Device for determining a distribution quantity

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining a distribution quantity (1), configured to receive, via a receiving interface (2), a production quantity (3) producible during a production period and a demand quantity (4) requested during the production period, and, by executing computer-interpretable instructions, to calculate a shortage quantity (5) by subtracting the demand quantity (4) from the production quantity (3) via a processor unit, wherein the demand quantity (4) comprises at least two individual demands (6). The device according to the invention is characterized by - a demand quantity strip diagram module (7); - a transformation graph specification module (10); - a transformation module (14); and - a distribution quantity determination module (16), set up to determine a distribution production quantity strip diagram (18) and a distribution shortage strip diagram (19).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for determining a distribution quantity according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In demand-capacity management, suppliers compare their production capacities with the total product demands of usually several customers. If the total demand for a product within a given production period, for example, a week, exceeds the production capacity, this is referred to as a potential bottleneck. The supplier must then allocate this bottleneck quantity among their customers and communicate this accordingly.

[0003] For the recipient of shortage quantities, there is the so-called "surprise problem" of an overprotected customer and the "discrimination problem" of customers who do not understand why they are confronted with a shortage from their supplier. For the supplier or producer, i.e., the sender of shortage quantities, there is the "communication problem" with customers who feel disadvantaged by a seemingly inexplicable shortage, as well as the "stop-and-go problem" in the case of an erratic distribution of shortage quantities.

[0004] The problem of perceived discrimination among customers when receiving limited quantities from suppliers stems from the lack of transparency regarding the reasons for the allocated quantity. The recipient doesn't know what they can do to reduce their allocated quantity or increase the actual quantity of the good / product received. The producer's challenge is to implement an allocation mechanism for each customer that is both appropriate and differentiated according to their position in the supply process. Prioritizing one customer over another is often unavoidable. Therefore, the supplier's or producer's goal is to keep communication with customers free of subjective, individual elements, while still acknowledging the reality of supply priorities.Even customers who enjoy a high level of supply security can be at risk of experiencing shortages if the supply situation gradually worsens. The supplier wants to avoid unnecessary surprises. This can be achieved through timely and targeted notification of smaller shortage quantities. The supplier's distribution mechanism must take into account the changing nature of supply shortages over time; that is, a developing shortage must be reported to all partners in a timely manner, and customer priority must be considered even in this initial notification.

[0005] A system for planning production is known from WO 2006 / 077930 A1. The system can receive a stock quantity and an expected production quantity as input and generate a production plan based on a variety of operating patterns.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 3 188 115 A1 describes a device for determining an optimal production allocation. The device determines the distribution quantity of a good to be produced among different producers. The publication describes the problem of satisfying the demand for a good produced by several producers in the most cost-effective way possible. The problem underlying the publication is therefore considered from the customer's perspective.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved device for determining a distribution quantity, the use of which makes it possible to at least mitigate or even completely prevent the negative influence of the surprise problem, the discrimination problem, the communication problem and the stop-and-go problem.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device for determining a distribution quantity with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] A generic device for determining a distribution quantity, configured to receive via a receiving interface a production quantity producible during a production period and a demand quantity requested during the production period, and to calculate a shortage quantity by subtracting the demand quantity from the production quantity by executing computer-interpretable instructions via a processor unit, wherein the demand quantity comprises at least two individual demands, is further developed according to the invention by: - a demand quantity strip chart module, set up to read in the demand quantity and a priority assignment, whereby the priority assignment assigns an individual priority to each individual demand, and to arrange the individual demands on top of each other according to the priority in a demand quantity strip chart; - a transformation graph definition module, configured to define a transformation graph depending on at least one transformation graph parameter, wherein the transformation graph comprises a family of curves in a defined range of values, wherein the family of curves includes an isocurve for each individual requirement, wherein the isocurves increase monotonically in the range of values ​​and each differ by a different slope, the extent of the slope difference between the isocurves following a mathematical rule, wherein the value of each slope depends on a first transformation graph parameter; - a transformation module, configured to read the demand quantity strip diagram and the transformation graph and to transform the demand quantity strip diagram into a demand quantity curve diagram based on the curve profile of the family of curves contained in the transformation graph, whereby the respective individual demands are assigned to the respective areas below the isocurves; and - a distribution quantity determination module, configured to read in the production quantity and the demand quantity curve diagram, to cut the demand quantity curve diagram at the level of the production quantity and to arrange the areas assigned to the lower part of the diagram into a distribution production quantity strip diagram while maintaining the respective area share, and to arrange the areas assigned to the upper part of the diagram into a distribution shortage strip diagram while maintaining the respective area share.

[0010] If the shortage is positive, the production quantity is greater than the demand. This means that all demand for the corresponding good can be met. In other words, the quantity of a good produced in a production cycle by a corresponding system is sufficient to satisfy the demand. If, on the other hand, the shortage is negative, this means that the demand is greater than the production quantity. The demand thus exceeds the production capacity. In such a case, the allocation quantity must be determined using the device according to the invention in order to provide a production quantity allocation that is transparent and comprehensible for all recipients of the goods included in the production quantity. The device according to the invention thus allows bottleneck quantities to be allocated to individual customers.

