Decentralized Workflow Management Using Distributed Ledgers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized access control mechanisms in workflow management systems restrict automation and efficiency, especially when multiple independent parties are involved, leading to operational slowdowns and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized process management system using distributed ledgers allows multiple parties to manage workflow seamlessly by depositing instructions and data onto a distributed immutable ledger, enabling secure and transparent process execution without central control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized access control mechanisms are used to manage workflow, then security and control are improved, but operational speed and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centralized access control mechanism from the workflow management system and replaces it with a decentralized distributed ledger system. This extraction allows the system to maintain security through cryptographic verification while eliminating the bottleneck of centralized approval, thereby improving operational speed without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger acts as an intermediary between multiple independent parties in the workflow. Instead of requiring centralized control, the ledger provides a shared, immutable record that all parties can verify, enabling secure automated execution without central intervention and thus resolving the contradiction between security and speed.
2Reliability
If centralized control is implemented for workflow management, then governance and control are improved, but productivity and processing costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service workflow execution where independent parties can autonomously execute tasks based on conditions defined in the distributed ledger. This eliminates the need for continuous centralized oversight, significantly improving productivity while maintaining governance through transparent, immutable records that all parties can audit.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger enables continuous workflow execution without interruptions for centralized approval. Once workflows are deployed to the ledger, they can execute continuously and automatically, eliminating downtime associated with manual intervention and thereby improving productivity while maintaining governance through permanent audit trails.
3Reliability
If centralized access control is used, then security management is improved, but ease of operation and workflow automation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centralized access control system with an automated distributed ledger system that uses cryptographic verification and smart contracts. This substitution eliminates manual authentication steps, making the system easier to operate while maintaining security through automated cryptographic verification and immutable record-keeping.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods, systems and infrastructure for depositing at least one instruction onto one or more data blocks of a distributed immutable ledger implemented to have a plurality of data blocks connected by way of logical links in a sequential chain. The at least one instruction may be associated with information deposited onto the one or more data blocks, the deposited information comprising at least one of data or metadata utilizable by a second party, using a computing application, to perform one or more operations according to the at least one instructions as related to a first step in a process being managed by the first party.