Mobile Business Process Approval via Email Widget Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing business process automation systems are inefficient as they require direct access to backend systems for mobile device interaction, making it difficult for employees to access and approve work orders remotely without costly dedicated software development.
Innovation Solution
A method that intercepts backend system emails, transforms them into widget messages, and synchronizes these messages to mobile devices, allowing employees to interact with backend systems through a mobile office client, enabling remote approval and initiation of business processes without dedicated software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct access to backend system is provided from mobile device, then employee can access and approve work orders remotely, but costly dedicated client software development is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses email as an intermediary medium to bridge the mobile device and backend system. Instead of requiring direct software integration, the system sends business process notifications via email to mobile devices, allowing employees to access and approve work orders through email interfaces without installing dedicated client software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the backend system interface through email-based widgets. These widgets replicate essential business process functions (viewing work orders, approving/denying) in a mobile-friendly format, eliminating the need for complex dedicated software while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If dedicated client software is developed for mobile device, then direct interface with backend system is achieved, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Email serves as a universal intermediary that eliminates the need for custom software development. The system leverages existing email infrastructure to communicate business process information, avoiding the cost and complexity of developing and maintaining dedicated mobile clients while ensuring reliable backend system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the backend system accessible through a universal platform (email) that employees already use. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to serve multiple purposes (work order management, notifications, approvals) without requiring separate dedicated software applications.
3Reliability
If employee returns to office to access business process system, then direct system access is possible, but time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses email as a portable intermediary that delivers business process information to employees' mobile devices. This allows employees to access work orders, view details, and approve or deny requests from any location without returning to the office, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining reliable system access.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for intercepting an e-mail from a backend system and converting the e-mail into a message which can be used by a mobile device to graphically represent a business process. The mobile device can interact with the graphic representation, or invoke a business method from a local graphic representation, in order to send a response message to the backend system for further communications.