[0011] The device according to the invention comprises the aforementioned demand quantity strip diagram module, transformation graph definition module, transformation module, and allocation quantity determination module. The respective modules are dedicated hardware components, dedicated software components, or hybrid forms thereof.

[0012] The device according to the invention is configured to receive the production quantity that can be manufactured within the production period and the corresponding demand quantity. The production period can vary in length depending on the situation and may, for example, be one week. The device can query the production quantity and the demand quantity from a computer system, for example, via a communication network such as a local area network (LAN) or the internet. Alternatively, the receiving interface could be a human-machine interface, allowing a user to manually specify the production quantity and the demand quantity via a corresponding input screen, for example, using a touch-sensitive display. The demand quantity comprises at least two individual demands. An individual demand is a demand requested by a single entity, for example, by a customer.

[0013] For each individual requirement, a priority assignment is provided, describing the priority of the respective entity making the individual requirement, for example, a customer priority. The priority can be entered manually by the user or read from a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a computer-readable file. The computer-readable storage medium can be part of the device according to the invention or be implemented externally, for example, as part of a separate computing unit or storage unit. For example, the requirement quantity for a first customer might be 436 units of a specific good, and for a second customer, 73 units of the same good. The requirement quantities are then arranged into a corresponding requirement quantity strip diagram by the requirement quantity strip diagram module. Thus, the individual requirements are stacked above or below each other in the form of requirement quantity strips according to their priority.

[0014] The transformation graph definition module is used to determine the transformation graph for the transformation module. The transformation graph depends on at least one transformation graph parameter, specifically at least the first transformation graph parameter. The first transformation graph parameter allows the shape of the family of curves to be modified within the defined range of values. Thus, the slope of the respective isocurves affects the area between the isocurves, which is then used by the transformation module to transform the demand quantity strip diagram.

[0015] The transformation module receives the demand quantity strip diagram and the transformation graph and transforms the demand quantity strip diagram into the demand quantity curve diagram. For each individual demand contained in the demand quantity, an isocurve or an area lying below the isocurve is provided.

[0016] Each area increment of the demand quantity strip diagram and the demand quantity curve diagram corresponds exactly to one unit of the produced good. The area fraction of a respective demand quantity strip or the respective areas below the isocurves thus corresponds to a quantity of the produced good. The device according to the invention is therefore able to determine the distribution quantity by determining area fractions.

[0017] For this purpose, the allocation quantity determination module reads in the production quantity and the demand quantity curve diagram. The production quantity determines at which the demand quantity curve diagram is intersected. The portion of the diagram below the intersecting point corresponds to the production quantity that can be produced within the production period, and the portion above the intersecting point represents the shortage quantity. The demand quantity curve diagram has the same area as the demand quantity or the demand quantity strip diagram. The individual demands are distorted according to the areas below the isocurves and lie entirely or partially within the respective diagram sections. The area in the lower part of the diagram corresponds to the production quantity to be allocated to a customer, and the area in the upper part of the diagram corresponds to the shortage quantity or bottleneck quantity to be allocated to each customer.In the context of the invention, the lower part of the diagram is also referred to as the distribution production quantity curve diagram, and the upper part as the distribution shortage curve diagram. To obtain a strip diagram again, the respective individual requirements or shortages are transformed back according to their area share in the respective diagram section. This results in a distribution production quantity strip diagram or a distribution shortage strip diagram. If, for example, the area for an underlying good in the demand quantity curve diagram is 1000 units, and the area of ​​the respective distorted and truncated individual requirement in the distribution production quantity curve diagram is, for example, 286 units, then a correspondingly large production quantity strip of 286 units of the underlying good is provided for this individual requirement in the distribution production quantity strip diagram.

[0018] The production quantity allocation strip diagrams and shortage allocation strip diagrams determined by the device according to the invention can be used for various purposes. In the simplest case, the diagrams are displayed to a user on a display device. For this purpose, the device according to the invention can transmit the diagrams to a display device via a suitable output interface or to a computing unit external to the device according to the invention, in order to display them on a display device connected to this computing unit. The user can then pass the relevant information on to customers, who can subsequently understand transparently why they were allocated a particular shortage quantity. It is also possible to control an automated system for distributing the goods according to the individual requirements contained in the respective diagrams, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0019] The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to determine bottleneck quantities for different customers according to a transparent and traceable pattern. This ensures adherence to clearly comprehensible and strict rules, thereby increasing customer acceptance of bottleneck quantities. Consequently, the negative impact of the surprise problem, the discrimination problem, the communication problem, and the stop-and-go problem in the distribution of bottleneck quantities can at least be mitigated or even completely avoided. Customers feel less discriminated against due to the transparency created, as they now know the factors influencing the underlying decision. Higher-priority customers are no longer surprised by bottlenecks, as they receive timely warning signals in the form of small bottleneck quantities. The producers, or rather,Distributors of shortage quantities can abandon a stop-and-go policy and now continuously allocate priority-based, appropriate, and consistent shortage quantities to all customers. Suppliers can enrich their accompanying communication of shortages with a transparent explanation.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the isocurves are described by exponential functions. Using exponential functions, the course of the isocurves can be described mathematically in a particularly solution-oriented manner, especially with regard to the surprise problem. A mathematically simpler course of the isocurves can be modeled by straight lines with a common vanishing point or, in the simplest case, by parallel, ascending straight lines.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the transformation graph definition module is configured to define a transformation graph segment within the value range, and the transformation module is configured to read the transformation graph segment and transform the demand quantity strip diagram into the demand quantity curve diagram based on the curve profile of the family of curves contained in the transformation graph segment. This provides an additional influencing factor for the distortion of the individual demands contained in the demand quantity strip diagram. Thus, depending on the situation, the production quantity to be allocated to each customer, i.e., each individual demand in the distribution production quantity strip diagram, can be controlled even more effectively.

