Walls, building, and methods and kits for fabricating walls and buildings

Abstract

Walls, buildings, and methods and kits for fabricating walls and buildings includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail, a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members and a plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to and is: (1) a non-provisional patent application of Ser. No. 63 / 810,234 filed on May 22, 2025 entitled Walls, Buildings, and Methods and Kits for Fabricating Walls and Buildings; and (2) a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 16 / 798,366 filed on Feb. 22, 2020 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, which is a non-provisional patent application of Ser. No. 62 / 808,552 filed on Feb. 22, 2019 entitled Distributed Ledger Planning Interchange. The patent application is related to Ser. No. 18 / 297,056 filed on Apr. 7, 2023 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,093,891 B2, and Ser. No. 16 / 798,367 filed on Feb. 22, 2020 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,636,425 B2, both of which claim priority to Ser. No. 62 / 808,552 filed on Feb. 22, 2019 entitled Distributed Ledger Planning Interchange.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

[0002] This application is not the subject of any federally sponsored research or development.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of building construction, and more particularly, to walls, buildings, and method and kits for fabricating walls and buildings.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with building construction systems and methods. Typical red iron metal buildings are expensive and have limited exterior design choices. Moreover, they are labor intensive onsite.

[0005] As a result, there is a need for wall, buildings and methods and kits for fabricating walls and buildings.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a wall that includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail, a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and a plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0007] In one aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, a glue or sealant is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members are attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, a coating is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, an external facing material is attached to or installed adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, one or more doors, windows or openings are disposed within the wall. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels are attached to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating a wall includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0009] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes applying an acrylic spray material to the ceramic material. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the wall. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a building includes four or more walls, one or more doors, windows or openings disposed with the four or more walls, a plurality of roof trusses attached to the four or more walls, and a plurality of roof panels attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses. Each wall includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail, a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and a plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0011] In one aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, a glue or sealant is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members are attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, a coating is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, an external facing material is attached to or installed adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels are attached to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the metallic base rail is attached to the foundation. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit. In another aspect, the kit further includes the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating a building includes fabricating four or more walls, installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the four or more walls, attaching a plurality of roof trusses to the four or more walls, and attaching a plurality of roof panels to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses. Each wall is fabricated by attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0013] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes providing the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels in the kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit includes a plurality of vertical metallic tubular members, a radiant vapor barrier, and a plurality of concrete side panels. The kit is configured to construct one or more walls comprising the radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members that are spaced-apart, the plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members.

