Patent ID: 7979706
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A system for signature processing in an industrial control environment to facilitate regulation of an automated manufacturing process, comprising: a policy component that receives selection information that selects a signature template to be applied to an action associated with a batch processor, before the action is received in the batch processor, wherein the signature template includes a Signoff meaning, the policy component links the signature template to the action, wherein the action is performed by the batch processor on successful completion of a signature requirement within the signature template; a queuing component that receives the action associated with the batch processor residing within an industrial device in a factory associated with the industrial control environment, the action includes at least one of an operator initiated action or automated event that affect an operation of the batch processor; a signature component that determines whether the action requires an electronic signature to be executed based in part on the signature requirement, the queuing component holds the action in queue if the signature component determines that the electronic signature is to be executed; a user interface associated with the signature component that performs a signature verification procedure that includes at least receiving the Signoff meaning, the signature component determines whether the signature requirement associated with the action is met based in part on the signature verification procedure; and the batch processor processes the action from the queuing component in response to the signature requirement being met.