Verbal Workflow Management System for Hands-Free Procedure Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workflow management systems are inefficient and costly, requiring workers to memorize and re-memorize standard operating procedures, which is unsustainable as the rate of change exceeds workers' capacity and is impractical for procedures with many steps or infrequent performance, leading to inconsistent quality and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A verbal workflow management system that allows workers to access and execute standard operating procedures audibly without memorization, using a processor to confirm credentials, store workflow data, and provide verbal instructions through an audio device, enabling secure, unbiased, and reliable performance data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers are required to memorize standard operating procedures, then they can perform workflows without external aids, but the training time and cost increase significantly and workers cannot keep up with the rate of change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio device as an intermediary between the worker and the workflow instructions. Instead of requiring the worker's brain to store and recall procedures, the system uses audio output to deliver step-by-step instructions directly to the worker during task execution. This mediator handles the information retention burden, allowing the worker to focus on execution without extensive memorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive system of human memorization with an electronic audio-based information delivery system. Rather than relying on the worker's memory capacity and retention abilities, the system uses audio devices to provide real-time guidance, substituting human cognitive limitations with technological capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If workers access printed instructions or videos during work, then they can refer to detailed procedures, but they cannot safely or efficiently stop working to access these aids
Solution Approach 1:
The audio device serves as a hands-free intermediary that delivers procedural information without requiring the worker to divert attention to visual materials. The worker receives instructions through audio while maintaining focus on the physical task, eliminating the need to stop work or shift attention between the task and instructional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers instructions in periodic segments corresponding to workflow steps. Rather than presenting all information at once or requiring continuous reference to materials, the audio system provides information in timed intervals that match the task progression, allowing the worker to maintain continuous work flow while receiving guidance at appropriate moments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard operating procedures are updated frequently to respond to innovation, then the business maintains competitive advantage, but workers cannot re-memorize procedures fast enough
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the instructional content dynamic rather than static. The audio instructions can be updated and modified without requiring retraining of workers, as the changes are reflected immediately in the audio output. This dynamic capability allows the business to adapt procedures rapidly in response to innovation while workers simply receive updated instructions through the audio device without needing to re-memorize.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio device acts as a buffer between the static worker knowledge base and the dynamically changing procedural requirements. When procedures are updated, only the audio content needs modification, not the worker's understanding. This intermediary absorbs the burden of change management, allowing rapid procedure updates without proportional retraining investment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If workers perform workflows with too many steps or infrequent repetition, then they can handle complex tasks, but memorization becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments complex workflows into discrete, manageable steps that are presented sequentially through audio instructions. Rather than requiring the worker to memorize an entire complex procedure at once, the audio device breaks down the workflow into individual steps, providing guidance for each step as it needs to be executed. This segmentation makes complex tasks manageable without relying on human memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and delivers instructional information in advance of each specific task step. The audio device provides the next instruction before the worker needs to execute it, allowing the worker to focus on the current action rather than recalling future steps. This preliminary delivery of information removes the memorization burden while maintaining the ability to handle complex workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring and executing one or more workflows including: a) a first user with administrative privileges logging into an application of a verbal workflow management system, b) the first user configuring the one or more workflows, c) the second user associated with the user privileges logging into the application via a second computing device which includes and/or is affixed to an audio device, d) the second user verbally requesting one or more workflows, e) the audio device audibly executing via the speaker one or more steps associated with the one or more workflows such that the second user hears the one or more steps as one or more verbal instructions and is able to commence performing one or more actions associated with the one or more steps to complete the one or more workflows.