[0015] In one aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members configured to be attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the kit include a plurality of fasteners. In another aspect, the kit includes one or more doors or windows, a plurality of roof trusses, or a plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members. In another aspect, the kit includes an external facing material, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of side panels, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0016] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. There aspects, features, and advantages of the devices, processes, and other subject matter described herein will be become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the components used to construct a building or a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 are photographs of the components used to construct a building or a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a photograph of a nonlimiting example of a foundation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a nonlimiting example of a foundation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a photograph of the interior of a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a photograph of the installed concrete side panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6C are photographs of a second floor installed in a building in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for fabricating a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for fabricating a building in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a sales and operation planning (“S&OP”) solution roadmap in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 10A-10B is a representation of the types of user interfaces (solutions) fed by the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates two physical examples in which postponed manufacturing is enabled by BPI object and blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates how the BPI object, along with a decentralized S&OP network, enables “Smart Contracts” and / or distributed applications that allow for these build assemblies along with lead times to be persisted and maintained throughout the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which assembly coordination combines many advanced business models enabled by BPI object and S&OP in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a BPI object configuration having an array of periods for an item with requested production and an array for commitment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 15A-15B is a graphic view of a generic BPI object moving in a block in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a graphic view of blocks synchronizing and replicating BPI objects through nodes on decentralized network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 17 is an illustration of decentralized blockchain data node synchronization, validation, conversation, collaboration and commitment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 18 is an illustration of decentralized BPI objects disseminated across a supply chain network, which enables new powerful business models that greatly improves activity synchronization in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 19 is an illustration of deploying BPI object enabled business models in any order entry system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 20 is an illustration of how the BPI object enables decentralized distributed S&OP in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 21 illustrates examples of a private networks supply chain and a public tokenized network for supply chains in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example of a service in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a Hyperledger architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an Ethereum network architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 26 illustrates a typical use case in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 27 illustrates a contract manufacturer receiving a request via blockchain and responding in minutes, not days, weeks or months in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIGS. 28-36 illustrate a BPI object enabled production capacity and commitment conversation between financial entities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 37 illustrates a current stat of sharing product data between entities in which the BPI object and blockchain create efficient decentralized supply chain collaboration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 38 illustrates a phase 1 of BPI object enabled production sharing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 39 illustrates how the BPI object manages decentralized virtual inventory in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 40 illustrates BPI object messaging support on any blockchain or centralized network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a data structure for a decentralized ledger interchange object, which is also referred to as the BPI object, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a computer system that uses a decentralized ledger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 43 is a flow chart of a computerized method for time-based manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 44 is a flow chart of a computerized method for time-based pricing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 45 is a block diagram depicting the phases, levels or layers that include the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 46 depicts the BPI packet being pushed to a permissioned blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 47 depicts the network delivering the array to all manufacturing partners in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 48 depicts the manufacturing partners analyzing the array in their planning systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 49 depicts the manufacturing partners committing resources in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 50 depicts the committed arrays traveling back through the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 51 depicts a comparison of one embodiment of the present invention with legacy systems;

[0061] FIG. 52 depicts one embodiment of the present disclosure receiving a build order;

[0062] FIG. 53 depicts the creation of the steel buy-to-order packet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 54 depicts the planning of the AAC concrete direct shipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 55 depicts the planning of the nano-polymer coating batch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 56 depicts all three BPI packets pushed to the blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 57 depicts the network delivering the BPI packets to the fabricators and applicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 58 depicts the partners committing with real quantities and real dates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0068] FIG. 59 depicts that master array with the jobsite ready in one week in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] Illustrative embodiments of the system of the present application are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0070] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,”“below,”“upper,”“lower,” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0071] Approximately 80% of the building components are manufactured off site. On site construction for building rough in, dry in on site can be done in five days. Completion of the exterior walls and roof can be completed within two weeks. For example, the onsite framing can be performed in days, adding the concrete siding can be performed in days, and the paint finishing processes can be completed in days. Assembly of the exterior surface is rapid with as much as 1000 square feet per day with a three-person crew. Buildings constructed in accordance with the present disclosure can be completed in less time and at a reduced cost than traditional steel frame buildings. Moreover, the exterior and interior surface choices are much better than traditional steel frame building. Various features of the present disclosure will not be discussed.

[0072] Design—Steel tube frame does not require separate structure for interior finish out with board, sheetrock or concrete panels saving massive amounts of time, money and making insulation much superior over red iron steel, tilt slab or wood structures. The tube frame also allows for extensive architecture details and approaches not possible with a red iron structure.

[0073] Cost—Very cost competitive generally 20 to 50% less than comparable red iron steel frame and R-panel yet much higher wind rating.

[0074] Time—The building system is an excellent balance of offsite manufactured components that yield a very short time on job site assembly. Typical building can take as little as 5 days to rough in and complete with siding, insulation, doors and windows This minimizes weather and other unforeseen construction delays.

[0075] Thermal—Typical buildings, especially red iron frame buildings, are difficult and expensive to insulate. The present system starts with thermal high R value and low thermal conductivity panels. Providing R value of 1.5 or more per inch of cladding and a higher equivalent of thermal protection due to the low thermal conductivity much like an Adobe structure. Since the frame is generally 2 foot on center, the ability to add additional interior insulation very simple. It is also inexpensive to line the interior with the same thermal panels.

