Rule-Based Parsing of Tech Transfer Documents With Approval Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technology transfer process is inefficient due to asynchronous approval and editing processes, leading to multiple document versions and loss of information, and lacks formalized approval collection and digital formalization of manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A digital technology transfer system that transforms technology transfer documents into digitized manufacturing procedures, creating a hierarchical structured model representing products and manufacturing processes, integrating steps into production lines, and providing role-specific views and approval tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If asynchronous approval and editing processes are used for technology transfer documents, then flexibility in document modification is improved, but information loss and version control issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in document modificationVSAvoidinformation loss and version control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a formalized approval collection process before document distribution. Approval workflows are predefined and structured, ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained and recorded before the document is finalized and transferred, preventing later modifications and information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through digital approval tracking and version control. Each document revision is tracked, and approval status is continuously monitored and recorded. This feedback loop ensures that all stakeholders are informed of document changes and maintain a single source of truth, eliminating information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple document versions are created during approval processes, then adaptability to feedback is improved, but document management complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to feedbackVSAvoiddocument management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the document management process into distinct, manageable components: version control modules, approval workflow modules, and distribution modules. Each version is clearly delineated with unique identifiers, and approval processes are broken down into discrete steps that can be tracked independently, reducing overall management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses digital copying mechanisms to create and manage document versions. Instead of manually reproducing documents, the system generates digital copies with automated version numbering and metadata tracking. This allows multiple versions to exist simultaneously in a controlled manner, maintaining adaptability while simplifying management through automated replication and tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If formalized approval collection is implemented, then reliability of technology transfer process is improved, but process time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of technology transfer processVSAvoidapproval collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring approval workflows and identifying all required approvers before the approval process begins. Approval routes are predetermined based on document type and content, eliminating delays caused by ad-hoc decision-making and ensuring reliable, consistent processing times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by enabling parallel approval processes where multiple approvers can review and approve documents simultaneously rather than sequentially. The digital platform allows continuous monitoring and notification of approvers, ensuring the approval process proceeds without unnecessary interruptions or delays while maintaining reliability through structured workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4361844A1Rule encoding for generic data parsing of data technology transfer documents
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP4361844A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361844A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361844A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A digital technology transfer system transforms technology transfer documents to a set of digitized manufacturing procedures and operations documentation. The system can transform a technology transfer document to a hierarchical structured model representing a package, or product to be manufactured, and the process for manufacturing the product. The resulting package model can be integrated into a larger model representing an ecosystem of manufacturing entities and plant facilities by assigning steps of the manufacturing process to one or more selected production lines. To reduce dependency on custom-built parsers for each type of document format, the system integrating both custom and general parsing mechanisms into a scalable parser orchestration engine.