated with the hardware failure may be determined. In another example, an option to redirect a flow of energy may be determined. Corrective instructions to perform the determined actions may be generated. The corrective instructions may be transmitted to a remote device via a network connection. The corrective instructions, when executed, may cause the remote device to perform the actions to avoid or remedy the hardware failure. 
     In some examples, the customized energy information may be used to resolve discrepancies between different sets of data. In one embodiment, discrepancies in transactions associated with a plurality of interested entities may be identified. For example, data from a buyer of a transaction indicates purchasing a first amount of energy at a first price but corresponding data from a seller of the transaction indicates selling a second amount of energy at a second price. The customized energy information may be used to identify additional context that may be used to determine the actual amount of energy sold, and the actual price at which the energy was sold, in the transaction. 
     For example, the customized energy information may include records of the transaction maintained by a third party, such as a tax collector. The records maintained by the third party can be used to either select from amongst the data from the buyer and the data from the seller, or to generate different data altogether (e.g., based upon an average of the different records). 
     To the extent that the terms “database” or “table” are employed in the detailed description or the claims, they are intended to be inclusive of various forms of data storage. In some examples, such forms of data storage include one or more file systems, such as the Hadoop file system. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of a scenario  400  involving an example non-transitory computer-readable medium  405 . In one embodiment, one or more of the components described herein are configured as program modules, such as the controlling module  105 , stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium  405 . The program modules are configured with stored instructions, such as processor-executable instructions  420 , that when executed by at least a processor, such as processor  440 , cause the computing device to perform the corresponding function(s) as described herein. In one embodiment, the, functionality of the controlling module  105 , stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium  405 , may be executed by the processor  440  as the processor-executable instructions  420  to perform an embodiment  425  of the method  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The non-transitory computer-readable medium  405  includes the processor-executable instructions  420  that when executed by a processor  440  cause performance of at least some of the provisions herein. The non-transitory computer-readable medium  405  includes 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 medium  405  stores computer-readable data  410  that, when subjected to reading  415  by a reader  435  of a device  430  (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 instructions  420 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions  420 , when executed cause performance of operations, such as at least some of the example method  200  of  FIG. 2 , for example. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions  420  are configured to cause implementation of a system, such as at least some of the example system  100  of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example computing device  500  that is configured and/or programmed with one or more of the example systems and methods described herein, and/or equivalents. The example computing device  500  may be the computer  515  that includes a processor  520 , a memory  535 , and input/output (I/O) ports  545  operably connected by a bus  525 . In one embodiment, the, the computer  515  may include logic of the controlling module  105  configured to facilitate the system  100  and/or the method  200  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . In different embodiments, the logic of the controlling module  105  may be implemented in hardware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium  505  with stored instructions, firmware, and/or combinations thereof. While the logic of the controlling module  105  is illustrated as a hardware component attached to the bus  525 , it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, the logic of the controlling module  105  could be implemented in the processor  520 , stored in memory  535 , or stored in disk  555 . 
     In one embodiment, logic of the controlling module  105  or the computer  515  is 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 computer  515  as data  510  that are temporarily stored in memory  535  and then executed by processor  520 . 
     The logic of the controlling module  105  may also provide means (e.g., hardware, non-transitory computer-readable medium  505  that stores executable instructions, firmware) for performing rule based source sequencing for allocation. 
     Generally describing an example configuration of the computer  515 , the processor  520  may be a variety of various processors including dual microprocessor and other multi-processor architectures. The memory  535  may 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 disks  555  may be operably connected to the computer  515  via, for example, the I/O interface  540  (e.g., card, device) and the I/O ports  545 . The disks  555  may 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 disks  555  may be a CD-ROM drive, a CD-R drive, a CD-RW drive, a DVD ROM, and so on. The memory  535  can store a process, such as within the non-transitory computer-readable medium  505 , and/or data  510 , for example. The disk  555  and/or the memory  535  can store an operating system that controls and allocates resources of the computer  515 . 
     The computer  515  may interact with I/O devices via the I/O interfaces  540  and the I/O ports  545 . The I/O devices may be, for example, a keyboard, a microphone, a pointing and selection device, cameras, video cards, displays, the disks  555 , the network devices  550 , and so on. The I/O ports  545  may include, for example, serial ports, parallel ports, and USB ports. I/O controllers  530  may connect the I/O interfaces  540  to the bus  525 . 
     The computer  515  can operate in a network environment and thus may be connected to the network devices  550  via the I/O interfaces  540 , and/or the I/O ports  545 . Through the network devices  550 , the computer  515  may interact with a network. Through the network, the computer  515  may be logically connected to remote computers (e.g., the computer  515  may reside within a distributed computing environment to which clients may connect). Networks with which the computer  515  may interact include, but are not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a new area network (WAN), and other networks. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a system  600  in which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Enterprise network  604  may 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 network  604  is represented by an on-site local area network  606  to which a plurality of personal computers  608  are 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 computer  610  that 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 computers  608  and  610  may 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 network  604  interface with the integrated business system  602  across the Internet  612  or another suitable communications network or combination of networks. 
