Specification Automation System for Engineering Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engineering specifications are static and disjointed, making it difficult for users to manage and edit engineering information and workflows efficiently, as they are treated as separate documents rather than integrated components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes computer technology to create, display, and edit architectural and engineering information by defining a datamodel and user interface that allows for multitasking, automatic linking of metadata, and simultaneous editing of textual and metadata components, enabling the creation of multiple documents and workflows from a single session, with features like dynamic views, automatic publishing, and workflow wizards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static documents are used for technical specifications, then document creation is simple using word processors, but information consistency and integration across multiple documents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate specification documents into a single integrated electronic specification document. This integration ensures that all related information (technical specifications, equipment datasheets, inspection requirements, bills of material) are contained within one document, eliminating inconsistencies that arise from treating them as separate documents while maintaining ease of creation through a unified template-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic specification document serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the governing technical specification, contains embedded equipment datasheets, includes inspection and test requirements, and integrates bills of material. This multi-functionality within a single document structure maintains simplicity while ensuring all相关信息 remain consistent and interconnected.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate documents are used for specifications and related information, then each document can be managed independently, but workflow efficiency and information integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated electronic specification document into distinct, organized sections including technical specifications, equipment datasheets, inspection requirements, and bills of material. Each section can be independently managed and edited while maintaining its connections to other sections through the unified document structure, enabling both independent management and workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that manages the relationships between different specification components. This intermediary structure allows users to independently manage individual sections while automatically maintaining integration and consistency across all sections, thereby improving workflow efficiency without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional word processing systems are used, then editing is straightforward, but the ability to manage engineering information and workflows powerfully deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static word processing document into a dynamic electronic specification document that can adapt to different engineering workflows and information management needs. The document structure allows for flexible insertion, deletion, and reorganization of sections while maintaining automated updates and consistency checks, providing both editing simplicity and enhanced adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the document system from static text-based formatting to dynamic data-driven content with structured fields and automated relationships. This allows the document to maintain ease of editing through standardized templates while gaining powerful engineering information management capabilities through automated consistency checking and integrated workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of leveraging computer technology to guide the user to create, display, and edit architectural and engineering information in ways specific to the architect's or engineer's needs in specification development is provided. This is provided in software that allows the automatic creation and management of architectural and/or engineering workflows, including but not limited to: procurement, quality assurance, and design, driven by engineering specifications and requirements contained therein and therewith. For each specification paragraph, in addition to the main textual component, appropriate attributes and/or elements are created and defined by a schema to support multitasking and the storing of related information for related purposes.