[0022] Preferably, the transformation graph definition module is configured to receive a second and a third transformation graph parameter and to define the transformation graph section depending on the second and third transformation graph parameters, wherein the transformation graph section is rectangular and the second transformation graph parameter describes the position of the upper right corner of the transformation graph section within the transformation graph, and the third transformation graph parameter describes a width and / or length of the transformation graph section. Thus, two additional transformation graph parameters are available for defining the transformation graph section. The second and third transformation graph parameters can be manually entered into the device according to the invention by a user via a corresponding user interface.At least one transformation graph parameter, for example the first, second, or third transformation graph parameter, or even several or all transformation graph parameters, can be specified to the device according to the invention by a machine. For example, the device according to the invention can determine the corresponding transformation graph parameters independently depending on a criterion or receive them from a computing unit implemented externally to the device according to the invention. For example, the value of a respective transformation graph parameter can be made dependent on the total production quantity and / or the demand quantity. A ratio of shortage to production quantity or shortage to demand quantity could also determine the value of the respective transformation graph parameters.The distance between the observation point and the current point in time could also functionally influence the transformation graph parameters and, for example, result in a time-distance-dependent shaping of the transformation graph. Similarly, other boundary conditions could be used, such as the current calendar month, information on whether there are school holidays during the production period under consideration, whether there is a public holiday during the production period under consideration, or the like.

[0023] Preferably, the transformation graph section is square. This also simplifies the mathematical formulation of the transformation of the individual requirements encompassed by the demand quantity strip diagram using the transformation graph.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention further provides that the first, second and third transformation graph parameters each originate from a range of values ​​between 0 and 1, wherein: - the average slope of a reference isocurve in the transformation graph is 0 when the first transformation graph parameter takes the value 0 and is infinite when the first transformation graph parameter takes the value 1; - the upper right corner point of the transformation graph section with respect to the abscissa of the transformation graph lies on the maximum value of the respective value range when the second transformation graph parameter takes the value 1, and lies on the minimum value of the respective value range when the second transformation graph parameter takes the value 0; and / or - the width and / or length of the transformation graph section extends to the minimum value of the respective value range when the third transformation graph parameter takes the value 1 and is infinitesimally small when the third transformation graph parameter takes the value 0.

[0025] The respective transformation graph parameters are thus mathematically assigned to an interval between 0 and 1. 0 and 1 form the interval boundaries. The boundaries of the interval may or may not belong to the interval itself. It can therefore be a closed interval, an open interval, or a half-open interval. The interval boundaries can also be interpreted as 0% and 100%. Whether a boundary belongs to a particular interval or not depends in particular on the mathematical formulation of how the respective transformation graph parameter is processed by the device according to the invention. For example, special limiting cases may exist that lead to exception handling, such as division by zero or the divergence of a function. In such a case, the respective boundary is not considered part of the underlying interval.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is configured to receive a quantity of goods equal to the production quantity and to divide the goods into a number of lots corresponding to the number of individual requirements, wherein the quantity of goods to be allocated to each lot is determined as a function of the areas contained in the allocation production quantity strip diagram. In other words, a machine is provided that is capable of automatically allocating the quantity of scarce goods produced during the production period to the individual customers. Thus, the optimal quantity of goods is provided for each customer, which then only needs to be packaged and shipped. Particularly preferably, the device is also capable of automatically sending a message to the respective customer informing them of the quantity of goods allocated to their lot.This reduces the effort required by the operator of the device according to the invention to divide the production quantity, and preferably also to communicate with the respective customer.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention for determining the distribution quantity also result from the exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0028] This shows: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of demand quantities and production quantities; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for determining a distribution quantity; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a distribution quantity determined with the device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a transformation graph; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the process for generating a transformation graph section; and Fig. 6 a table showing exemplary formulas for defining the families of curves contained in the transformation graph.

[0029] A manufacturer or producer of a good is able to produce a specific quantity of that good within a production period, for example, in one week. This quantity is referred to as production quantity 3 and is expressed in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this in the form of a bar chart. For example, a producer can manufacture 8000 units of the good within a week. It may happen that the producer's customers request a quantity 4 that exceeds the production quantity 3. Subtracting the quantity 4 required from the production quantity 3 yields a shortage 5. The shortage 5 is negative if the demand exceeds the production capacity. For example, the producer lacks the capacity to manufacture 5381 units of the good. This presents the producer with the challenge of determining which customer will receive fewer units of the requested good than originally ordered, and specifically, how much fewer.

