WO2013023283A1

WO2013023283A1 - Audit tool for smartphone devices

Info

Publication number: WO2013023283A1
Application number: PCT/CA2012/000770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark MACY; Ross MACLACHLAN
Original assignee: Security.Ca Corporation
Priority date: 2011-08-17
Filing date: 2012-08-17
Publication date: 2013-02-21
Also published as: CA2845037A1

Abstract

A computer readable memory and system are provided for an audit tool for smartphone devices. A workflow defining a plurality of tasks are defined. Each task is associated with an input identifier which may be defined by a QR code or a RF tag, or both. The smartphone device provides the ability to determine the input identifier that is associated with the task and an input device which may be required to scan the input identifier. Exceptions and notifications can be generated based upon the tasks. The audit tool can be utilized in a guard tour, compliance audit or as a check-in verification. The flexibility of using a smartphone device enables reduced cost and flexible deployment.

Description

AUDIT TOOL FOR SMARTPHONE DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims claim priority from United States Provisional Application No. 61/641 ,566 filed May 2, 2012 and United States Provisional Application No. 61/524,722 file August 17, 201 1 the entirety of each are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates to audits and in particular to compliance and audit system and methods on smartphone devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] In building management and facility management the ability to audit and verify resources and status of resources or locations within the building or premises can be important in terms of safety, security and insurance requirements. Existing system and method require a checklist or procedure to be performed by an employee, for example tags on a fire extinguisher to be dated and checked or a security procedure checklist or a guard may be required to perform a tour of a premises and confirm that specific areas have been checked. However these systems are labour intensive and in some cases can be easily lost for example in a fire where fire equipment inspection information is attached to the asset. Also it can be difficult to verify or track a user to ensure that the tasks were performed in a particular order and that the appropriate items were verified. Barcode and radio frequency identification systems have been utilized to verify that audits are performed however they have been typically implemented independently and on dedicated hardware with high deployment expense and implementation costs. Accordingly, systems and methods that enable improved audit and compliance remains highly desirable.

SUMMARY

[0003] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the method comprising initiating a workflow defining a plurality of tasks on the smartphone device; determining a task in the workflow to be performed; determining an identifier input associated with the task; determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input; receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input; displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to a server coupled to a network when the workflow is completed.

[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the method comprising: a server coupled to a network, the server comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor containing instructions for performing an audit work flow and for sending communicating with a plurality of smartphone devices for delivering the audit workflow and receiving confirmations from the plurality of smartphone devices; a smartphone device coupled to a network, the smartphone device comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor containing instructions for: receiving an audit workflow from the server through the network; determining a task in the audit workflow to be performed; determining an identifier input associated with the task; determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input; receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input; displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to the server \ when the audit workflow is completed. [0005] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer readable memory containing instructions for providing a method of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the instructions when executed by a processor performing the method comprising: initiating a workflow defining a plurality of tasks on the smartphone device; determining a task in the workflow to be performed; determining an identifier input associated with the task; determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input; receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input; displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to a server coupled to a network when the workflow is completed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a system of performing an audit using a smartphone device;

Figures 2-4 show a method of performing an audit using a smartphone device;

Figure 5 shows a method of performing a task in an audit workflow on a smartphone device; Figure 6 shows a method of configuring an audit workflow;

Figure 7-12 shows screen views of an audit application on a smartphone device; and

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a smartphone device for executing an audit workflow application.

