Smartphone App for PLM Work Order Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical layer management (PLM) systems in telecommunications networks lack the ability to automatically verify non-connection related steps in electronic work orders and fail to conveniently actuate or deactuate visual indicators like LEDs associated with patch panels, leading to manual data entry and potential verification issues.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application on a smartphone that generates electronic work orders, allows technicians to take pictures documenting steps, associate them with the work order, and communicate these for documentation, and enables remote actuation of visual indicators like LEDs through user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If PLM systems use traditional connection verification methods, then connection tracking is reliable, but non-connection steps cannot be automatically verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital images captured by smartphone cameras to create visual copies of work order step completions. These image copies serve as verification documentation, allowing non-connection steps to be automatically verified and stored in the PLM system without manual data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification mechanisms with automated smartphone-based image capture and transmission. The mobile device's camera and communication capabilities substitute for traditional manual inspection and data entry processes, enabling automatic verification of diverse work order steps.
2Reliability
If technicians manually enter deviation information, then documentation is possible, but verification accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service documentation where the smartphone automatically captures images and transmits them to the PLM system. This eliminates the need for manual data entry while maintaining documentation convenience, as the device serves itself to record and verify work order completions accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where captured images are transmitted back to the PLM system for verification. This feedback mechanism ensures that deviations and completions are accurately documented and verified, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are actuated manually, then control is simple, but on-site verification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application serves as an intermediary between the technician and the PLM system's visual indicators. The app transmits commands remotely to actuate or deactuate LEDs and other indicators, eliminating the need for on-site verification while maintaining simple control through the mobile interface.
4Loss of information
If PLM systems track only connection changes, then system complexity is low, but documentation completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the PLM system's functionality to handle multiple types of work order steps beyond just connection changes. The system universally accepts and verifies various step types including cable routing, equipment installation, and other non-connection tasks through image capture and PLM integration, achieving comprehensive documentation without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a mobile application executing on a smartphone that is used to assist a technician in carrying out electronic work orders. In some embodiments, the mobile application uses a camera in the smartphone to take photos that are associated with one or more steps of the work order.