Workspace Add Request Automation in Group Communication Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large company or work team settings, inviting new users to a virtual communications environment is inefficient due to restricted access and the unavailability of administrators, leading to delays and inaccuracies in user access management.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows any group communication workspace member to submit a workspace add request directly to the system, enabling administrators to retain control while streamlining the process, using whitelists for automatic invite transmission and reducing administrative workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If restricted access control is implemented for workspace invitations, then security and access control are improved, but the process efficiency and speed of user onboarding deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoiduser onboarding speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing any workspace member to submit add requests directly through the interface, eliminating the need for administrator intervention in routine cases. The automated approval process handles standard onboarding tasks independently, improving speed while maintaining security through systematic review.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where add requests are automatically reviewed and approved or denied based on predefined criteria. The system provides feedback to both the requestor and administrator, enabling continuous improvement of the onboarding process while maintaining controlled access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual administrator intervention is required for workspace invitations, then access control precision is improved, but the administrative workload and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control precisionVSAvoidadministrative time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining access criteria, approval workflows, and automation rules before user onboarding occurs. This allows the system to automatically handle routine invitations without requiring administrator time, while maintaining precise control over access rights through predefined policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems. The mechanical process of manual review and invitation sending is substituted with an automated electronic system that processes requests, validates credentials, and sends invitations automatically, reducing administrative time while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If direct workspace add requests are allowed without administrator review, then the speed of user access is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and duplicate requests increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access speedVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback loops where add requests are automatically reviewed against predefined criteria and approved or denied accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authorized requests are processed, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining fast automated approval for legitimate cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated review layer between the user's add request and the actual workspace access. This intermediary process validates requests against security policies and prevents duplicate or unauthorized access attempts, allowing fast processing while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If automated invite transmission is implemented, then the efficiency of user onboarding is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveonboarding efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional platform that handles various onboarding scenarios through a single integrated interface. The same system handles both automated and manual requests, different user types, and various workspace configurations, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity through standardized processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11558439B2Servicing group-based communication workspace add requests within a group-based communication system

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 SALESFORCE INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for servicing a group-based communication workspace add request within a group-based communication system.