Network Label Management System with Multi-Level Proofing Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual label management systems are prone to errors, leading to productivity losses, material waste, and increased costs due to unauthorized or unnecessary edits, requiring a more efficient and secure method for label editing and management across multiple stakeholders.

Innovation Solution

A network-based label procurement and management system that allows multiple users to upload, store, modify, and maintain label images and data files, featuring multiple levels of accuracy checking and proofing, precision text editing capabilities, and administrative tools for workflow management and reporting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual label management systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to errors and unauthorized edits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the label management system that operates independently from manual processes. The system maintains a centralized database of label templates and uses automated workflows to manage revisions, replacing manual copy-and-paste operations with structured digital replication that ensures consistency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical label management with an automated computer-based system. Users interact through a graphical user interface that automatically processes label revisions, tracks changes, and manages approvals, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reducing human error in the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual label editing processes are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel production efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-approved label templates and pre-configured editing workflows that prepare label elements in advance. Users can select from pre-validated templates and apply pre-approved revisions, eliminating the need for manual creation and review of each label element from scratch, thereby significantly improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation through automated workflows that continuously track label revisions, manage approval processes, and update databases without interruption. The system operates continuously to manage label lifecycle, eliminating downtime and manual intervention gaps that reduce productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of substance

If manual label maintenance is performed, then ease of operation is high, but loss of substance increases due to material waste from printing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a proofing and approval workflow that reviews and validates label designs before final production. Pre-approved templates and automated validation checks ensure label accuracy is verified in advance, preventing material waste from printing errors by catching issues before labels are manufactured and shipped.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track label revisions, monitor approval status, and provide real-time validation feedback to users. This feedback loop ensures that only approved and verified label designs proceed to production, reducing material waste by preventing errors before they occur rather than detecting them after material has been consumed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8429528B2Label data procurement and management system
Publication Date: 2013.04.23 MARCH JR WILLIAM
  • US8429528B2 patent drawing
  • US8429528B2 patent drawing
  • US8429528B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A label data procurement and management system comprising a server with accessibility over a network having a label input function for inputting new labels, a function for searching for a label, a function for an editor to inspect a label and propose changes, a function for at least one member of a team to review and apply the label changes, a function for at least one member of a proofing team to proof the label, and an administration function for performing administrative features of the system.