Modular Workflow Engine for Database Record Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database transaction record management systems face delays due to data anomalies and issues in handling records, which can impact the timely processing of transactions and affect cash flow, especially in healthcare and financial transactions.

Innovation Solution

A records management and processing system that employs a modular workflow engine to define and execute customized workflows, using rules and tags to prioritize and expedite the processing of records based on predefined conditions and actions, thereby reducing delays and improving transaction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional database transaction record management systems are used, then records are processed in a standardized manner, but processing delays occur due to data anomalies and issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidprocessing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transaction processing workflow into distinct modular stages (intake, validation, processing, posting) with specialized handlers for each stage. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different record types and enables targeted optimization of specific processing bottlenecks without affecting the entire system, thereby reducing overall processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple workflow templates with predefined rules, conditions, and actions before transaction records arrive. When records are received, the system quickly matches them against existing workflows rather than creating workflows in real-time, significantly reducing processing initiation time and enabling faster response to incoming transactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual processing methods are used, then flexibility in handling different transaction types is maintained, but human effort and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling transactionsVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic workflow templates that can be configured to adapt to different transaction types, entities, and processing requirements. The system dynamically selects and instantiates appropriate workflow templates based on record characteristics, enabling flexible handling of diverse transactions while automating the decision-making process to reduce manual intervention and processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by allowing workflow templates to be configured with variable parameters such as entity-specific rules, transaction type criteria, and processing priorities. These parameter changes enable the same workflow engine to handle different transaction scenarios flexibly without requiring manual reconfiguration or increased operational complexity, as the system automatically adjusts processing behavior based on the configured parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If standardized processing workflows are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but inability to prioritize records requiring additional attention occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow system simplicityVSAvoidtimely processing of critical records
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different workflow templates to have specialized characteristics tailored to specific transaction types, entities, or processing requirements. Each workflow can be configured with unique rules, validation criteria, and processing logic appropriate to its specific purpose, allowing critical records to receive prioritized handling while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular template-based design rather than complex monolithic processing logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11372901B2Customizing modular workflows for processing of database records
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 ENSEMBLE RCM LLC
  • US11372901B2 patent drawing
  • US11372901B2 patent drawing
  • US11372901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for customizing a workflow for processing database records. More specifically, customizing a workflow for processing database records can comprise maintaining a first set of records associated with a first entity of a plurality of entities. An administrative interface comprising one or more options for workflow configuration can be presented and selection of at least one of the one or more options for workflow configuration can be received through the administrative interface. A custom workflow for the first entity can be defined based on the received selection of the at least one of the one or more options for workflow configuration. The first set of records can then be processed using the defined custom workflow.