Abstract:
Disclosed is an iterative method, system, and user interface for analysis, pattern detection, and predictive modeling of quality, health, safety, and environmental (QHSE) from multiple, disparate sources. This iterative method, system, and user interface makes use of user generated qualitative and quantitative data from multiple quality, health, safety, and environmental sources. Sources include; monitoring systems, witness accounts, benchmarks, and other measurement apparatuses from single or multiple geographic locations. Data is acquired, categorized, aggregated, formatted, and isolated through pre-analysis algorithms. The isolated data of significance is then analyzed through an iterative methodology of user selected algorithms. The results go through a series of post-analysis testing to determine the effectiveness of the analysis. Once the post-analysis testing is completed, it is entered into a continuous improvement matrix to determine methodologies and solutions to improve upon existing QHSE processes. These results are processed through integrated or stand-alone computer modules and output to a user interface. The user interface provides the user options for selecting, isolating, and formatting combinations of algorithms and data analysis techniques to detect underlying patterns and predictive models in current QHSE processes and to provide innovative, dynamic, and predictive continuous improvement models for improving QHSE processes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This present invention is related to improving Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) processes and operations. There is increasing importance on the simultaneous need for the health and safety of employees, the quality of goods and services produced, and the protection, conservation, and reclamation of local communities and the natural environment. Currently a major deficiency exists for a system to fully integrate QHSE data from multiple, distinct resources and provide predictive improvement models. Companies and public entities are looking for ways to innovate and integrate QHSE processes so that they can improve margins, reduce costs, improve workplace welfare, mitigate risks, enforce regulatory compliance, and improve company profile appearances as leaders in sustainable practices. Although QHSE processes are important in all industries, they are most pronounced with those dealing with natural resource exploration, extraction, and processing. Extraction of natural resources inherently causes quality, health, safety, and environmental degradation whose costs are not internalized by the producing firm, creating externalities. Leaching, tailings, aesthetic damage, air pollution, and water pollution are all examples of this negative externality which imposes large costs on taxpayers, local communities, producing entities, and regulatory entities. 
         [0002]    The ability to define or quantify QHSE costs and benefits is pragmatic for creating synergies between extraction industries, manufactures, suppliers, government entities, communities, and the natural environment. Different company data systems, wide-ranging statistical analysis techniques, and varying process improvement methodologies further complicate ways to address QHSE management causing unnecessary risks and delays due to the complexities in QHSE operations and processes. QHSE systems need to be robust, flexible, and fully integrated into the existing processes and operations, in order to maximize return on investment. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention provides an iterative system, method, and user interface for analysis, pattern detection, predictive modeling, and continuous improvement of QHSE operations. 
         [0004]    The first embodiment of this invention is the computer based program, coding, and algorithms which are used as a standalone or integrated module for local, network, cloud, and mobile systems. These modules include; data acquisition, data aggregation, data formatting, data categorization, data isolation, Bayesian statistical and econometric analysis, Frequentist methodologies, Mixed Method approaches, posterior testing, sensitivity analysis, the continuous improvement matrix, data dashboard outputs, and data export options. 
         [0005]    The second embodiment of this invention begins with the acquisition of user data from multiple, distinct quality, health, safety, and environmental sources. Once the data is acquired, the data is aggregated and compiled through a processing algorithm and stored in a computer, server, or cloud storage medium. This compiled data is then formatted and categorized into qualitative and quantitative areas and arranged in rows and columns easily accessible through commonly used database and spreadsheet software programs. The categorized data is then able to be isolated through the use of a series of sorting algorithms that provides statistically viable data of particular interest to the user. Once the isolated data of significant variables is confirmed by the user, it is sent from the database or spreadsheet software to the analysis. 
         [0006]    The third embodiment of this invention is the iterative methodology of the analysis applied specifically to QHSE operations. Iterative selected tests and analyses are based upon user defined criteria to detect patterns in significant variables of the dataset. The use and analysis using Bayesian, Frequentist, and Mixed Method approaches to the content of the data provides a dynamic, flexible assessment of existing conditions and probabilistic outcomes. The significant variables then undergo a robust posterior and specification analysis to ensure proper testing procedures and analyses were selected. If posterior tests are not acceptable, the resultant data is then recycled through the iterative data analysis steps. This cyclical process continues until the data analysis based on user criteria is acceptable. The subsequent step is the performance of a sensitivity analysis on the significant variables to determine what incremental changes in these respective variables do to the overall analysis. Once the analysis is complete and confirmed by the user, it is then placed into a continuous improvement matrix. 
         [0007]    The fourth embodiment of this invention is the user generated continuous improvement matrix. The continuous improvement matrix uses conflicting significant variables from the analysis results for row and column header inputs. Often times data results have significant variables that are in conflict with one another. For example resultant data may show conflicts between, air pollution increases v. production efficiency increases, or rate of production v. safety of employees. These conflicting variables can lead to stalemates and delays in improving QHSE operations. The variables are then analyzed with a series of Innovative Ideologies. Innovative ideologies are used to create a solution key with strategies to continuously improve upon existing QHSE operations, while specifically addressing potential conflicts. 