[0076] Wind Load Ratings—In Midwest and Texas, there is a constant balance of North and South weather patterns. The tube foot cantered frame with standard 5 foot centers is rated at 140 MPH rating. A 4 foot centered truss structure with 2 foot additional studs and concrete panels is going to have a much higher rating. Although not tested yet the panels by themselves have a 140 mph rating the combination of the two with proper fasteners is likely to be over 180 mph rating and if also lining interior with panels possibly as high as 250 mph rating for the walls of your new building.

[0077] Fireproof—The concrete panels are constructed of Portland cement, fine sand and aluminum oxide. There is nothing combustible, thus they have over a 2 hour fire rating. This is much better than a double ⅝ inch sheetrock wall, especially in a real fire. Sheetrock paper burns and gypsum begins burning around 600 degrees causing disintegration. The steel reinforced 2 inch panels will literally not burn.

[0078] Risk / Financial Risk / Loan risk—Whether a project is self-funded or funded using a loan all are concerned about unplanned construction delays. The ability to have as much as 100% of the project manufactured in a controlled manufacturing environment for welding, fabrication and the construction of all concrete material with only a final labor assembly on site in days not weeks greatly mitigate risk of delays due to material and or labor constraints.

[0079] Customization Extensibility / Agility Adaptability—The entire design of the construction method is very modular and extensible. Unlike red iron buildings or tilt slab concrete which are specifically engineered for a specific dimension, the present technique can be added on to, scaled, modified much more simply with engineering integrity much like construction with wood framing. The structural framing has specific structural property that when used within its design limits does not require additional engineering static and dynamic calculations or testing. This allows for all sorts of flexibility over time.

[0080] Scale—The manufacturing system can scale rapidly due to 100% of base material are manufactured offsite.

[0081] The present disclosure, also referred to Modular Tubecrete, is a sophisticated three-part building system that can be used to build nearly any type of structure, building or residence faster, stronger, safer and with a highly coordinated no waste, highly efficient decentralized supply chain using M8kit.net patented approach to decentralized manufacturing. Simply said, rigorous engineering of both the supply chain coordination and the selection of material yields a much better method of construction. See U.S. Pat. No. 11,636,425 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16 / 798,366 and 18 / 297,056, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0082] This system starts with a foundation of any type or can use a Tubecrete pier and beam foundation using the steel and concrete panels of the large building system. A galvanized steel frame made from rolled galvanized steel in 12 gauge or 14 gauge 2.5 in tubing is designed based on engineering strength of materials. This system levers from a proven system of engineering spans, walls, structures at a component level. Thus, entire building frames can be constructed within engineering tolerances and assembled on site without any additional engineering. Obviously, site specific plans are sometimes necessary.

[0083] This system is carefully engineered for supply chain efficiency and for rapid clean installation using AAC panels with 2 inch or 3 inch thickness and 2×4 or 2×8 dimensions. Installation of the AAC panels is done with the galvanized steel frame carefully spaced with supports every 2 feet. These panels are installed without special equipment with polymer based thin set glue and 2.75 inch self tapping stainless fasteners. Panels are staggered as per a specially engineered installation guide and allow for air-tight, water-tight, pest-proof, very high wind and impact resistance fully roughed in enclosure. Tubecrete can also provide ASTME 3 inch or 4 inch panels that can be installed the roof More typically, insulation and AG-panel steel roofing is installed. Again, this is done in rapid, build to order fashion with little waste and once done any type of finishing coating can be applied.

[0084] Tubecrete has designed a finishing system for the joints between panels that allows for a near perfect smooth surface that does not require expensive 3 or 4 part cementous or acrylic stucco finishes that can be very expensive and fragile. The Tubecrete finishing system as described is revolutionary in speed, thermal properties, appearance and low cost. It is all made possible by extensive research and testing in the installation and joint preparation.