[0030] The requirement quantity 4 comprises an individual requirement 6 for each customer, which is also shown in the form of a requirement quantity strip diagram 9. Fig. 1 are shown. Fig. 1. The arrangement of the individual requirements 6 of the respective customers is arbitrary. The individual requirements 6 arranged above the production quantity 3 cannot be fulfilled.

[0031] To determine the appropriate quantity of the goods to be delivered for each customer, a device according to the invention is used, which is described in more detail below.

[0032] The device according to the invention serves to generate a demand quantity curve diagram 15, which includes a distorted course of the individual requirements 6. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the effect achieved by the device according to the invention. The area of ​​each individual demand 6 in the demand quantity curve diagram 15 is not horizontal, but vertically distorted. The individual demands 6 are arranged according to customer priority, with those customers or individual demands 6 with the highest priority being positioned further down in the diagram in the exemplary embodiments. The portion of the area of ​​those individual demands 6 that exceeds the production quantity 3 cannot be fulfilled, but the respective portions below it can. The demand quantity curve diagram 15 thus allows the producer's customers to be informed transparently and comprehensibly about who receives which bottleneck quantities. This enables customers to understand why they receive a smaller quantity of the ordered goods than originally ordered.

[0033] A key principle is that almost every customer is assigned a bottleneck quantity, with the bottleneck quantity being smaller for particularly important customers than for less important ones. This is achieved by placing high-priority customers at the bottom of the respective diagram, and the areas corresponding to individual requirements becoming narrower towards the top.

[0034] The device according to the invention is in Fig. Figure 2 is shown schematically. The device can, for example, be a computer system that executes corresponding computer-interpretable instructions using a processor unit. The device according to the invention comprises various modules, each of which is formed by dedicated hardware and / or software components.

[0035] The device according to the invention is able to receive the production quantity 3, the demand quantity 4, and a priority assignment 8 via a receiving interface 2. For example, the corresponding information can be entered manually via a suitable human-machine interface or received from an external computing unit. The priority assignment 8 defines the ranking of the respective individual demands 6 as they are to be arranged in the demand quantity strip diagram 9. Taking the corresponding input variables into account, the demand quantity strip diagram 9 is generated by a demand quantity strip diagram module 7. The demand quantity strip diagram 9 can be fed to a transformation module 14, which also requires a transformation graph 12. The transformation graph 12 is generated by a transformation graph definition module 10 depending on at least one transformation graph parameter 11.At least one first transformation graph parameter 11.1 is required. According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, a second and / or third transformation graph parameter 11.2, 11.3 can optionally be taken into account by the transformation graph definition module 10 for the generation of the transformation graph 12.

[0036] Transformation graph 12 describes a family of curves within a range of values. For each individual requirement 6, the family of curves includes exactly one curve in Fig. 4 shown isocurve 13.

[0037] Transformation module 14 now transforms the demand quantity strip diagram 9 into the demand quantity curve diagram 15 based on the curve profile of the family of curves contained in transformation graph 12. For this purpose, the respective individual demands 6 in the demand quantity strip diagram 9 are assigned to the respective areas below the isocurves 13. The demand quantity curve diagram 15 is then read in by a distribution quantity determination module 16.

[0038] As a further input variable, the allocation quantity determination module 16 receives the production quantity 3 from the input interface 2. The allocation quantity determination module 16 intersects the demand quantity curve diagram 15 at the level of the production quantity 3, thereby generating a lower diagram part 17.1 and an upper diagram part 17.2 (see also Fig. 3) The individual requirements 6 in the lower and upper diagram sections 17.1 and 17.2 are still distorted. Taking into account the respective area share, they can be converted back into a strip diagram. This generates a distribution production quantity strip diagram 18 and a distribution shortage strip diagram 19. The respective diagrams or diagram sections 17.1, 17.2, 18, and 19 each correspond to the desired distribution quantity 1. The area or height of each strip now corresponds to the desired quantity of the good to be allocated to a respective customer.

[0039] Diagrams 18 and 19 can be used effectively via an output interface 21. For example, the corresponding information can be displayed to a user on a display device, sent to the respective customers via a communication channel, and / or used to control a distribution machine that automatically divides the quantity of the good produced within the production period among the individual customers. This distribution machine can be part of the device according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows the transformation graph 12, comprising the aforementioned family of curves within the range of values. The isocurves 13 are particularly likely to be exponential functions. A pointer 22 is also shown, which can move between a 6 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position within the transformation graph 12. For isocurves 13 that lie in the region of the 9 o'clock position of the pointer 22, the slope is comparatively small, while for isocurves 13 that lie in the region of the 6 o'clock position of the pointer 22, it is large. The slope of the isocurves 13 shown changes along their path. The average slope can be used to compare the slopes of the isocurves 13 with each other.

[0041] By changing the first transformation graph parameter 11.1, the extent to which the slope changes across the isocurves 13 from the 9 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock position of pointer 22 can be influenced. This correspondingly affects the shape of the demand quantity curve diagram 15.

