Digital Chain of Custody for Construction Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in maintaining accurate chain of custody for construction materials due to the fragility of paper records and the lack of reliable wireless connectivity at supplier and job sites, leading to difficulties in tracking and updating load tickets effectively.
Innovation Solution
A digital chain of custody system is implemented, utilizing an electronic database and server coupled with a wireless communication network, where electronic load tickets are stored and automatically sent as confirmation tickets, and a communication device receives and stores these tickets, allowing for heuristic selection and updating of custody status even in areas with poor or no connectivity through barcodes and digital cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper records are used to maintain chain of custody, then the system is simple and requires no wireless connectivity, but the records are fragile, subject to damage, and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of load tickets and chain of custody records, replacing fragile paper documents with electronic versions that can be stored, transmitted, and accessed without physical degradation. The system generates electronic load tickets, digital signatures, and automated record-keeping that eliminates the fragility of paper while maintaining the essential function of custody tracking.
2Reliability
If electronic systems with wireless devices are implemented, then record accuracy and automation improve, but the system fails in areas with poor or non-existent wireless connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating electronic load tickets, pre-establishing chain of custody protocols, and pre-configuring digital records before wireless connectivity is needed. The system prepares all necessary electronic documentation in advance, so that even in areas with poor connectivity, the pre-established digital records can be accessed and maintained without requiring real-time wireless communication.
3Ease of operation
If paper load tickets are used, then the system works without wireless connectivity, but the records are difficult to update and track in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the electronic system automatically updates chain of custody records, generates notifications, and tracks material movement in real-time. When construction materials are transferred, the system automatically updates the digital record, sends notifications to relevant parties, and maintains an audit trail, eliminating the manual updating process required by paper systems and providing immediate feedback on custody status.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital chain of custody system resilient to wireless connectivity disruption includes an electronic database that stores electronic load tickets, a server, and one or more user communication devices wirelessly coupled to the server, examples of which include a sender communication device, a trucker communication device, and a receiver communication device. The receiver communication device and/or the server accepts a portion, less than all, of a load ticket identifier and uses a heuristic to identify a corresponding electronic load ticket in the database. In some embodiments, the receiver communication device stores information until wireless connectivity is restored, thereby enabling communication of the electronic load tickets, despite lack of wireless connectivity.