[0007] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to Figs. 1-13. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0009] In property and facility management or security applications audit and compliance checks are regularly required to ensure particular tasks are performed or verified by a worker such as a security worker or maintenance technician. In addition the ability to provide verification when particular tasks have occurred, or when a service has been provided at a particular location, can be useful in terms of ensuring procedures have been followed. The process typically involves a check list or check point where the worker verifies their presences at the location and that the particular task has been completed. For example in Figure 1 , a building 150 may contain fire safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher 52 that must be checked periodically. The traditional method would be to fill out a card attached to the fire extinguisher 152 to verify that the check has been done or an associated checklist. However the audit information may be easily lost when a fire occurs if the information is the checklist is maintained with the fire extinguisher 152. In another example a security guard may be required to check particular doors or areas at particular time intervals using a defined check list in a particular order and confirm that this process was done. In addition to the processes required to perform these type of audits and the difficultly in record keeping and reporting, traditional methods do not provide a built-in notification mechanism when either an audit is not performed properly, compliance with a particular process is not met, or there is a problem in regards to an item in the audit or a concern regarding the procedure occurs. In order to ensure that tasks are performed at prescribed interval, locations or verification of assets is performed, an identifier can be associated with the location or assets which can be used to verify that a person was at the location and performed the verification or checks required.

[0010] A Quick Response (QR) code is a specific matrix barcode (or two- dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR readers, smartphones, and, to a less common extent, computers with webcams. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, serial number or other data. QR codes have been used in the automotive industry for tracking of parts but more widely in advertising application to link a user to a web address by using the camera of their smartphone to access information. By utilizing QR codes, an audit and compliance process can be improved by utilizing smartphones to simplify the tasks and provide traceability and improved record management. Unlike traditional barcode, QR codes can be more easily processed by cameras such as in smartphone devices. Similarly with the proliferation of Radio Frequency (RF) tag technology, such as in RF identifiers (RFID) smartphone device can be utilized for both QR code recognition and RF tag scanning providing the ability to apply the identification tags most appropriate to the asset or location and flexibility to switch there between.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1 a central server 102 comprising at least a processor 104 and memory 105 accesses storage 106 containing audit configuration information 107, audit logs 108 and administration application 105 for creating or processing workflows. The creation of the workflows may also be performed by a device external to the server, such as a remote computer or tablet computer which would either create a workflow and upload the workflow to the server, or create the workflow through interaction with the server 102. The audit workflow identifies a series of tasks by a location, the function to be performed and/or object to be inspected or verified and an associated QR code or RF tag that is at the location or task. The location may be defined based upon a set of global positioning system (GPS) coordinates or a by descriptive location. The audit may be defined also by time and sequence to define an order than the audit must be performed. In this example a smartphone device 120 such as a for example a Blackberry™, Apple iPhone™, or Android™ devices 120 comprising at least a processor 122, memory 123 for executing the audit tool application 124, camera 126 and RF reader 128 is capability of executing an audit application and wirelessly receiving the audit workflow through wireless infrastructure 112 coupled to a network 1 0.

[0012] The smartphone device 120 can receive the audit workflow at the beginning of a tour when a user of the device logs in so that a wireless connection is not required during the processing of the audit workflow, for example when entering an area where there is no wireless coverage such as an underground garage. Based upon prompts provided by the audit application 124 executed on the device 120, the user can scan the QR code 154 or RF tag 156, or both, associated with the particular location, or item such as a fire extinguisher 152. Confirmation can then be provided on the device 120 that the scan was successful and the task complete. The user can be prompted for status information associated with the task. When all the tasks in the audit workflow are completed, or when wireless access is available the completed audit is uploaded to the server 102 for storage. If the audit is not performed correctly, or exceptions are identified, notifications can be sent to appropriate people for action through the server 102. Unique notification may also be defined for each task in an audit workflow where tasks required different people be contact for different events. In addition if either a QR code 154 or RF tag 156 is damaged or not accessible the user may manually enter information related to the audit which can be flagged when the audit is uploaded. The application on the smartphone device 120 can provide immediate notification to the user when they are performing the audit correctly or not in compliance. In addition the smartphone device 120 provides the ability to capture additional information regarding a location or assets such as a photograph or video, or allow additional diagnostic applications or procedures to be executed on the smartphone device 120 in regard to exception events as required. Location information in regards to the route performed or where exceptions were identified may also be included by determining positioning information from the device and logging the information as the audit is performed.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a method of executing an audit workflow 200 on a smartphone device. The workflow can occur at the smartphone device 120 but portions may be implemented remotely for example with a server 102. The application is started on a device 120 (202). The smartphone device 120 identity accessing the server 102 can be determined (204) based for example a phone number associated with the device, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to identify the specific device, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number to identify a subscriber, by receiving information relative to configuration or capability of the smartphone device 120, or by a user logon which already has an associated device profile. If smartphone devices 120 are uniquely identifiable and multiple users may have access to audit workflows, multiple users may be identified to logon to the device, or individual logons may be required. Assuming that multiple users can access the device (YES at 206) a list of users is retrieved 208, with a selection of a particular user made (210). Password entry may be required (212) to enable access to the audit tool application or particular audit workflows. If the user is not authenticated or determined to be valid (NO at 216) an error message may be presented (214) and a subsequent attempt to enter the password may be allowed (212) if an expected number of attempts has not been exceeded. Once the user is authenticated (YES at 216) a listing of scheduled audits or open audits may be presented to user (218) in the audit workflow application. The audits and the associated workflows may be retrieved through a wireless interface of the smartphone device 120 from the server 102. If an audit had been previously started (YES at 220) the workflow can then be opened (222) and the audit process resumed. If a new audit is selected or identified as being required to be performed the associated workflow is retrieved (224).

