Decisioning Framework for Work Function Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent decision-making across various levels within a business entity complicates efforts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service due to increasing options and subjective factors in service provision and work function management.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for determining a recommended location for performing a work function based on process criteria such as hours of operation, type of work, and provider attributes, which includes evaluating internal and external supplier options to provide a consistent and repeatable decision framework.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If subjective decision making is used at various levels within a business entity, then flexibility in decision making is maintained, but consistency and repeatability of decisions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in decision makingVSAvoidconsistency of decisions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decisioning framework as an intermediary system that mediates between business needs and decision execution. This framework includes standardized evaluation criteria, decision matrices, and assessment protocols that ensure consistent application across all levels, while still allowing flexibility in specific implementations through configurable parameters and adaptive guidelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If increasing numbers and types of options are provided for service delivery, then adaptability and service quality improve, but decision complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery optionsVSAvoiddecision complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the decision-making process into distinct phases: requirement analysis, option evaluation, and decision execution. It divides the evaluation criteria into multiple dimensions (cost, quality, time, risk) and uses structured matrices to assess each option against these segments, making the overall complexity manageable through systematic breakdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framework allows dynamic adjustment of evaluation parameters and weights based on specific business contexts and priorities. Users can modify criteria importance, adjust scoring thresholds, and reconfigure assessment parameters to match different service delivery scenarios, maintaining adaptability while providing structured guidance through standardized parameter frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If standardized decision frameworks are implemented, then decision consistency improves, but flexibility in handling unique situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecision consistencyVSAvoidflexibility in handling unique situations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The decisioning framework is designed as a dynamic system that adapts to unique situations while maintaining consistency. It includes configurable parameters, adjustable evaluation weights, and flexible scoring mechanisms that can be modified based on specific circumstances, allowing the standardized framework to respond appropriately to unique business scenarios without compromising overall decision consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8396733B2Decisioning framework
Publication Date: 2013.03.12 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US8396733B2 patent drawing
  • US8396733B2 patent drawing
  • US8396733B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method of determining a recommended location for performing a work function is provided. In some examples, the system and method may include receiving a plurality of process criteria, such as hours of operation associated with the work function, type of work performed, skill set desired, language skills desired, and the like. The system and method may further include receiving a plurality of provider attributes, such as languages spoken, knowledge base/skill set, flexibility of staffing, and the like. One or more recommended locations for performing the work function may be determined based on the business and provider attributes.