Real-Time Project Task Tracking via Automated Workflow Data Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient method to define and manage complex project tasks and their dependencies, particularly in construction projects, leading to difficulties in tracking progress and identifying bottlenecks.

Innovation Solution

A data structure system that defines project attributes, tasks, and user roles, with workflows specifying sub-tasks, dependencies, and status updates, allowing for the creation of tickets that are stored in a database for tracking and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tracking methods are used for project tasks, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but tracking efficiency and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated computer-based system that uses databases, workflows, and algorithms to automatically track project tasks, monitor progress, and identify bottlenecks in real-time

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically updates task statuses, propagates workflow changes, and generates progress reports without requiring manual intervention, allowing the tracking system to serve itself through automated data collection and analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If complex task dependencies are manually managed, then flexibility in defining custom workflows is achieved, but time to identify bottlenecks and impeding tasks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to identify bottlenecksVSAvoidease of tracking progress
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors task progress and automatically provides feedback by identifying bottlenecks and impeding tasks through algorithmic analysis of task dependencies and current status, enabling rapid response to project delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer-based intermediary system that acts as a mediator between complex task dependencies and project managers, automatically analyzing and translating dependency relationships into actionable insights about bottlenecks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If workflow changes are made manually, then adaptability to project requirements is maintained, but propagation of revisions through the system becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow revision propagation speedVSAvoiddata structure management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the complete data structure and relationships between tasks, workflows, and project elements before execution, allowing rapid propagation of workflow revisions through pre-configured dependency chains without manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic workflow management where the system automatically adapts and propagates workflow changes through the entire project structure in real-time, allowing workflows to be flexible and responsive without manual intervention at each step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11783295B2System and method for tracking project tasks in real time
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 F3SYSTEMS LTD
  • US11783295B2 patent drawing
  • US11783295B2 patent drawing
  • US11783295B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer system and process for defining and operating a data structure that defines task forms and workflows associated with those forms is described that may be used for project management.