Automated third-party cost estimation and production

Abstract

A computer system for automated third-party cost estimation and production management receives a request for a specific packaging design template. The system utilizes a continuous monitoring software application to identify current system capabilities. The continuous monitoring software application is configured to query a plurality of packaging production machines located in different networks and different locations, collect current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine selected from the plurality of packaging production machines, and query queue storage space at each packaging production machine selected from the plurality of packaging production machines. Based on the current system capabilities, the system selects a specific packaging production machine from the plurality of packaging production machines to produce the specific packaging design template. The system then produces the specific packaging design template.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is an international PCT application of U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 838,240 filed on April 2, 2020, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62 / 830,171 filed on April 5, 2019 and entitled “AUTOMATED THIRD-PARTY COSTESTIMATION AND PRODUCTION”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The shipping and packaging industries often use cardboard and other folding material converting equipment that converts folding material into box templates. One advantage of such equipment is that shippers can prepare boxes of required sizes on demand, rather than stocking standard pre-made boxes of various sizes. Thus, shippers do not need to predict their requirements for specific box sizes, nor do they need to stock pre-made boxes of standard sizes. Instead, shippers can store one or more bundles of folding material that can be used to produce various box sizes based on specific box size requirements for each shipment. This allows shippers to reduce the storage space typically required for shipping materials that are used regularly, and reduce the effort and costs associated with the inherently inaccurate process of predicting box size requirements.

[0004] In addition to reducing the inefficiencies associated with storing pre-made boxes of multiple sizes, creating custom-sized boxes also reduces packaging and shipping costs. In the fulfillment industry, it is estimated that items shipped are typically packed in boxes that are approximately 40% larger than the items shipped. Due to the cost of excess materials to manufacture larger boxes, a box that is too large for a particular item is more expensive than a box customized for that item. When items are packed in an oversized box, filler materials (e.g., Styrofoam, foam filler particles, paper, air pillows, etc.) are typically placed in the box to prevent the items from moving within the box and to prevent the box from collapsing when pressure is applied (e.g., when the boxes are taped closed or stacked). These filler materials further increase the costs associated with packaging items in oversized boxes.

[0005] Custom-sized boxes also reduce the shipping costs associated with shipping items compared to shipping the items in oversized boxes. A shipping vehicle loaded with boxes that are 40% larger than the items being packaged is much less cost-effective to operate than a shipping vehicle loaded with custom-sized boxes that fit the items being packaged. In other words, a shipping vehicle loaded with custom-sized packages can carry significantly more packages, which can reduce the number of shipping vehicles required to transport the same number of items. Therefore, in addition to or as an alternative to calculating shipping prices based on the weight of the packages, shipping prices are often affected by the size of the shipping packages. Therefore, reducing the size of the packaging of an item can reduce the price of shipping the item.

[0006] However, in some cases, relying on packaging production machines can create bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the packaging workflow. For example, during busy seasons, packaging production machines may not be able to keep up with product flow. In contrast, during slow periods, packaging production machines may remain idle. Both situations are not ideal and result in undesirable costs.

[0007] While packaging production machines and related equipment can significantly reduce the inconvenience and costs associated with storing and using standard-sized shipping materials, the process of making and using customized, just-in-time packaging design templates can still be improved by the order in which the packaging design templates are generated and used. Summary of the invention

[0008] At least one embodiment disclosed herein includes a computer system for automating third-party cost estimation and production, which receives a request for a specific packaging design template. The system uses a continuous monitoring software application to identify current system capabilities. The continuous monitoring software application is configured to query multiple packaging production machines located in different networks and different locations, collect current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine selected from the multiple packaging production machines, and query queue storage space at each packaging production machine selected from the multiple packaging production machines. Based on the current system capabilities, the system selects a specific packaging production machine from the multiple packaging production machines to produce a specific packaging design template. The system then produces the specific packaging design template.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be presented in the subsequent description, and from the description, some other features and advantages of the application will become apparent, or can be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the present invention can be achieved and obtained by the means and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims. From the following description and the appended claims, features of the present invention will become more apparent, or can be learned by the practice of the present invention as proposed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be given with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of scope, and the embodiments will be more precisely and specifically described and explained through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a packaging system is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system showing a packaging production machine in communication with a server and a user computing device.

[0014] Figure 3 A geographic map is shown with indications relating to the user's location and the locations of various packaging production machines.

[0015] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating steps in an embodiment of a method for automated third party cost estimation and production of customized packaging design templates.