[0014] As shown in Figure 3 the next task is displayed to the user (302). For example the task may be defined for a particular location in which confirmation that security personnel has verified the location in a guard tour, or may be associated with a particular asset that requires periodic inspection or verification such as fire equipment, or with a location where personnel may check-in in a punch clock functionality. The location, or directions to the location, may be presented to direct the user task (304) or identify the location by name. Additional information regards to the action that must be performed at the location may also be provided. For example, depending on the identifier associated with task the user may be required to scan a QR code and/or RF tag and provide observations or initiate a contact protocol. If a QR code is required (YES at 306) the camera application of the smartphone is activated or made available for example by a button to activate the application can be provided, and the camera application is displayed to the user (308). The QR code can then be scanned (310). If a QR code is not defined for the task (NO at 306) it can then be determined if an RF tag is associated with the task (YES at 312) and the RF tag reader application can be activated (314). The RF tag can then be scanned into the application (316) providing confirmation that the task was completed. If either the QR code for the RF tag does not match the code defined for location (NO at 318) identification that the incorrect serial number has been received (340) is presented. Alternatively, if the workflow is not structured, in that task must be performed in a particular order, the task associated with the scanned or identified serial number may be identified as completed. If when attempting to complete the task no QR code or RF tag (NO at 312) is at a designated location or has been damaged manual entry (330) may be made and an explanation or reason for the manual entry can be designated (332), which may also initiate associated notification procedures. Confirmation that the task is completed can then be displayed (320). The next task in the workflow sequence can be determined (NO at 322) and the process continues until all tasks in the workflow are completed or the flow is suspended for completion at a later time transfer to the mother used to complete. [0015] As shown in Figure 4 (YES at 322) the audit may be uploaded to a wireless server (402) and a confirmation can be provided to the user (406) the completed audit has been successfully transmitted (YES at 404). If the upload is not successful (NO at 404) an error message can be provided to the user (410) either confirmation of an alternate means of being successful completion of the audit or identification that the audit will be uploaded at a later time. A new audit workflow may then be commenced or the application accident on the smartphone device (408). The confirmation of the audit complete may include confirmation that each task was completed, the time the task was completed, exceptions or observations that were identified and may also include tracing information in regards to the route that was taken to perform the tasks. The tasks may also be defined by a check-in or check-out time to provide confirmation that a task was completed. Observational information such as photographs or videos may also be included in the confirmation. [0016] Figure 5 shows a method 500 of performing an audit on a smartphone device. An audit workflow is initiated on the smartphone device either based on the user log-on, a smartphone device identifier, a determined location of the smartphone device, or the selection of a particular audit to be commenced or a previously started audit to be completed (502). One or more tasks in the audit may be determined (504) for example, a particular route in a guard site tour, a particular physical asset or item that requires inspection, or locations which may be visited in the course of performing particular functions (504). Each of the one or more tasks associated identifier input is determined (506). An input device associated with the identifier input can be determined and may present options to activate the device or may be activated based on proximity to the task location or by manual selection by the user (506). For example, a camera of a smartphone may be activated by the user selecting to scan a QR code. Alternately, the device may activate the RF reader such as an RFID or Near Field Communication (NFC) components and associated application when the smartphone device is within proximity of the expected identifier as determined by a location, such as for example GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi location, time, or confirmation from the user (508). Data representing the input identifier can then be received or scanned by the input device and the data compared to be identified and put such as an identifier number such as a serial number (510). For example the QR code would provide a serial number representation that can be utilized to uniquely identify a location, asset or object. The confirmation can then be displayed to the user that the task has been completed (512) or that the received data does not match the expected data for the identifier. If the identifier input is associated with more than one identifier input for example a QR code and an RFID or NFC compatible tag is present and both require confirmation, the user may be prompted to scan the identifier input using the alternate methods to provide confirmation of completion of the task. The user may also be presented with a means of capturing a photograph of the particular item or assets at the location if there is a condition which needs to be reported such as by taking a photo and attaching the photo to the audit workflow completion which is subsequently transmitted to the server or to appropriate notification contacts (514). If location services are available, the tasks may be defined relative to locations where the smartphone device is audit process is utilized to provide confirmation of a check-in or check-out of a particular person or device. The confirmation of completions of the tasks of the audit workflow may be provided to the server or designated contact throughout the process or only sent when the audit is completed. Similarly, if exceptions are identified during the audit workflow, a procedure to identify those exceptions may also be defined. For example within a particular audit workflow individual tasks may be associated with different emergency contact numbers or contact persons to which the notification would be provided when an exception is identified. Location information may be also included in the confirmation with exceptions being defined when an audit workflow deviates from a defined path or requires more time than allocated to perform a task. [0017] Figure 6 depicts a method of operation of an audit workflow server or configuration tool used to define the audit workflows to be utilized by the smartphone device. The method of 600 commences with the creation of an audit workflow (602). The audit workflow may be defined as a sequence of tasks, a route in which tasks are defined, locations which must be visited, or locations that require a check-in and check-out or a listing of tasks that can be performed in any order (604). A location or the particular asset or object for which an audit task associated with can be entered (606). The location may be defined as a written description or in relation to a set of location coordinates. The identifier input type for the location or assets may then be defined (608). The identifier input identifies the type of identifier for example a QR code and/or RF tag which may be associated with the location or asset. Once the identifier input type is selected, the serial number or identifier number can then be associated with the identifier input (610). Exception procedures may then be defined for the task, for example if the code or tag cannot be scanned properly the conditions under which manual entry would be available to the user or if the user must perform additional procedures such as scanning a QR code and RF tag when one or other of the inputs cannot be successfully determined (612). Alternately the ability to report a damaged or inactive code or tag may be provided. In addition, defining additional requirements associated with the tasks such as taking of a photograph of a particular asset location or the initiation of other applications on the smartphone device for diagnosing or reporting when an exception occurs could also be defined. For example if during a guard tour a water leak is found the user may be prompted to take a photograph or initiate a telephone call to a responsible party or initiate and application to determine the extent of the problem before making contact. Restrictions may also be defined for the tasks (614) for example the order in which the tasks may be performed such that the tasks may have to performed proceeding a certain task or if certain conditions of a proceeding tasks for example verifying the status of an asset may spawn additional tasks. For example in an electrical room audit the main breaker may have to be inspected before sub-breakers and if a problem occurred with the main breaker instructions may be defined on what to verify in regards to the sub-breakers.