         [0008]    The fifth embodiment of this invention is the user interface and export options for the created results. The user interface provides the user a written and graphical dashboard. This dashboard summarizes the previous analytical tests, posterior tests, and sensitivity analysis. It also offers the user another chance for revisions, and provides export options to the user including; print copies, mobile device storage, local computer storage, network server storage, cloud storage, and different file type exports. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  presents a schematic overview of the iterative method, system, and user interface of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  presents a schematic overview of the iterative steps involved in the data acquisition, categorization, aggregation, and formatting, and isolation of multiple, distinct QHSE data sources and users. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  presents a schematic overview of the data analysis, posterior testing, and sensitivity analysis of significant variables and data from the isolated data in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  presents a schematic example of the continuous improvement matrix and solution key for the user confirmed significant data results from  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  presents a schematic representation of the user interface and its display of results from the analysis, posterior tests, sensitivity analysis, and continuous improvement matrix. It also presents the user&#39;s export options available. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Commercial and public entities are in constant search for the sustainable growth and increasing the “triple bottom line” of economic profit, social responsibility, and environmental protection. Increasing regulations, media exposure, and global competition mean that continuous operational improvements are essential to long-term success. The often overlooked synergistic relations of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) operations provide an excellent opportunity for entities to increase production, increase their public profile, reduce costs, mitigate health and safety costs, and exceed regulatory expectations. The present invention has been developed to provide an iterative method, system, and user interface for the analysis, pattern detection, predictive modeling, and continuous improvement of QHSE operations as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0015]    The steps and embodiments of this invention use a computer based program, coding, and algorithms which are used as a standalone or integrated module for local, network, cloud, and mobile systems. These modules include; data acquisition, data categorization, data aggregation, data formatting, data isolation, Bayesian statistical and econometric analysis, Frequentist methodologies, Mixed Method approaches, posterior testing, sensitivity analysis, the continuous improvement matrix, data dashboard outputs, and data export options. 
         [0016]    In reference to  FIG. 2 , data from QHSE operations can come from a myriad of different sources and locations, as shown in FIG.  2 — 200 . This invention provides a means of acquiring data from both qualitative and quantitative sources, categorizing the data, aggregating and formatting the data, and isolating data of interest to the user. Data sources can be from different internal sources and departments including, but not limited to; manufacturing lines, field service crews, monitoring devices, QHSE Audits, human resources, accounting, marketing, sales, and high-level management. Data sources can also come from external sources including, but not limited to; competitive benchmarking, geophysical sources, ecological sources, macro-economic data, government research projects, eye witnesses, laws, and regulations (FIG.  2 — 200 ). The data can be acquired from multiple users of cross-disciplinary backgrounds (FIG.  2 — 201 ). After the data is acquired (FIG.  2 — 202 ), it is categorized as qualitative or quantitative data types based on the initial source properties and metadata (FIG.  2 — 203 ). The categorized data then goes through a variety of pre-analysis aggregation and formatting tests (FIG.  2 — 204 ). These user selected tests include, but are not limited to; normalization, parsing, clustering, dependency, and dimensionality algorithms. This aggregated and formatted data is convertible to be easily read in row and column formats. The row and column formatted data is easily readable and accessible with standard or customized spreadsheet and database software. The methods of data pre-screening are selected by the user based upon their dataset, preferences, and the needed potential improvement solutions. Once aggregated and formatted the sets of data can be isolated by the user for variables of interest (FIG.  2 — 205 ). The isolated data can be sorted and filtered through algorithms in its stand-alone mode or from the user&#39;s database and spreadsheet software. 
         [0017]    The isolated data from FIG.  2 — 205  is input and transferred into the data analysis module (FIG.  3 — 300 ). This data analysis module allows the user to first specify the type of methodologies to be run based upon quantitative or qualitative data (FIG.  3 — 301 ). Once a data type analysis is made, the user is provided iterative test selections through the computer module. 