[0016] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating steps in an embodiment of a method for automated third party cost estimation and production of customized packaging design templates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The disclosed embodiments include technical solutions for minimizing the idle time of packaging production machines and also securely implementing interfaces with third parties to utilize unoccupied queue space to produce customized packaging solutions. It will be understood that such systems utilize complex network communications, storage space management within queues, packaging production machine management, and other related technologies.

[0018] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a packaging system 100 is shown. The packaging system 100 depicted includes various exemplary components, including an embodiment of a packaging system control unit 110, an embodiment of a product entry system 120, an embodiment of a packaging production machine 130, and an embodiment of a dunnage production machine 140. The various components and modules of the packaging system 100 described herein are provided for clarity and illustration purposes only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternative or additional modules or components may be used equivalently to achieve the same effect. For example, multiple packaging system control units 110, product entry systems 120, packaging production machines 130, and / or dunnage production machines 140 may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, a picking system (not shown) provides a group of one or more target products 122 (also referred to herein as "objects") to a product entry system 120. The depicted product entry system 120 includes a conveyor configured to convey the target products 122 through at least a portion of the packaging system 100. In addition, the product entry system 120 may include a dimension input device 124 in the form of one or more scanning sensors. In at least one embodiment, the one or more scanning sensors include a light curtain. The light curtain uses various light emitters and light detectors to measure the height and width of the target product 122.

[0020] The depicted light curtain is provided for illustration purposes only. In various alternative or additional embodiments, the product entry system includes a multi-size input device 124, such as a light curtain for measuring different cross-sections of the group of one or more target products 122. Furthermore, in additional or alternative embodiments, the product entry system 120 includes other one or more size input devices 124 for determining the size of the target products 122. For example, the one or more size input devices 124 may include a URL scanner 126 that scans a URL associated with each target product within the group of one or more target products 122. The URL scanner 126 may communicate with a computer database (not shown) that stores size information for each product based on the product's URL.

[0021] Similarly, the one or more dimension input devices 124 may include a device for receiving manually input dimension information, manually input product description information, or any other manually input information that allows the packaging system 100 to access the database and determine the packaging template dimensions required to package the target product 122. In this case, the product entry system 120 determines the overall dimensions of all the grouped one or more target products 122 based on the stored dimensions of each individual product. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more dimension input devices 124 may include a laser radar (LIDAR) sensor, a computer vision system, a laser distance measurement sensor, or any other system capable of measuring dimensions. Therefore, a variety of different devices and systems can be used to determine the dimensions of the grouped one or more target products 122.

[0022] In addition, in at least one embodiment, the product entry system 120 does not have to be present in the packaging system. For example, in some embodiments, the user can simply provide input to the packaging system control unit 110, which indicates a specific custom packaging design template. As used herein, a "packaging design template" refers to a digital and / or physical design that is converted into a physical corrugated box. Therefore, in some cases, the packaging design template describes a digital file corresponding to the physical design of the corrugated paper, while in other embodiments, the packaging design template describes the cut and creased corrugated paper ready to be folded and glued into a box. The packaging system control unit 110 transmits a command to the packaging production machine 130 to generate the requested custom packaging design template.

[0023] Once product entry system 120 determines information regarding the physical dimensions of the group of one or more target products 122, product entry system 120 communicates this information to packaging system control unit 110. Alternatively, a user may manually input the requested packaging design, size, quantity, and other packaging characteristics.

[0024] The packaging system control unit 110 may include a server, a desktop computer, an embedded system, a microcontroller, a cloud server, or any other computing device capable of communicating and processing information. The packaging system control unit 110 includes a packaging database that contains various information related to the packaging production system and the one or more target products 122. For example, the packaging database includes information about available corrugated paper types, available packaging production machines 130, available dunnage types, available dunnage production machines 140, types of products to be packaged (e.g., one or more target products 122), physical characteristics of the products to be packaged, special packaging requirements associated with specific products, and other similar information.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, a cache of packaging design templates is stored near the product entry system 120. In such an embodiment, when the overall size of the order is identified, the appropriate packaging design template can be immediately retrieved from the cache. A replacement packaging design template can then be generated and placed in the cache to replace the previously removed packaging design template.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the packaging system control unit 110 sends a command to the packaging production machine 130 that causes the machine to generate a customized packaging design template. The customized packaging design template can be produced to specifically fit the box size of one or more target products 122 or manufacturing requirements. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the packaging system control unit 110 selects the specific packaging production machine 130 and corrugated paper that will be used to generate the packaging design template. Therefore, the packaging system control unit 110 exercises significant control over the dimensions and materials used to construct the customized packaging design template.