[0018] Notification procedures may be defined on a workflow level or for individual task level (616). For example the failure to complete a workflow may notify a supervisor whereas exceptions for particular tasks may notify maintenance resources or responsible entities directly. In addition, the notification procedures may define options which are presented to the user of the smartphone device based upon the input provided in relation to the task, for example a direct call button may be provided so that the user may directly connect with the responsible party one exception occurs. Reporting conditions for the completion of the audit workflow can then also be defined (618). It may be also possible to define conditions when tours may be suspended or transfer to other users. For example a tour may be suspended for a particular time interval before having to be restarted. Confirmation that the tour has been completed may not be uploaded until certain conditions for network availability is provided (618). The procedure may be repeated for each task or defined on an audit workflow level. The completed workflow would then be uploaded to the server and to the particular smartphone device which requires access to the workflow for completion. During processing of the tasks it may be for the possible to define the types of smartphone devices or the requirements of the smartphone device to complete the tasks. In addition alternative procedures may be defined based on the type of smartphone device that is used to access an audit workflow. For example if the device has a camera but not an RF reader only tasks that can be completed using the camera would be provided, or alternatively the route or procedures may be dynamically adjusted. In addition the ability to provide both QR code and RF tag identification at each location may allow permutation of the audit workflow to be dynamically performed. For example, a QR code scan may be acceptable for 'n' number of audit workflow executions where as on 'n+1 ' audits executions may require the RF reader to be used, or identifier input may dynamically change so that the user is not performing the same sequence of tasks each time to ensure vigilance while performing their duties. [0019] Figure 7 shows a sample screen for selecting an audit on the smartphone device. The sample screen 700 shows multiple audits for which the user can select, or has been associated with the user, which must be performed. Figure 8 shows a sample screen 800 where the tasks for a particular audit are identified relative to a descriptive location of where the task must be performed. In this example, the user may select the tasks individually to be performed or could alternately be forced to perform the tasks in a particular order. Figure 9 shows a sample screen 900 where for a particular task the user must scan the QR code when at the location. The user may also be presented with the ability to enter a manual code if for example the QR code is unreadable. Depending on the identifier type the ability to also scan using RF tag may be presented. In the example of a QR code the display the smartphone device would provide a camera application for which the user could view the code that is being scanned as shown in sample screen 1000 in a Figure 10. Once the code has been scanned the user may be provided with a confirmation screen 1 100 as shown in Figure 1 1 in which the user may confirm that the task is complete or provide any observations related to the task. For example identifications of issues related to damage of an asset or issues which need to be reported could be entered on the smartphone device. Once all the tasks are complete for a particular audit workflow the user may be presented with a completion screen 1200 as shown in Figure 12 where the audit can be checked-in and provided to the server or enable initiation of notifications being sent to interested parties. It should be understood that the displays are provided for facilitating a better understanding of the implementation of the invention and should not be considered limiting in terms of implementation of the audit workflow process.

