Group Identifier Encoding for Asset Custody Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking systems lack efficient methods for managing the lifecycle of assets, including tracking unique identifiers and chain of custody, especially in industries where tampering and theft are concerns, such as utility and transportation sectors.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that utilizes unique identifiers associated with tracking units and assets, enabling tracking and management through a cloud-based platform, allowing for the generation of identification codes, grouping of assets, and updating of status throughout their lifecycle, including installation, maintenance, and retirement, with features like tamper-resistant encryption and GPS tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional asset tracking methods are used, then implementation is simple, but tracking efficiency and real-time monitoring capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal identification code structure that serves multiple functions: it identifies individual assets, groups assets into families, and enables hierarchical tracking from component to system level. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive tracking capabilities through a single unified system rather than multiple separate tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification code is segmented into distinct components (asset identifier, family identifier, serial number) that can be independently managed and processed. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex tracking requirements by breaking down the identification process into manageable parts, improving tracking efficiency without overwhelming system complexity.
2Reliability
If detailed tracking information is maintained for each asset, then chain of custody and accountability are improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a hierarchical dimension to asset tracking by implementing family groups and multi-level asset relationships. This dimensional approach organizes detailed tracking information in a structured hierarchy, allowing comprehensive chain of custody documentation while simplifying data management through hierarchical abstraction rather than flat, unstructured data storage.
3Measurement precision
If unique identifiers are assigned to each asset, then asset differentiation and tracking precision are improved, but identifier management and verification become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system uses a nested structure where family identifiers contain asset identifiers, which in turn contain serial numbers. This nesting allows precise asset differentiation at multiple levels, with each level providing increasing granularity of identification while the hierarchical structure simplifies management compared to managing completely independent identifiers for each asset.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device obtains a machine-readable code encoding a group identifier, and decodes the group identifier to identify each unit identifier of each of a plurality of tracking units. Decoding includes identifying a first portion of the group identifier that identifies a first unit identifier of a first unit, and identifying a second portion of the group identifier comprising a multiplier identifying a number of the plurality of tracking units that are within the grouping. The computing device sends a request to a management service for a first user to obtain custody of the plurality of tracking units. The management service reassigns custody of the plurality of tracking units from a second user to the first user, without obtaining input from the second user. Another computing device associated with the second user updates a displayed status to indicate that the first user now has custody of the particular tracking unit.