Blockchain Ledger for RPA Script Integrity Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Automated processes, such as robotic process automation (RPA) scripts, face challenges in validation and auditing due to difficulties in determining if they have been tampered with or are executing correctly, especially in regulated industries where transparency and integrity are crucial.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an immutable and decentralized ledger system, like blockchain, to securely and accountably execute and validate RPA scripts by creating reference blocks with cryptographic hashes for scripts and runtime utilities, ensuring integrity and transparency through a tamper-resistant method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual processes are used for execution and validation, then ease of operation and human oversight are maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabor efficiencyVSAvoidvalidation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-validation through cryptographic hashing and blockchain recording. The RPA script automatically generates a hash of its execution details and records them on the blockchain, allowing automated verification without requiring manual auditor intervention for each execution step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual validation processes with automated cryptographic verification. Instead of human auditors manually checking execution details, the system uses SHA-256 hashing and blockchain technology to automatically verify and record RPA script executions, ensuring integrity and enabling efficient auditing.

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

2Reliability

If RPA scripts are executed without blockchain validation, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and integrity of execution are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of RPA executionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blockchain serves as an intermediary layer between the RPA script execution and the validation process. It provides a trusted, immutable ledger that records execution details, allowing the system to maintain reliability without requiring complex validation mechanisms within the script itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing cryptographic hashes of RPA scripts and their expected executions on the blockchain before actual validation is needed. This establishes a reference framework in advance that simplifies subsequent verification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If manual auditing of RPA scripts is performed, then ease of operation for auditors is maintained, but loss of time for validation and auditing processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauditing timeVSAvoidauditor feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate feedback to auditors through the blockchain, which contains verified execution records. Auditors receive automated confirmation that scripts were executed as expected, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification while maintaining ease of operation through clear, accessible audit trails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11722324B2Secure and accountable execution of robotic process automation
Publication Date: 2023.08.08 PWC PRODUCT SALES LLC
  • US11722324B2 patent drawing
  • US11722324B2 patent drawing
  • US11722324B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for secure and accountable execution of computer scripts are disclosed. A system for validating an execution of a set of computer instructions may be configured to receive a first cryptographic hash, the first cryptographic hash corresponding to the set of computer instructions, to receive a second cryptographic hash, the second cryptographic hash corresponding to a runtime utility, wherein the runtime utility is configured to execute the set of computer instructions, to generate a ledger entry comprising the first cryptographic hash, the second cryptographic hash, and an indicator of success, and to add the ledger entry to a blockchain ledger, wherein the blockchain ledger is configured to receive the ledger entry from an authenticated node.