[0027] The packaging production machine 130 includes any machine capable of producing a customized package or packaging template. The packaging production machine 130 is also associated with at least one type of bulk corrugated paper. For example, the packaging machine can be associated with relatively thin corrugated paper and relatively thick corrugated paper. In addition, different corrugated paper may have different strength characteristics, different production costs, different transportation costs, and various other different characteristics.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the packaging system control unit 110 also communicates with a padding production machine 140. The padding production machine 140 includes any machine capable of automatically generating, measuring, and / or forming padding. For example, the depicted padding production machine 140 is configured to dispense a measured amount of foam-filled particles from a hopper 143. The foam-filled particles are dispensed into a target package from a nozzle 142. In additional or alternative embodiments, the padding production machine 140 is configured to generate, measure, and / or form wood, cushions, bubble wrap, air pillows, foam, cardboard, paper, plastic, molded cushions, or any other type of material capable of functioning as padding.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the packaging system 100 described above is provided for the purposes of context and clarity. In various other embodiments, the packaging system 100 may include different components, different machines, or may be combined into a single machine that performs any number of the functions described above.

[0030] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a system of packaging production machines 130 (ac) communicating with a server 220 and a user computing device 200 via a network 210 is shown. The server 220 includes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to execute various modules. As used herein, a "module" includes a computer executable code that performs a specific function. The module can interoperate with computer hardware during the execution of the computer executable code. Therefore, as an example, a "request module" is any combination of computer executable code and computer hardware that is configured to perform the described request function.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, server 220 receives a request for a specific packaging design template from computing device 200. Computing device 200 may include a computer, mobile phone, tablet computer, or any other device capable of network communication. Communication may occur within a web portal that is accessed by computing device 200 or by an application executed locally on computing device 200.

[0032] Upon receiving the request, the request module 232 within the continuous monitoring software application 230 identifies the current system capabilities within the group of packaging production machines 130(ac). To identify the current system capabilities, the machine tracking module 234 within the continuous monitoring software application 230 is configured to query the group of packaging production machines 130(ac). In at least one embodiment, the packaging production machines within the group of packaging production machines 130(ac) are located on different networks and in different geographic locations.

[0033] Additionally, to identify current system capabilities, the continuous monitoring software application 230 then collects current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines 130(ac). The operating characteristics of the packaging production machines 130(ac) may include the size of the corrugated paper associated with each packaging production machine, the type of corrugated paper associated with each packaging production machine, and various other characteristics related to the corrugated paper available at the machine and / or the cutting and creasing tools available at the machine.

[0034] In addition, to identify current system capabilities, the continuous monitoring software application 230 queries a queue module associated with each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines 130 (ac). In at least one embodiment, each packaging production machine 130 (ac) is associated with a different processor and a different computer-readable medium. Each computer-readable medium is used to track a queue of packaging design templates that have been transmitted to the corresponding packaging production machine. For example, a particular packaging production machine may be ready to manufacture multiple packaging design templates in the queue.

[0035] Based on the current system capabilities, the continuous monitoring software application 230 selects a specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines 130(ac) to produce a specific packaging design template. For example, selecting a specific packaging production machine 130a within the group of packaging production machines includes identifying that the specific packaging production machine 130a is associated with a desired type of corrugated paper and identifying that the specific packaging production machine 130a is associated with a queue that is below a bandwidth threshold.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the bandwidth threshold is dynamically determined to take into account the historical production cycle. For example, a specific packaging production machine 130a may not be used during the early morning hours or evening hours usually. In this case, the bandwidth threshold is automatically adjusted to take into account the additional production volume that may be available at a specific time. For example, a packaging production machine may be relatively unused from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Therefore, as time gradually approaches 6 a.m., the bandwidth threshold can be dynamically changed. Such systems can determine that a specific packaging production machine 130a can manufacture one hundred packaging design templates in one hour. Using this information, the bandwidth threshold can be automatically adjusted to indicate the additional production availability of fifty packaging design templates at 5:30 a.m., because there is only half an hour left from the complete use of the machine in history. Similar dynamic changes can be made at different times to take into account the different historical usages of a specific packaging production machine 130a.