[0020] Figure 12 depicts a smartphone device capable of providing an audit workflow process. As shown by way of example in Figure 12, the smartphone device 120, includes a processor (or microprocessor) 1202 for executing instructions, including instructions for providing one or more applications, memory in the form of flash memory 1210 and RAM 1208 (or any equivalent memory devices) for storing an operating system 1222 and one or more applications, components or functionalities of audit software 1224 providing the audit workflow processing functionality described here that allows the smartphone device 120 to perform an audit process. The audit workflows may be stored in memory on the device 1249 or retrieved through a network as required or stored on the smartphone device 120. The processor receives power from a power supply 1260, which may be a direct connection or provided by a battery source.

[0021 ] As shown by way of example in Figure 12, the smartphone device 120 may include a communication subsystem 1204 which provides radio frequency (RF) transceiver to communicate through a wireless network 10. The smartphone device 120. The smartphone device 120 may access wired or wireless networks to transmit and retrieve data. The RF transceiver for communication with a wireless network 1 10 using a wireless communication protocols such as, for example but not limited to, GSM, UMTS, LTE, HSPDA, CDMA, W-CDMA, Wi-MAX, Wi-Fi etc. A subscriber identity module (SIM) card 1262 may be provided depending on the access technology supported by the device. The communication subsystem 1204 may also provide wired communication through a network.

[0022] The smartphone device 120 is a voice-enabled communications device such as, for example, a tablet, smart-phone or cell phone, and further includes a microphone 1230 and a speaker 1228. The smartphone device 120 may optionally include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver chipset 1236 or other location- determining subsystem such as A-GPS or network based location system. A camera 1234 is provided to enable imaging of QR codes by taking of video or photographs in addition to an RF reader 1232 such as an NFC or RFID readers hardware integrated into the smartphone device 120.

