Framework and methodology for managing data between data systems

A computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a processor, are configured to cause the processor to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a request in a common form, wherein
• the request is received by a unified inventory management system,
• the request is received from a management system, and
• the request comprises a request for inventory from one or more inventory systems;
• identifying a first inventory system, wherein
• the first inventory system manages a first portion of inventory, and
• the first portion of inventory is needed to fulfill the request;
• converting the request in the common form to a request in a first native form corresponding to the first inventory system;
• transmitting the request in the first native form to the first inventory system;
• collecting information describing the first portion of inventory from the first inventory system;
• identifying a second inventory system, wherein
• the second inventory system manages a second portion of inventory, and
• the second portion of inventory is needed to fulfill the request;
• converting the request in the common form to a request in a second native form corresponding to the second inventory system;
• transmitting the request in the second native form to the second inventory system;
• collecting information describing the second portion of inventory from the second inventory system;
• combining (a) the information describing the first portion of inventory and (b) the information describing the second portion of inventory to create a unified response to the request;
• and
• sending the unified response to the management system.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory, coupled to the processor, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions executable by the processor to:
• receiving a request in a common form, wherein
• the request is received by a unified inventory management system,
• the request is received from a management system, and
• the request comprises a request for inventory from one or more inventory systems;
• identifying a first inventory system, wherein
• the first inventory system manages a first portion of inventory, and
• the first portion of inventory is needed to fulfill the request;
• converting the request in the common form to a request in a first native form corresponding to the first inventory system;
• transmitting the request in the first native form to the first inventory system;
• collecting information describing the first portion of inventory from the first inventory system;
• identifying a second inventory system, wherein
• the second inventory system manages a second portion of inventory, and
• the second portion of inventory is needed to fulfill the request;
• converting the request in the common form to a request in a second native form corresponding to the second inventory system;
• transmitting the request in the second native form to the second inventory system;
• collecting information describing the second portion of inventory from the second inventory system;
• combining (a) the information describing the first portion of inventory and (b) the information describing the second portion of inventory to create a unified response to the request;
• and
• sending the unified response to the management system.