RFID Tag Workflow Automation for Document Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coexistence of paper and electronic documentation in organizations leads to complex workflows, requiring effective tracking and access management, which existing systems struggle to efficiently handle.

Innovation Solution

The use of RFID technology to read tags associated with physical assets and electronic documents, allowing for the identification of attributes and initiation of workflows, including security policies and communication sessions, based on metadata stored on the tags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If paper and electronic documents are used together in workflows, then organizations can maintain both traditional and modern documentation methods, but the complexity of tracking and managing both mediums increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocumentation method flexibilityVSAvoidworkflow management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges paper and electronic document management into a unified system by attaching RFID tags to physical documents. This combination allows the system to track both traditional paper documents and electronic documents through a common technological platform, enabling seamless integration of both documentation methods while reducing management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

RFID tags serve as an intermediary between paper documents and the electronic management system. The tags enable automatic identification and tracking of physical documents, bridging the gap between traditional paper-based workflows and modern electronic document management systems without requiring complete system replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual tracking of paper and electronic documents is implemented, then access control can be maintained, but the time and resources required for accounting and tracking increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidtracking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service tracking where RFID tags automatically identify and report the location and status of documents without requiring manual intervention. This automated self-reporting mechanism maintains reliable access control while eliminating the time-consuming manual tracking processes that previously required human resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with automated RFID technology. Instead of physically tracking documents through manual logs and registers, the system uses electromagnetic fields and automated readers to detect and record document locations, significantly reducing the time and labor required for tracking while maintaining security

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient tracking and management of both paper and electronic documents within workflows, improving access control and streamlining business processes by automating the selection and execution of relevant tasks and communication protocols.

Implementation Method 1

reading one or more RFID tags

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10157368B2Rapid access to data oriented workflows
Publication Date: 2018.12.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10157368B2 patent drawing
  • US10157368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One or more RFID tags may be read. An electronic document associated with the RFID tag may be identified. One or more attributes associated with the electronic document can be identified. One or more workflows can be determined according to the attribute(s).