[0042] Furthermore, it is possible, taking into account the second and third transformation graph parameters 11.2, 11.3, to extract a transformation graph section 20 from the transformation graph 12, which can be done using the following: Fig. Section 5 explains this. The second transformation graph parameter, 11.2, determines the position of the upper right corner point P1 of the transformation graph section 20 within the respective value range. The position of the lower left corner point P2 depends on the width b of the transformation graph section 20 and / or its length (not shown in detail). The width b and / or the length are set by the third transformation graph parameter, 11.3. Specifically, the transformation graph section 20 is square.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows Table 23, containing formulas that can be used as examples for designing the isocurves 13. The first column names the respective family of curves. The second column defines the operating conditions. The terms "equality," "tapering," and "rounding" correspond to the three transformation graph parameters 11.1-11.3. The third column gives the mathematical formula for describing the respective family of curves in general terms. The last column of Table 23 gives the underlying formula in a form optimized for an algorithm executable by the device according to the invention. The quantity X defines the range of values ​​of the transformation graph 12 with respect to the abscissa. The quantities a and b specify the permissible range of values ​​for defining the isocurves 13.

[0044] The invention is explained again below based on the definitions of the entries in Table 23: To distribute bottleneck quantities from a supplier that arise when the future capacity of a given week is insufficient to meet that week's demand, a distribution device is required that performs a computer-aided distribution according to various parameters. Key factors for the distribution are customer priority, the dynamically adjustable equal or unequal treatment of customer demands, and the defined degree to which a customer is relieved of bottleneck participation. The device according to the invention constitutes such a bottleneck quantity distribution device, comprising: 1. A transformation module 14 for embedding the various customer requirements to generate a structured, curved demand quantity curve diagram 15. 2. A transformation graph definition module 10 for determining a transformation graph 12. 3. And for the transformation graph definition module 10, the setting parameters are: equality, taper, and rounding. "Equality" forms the first transformation graph parameter 11.1, "taper" the second transformation graph parameter 11.2, and "rounding" the third transformation graph parameter 11.3. This results in the 4. Transformation graphs 12 with a specific family of curves: a. For the normal case: The family of exponential curves of the form y=f(x,a)=e^(a*x) (Formula 0001) or b. for the limiting case 1: The straight family of star curves of the form y=f(x,a)=1+a*x (formula 0002) or c. for limiting case 2: the family of parallel curves of the form f(x,a,b) =b + a * x (formula 0003) as well as 5. a distribution quantity determination module 16 for decomposing the demand quantity curve diagram 15 into a bottleneck quantity and a coverage quantity.

[0045] The bottleneck quantity distribution device accepts the following as input: 1. a demand quantity strip diagram 9, which contains the sorted customer demands, with the highest-ranking demands at the top, as well as 2. A capacity limit that indicates the maximum possible total demand.

[0046] The bottleneck quantity distribution device provides the following output: 1. a breakdown shortage strip diagram 19, which includes the bottleneck quantities for customers with the most important customer needs at the bottom, as well as 2. A distribution production quantity strip diagram 18, showing the quantities covered by the capacity constraint for customers, with the most important customer needs at the bottom.

[0047] The following describes the input and output factors as well as the internal structure of the bottleneck quantity distribution device.

[0048] Input: Demand quantity strip diagram 9: In demand quantity strip diagram 9, all customer demands must be identified and ranked. The highest-priority demand is at the top (or, depending on the mathematical treatment, at the bottom), followed by the second-highest-priority demand, and so on, until the lowest-priority demand is at the bottom (or at the top). The demands are assumed to be rectangular. The baseline of the stack has a width of 1. Thus, the height of a stack element corresponds exactly to the quantity of the customer demand. Note: If customer requirements are extracted from the top and the areas below the isocurves 13 in the transformation graph 12 are allocated, the demand elements in the output will be in reverse order. Input: Capacity limitation or production quantity 3: The capacity limit specifies the height of the cutting position at which the separation between the bottleneck and the supply quantity is to take place. Since the width of the stack to be cut will also be 1, the height of the cutting position is directly proportional to the available capacity. Output: Distribution of shortage strip diagram 19: In the shortage allocation strip chart 19, all customer demands not covered by the capacity constraint are listed in sorted order. It is possible that one or more of the original customer demands from the demand quantity strip chart 9 are not present; these are then definitely found in the production quantity allocation strip chart 18. Each demand element in the shortage allocation strip chart 19 represents a bottleneck. The highest-ranking customer demand is at the bottom, and the lowest-ranking demand is at the top. Output: Distribution of production quantity strip diagram 18: In the production quantity allocation strip chart 18, all customer demands that were successfully met by the capacity constraint are listed in sorted order. It is possible that one or more of the original customer demands from the demand quantity strip chart 9 are not present; these will then definitely be found in the shortage allocation strip chart 19. Each demand element in the production quantity allocation strip chart 18 represents a fulfillable demand. The highest-ranking customer demand is at the bottom, and the lowest-ranking demand is at the top. Transformation module 14: A transformation module 14 is required, which is capable of normalizing the pending demand quantities of various customers and storing them in curved layers in an individual demand memory or in the demand quantity curve diagram 15. The result of the transformation module 14 is the demand quantity curve diagram 15, which, due to the stacking, exhibits a characteristic curved, mostly ascending pattern of sedimentary layers. Transformation graph definition module 10: To determine the transformation graph section 20, a template cutter or the transformation graph definition module 10 is required, which cuts out a square template from the value range of the transformation graph 12, the long and short sides of which lie parallel to the abscissa and ordinate of the transformation graph 12. In the simplest case, the template is identical to the transformation graph 12.

