Automated Access Request Add-on for Restricted Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in an organization often face difficulties in accessing files for which they do not have the necessary access rights, requiring manual efforts to locate and request permissions from the owners.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a computerized system to automatically request access rights by invoking an add-on program on a remote computer, which notifies the object's owner using contact data stored in the system, thereby streamlining the process of requesting access without requiring the user to identify the owner or manually request permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to request access rights, then users can access files with proper authorization, but the process requires significant time and effort to locate and contact file owners
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary automated notification mechanism that mediates between the user requesting access and the file owner. The notification system automatically delivers access requests to file owners using stored contact information, eliminating the need for users to manually locate and contact owners through external communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically managing the notification process. When a user requests access to a file they don't have rights to view, the system automatically retrieves the file owner's contact information from the database and sends the notification, allowing the process to serve itself without human intervention in the notification stage.
2Productivity
If automated notification systems are implemented, then the access request process becomes more efficient, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that can send notifications through multiple communication channels (email, SMS, instant messaging) and can notify multiple types of users (file owners, administrators, group members). This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single versatile notification service.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system acts as an intermediary layer that simplifies the overall system architecture. Rather than having the file access system directly integrated with multiple communication platforms, the notification system serves as a mediator that handles all communication protocols, reducing the complexity of the core file access system.
3Reliability
If users must manually identify and contact file owners, then system security is maintained through controlled access, but the administrative burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically retrieving file owner information from the database and sending notifications without requiring administrative intervention. The automated notification system handles the entire process of identifying and contacting file owners, reducing administrative burden while maintaining security through the centralized database that tracks ownership information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where access requests automatically generate notifications to file owners, who can then respond by granting or denying access. This automated feedback mechanism reduces administrative effort by eliminating manual tracking of access requests and their outcomes, while the centralized database ensures security policies are consistently applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for requesting access rights for an object of a computerized system, comprising invoking in a remote computer linkable to the computerized system an add-on program configured for notifying an owner of the object of the computerized system according to received contact data of the owner of the object, thereby requesting from the owner of the object access rights to the object independently of the computerized system, and an apparatus for performing the same.