[0085] The Tubecrete coating system again is revolutionary in its speed of installation, its appearance, and its thermal performance, all at a dramatically lower cost than typical stuccos or painting processes. The finishing process is designed with a variety of automated and manual processes that leave joints invisible after the coatings are applied. These coating range from polymer spray stuccos in elastomeric binders, to nano-ceramic particles in elastomeric binders for smooth or textured finishes. The nano ceramics add significant hardness to the panels allowing them to pass more rigorous destructive testing and as much as 4.4 R value for every 4 mils of thickness of coating applied. All this is done at 1 / 10th the cost of traditional stucco approaches, faster, tougher, easier to maintain and patch if damaged.

[0086] This three-step Modular Tubecrete Building system wrapped in highly synchronized build to order M8kit supply chain solves much of the issues with both manufacturing productivity and applying manufacturing supply chain design to dramatically improve the lack of consistent quality and cost overruns in traditional construction techniques.

[0087] It is anticipated that building built in accordance with the present disclosure will have wind load ratings in the range of 200 to 250 mph. The system is all organic with no VOC's or other toxic chemicals, is water proof and literally fire proof. The AAC material has a Kelvin per KwH rating of less then 0.2 and the nano ceramics less then 0.05. Galvanized steel has a very high melting point such that there is nothing to sustain fire. A 2 inch AAC panel has a 2 hour fire rating and 3 inch AAC panel has a 3 hour fire rating, which will be much higher with a nano-ceramic coating.

[0088] The Tubecrete team has also designed standalone or integrated lofts with 2 foot or 9 foot centered joints / supports for 3 inch or 4 inch AAC concrete panel floor / foundation / roof structures. This structure shares a common flooring material with slight variations of use for flat or pitched roofs, 2nd floor space or even as floor for a pier and beam foundations.

[0089] Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a diagram and photographs of the components used to construct a building 100 or a wall 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Each wall 102 of the building 100 includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 attached to a foundation 106 or a metallic base rail 108. In one non-limiting example, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member 104 is a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube, and the metallic base rail 108 is a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch, 14 gauge galvanized base rail attached to the foundation with 6 inch concrete fasteners every 4 feet. The vertical metallic tubular members 104 disperse load more evenly on a slab foundation 106 than typical metal frame column style construction. The spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 can be attached to the metallic base rail 108 using snap together slip joints secured with mechanical fasteners or optional seam welds. Each vertical metallic tubular member 104 can be a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration as shown. In some embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members 110 are attached between the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members 104. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels (not shown) are attached to an interior of the vertical metallic tubular members 104 with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels (not shown) can be made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard, sheetrock or other suitable material. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0090] A radiant vapor barrier 112 is attached to an exterior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104. For industrial buildings, the radiant vapor barrier 112 can have a white vinyl inside finish and a radiant aluminized outside finish. The radiant vapor barrier 112 having a perm rating of 10-20 provides a vapor barrier and a tiny weep space for vapor to fall to the base rail 108 and escape through weep openings. The radiant vapor barrier 112 can be attached to the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member 104 using ¼ inch self-tapping screws.

[0091] A plurality of concrete side panels 114 are adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier 112 and attached to the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 with fasteners 116. In one non-limiting example, each concrete side panel 114 is 2 to 3 inch thick, 2 foot by 8 foot or 2 foot by 4 foot, autoclaved aerated concrete panels with staggered joints and attached to the vertical metallic tubular members 104 with 2¾ inch self-tapping fasteners counter sunk into the autoclaved aerated concrete panels by approximately ¼ to ½ inch. It is recommended that a minimum of 9 fasteners 116 be used for each concrete side panel. In addition, control joint foam or other suitable material for expansion should be installed approximately every 20 feet. The control joint foam or other suitable material for expansion, approximately 1 inch in diameter, should also be installed at the top of the walls. A glue or sealant, such as thin set, is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. Plastic L-shaped weep units or other weep openings are placed every 4 feet underneath the concrete side panels 114. In some embodiments, a coating or external facing material 118 is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels 114. The coating may include one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer, paint (e.g., ceramic paint) or other suitable material. The stucco may include a ceramic material that adheres to the concrete side panels 114 without a mesh, which greatly reduces the installation time. In other embodiments, the external facing material 118 may include brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile or any other suitable and desirable material.