[0037] When a packaging production machine 130a is selected, the server 220 transmits a command to the packaging production machine 130a for producing a specific packaging design template. Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide a system that allows a user to request the generation of a customized packaging design template from a packaging production machine that is in a different geographic location and on a different network than the user. This feature can allow owners of packaging production machines to sell excess production capacity on their packaging production machines to third parties without affecting their own production.

[0038] Figure 3 A geographic map is shown with indications associated with the user's location 300 and the locations 310(af) of various packaging production machines 130(ac). In at least one embodiment, server 220 receives a geographic location 300 associated with computing device 200 from computing device 200. The geographic location may include a network address associated with computing device 200 for positioning, an address provided by a user, GPS coordinates, or any number of other means for determining a geographic location associated with computing device 200.

[0039] Based on the user's geographic location, the server generates a group of packaging production machines 130 (ac) represented by location 310 (af). In at least one embodiment, each packaging production machine in the group of packaging production machines 130 (ac) is selected based on being within a threshold distance from the geographic location. For example, Figure 3 A threshold distance is depicted, represented by circle 320. Packaging production machine locations 310(ae) within circle 320 are determined to belong to the group of packaging production machines 130(ac). In contrast, packaging production machine 310f is outside the threshold distance and is therefore excluded from the group of packaging production machines 130(ac).

[0040] Therefore, in at least one embodiment, a user can request a packaging design template on their computing device 200. In response to the request, the server 220 determines the location of the user. Based on the location, the server identifies a packaging production machine located within a threshold distance from the user. The continuous monitoring software application 230 then identifies a packaging production machine 130a that is capable of producing the desired packaging design template and has the bandwidth to do so without interfering with the usual workload of the packaging production machine. This feature allows the owner of the packaging production machine 130 (ac) to monetize the unused capacity in their machine. In turn, such functionality allows individuals who would not otherwise have access to such machines to generate their own customized packaging design templates.

[0041] The following discussion now relates to various methods and method actions that can be performed. Although method actions may be discussed in a particular order or illustrated in a flowchart as occurring in a particular order, a particular ordering is not required unless otherwise specified or because one action depends on another action being completed before the action is performed.

[0042] Now turn to Figure 4 , depicting a flow chart of steps within an embodiment of a method for automated third-party cost estimation and production of customized packaging design templates. In at least one embodiment, a flow chart is shown depicting steps in a process of allowing a third party to utilize unused production time or idle time within a packaging system. For example, it can be appreciated that packaging systems are complex machines that may be found primarily in large packaging warehouses. However, many smaller companies may also benefit from the production of customized packaging design templates. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for opening up unused production time from a packaging system to other parties.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, a visitor accesses a website (400) and is presented with a login screen to authenticate to a user account (402). The visitor fills in login information (404) and submits a web form (406). Upon receiving the web form, the computer system checks for a customer ID in a business management database (408). In the event that the customer ID is not found, the system creates a new customer ID within the business management system (410). The visitor is then successfully logged into the website (412).

[0044] The website displays customer specific information to the visitor (414). This information may include previous customer packaging design template orders, the visitor's contact information, or other similar information (416). The web page also displays a web form for receiving information about the requested custom packaging design template. The requested information may include size, design, material, color, quantity, item number, and other relevant inputs.

[0045] The computer system then processes the order and identifies the appropriate price point for the order (418). The process of processing the order and identifying the price point may include accessing a continuous monitoring software application that communicates with all available packaging production machines in a given geographic area (420). The packaging production machines may be located at different addresses, in different buildings, owned by different companies, or unrelated to each other. However, the continuous monitoring software application communicates with the various packaging systems and monitors the queue storage space associated with each packaging production machine (422). The continuous monitoring software application may also map the historical production cycles of each packaging production machine and identify the planned future operation cycles.

[0046] In addition, the continuous monitoring software application also identifies the operating characteristics of the available packaging production machines. For example, different packaging production machines may be associated with different widths and weights of corrugated paper. Some packaging production machines may not be able to produce particularly large custom packaging design templates due to the narrow width of the corrugated paper they are associated with. Similarly, producing small packaging production templates on packaging production machines associated with very large corrugated paper widths may be extremely inefficient because a large amount of waste corrugated paper will be left behind. Using these different dynamic monitoring techniques, the continuous monitoring software application generates real-time estimates of available queue bandwidth for various production machines.