[0049] Transformation graph 12 exhibits an unchanging segmentation pattern, the structure of which imposes a curved, upward-striving sediment-like shape on the required quantities to be filled.

[0050] The segmentation pattern is described by the general family of exponential curves of the form f(x,s)=e^(s*x) in the range x between -1 and 0. The factor a takes values ​​in the range just above zero up to a very large number. By varying the factor s, the family of exponential curves is described within the transformation graph 12.

[0051] For computer-aided work with the forms of the exponential curve family, the form factor s is substituted by the term s = e^a. The segmentation pattern is thus described by a specific exponential curve family of the form f(x,a)=e^((e^a*x)) in the range x between -1 and 0. The factor a takes values ​​in the range -5 to +5. By varying the factor a, the relevant exponential curve family within the transformation graph 12 is described.

[0052] The segmentation pattern of transformation graph 12 describes fan-shaped segment lines, all originating in the upper right corner, at x=0 and y=1 of transformation graph 12. An imaginary clock whose hour hand rotates counterclockwise around this upper corner (see hand 22) would initially span the fan in approximately horizontal segments, starting at 9 o'clock – see also Fig. 4. This corresponds to the maximum value of a of -5. If slopes smaller than e^-5 need to be represented, one of two alternative families of curves is used – see the respective formulas in Table 23. Fig. 6.

[0053] Until 7:30, the slope of the fan lines decreases to approximately -45 degrees due to downward rotation. Because of the exponential function, the fan lines appear to sag downwards or curve to the right. This corresponds to an a-value of exactly 0 (e^0=1). From 7:00 towards 6:00, the fan lines become increasingly steep and less curved over long stretches, only to then transition into an even stronger rightward curvature before finally curving downwards and exiting the square on the left side. Shortly before 6:00, the curvature becomes almost a kink just before the zero line. The end of the fan lines appears to lie on the baseline of the original storage area. The lower end of the original storage area is just above zero at 0+epsilon. (Although the actual end of the fan lines is always mathematically on the left side of the transformation graph 12, these lines end earlier due to the Espilon frame.All segment lines with an a-value < than In(-In(Epsilon) thus end at the lower bottom line of the transformation graph 12.

[0054] With these boundary conditions, an exact area A of the transformation graph 12 - or of the transformation graph section 20 - is bounded by four lines: Above, the line f o (x)=e^((e^-5)*x), on the left the line x=-1, below the line y=Epsilon and on the right the line y=F u (x) = e^((e^5)* x). Expressed algebraically, A = integral f o [-1,0]- Integral F u [-1,0] - Epsilon frame.

[0055] The transformation graph definition module 10 determines the cutting edges of the individual demand storage, i.e., the transformation graph section 20, under the influence of three control parameters: equality, tapering, and rounding. These setting parameters correspond to sliders with a value range of 0 to 100%. Special edge rules also apply when the sliders approach the edge values ​​of 0 or 100%.

[0056] The following describes the three sliders that create the cutting template (transformation graph section 20): The equality control determines the slope of the central isofairness line of the normalized transformation graph 12, or in the transformation graph section 20. In the following, "fiber" or "fan line" is also used synonymously for isofairness line or isocurve 13. 0% equality corresponds to the fiber at 9:00 AM, 100% equality corresponds to the fiber at 6:00 AM, and 50% corresponds to the fiber at 7:30 AM or an a-value of 0 – see also Fig. 4. Note: Since the fan fiber is normally bent in a sagging manner, the slope of the fiber is determined by the imaginary straight line from the origin point at the top right (x=0; y=1) to the point where the fiber emerges from the normalized transformation graph 12.

[0057] The exit point is determined by the following case distinction: 1. Exit to the right is always the case if, taking into account the lower boundary with height epsilon, a<=ln(- In(epsilon)) and then lies at point P2 (-1, e^(e^(a) * (-1))). 2. Otherwise, there is an exit at the bottom, the coordinates of which are determined as follows: Point P2 (x=ln epsilon / e^a, y=epsilon). Note: The tangent of the angle is obtained using the slope triangle: dy / dx = (1-y1) / (0-x1)

[0058] The fiber number a, which exhibits the required average angle of equality, is determined. This is achieved by adjusting a (taking into account the above case distinction based on the specified edge width epsilon) until the output matches the angle of equality.

[0059] The determination of the fiber based on the degree of equality can be done (1.) on the basis of the star curve family (simple) or (2.) on the basis of the exponential curve family (complicated).

[0060] Regarding point 1: The equality is converted into an angle alpha between 0 degrees = 0% equality and 90 degrees = 100% equality: Alpha = equality * pi / 2. In the star curve family, the fiber with the same slope is determined algebraically, and the a-value is set. In practice, a = tangent(alpha). Using this determined fiber, the other vertices of the template are determined by the taper (top right corner - P1) and the rounding (bottom left corner - P2).

