Workflow Timeline System for Procedure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing and implementing best practices within organizations face challenges such as scattered and poorly organized content, lack of incentives for updating content, reliance on user initiative for searching, and absence of feedback mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in accessing relevant information.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that stores and manages content related to procedures, generates workflow timelines, sends automated content messages to responsible persons, receives feedback, and modifies standards based on user input, providing a structured and incentivized approach to implementing and improving best practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is stored in paper files or electronic databases, then content can be preserved, but content becomes scattered and difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content into discrete, indexable units with unique identifiers. Each content item is broken down into manageable components that can be independently tagged, stored, and retrieved. This segmentation transforms voluminous documents into structured data elements that can be efficiently organized and accessed through multiple access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indexing system that acts as a mediator between stored content and users seeking information. The index contains structured metadata, keywords, and cross-references that enable rapid retrieval without users needing to search through entire document collections. This intermediary layer decouples storage from retrieval operations.
2Device complexity
If content is stored without incentives, then storage is simple, but content is not kept current or updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where users can report outdated content, suggest improvements, and indicate when procedures have changed. The system tracks content usage patterns and identifies underutilized or potentially outdated materials. This feedback loop continuously informs content updates without requiring complex manual review processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables content owners and users to self-update content through the system interface. Content can be marked for review, versioned automatically, and updated by authorized users without requiring system administrator intervention for each change. The system self-manages content lifecycle including creation, revision, approval, and archiving.
3Quantity of substance
If content is added as one-dimensional documents, then content can be stored, but content lacks intelligent organization and indexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds multiple dimensional layers to flat document content through indexing, tagging, and metadata assignment. Content is organized not just by document structure but by multiple attributes including subject matter, procedure type, applicability criteria, and relationships to other content. This multi-dimensional organization enables flexible querying and retrieval from any dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static document content into dynamic, parameterized data structures. Content is characterized by multiple parameters including version, status, applicability conditions, and associated metadata. These parameters can be filtered, sorted, and used to automatically match content with user needs, transforming one-dimensional text into multi-attribute information objects.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users must take affirmative action to search for best practice information, then user autonomy is maintained, but user burden increases and future use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically performs tasks that would otherwise require user effort. The system auto-generates indexes, creates cross-references, suggests relevant content based on user context, and maintains content relationships without requiring manual user intervention. Users benefit from automated assistance while maintaining control over their searches.
5Device complexity
If there is no feedback mechanism, then system simplicity is maintained, but system improvement over time is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to report content accuracy, suggest improvements, and indicate when procedures have changed. The system collects and processes this feedback to automatically update content, adjust indexes, and improve matching algorithms. Feedback loops enable continuous system evolution without requiring complex manual review processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implementing a procedure in one or more organizations includes storing content messages relating to procedures (such as best practices). A procedure to be performed by one or more responsible persons is identified. A workflow timeline for the procedure is generated. The workflow timeline includes actions for the procedure, a sequence for the actions, and responsible persons assigned to the actions. An activation for the workflow timeline is received from a timeline initiator. Times or due dates for performing actions on the workflow timeline, a responsible person to perform at least one of the actions, and content messages for at least one of the actions are automatically determined. The content messages provide information relating to the procedure. Content messages for one or more of the actions are automatically sent to the responsible person determined for the one or more actions.