[0047] The continuous monitoring software application then transmits this information to the business management database. In turn, the business management database generates a cost estimate for the customized packaging design template for the production request (424). In at least one embodiment, the business management database includes a machine learning component, such as a neural network for estimating the cost of the customized packaging design template for the production request. The cost estimate is based at least in part on a specific selected packaging production machine. For example, the cost estimate takes into account the total amount of corrugated paper (including waste) required to generate the customized packaging design template, the amount of time required to generate the customized packaging design template, and the wear and tear of the packaging production machine associated with generating the customized packaging design template. The cost estimate is provided to a human operator for verification (426). The human operator can then reject the order or accept the order. If the order is accepted, the selected packaging system generates the customized packaging design template (428).

[0048] The system then generates an invoice for the estimate and prints the required packing slip (430). The completed custom packaging design template and packing slip are bundled or placed on a pallet for pickup or delivery to the third party. A notification is sent to the third party (also referred to above as the visitor) (432). Once the third party picks up or receives and signs the packaging design template (434), the invoice is sent to the third party (436).

[0049] Thus, in at least one embodiment, a third party is able to purchase unused time on a packaging production machine. The packaging production machine can be selected from a group of packaging production machines distributed between different addresses, buildings, and different companies. Companies that own or manage packaging production systems are also able to achieve higher returns on their packaging production systems by selling time that would otherwise remain idle.

[0050] Now turn to Figure 5 , Figure 5 A flowchart of steps in an embodiment of a method 500 for automated third-party cost estimation and production of customized packaging design templates is shown. The method 500 includes an act 510 of receiving a request for a packaging design template 510. Act 510 includes receiving a request for a particular packaging design template from a computing device. For example, as described with respect to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As depicted and described, a user's computing device 200 is in communication with a server 220 via a network 210 .

[0051] Method 500 also includes an act 520 of identifying current system capabilities. Act 520 includes using the continuous monitoring software application to identify current system capabilities within a group of packaging production machines. The process of identifying current system capabilities includes an act 530 of querying a group of packaging production machines, wherein the packaging production machines within the group of packaging production machines are located in different networks and different geographical locations.

[0052] Identifying the current system capabilities also includes an act 540 of collecting current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the packaging production machine group, and an act 550 of querying a queue module associated with each packaging production machine within the packaging production machine group. The method 500 also includes an act 550 of selecting a specific packaging production machine within the packaging production machine group to produce a specific packaging design template based on the current system capabilities. In addition, the method 500 includes an act 570 of producing the specific packaging design template.

[0053] In addition, these methods can be practiced by a computer system including one or more processors and a computer readable medium such as a computer memory. In particular, the computer memory can store computer executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the execution of various functions, such as the actions listed in the embodiments.

[0054] The functionality of a computing system can be enhanced by the ability of the computing system to interconnect to other computing systems via network connections. Network connections may include, but are not limited to, connections via wired or wireless Ethernet, cellular connections, or even computer-to-computer connections via serial, parallel, USB, or other connections. These connections allow computing systems to access services on other computing systems and to receive application data from other computing systems quickly and efficiently.

[0055] The interconnection of computing systems enables distributed computing systems, such as so-called "cloud" computing systems. In this description, "cloud computing" can be a system or resource for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, services, etc.), which can be provided and published in a manner that reduces management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud models can consist of various features (e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pools, rapid elasticity, measured services, etc.), service models (e.g., software as a service ("SaaS"), platform as a service ("PaaS"), infrastructure as a service ("IaaS"), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

[0056] Cloud-based and remote service applications are popular. Such applications are hosted on public and private remote systems (e.g., clouds) and typically provide a set of network-based services for communicating back and forth with clients.

[0057] Many computers are intended to be used through direct user interaction with the computer. Therefore, computers have input hardware and software user interfaces to facilitate user interaction. For example, a modern general-purpose computer may include a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, camera, etc. to allow a user to input data into the computer. In addition, various software user interfaces may be used.

[0058] Examples of software user interfaces include graphical user interfaces, text command line based user interfaces, function key or hot key user interfaces, and the like.

[0059] The disclosed embodiments may include or utilize a special or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, as discussed in more detail below. The disclosed embodiments also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer system. The computer-readable media that stores computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. The computer-readable media that carries computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, embodiments of the present invention may include at least two distinctly different types of computer-readable media: physical computer-readable storage media and transmission computer-readable media.

[0060] Physical computer-readable storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.), magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store desired program code devices in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general or special purpose computer.

