A workflow order is created for the object. Public parameters are received from a key generation center at a computer associated with an object master. A public key is generated at the computer system based on a user identifier and the public parameters, wherein the user identifier is comprised of user related information. The object is encrypted using the public key such that the object cannot be opened without the a private key, wherein the object is a composite document comprising multiple elements of documents of different formats, and wherein the private key is generated in response to a request from an authenticated user using the user identifier at the key generation center. Access to the multiple elements of the object is controlled based on workflow order.