[0023] The operating system 1222 and the software components that are executed by the microprocessor 1202 are typically stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory 1210, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate those portions of the operating system 1222 and the software components, such as specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM 1208. Other software components can also be included, as is well known to those skilled in the art. User input 1230 may be provided by integrated input devices such as a keyboard, touchpad, touch-sensitive display, mouse, camera or positing apparatus to actuate transitions.

[0024] Although certain methods, apparatus, computer readable memory, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. To the contrary, this disclosure covers all methods, apparatus, computer readable memory, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0025] Although the following discloses example methods, system and apparatus including, among other components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that such methods, system and apparatus are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the following describes example methods and apparatus, persons having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods, system and apparatus.

Claims

A method of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the method comprising:

initiating a workflow defining a plurality of tasks on the smartphone device; determining a task in the workflow to be performed; determining an identifier input associated with the task; determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input; receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input; displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to a server coupled to a network when the workflow is completed.

The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier input is a Quick Response (QR) code readable by processing an image from a camera of the smartphone device.

The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag readable by a RF reader of the smartphone device.

The method of claim 3 wherein the radio frequency identifier tag is near field communication (NFC) compatible.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag and a Quick Response (QR) code.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein both a camera and RFID reader of the smartphone are both activated when the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier and a QR code.

7. The method of claims 5 or 6 wherein the input identifier is associated with more than one input identifier type, wherein if the received data does not match the stored data a second device is activated to receive receiving data from a second input device for determining data from a second identifier input;

8. The method of claim 7 wherein if when comparing the input data to the input identifier is not successful an exception notification is presented.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein if the comparing of the received data to the stored data is not successful a manual input screen is provided.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein a contact identifier is associated with the input identifier when a notification button input is received the contact identifier is contacted from the smartphone device.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the identifier input is a Quick Response (QR) code, the input device is a camera integrated in the smartphone device.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the identifier input is a RFID identifier or near field communication identifier the input device is an RFID or NFC reader integrated in the smartphone.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the input identifier is associated with an asset.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the input identifier is associated with a location.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the workflow defines a plurality of locations each location having a unique input identifier, each location providing a check-in and/or check-out as the task associated with the user of the smartphone device.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein location information is provided with the confirmation indicator, the location information identifying a route which was taken during the completion of the tasks. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the data received from the input device is a serial number associated with the identifier input.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17 where in the completion indicator is one or more of a text message, an e-mail message, a database transaction, or a voice call confirmation. 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the completion indicator includes images of the identifier input.

20. A system of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the method comprising: a server coupled to a network, the server comprising:

a processor; a memory coupled to the processor containing instructions for performing an audit work flow and for sending communicating with a plurality of smartphone devices for delivering the audit workflow and receiving confirmations from the plurality of smartphone devices; a smartphone device coupled to a network, the smartphone device comprising: a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor containing instructions for:

receiving an audit workflow from the server through the network; determining a task in the audit workflow to be performed; determining an identifier input associated with the task; determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input;

receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input; displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to the server \ when the audit workflow is completed.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the identifier input is a Quick Response (QR) code readable by processing an image from a camera of the smartphone device.

22. The system of claim 20 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag readable by a RF reader of the smartphone device.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein the radio frequency identifier tag is near field communication (NFC) compatible.

24. The system of claim 20 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag and a Quick Response (QR) code.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein both a camera and RFID reader of the smartphone are both activated when the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier and a QR code.

26. The system of claims 24 or 25 wherein the input identifier is associated with more than one input identifier type, wherein if the received data does not match the stored data a second device is activated to receive receiving data from a second input device for determining data from a second identifier input;

27. The system of claim 26 wherein if when comparing the input data to the input identifier is not successful an exception notification is presented.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein if the comparing of the received data to the stored data is not successful a manual input screen is provided.

