Study Guide for Tracking File Flows

Study Guide for Tracking File Flows

Glossary

Term DefinitionsBlockchainA distributed database that uses cryptography to ensure data security and immutability. BlockThe basic building block of a blockchain, containing multiple transaction records. HashValueThe result of computing a hash function on data, used to verify data integrity. Public Key CryptographyAn asymmetric encryption algorithm that uses a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it. Digital SignatureThe result of encrypting data using a private key, used to verify the authenticity and integrity of data. WorkflowA series of automated business processes that transfer tasks and data between different people or systems according to predefined rules. Digital DocumentA document in electronic form, which can be a digitized version of a physical document or a native digital document. TimestampAn electronic data that records the time of an event, used to prove the order and time of events. NodeA participant in a blockchain network that maintains a copy of the blockchain data. Short Answer Questions

Explain how blockchain can be used for file tracking. Blockchain can be used to track files by recording details of each file transfer or operation, such as the sender, recipient, timestamp, and file hash value. Because blockchain is immutable, these records can provide a reliable file history and enhance data integrity and security.

What is the role of file hashes in blockchain file tracking? File hashes are unique identifiers for files that can be used to verify the integrity of files. By storing file hashes in the blockchain, you can ensure that files have not been tampered with during transmission or storage.

Describe the process of using public key cryptography to protect file transmission. The sender encrypts the file using the receiver's public key and then sends the encrypted file to the receiver. The receiver decrypts the file using his or her own private key, ensuring that only authorized users can access the file content.

Explain the steps to digitize and record files in the blockchain. First, the physical file is digitized, such as by scanning or taking a photo. Then, a hash function is used to generate a hash value for the file. Finally, the file hash value, timestamp, and other related information are recorded in the blockchain transaction record.

Explain how workflow actions are recorded in the blockchain. Each workflow action (e.g., approve, reject, modify) can generate a blockchain transaction record that contains the action type, operator, timestamp, and related file information. These records can provide a complete history of actions and improve workflow transparency and traceability.

Describe how blockchain can be used to verify the authenticity of digital documents. The authenticity of a document can be verified by comparing the hash value of a digital document with the hash value stored in the blockchain. If the two hash values ​​match, it indicates that the document has not been tampered with since it was recorded.

Explain the concept of "document flow service" and its role in blockchain document tracking. Document flow service is a third-party service that simplifies the blockchain document tracking process. It can provide functions such as file encryption, transfer, storage, and blockchain transaction record management, thereby lowering the threshold for users to use blockchain technology.

Explain how to use blockchain queries to retrieve transaction records associated with a specific document. You can use the document hash value as a query condition to retrieve all transaction records containing the hash value from the blockchain. These records can provide a complete history of the document, such as the sender, receiver, timestamp, and operation type.

Explain how to display blockchain transaction records and document content on the user interface. The user interface can selectively display blockchain transaction records and document content based on the user's permissions. For example, authorized users can view the complete transaction record and document content, while unauthorized users can only view partial information or receive error messages.

Describe how to integrate blockchain technology in a workflow management system to improve transparency and traceability. A workflow management system can use blockchain technology to record the operator, operation time, and related file information of each workflow step. This will create an immutable audit trail, thereby improving workflow transparency and traceability and simplifying compliance audits.

Paper topic

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of implementing blockchain technology in document management systems.

Discuss how blockchain technology can change traditional workflow management systems.

Analyze the security of using blockchain for document tracking and make recommendations to enhance security.

Compare and contrast different blockchain platforms and evaluate their suitability for document tracking applications.

Predict the development trend of blockchain technology in document management and workflow management in the future.