Process-Based Information Collection System for Work Environment Reporting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information collection processes in work environments are inefficient due to the need for manual recording and subsequent research, leading to delays and inconsistencies in reporting, as well as the inclusion of extraneous information, which can result in incomplete and erroneous data entry.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a process-based information collection system using customizable templates on portable computers that match the user's work process, allowing for context-sensitive data entry and immediate reporting, thereby reducing extraneous information and ensuring consistency and completeness of data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual recording and subsequent research are used for information collection, then users can analyze and extract relevant information, but cycle times and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidcycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures templates with all necessary data fields, validation rules, and reporting structures before the user arrives at the work site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for subsequent research and data organization, allowing users to simply fill in observed data and immediately generate complete reports, thereby dramatically reducing cycle time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs data validation, formatting, and report generation without requiring manual intervention. The templates self-verify data completeness and correctness, eliminating the need for users to conduct subsequent research or manually organize information, thus reducing both time and costs while ensuring accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If users manually extract and record information, then they can identify relevant data, but inconsistencies and errors occur in data entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies context-specific validation rules and data type constraints to each field within the template based on the particular situation being recorded. Each data entry point has tailored quality checks appropriate to its local context, ensuring that the right type of information is captured with the required level of detail and consistency for that specific work scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback to users during data entry through validation messages, error warnings, and completeness checks. This real-time feedback mechanism guides users to correct inconsistencies and ensure all required information is captured accurately before the report is finalized, thereby improving both completeness and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If users take handwritten notes and transfer to computer system later, then information can be recorded, but productivity decreases due to duplication of effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation volumeVSAvoidreporting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the data collection, validation, and reporting functions into a single integrated template-filling process. Users capture all necessary information directly in the standardized template at the point of observation, and the system automatically generates the complete report without requiring separate transcription or data organization steps, thereby eliminating duplication and significantly improving productivity while capturing all required information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If standardized forms are used for information collection, then data entry is simplified, but extraneous information is included and desired information may be omitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry easeVSAvoidinformation relevance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic templates that adapt their content and structure based on the specific situation, work type, and context being recorded. The templates automatically adjust which fields are required, optional, or hidden, ensuring that users only enter relevant information for their particular scenario. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation by providing guidance while ensuring information relevance by showing only context-appropriate fields

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7801914B2System, method and computer-program product for allowing an entity to capture, integrate, and report desired information relating to a specific situation in a given process-related work environment

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for collecting desired information from information that relates to a specific situation within the context of a specific work environment, wherein the information comprises extraneous information and the desired information. A template that relates to the specific situation can be opened and interpreted at a computing device to generate queries presented to a user for extracting the desired information from the information. A user can input responses to the queries, and a completed template can be generated based on the responses. The completed template includes the desired information. The completed template can be submitted to an information management system.