[0061] Regarding point 2: A comprehensive, dedicated control loop is used to ensure the correct position and size of the individual transformation graph segment 20. This is again achieved through interval nesting. The variable 'a' from the family of exponential curves is used as the controlled variable, and the target value is the actual determined average slope of the central fiber. However, the controllers for tapering and rounding must also be applied.

[0062] Variant 1: Determining the central fiber using the family of star curves is a prerequisite for further explanation. Variant 2 will be discussed later, taking all influencing factors into account.

[0063] The taper control determines the position of the upper right point P1 of the transformation graph section 20 along the previously determined central fan fiber - see Fig. 5. At 100% tapering, this point is always located at the origin of the fan or the imaginary clock face, i.e., at the top right, at position x=0 and y=1. In this case, all sediment layers meet at this point in the top right. All lines taper towards this point. At 90% tapering, the corner point of transformation graph section 20 lies before this meeting point. For the template, this means: All lines above and below the central fiber still converge on it, but they no longer meet within the template (i.e., in transformation graph section 20)!

[0064] With further reductions in the convergence beyond 70%, 50% to 20%, the convergence of the lines becomes less and less obvious and gives way to an increasingly parallel alignment of the sedimentary lines.

[0065] Note regarding conditions directly close to zero: Epsilon represents a very small boundary number, for example, epsilon = 0.01. This prevents the various cutting devices and the form theory from entering mathematical boundary regions that are impermissible for computer-controlled devices, which are either too small or too large for computer-aided simulation of the cutting devices. This is the previously mentioned case where division by zero is necessary or a function diverges.

[0066] If the taper values ​​lie between 0 and a limit gammaV, the exponential curve is replaced by the pure fan shape with perfectly straight fibers in the form f(x) = 1-(x * a), where a = arctan(equality *(pi / 2). At a 1% taper, point P1 lies furthest to the left on the direction opposite to the origin within the transformation graph 12, very close to x = -1.

[0067] The fillet control defines the size of the transformation graph section 20 above the point at X=-1 and Y=0 (P0) in the lower left and, together with P1, defines a rectangular base for the template. The previously determined position point P1 on the fiber, which was defined by the degree of uniformity and the degree of taper, is the first point. To obtain a square shape, the side length of the template is set to the shorter side length of the rectangle P0-P1, thus replacing P0 with P1. P1 and P2 now define the square of the template.

[0068] With a maximum rounding degree of 100%, P2 lies at the right end of the central fiber and thus as far away as possible from P1. This means that the "rounded" layers, or isocurves 13 of the transformation graph 12, are captured to the maximum extent. The resulting square—that is, the transformation graph segment 20—always lies completely within the area of ​​the transformation graph 12 when the a-value = 0. This assumes the simplified method 1 for determining the central fiber.

[0069] Note: In the event that variant 2 is used for the fiber determination method: The degree of rounding now specifies a further size requirement for the square P1-P2. Using the anchor point at P1, the side of the square is multiplied by the degree of rounding. At 100% degree of rounding, the size remains constant; small values ​​down to 0 + εA (for εA = 0.001) reduce the size of the square accordingly, ensuring that the isofairness lines become increasingly straight. Thus, as the degree of rounding decreases, the curvature of the fibers in the selected section is reduced. In the limiting case of almost 0% rounding with a degree of rounding < 0 + εA, the star curve family or the parallel curve family is used as the basis for determination.

[0070] The transformation graph definition module 10 generates the transformation graph section 20 by punching it out of the transformation graph 12 using the previously determined template. The resulting square section thus represents the transformation graph section 20, which is passed to the unit for demand embedding, the transformation module 14.

[0071] Transformation module 14: Transformation module 14 stacks the customer requirements in transformation graph 12 or transformation graph section 20, starting from the top. Note: The ranking of the customer requirements was already taken into account by the order in which the requirements were inserted into the demand quantity strip diagram 9. Each requirement is now entered sequentially using a movable shape guide, whose curved, ascending shape is defined by the segmentation curves of transformation graph 12 or transformation graph section 20.

[0072] The form gauge is moved by adjusting the position controller "a" until the quantity of material underneath it matches the customer demand. Because the form gauge is curved, its correct position cannot be directly determined mathematically but must be moved to the correct position by a control system. The form gauge is therefore moved down in individual steps by the control system, with the quantity underneath decreasing progressively and thus approaching the target quantity. The control system can also overshoot – this is even a desirable effect to reach the target parameter, namely the customer demand being integrated, as quickly as possible. Ideally, this control system with a settling effect corresponds to interval nesting with a 50-50 division of the interval. The boundary values ​​for the controlled variable "a" for the first control interval are defined by a pair of isofairness lines.

[0073] Distribution Quantity Determination Module 16: Furthermore, a computer-controlled allocation quantity determination module 16 is required, which is able to horizontally cut the demand quantity curve diagram 15 and convert the resulting two diagram parts 17.1 and 17.2 into the allocation production quantity strip diagram 18 and the allocation shortage strip diagram 19.