29. The system of any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein a contact identifier is associated with the input identifier when a notification button input is received the contact identifier is contacted from the smartphone device.

30. The system of claim 20 wherein determining the identifier input is a Quick Response (QR) code, the input device is a camera integrated in the smartphone device.

31. The system of claim 20 wherein determining the identifier input is a RFID identifier or near field communication identifier the input device is an RFID or NFC reader integrated in the smartphone.

32. The system of any one of claims 20 to 31 wherein the input identifier is associated with an asset. The system of any one of claims 20 to 32 wherein the input identifier is associated with a location.

The system of claim 33 wherein the workflow defines a plurality of locations each location having a unique input identifier, each location providing a check-in and/or check-out as the task associated with the user of the smartphone device.

The system of any one of claims 20 to 34 wherein the data received from the input device is a serial number associated with the identifier input.

The system of any one of claims 20 to 35 where in the completion indicator is one or more of a text message, an e-mail message, a database transaction, or a voice call confirmation.

The system of any one of claims 20 to 36 wherein the completion indicator includes images of the identifier input.

The system of any one of claims 20 to 36 wherein location information is provided with the confirmation indicator, the location information identifying a route which was taken during the completion of the tasks.

A computer readable memory containing instructions for providing a method of performing an audit on a smartphone device, the instructions when executed by a processor performing the method comprising:

initiating a workflow defining a plurality of tasks on the smartphone device; determining a task in the workflow to be performed;

determining an identifier input associated with the task;

determining an input device based upon a type associated with the identifier input; receiving data from the input device for determining data from the identifier input; comparing the received data with stored data associated with the identifier input;

displaying confirmation of completion of the task when the received data matches the stored data associated with the identifier input; determining a subsequent task based upon the completion of the task; and transmitting an audit completion indicator through a wireless network interface of the smartphone device to a server coupled to a network when the workflow is completed.

40. The computer readable memory of claim 39 wherein the identifier input is a

Quick Response (QR) code readable by processing an image from a camera of the smartphone device.

41. The computer readable memory of claim 39 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag readable by a RF reader of the smartphone device.

42. The computer readable memory of claim 40 wherein the radio frequency identifier tag is near field communication (NFC) compatible.

43. The computer readable memory of claim 39 wherein the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier tag and a Quick Response (QR) code.

44. The computer readable memory of claim 43 wherein both a camera and

RFID reader of the smartphone are both activated when the identifier input is a radio frequency identifier and a QR code.

45. The computer readable memory of claims 43 or 45 wherein the input identifier is associated with more than one input identifier type, wherein if the received data does not match the stored data a second device is activated to receive receiving data from a second input device for determining data from a second identifier input;

46. The computer readable memory of claim 45 wherein if when comparing the input data to the input identifier is not successful an exception notification is presented.

47. The computer readable memory of claim 45 wherein if the comparing of the received data to the stored data is not successful a manual input screen is provided.

48. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 39 to 47 wherein a contact identifier is associated with the input identifier when a notification button input is received the contact identifier is contacted from the smartphone device.

49. The computer readable memory of claim 39 wherein determining the identifier input is a Quick Response (QR) code, the input device is a camera integrated in the smartphone device.

50. The computer readable memory of claim 39 wherein determining the identifier input is a RFID identifier or near field communication identifier the input device is an RFID or NFC reader integrated in the smartphone.

51 . The computer readable memory of any one of claims 39 to 50 wherein the input identifier is associated with an asset.

52. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 49 to 51 wherein the input identifier is associated with a location.

53. The computer readable memory of claim 52 wherein the workflow defines a plurality of locations each location having a unique input identifier.

54. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 39 to 53 wherein the data received from the input device is a serial number associated with the identifier input.

55. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 39 to 44 where in the completion indicator is one or more of a text message, an e-mail message, a database transaction, or a voice call confirmation.

56. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 39 to 55 wherein the completion indicator includes images of the identifier input.

57. The computer readable memory of any one of claims 20 to 36 wherein location information is provided with the confirmation indicator, the location information identifying a route which was taken during the completion of the tasks.