[0061] A "network" is defined as one or more data links capable of transmitting electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer via a network or another communication connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless), the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media may include networks and / or data links, which may be used to carry program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures and may be accessed by general or special-purpose computers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0062] In addition, upon reaching various computer system components, program code components in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from a transmission computer readable medium to a physical computer readable storage medium (or vice versa). For example, a computer executable instruction or data structure received via a network or data link can be cached in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC"), and then ultimately transferred to the computer system RAM and / or a less volatile computer readable physical storage medium on the computer system. Thus, a computer readable physical storage medium can be included in a computer system component that also (or even primarily) utilizes a transmission medium.

[0063] Computer executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions (e.g., assembly language), or even source code. Although the subject matter is described in a language dedicated to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned features or actions. On the contrary, the described features and actions are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be put into practice in a network computing environment with various types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, portable computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, etc. The present invention can also be put into practice in a distributed system environment, in which local and remote computer systems via a network link (by a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or by a combination of a hardwired and wireless data link) all perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage devices.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the functionality described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0066] The present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or features of the present invention. The described embodiments are considered to be exemplary and non-restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is shown by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalent schemes of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. A computer system for automated third-party cost estimation and production management, comprising: one or more processors; as well as One or more computer-readable media having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to at least perform the following operations: receiving a request for a particular packaging design template from a computing device; Identifying current system capabilities within a packaging production machine fleet using a continuous monitoring software application, wherein the continuous monitoring software application is configured to: querying the packaging production machine group, wherein the packaging production machines in the packaging production machine group are located in different networks and different geographical locations, collecting current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines, and querying a queue module associated with each packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group; selecting a specific packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group to produce the specific packaging design template based on the current system capabilities; and Produce said specific packaging design template, Wherein, selecting the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines comprises: identifying the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a desired corrugated paper type; and The particular packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a queue below a bandwidth threshold is identified.

2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: The executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: A geographic location associated with the computing device is received from the computing device.

3. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein: The geographic location includes a network address associated with the computing device.

4. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein: The geographic location includes an address provided by a user.

5. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein: The executable instructions include instructions executable to configure the computer system to: Based on the geographic location, the group of packaging production machines is generated, wherein each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines is selected based on being within a threshold distance from the geographic location.

6. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: The current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the packaging production machine group include: A corrugated paper type associated with each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines.

7. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: The bandwidth threshold is determined dynamically to take into account historical production cycles.

8. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: Selecting the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines comprises: The specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines is identified based on historical production cycles.

9. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: The queue module includes storage space associated with each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines.

10. A computer-implemented method for automating third-party cost estimation and production management, the method executing on one or more processors and comprising: receiving a request for a particular packaging design template from a computing device; Identifying current system capabilities within a packaging production machine fleet using a continuous monitoring software application, wherein the continuous monitoring software application is configured to: querying the packaging production machine group, wherein the packaging production machines in the packaging production machine group are located in different networks and different geographical locations, collecting current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines, and querying a queue module associated with each packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group; selecting a specific packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group to produce the specific packaging design template based on the current system capabilities; and Produce said specific packaging design template, Wherein, selecting the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines comprises: identifying the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a desired corrugated paper type; and The particular packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a queue below a bandwidth threshold is identified.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further comprising: A geographic location associated with the computing device is received from the computing device.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein: The geographic location includes a network address associated with the computing device.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 , wherein: The geographic location includes an address provided by a user.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 , further comprising: Based on the geographic location, the group of packaging production machines is generated, wherein each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines is selected based on being within a threshold distance from the geographic location.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein: The current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the packaging production machine group include: A corrugated paper type associated with each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein: The bandwidth threshold is determined dynamically to take into account historical production cycles.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein: Selecting the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines comprises: The specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines is identified based on historical production cycles.

18. A computer program product comprising one or more computer storage media having computer executable instructions stored thereon, the computer executable instructions, when executed at a processor, causing a computer system to perform a method for automating third party cost estimation and production management, the method comprising: receiving a request for a particular packaging design template from a computing device; Identifying current system capabilities within a packaging production machine fleet using a continuous monitoring software application, wherein the continuous monitoring software application is configured to: querying the packaging production machine group, wherein the packaging production machines in the packaging production machine group are located in different networks and different geographical locations, collecting current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines, and querying a queue module associated with each packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group; selecting a specific packaging production machine in the packaging production machine group to produce the specific packaging design template based on the current system capabilities; and Produce said specific packaging design template, Wherein, selecting the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines comprises: identifying the specific packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a desired corrugated paper type; and The particular packaging production machine within the group of packaging production machines that is associated with a queue below a bandwidth threshold is identified.

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