[0074] A horizontal cut at the point corresponding to the supplier capacity or production quantity 3 divides the distribution into an upper bottleneck quantity (diagram section 17.2) and a lower, fulfillable, covered demand quantity (diagram section 17.1). The cut passes through one, two, or more sediment layers (i.e., the respective distorted individual demands 6). The sediment sections above the cut contain the individual customer shortages 5 (see also Fig. 1).

[0075] These individual shortage quantities 5, now shown in the shortage allocation strip diagram 19, constitute the final output of the bottleneck quantity distribution device. Together with the production quantity allocation strip diagram 18, they form the basis for communication with each individual customer regarding their future potential bottleneck or coverage quantities in demand-capacity management.

[0076] The main benefit of this invention for demand capacity management is the description of a distribution device for potential bottleneck quantities from multiple customers. The distribution rule allows for the stepless determination of progressively fair and simultaneously ranked bottleneck quantities for each customer. The distribution algorithm is based on a family of exponential curves from which a suitable segment is selected. By choosing the segment using the parameters equality, tapering, and rounding, various technical variations arise that can be professionally interpreted and utilized in demand capacity management. This establishes well-defined transparency in an automated bottleneck quantity allocation process. Furthermore, goods can be automatically distributed to customers by a machine, and customers can be automatically notified. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2006 / 077930 A1

[0005] EP 3 188 115 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Device for determining a distribution quantity (1), designed to receive, via a receiving interface (2), a production quantity (3) that can be produced during a production period and a required quantity (4) requested during the production period and, by executing computer-interpretable instructions by a processor unit, to form a shortage quantity (5) by subtracting the required quantity (4) from the production quantity (3), wherein the required quantity (4) comprises at least two individual requirements (6), characterized by - a demand quantity strip diagram module (7) configured to read in the demand quantity (4) and a priority assignment (8), wherein the priority assignment (8) assigns an individual priority to each individual demand (6), and to arrange the individual demands (6) one above the other according to the priority in a demand quantity strip diagram (9); - a transformation graph definition module (10) configured to define a transformation graph (12) as a function of at least one transformation graph parameter (11), wherein the transformation graph (12) comprises a set of curves in a defined value range, wherein the set of curves comprises an isocurve (13) for each individual requirement (6), wherein the isocurves (13) increase monotonically in the value range and each differ in terms of a different gradient, the extent of the gradient difference between the isocurves (13) following a mathematical rule, wherein the characteristic of a respective gradient depends on a first transformation graph parameter (11.1); - a transformation module (14) configured to read the demand quantity strip diagram (9) and the transformation graph (12) and to transform the demand quantity strip diagram (9) into a demand quantity curve diagram (15) based on the curve profile of the family of curves contained in the transformation graph (12), wherein for this purpose the respective individual requirements (6) are assigned to the respective areas below the isocurves (13); and - a distribution quantity determination module (16) configured to read in the production quantity (3) and the demand quantity curve diagram (15), to intersect the demand quantity curve diagram (15) at the level of the production quantity (3) and to arrange the areas assigned to the lower diagram part (17.1) to form a distribution production quantity strip diagram (18) while maintaining the respective area share and to arrange the areas assigned to the upper diagram part (17.2) to form a distribution shortage strip diagram (19) while maintaining the respective area share. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the isocurves (13) are described by exponential functions. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - the transformation graph definition module (10) is configured to define a transformation graph section (20) in the value range; and - the transformation module (14) is configured to read in the transformation graph section (20) and to transform the demand quantity strip diagram (9) into the demand quantity curve diagram (15) based on the curve profile of the family of curves contained in the transformation graph section (20). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized byin that the transformation graph definition module (10) is configured to receive a second and a third transformation graph parameter (11.2, 11.3) and to define the transformation graph section (20) as a function of the second and third transformation graph parameters (11.2, 11.3), wherein the transformation graph section (20) is rectangular in shape and the second transformation graph parameter (11.2) describes the position of the upper right corner point (P1) of the transformation graph section (20) in the transformation graph (12) and the third transformation graph parameter (11.3) describes a width (b) and / or length of the transformation graph section (20). [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the transformation graph section (20) is square. [6] Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the first, second and third transformation graph parameters (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) each come from a range of values ​​between 0 and 1, where: - the averaged slope of a reference isocurve in the transformation graph (12) is 0 when the first transformation graph parameter (11.1) takes the value 0 and is infinite when the first transformation graph parameter (11.1) takes the value 1; - the upper right corner point (P1) of the transformation graph section (20) with respect to the abscissa of the transformation graph (12) lies at the maximum value of the respective value range when the second transformation graph parameter (11.2) assumes the value 1 and lies at the minimum value of the respective value range when the second transformation graph parameter (11.2) assumes the value 0; and / or - the width (b) and / or length of the transformation graph section (20) extends to the minimum value of the respective value range if the third transformation graph parameter (11.3) takes the value 1 and is infinitesimally small if the third transformation graph parameter (11.3) takes the value 0. [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it receives a good in the amount of the production quantity (3) and divides the good into a number of lots corresponding to the number of individual requirements (6), the quantity of the good to be allocated to a respective lot being determined as a function of the areas contained in the distribution production quantity strip diagram (18).

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