EVERYTHING
Global consulting firm Protiviti has been awarded a second U.S. patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its innovation titled, "Systems and Methods for Automated Data Set Matching Services." According to Prnewswire, this patented technology utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to automate and streamline complex, high-volume questionnaire response processes across numerous industries.
Automating Complex Data Mapping
The core function of the system is its ability to analyze, categorize, and map massive datasets composed of structured questions. It identifies similarities between new incoming questions and historical data within a centralized library. This process allows organizations to surface the most relevant preapproved responses automatically, drastically reducing the need for manual review in repetitive tasks.
While initially developed with applications in cybersecurity and third-party risk questionnaires, the AI solution demonstrates broad scalability across several critical business functions. These scalable use cases include:
- Vendor and supplier risk management
- Regulatory and compliance reporting requirements
- ESG and sustainability questionnaires
- Client onboarding and due diligence procedures
- Internal audit and controls documentation
Addressing Operational Burden with AI
Organizations today face mounting pressure to respond quickly and accurately to large volumes of complex, repetitive inquiries from regulators, customers, and partners. Manual processes are inherently time-intensive, prone to inconsistency, and difficult to scale efficiently. Protiviti's patented solution directly addresses this operational challenge by enabling teams to classify questions automatically and match new queries to previously approved responses.
Scott Laliberte, managing director at Protiviti and co-inventor of the patent, emphasized the system’s strategic value. "This innovation addresses a common and costly challenge for organizations—responding to hundreds of similar questionnaires from customers, regulators, and partners," he stated. He added that by applying AI to identify and deliver relevant responses quickly while maintaining human oversight, companies can enhance efficiency and response quality without compromising accuracy or compliance.
Kalabe Haile, a Protiviti senior manager involved in the technology's design, noted the focus on practical application. "We weren't trying to reinvent everything; we focused on combining new AI approaches with a better way to reuse existing knowledge," said Haile. He concluded that this approach is what truly unlocks scale and consistency for enterprise clients.
This patent reflects Protiviti’s ongoing commitment through its Global Patent Program, which encourages employees to transform identified business pain points into practical, client-ready solutions using advanced technologies. The system ultimately provides a robust framework for organizations navigating the increasing complexity of global compliance requirements.