         [0018]    The quantitative testing selection includes, but is not limited to;
       Frequentist methodologies are based on traditional hypothesis testing, frequencies and proportional data, averages, confidence intervals, R 2  values, and distribution test statistics. Frequentist statistics estimate unknown parameters of variable relationships and tests their statistical significance. This testing methodology includes sampling, simplifying assumptions, experimental design, parameter estimations, and various regression analyses. This type of testing is often used for repeatable experiments that can be designed controlled for a null hypothesis. This type of methodology is suited to factory, manufacturing, and lab settings where high levels of control are present.   Bayesian methodologies are based on historical prior data distribution, likelihood functions, and posterior distribution. Bayesian testing methodologies are beneficial to dynamic optimization outcomes and handling datasets with large amounts of inherent uncertainties. These uncertainties are commonly found throughout QHSE datasets where variability can be location based, weather related, and disturbance related. Complex ecological-social-economical phenomenon are able to be iteratively and adaptively managed through Bayesian methodologies   Decision/Game Theory methodologies are used when analysis of strategic decision making is of interest. This methodology looks at the participating entities, possible choices, sequences of events, and uncertainties. Data and actions of one entity influence and change subsequent data from other sources. The methodology takes into account conflicting and cooperative interactions between entities and analyzes optimal solutions based on criteria of interest. The evaluation of strategies is essential as companies look to continuously improve upon QHSE processes with large amounts of existing data, external competition, and regulatory uncertainty.   Custom/Other methodologies give the user the ability to add, design, and integrate proprietary modeling techniques.
 
Given the vast amount of data, uncertainty, and dynamic scenarios influencing QHSE operations, this invention provides a large increase in utility to decision makers looking for flexible and robust models to improve upon their existing QHSE operations.
       
 
         [0023]    The qualitative selection includes a variety of methods and techniques including, but not limited to; focus groups, ranking systems, content analysis studies, and custom solutions. A great deal of insight can be obtained by customer accounts, witness accounts, market surveys, interviews, and additional qualitative information. This invention uses proprietary codes and algorithms to discern insights into these sources, which allows subsequent analysis to take place.
       Focus Groups provide dynamic feedback and specific details on how process and operational improvements are having effect on the overall QHSE of an entity. Employees of geographically and socially diverse backgrounds are able to provide insight into what their perceptions, feelings, and opinions are about a project. This data is then used in a series of user selected analysis tests to continually improve upon QHSE processes.   Case Studies are important in QHSE operations. The methodologies used for case studies help provide insight in evaluating existing programs, benchmarking competitive processes, and develop recommendations for future actions. Multiple facets of an issue are able to be discovered to provide further insight.   Ranking Systems vary in methodologies from simple numerical or ordinal rankings to complex algorithms. Ranking Systems are essential in analyzing qualitative data for continuous improvement of QHSE operations. The ranking systems are selected by the user and include. but are not limited to; Friedman Testing, AHP variations, Kruskall Wallis Testing, Rank Sum, Spearman, Bootstrapping variations, and Wilcoxon.   Custom/Other methodologies give the user the ability to add, design, and integrate proprietary modeling techniques.       
 
         [0028]    Mixed Method testing and analysis merges the data from the qualitative and quantitative categories. Mixed method can provide an equal and unequal merge as to what type of data is given priority over another. This type of testing and analysis allows the user to view significant variables from different perspectives. It is especially useful when combining the quantitative nature of manufacturing and ecological phenomena with social data. Multiple solutions could be possible based on cultural paradigms and thought processes. This invention allows the user to take this into account, meaning that geographically different users could shows differences in resultant data. 
         [0029]    The preliminary resultant data (FIG.  3 — 302 ) then undergoes post-process analysis. Posterior testing (FIG.  3 — 303 ) algorithms examine how well the tests fit and analyze the data. These post-processing tests provide validation and confirmation to the preliminary resultant data. 
         [0030]    The validated data then undergoes sensitivity analysis (FIG.  3 — 304 ) to provide the user insight into how incremental changes in significant variables affect the outcome of QHSE operational improvements. 
         [0031]    The test resultant data (FIG.  4 — 400 ) then can be entered into a continuous improvement matrix. The significant conflicting variables are extruded from the data (FIG.  4 — 401 ) and placed into the column and row headers of the continuous improvement matrix. The conflicting variables are then compared using a series of Innovative Ideologies to create a solution key for QHSE process improvements (FIG.  4 — 402 ). The solution key provides continuous improvement matrix results, which demonstrate how to mitigate conflicting data and expedite improvements through Innovative Ideologies in QHSE operations (FIG.  4 — 403 ). 
         [0032]    FIG.  5 — 500  depicts the sample layout of the user interface. The user interface provides the user a written and graphical dashboard summary of the analysis tests, posterior testing results, sensitivity analysis, and continuous improvement matrix results. This interface can be a stand-alone computer module or be integrated into standard widely used business intelligence systems, databases, and spreadsheet programs. The user is able to select the results of interest for further revisions and export options. The module provides numerous export options (FIG.  5 — 501 ) to the user including; print copies, mobile device storage, local computer storage, network server storage, cloud storage. File exports are either from the stand-alone computer module or the choices used in the integrated program of the user. 
         [0033]    This invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments and illustrations; however someone who is skilled in this art may apply variations to the system, method, and user interface without leaving behind the essence, concept, and scope of this invention. All similar substitutes, variations, and modifications are deemed to be within the scope of this invention. This invention has a diverse set of applications, and the present examples do not limit the scope of this invention. 
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