Document management system and method

• US 8,548,941 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2012
• Issued: 10/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert E. Napierala
• Original Assignee: Robert E. Napierala
• Inventors: Napierala, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, HUNG D
• Application Number:
  US13/397,347
• Publication Number:
  US 20120209803A1
• Time in Patent Office: 594 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 707/608
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/93 Document management systems

Abstract

A document management system allows designation of process owners, approvers, trainers and users of specified documents. The system automatically notifies designated participants of documents to be created, documents awaiting approval, training required, training schedules, and tests. Notifications of approved documents are automatically sent to designated users and trainers for scheduling and tracking user training. The system accommodates requests for document revisions and justifications and allows custom reports to be created and tracked. The system allows for the creation of custom tests that are linked to documents and graded automatically to be used as a final phase of training.

Claims

1. A method of managing electronic documents in a database, comprising:

a. designating a process owner for creating and maintaining a document in the database,

b. designating an approver for approving the document,

c. designating a user of the document,

d. assigning a status of the document and electronically delivering the document to the process owner and approver,

e. upon approval of the document by the document approver, adding the document to a controlled document list of the database and allowing electronic access to the document on the controlled document list by the user, provided that the user has been assigned a role that allows access, and creating a record of the approval of the document,

f. designating a trainer for the document,

g. establishing a list of users required to be trained to use the document,

h. creating a training method for the document,

i. creating a training record for recording data concerning users trained to use the document,

j. electronically notifying the trainer and user if training is required for use of the document,

k. electronically scheduling training for the user,

l. requiring the user to confirm training,

m. creating a first test to confirm training of the user, and

n. requiring the user to take the first test as a prerequisite to the user confirming training,

o. notifying the user and the trainer in the event the user unsuccessfully takes the first test, and scheduling additional training for the user, and

p. creating a second test for the document, and requiring the user to take the second test in the event that the user unsuccessfully takes the first test.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the assigned status of the document is uncontrolled prior to the approval, and the document is electronically labeled as uncontrolled.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of electronically setting a time deadline for training the user.