     Integrated business system  602 , which may be hosted by a dedicated third party, may include an integrated business server  614  and a web interface server  616 , coupled as shown in  FIG. 6 . It is to be appreciated that either or both of the integrated business server  614  and the web interface server  616  may be implemented on one or more different hardware systems and components, even though represented as singular units in  FIG. 6 . 
     In a typical example in which system  602  is operated by a third party for the benefit of multiple account owners/tenants, each of whom is operating a business, integrated business server  614  comprises an ERP module  618  and further comprises a CRM module  620 . In many cases, it will be desirable for the ERP module  618  to share methods, libraries, databases, subroutines, variables, etc., with CRM module  620 , and indeed ERP module  618  may be intertwined with CRM module  620  into an integrated Business Data Processing Platform (which may be single tenant, but is typically multi-tenant). 
     The ERP module  618  may 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 module  620  may 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 server  614  (or multi-tenant data processing platform) further may provide other business functionalities including a web store/eCommerce module  622 , a partner and vendor management module  624 , and an integrated reporting module  630 . An SCM (supply chain management) module  626  and PLM (product lifecycle management) module  628  may also be provided. Web interface server  616  is configured and adapted to interface with the integrated business server  614  to provide one or more web-based user interfaces to end users of the enterprise network  604 . 
     The integrated business system shown in  FIG. 6  may 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. 7  is a diagram illustrating elements or components of an example operating environment  700  in which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. As shown, a variety of clients  702  incorporating and/or incorporated into a variety of computing devices may communicate with a distributed computing service/platform  708  through one or more networks  714 . 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 computers  704 , desktop computers  706 , laptop computers  708 , notebook computers, tablet computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)  710 , smart phones  712 , 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 networks  714  include 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&#39;s device. 
     The distributed computing service/platform (which may also be referred to as a multi-tenant business data processing platform)  708  may include multiple processing tiers, including a user interface tier  716 , an application server tier  720 , and a data storage tier  724 . The user interface tier  716  may maintain multiple user interfaces  718 , 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&#39;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 tier  724  may include one or more data stores, which may include a Service Data store  725  and one or more Tenant Data stores  726 . 
     Each tenant data store  726  may 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/platform  708  may be multi-tenant and service platform  708  may 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 servers  722  that are part of the platform&#39;s Application Server Tier  720 . 
     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 element  708  of  FIG. 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 servers  722  that are part of the platform&#39;s Application Server Tier  720 . 
     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&#39;s eCommerce platform and/or “web-store.” For example, a customer searching for a particular product can be directed to a merchant&#39;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 platform  708  of  FIG. 7 ). 
     As noted with regards to  FIG. 6 , the integrated business system shown in  FIG. 7  may 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&#39;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&#39;s employees and/or customers. In some cases, such an extension may be applied to the processing of the tenant&#39;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. 
     While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methodologies in the figures are shown and described as a series of blocks of an algorithm, it is to be appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the blocks. Some blocks can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described. Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be used to implement an example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated into multiple actions/components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employ additional actions that are not illustrated in blocks. The methods described herein are limited to statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. 
     The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. 
     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. 
     “Computer-readable medium” or “computer storage medium”, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory medium that stores instructions and/or data configured to perform one or more of the disclosed functions when executed. Data may function as instructions in some embodiments. A computer-readable medium may take forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media may include, for example, semiconductor memories, dynamic memory, and so on. Common forms of a computer-readable medium may include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magnetic medium, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, a compact disk (CD), other optical medium, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a memory chip or card, a memory stick, solid state storage device (SSD), flash drive, and other media from which a computer, a processor or other electronic device can function with. Each type of media, if selected for implementation in one embodiment, may include stored instructions of an algorithm configured to perform one or more of the disclosed and/or claimed functions. Computer-readable media described herein are limited to statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. 
     “Logic”, as used herein, represents a component that is implemented with computer or electrical hardware, a non-transitory medium with stored instructions of an executable application or program module, and/or combinations of these to perform any of the functions or actions as disclosed herein, and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system to be performed as disclosed herein. Equivalent logic may include firmware, a microprocessor programmed with an algorithm, a discrete logic (e.g., ASIC), at least one circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions of an algorithm, and so on, any of which may be configured to perform one or more of the disclosed functions. In one embodiment, logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components configured to perform one or more of the disclosed functions. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple logics. In one embodiment, one or more of these logics are corresponding structure associated with performing the disclosed and/or claimed functions. Choice of which type of logic to implement may be based on desired system conditions or specifications. For example, if greater speed is a consideration, then hardware would be selected to implement functions. If a lower cost is a consideration, then stored instructions/executable application would be selected to implement the functions. Logic is limited to statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. 
     An “operable connection”, or a connection by which entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. An operable connection may include differing combinations of interfaces and/or connections sufficient to allow operable control. For example, two entities can be operably connected to communicate signals to each other directly or through one or more intermediate entities (e.g., processor, operating system, logic, non-transitory computer-readable medium). Logical and/or physical communication channels can be used to create an operable connection. 
     “User”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more persons, computers or other devices, or combinations of these. 
     While the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described in considerable detail, it is not the intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the various aspects of the subject matter. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to the specific details or the illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this disclosure is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims, which satisfy the statutory subject matter requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 101. 
     To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
     To the extent that the term “or” is used in the detailed description or claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both”. When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the phrase “only A or B but not both” will be used. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use.