[0092] The building 100 includes four or more walls 102, one or more doors 120, windows or openings 122 disposed with the four or more walls 102, a plurality of roof trusses 124 attached to the four or more walls 102, and a plurality of roof panels 126 attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses 124. Unlike metal frame buildings with metal trim, trim is not required because the concrete side panels are cut and formed around the doors 120 and windows 122, which provides a cleaner, more durable and more weather-proof solution. The roof trusses 124, such as 12 or 14 gauge galvanized tubes, are welded in place every 4 feet for standard roof panels or material 126 or every 2 feet for concrete roof panels. The legs and trusses are attached with a slip joint nipple in 12 gauge steel. The gable ends are 5 inch by 2.5 inch posts so that sheetrock or other panels can be installed directly to the inside of the steel frame. In some embodiments, concrete panels are installed on both sides for even more building strength. Ladder legs are used for spans over 40 feet on eave sides. The roof panels can be steel panels (e.g., AG panel, R-panel, standing seam panel, etc.), concrete panels or other roofing material. The concrete panels can be sealed and left as is, or another material can be installed on top of the concrete panels for aesthetic purposes.

[0093] Note that the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners can be provided as a kit.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a photograph of a nonlimiting example of a foundation 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The foundation 300 includes a lip 302 for the concrete side panels 114 (see FIG. 1) that provides a better seal with the metallic base rail 108 (see FIG. 1) than if the concrete side panels 114 (see FIG. 1) and metallic base rails 108 (see FIG. 1) were at the same level.

[0095] Now referring to FIG. 3B, a diagram of a nonlimiting example of a foundation 350 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart reinforced concrete 12 inch piers 352 with a six to 10 foot spacing within the perimeter of the building and exterior reinforced concrete grade beams 354 around the perimeter. I-beams or 8+ inch steel beams 356 are installed across the grade beams 354 and piers 352. Four inch thick, 2 foot by 8 foot, autoclaved aerated concrete panels 358 are installed on top of the steel beams 356. Once the foundation 350 is in place, a three-part modular system and materials 360 are deployed.

[0096] Now referring to FIG. 4, a photograph of the interior of a wall 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The construction and joints for the vertical metallic tubular members 104, horizontal metallic tubular members 110 and metallic base rails 108 can be seen. In addition, the radiant vapor barrier 112 and an electrical breaker box 402 can be seem. The walls 102 can easily accommodate electrical conduits and plumbing.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 5, a photograph of the installed concrete side panels 114 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A glue or sealant 502, such as thin set, is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels 114. Thes coating 118 is being applied on the exterior of the concrete side panels 114. As shown, the concrete side panels 114 can be assembled with smooth joints using specialized tools, processes and materials. The process allows for a two-step rapid process that achieves a approximately 100% smooth joint that is then further smoothed by an acrylic spray material to achieve a uniform finish. The resulting wall is completed at approximately ⅕th the cost of a traditional three-part stucco. Moreover, the installation is faster, stronger and more impact resistant than traditional stucco.

[0098] Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, photographs of a second floor 600 installed in a building in accordance with the present disclosure are shown. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows steel I-beams 602 installed in a building to support a second floor. FIGS. 6B and 6C shows top and bottom views of a plurality of AAC panels 604 installed on the I-beams 602 to create the second floor.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a method 700 of fabricating a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. A plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members are attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail in block 702. A radiant vapor barrier is attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members in block 704. A plurality of concrete side panels are attached to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners in block 706.

[0100] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes applying an acrylic spray material to the ceramic material. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the wall. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0101] Now referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a method 800 of fabricating a building in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Four or more walls are fabricated in block 802. One or more doors, windows or openings are installed within the four or more walls in block 804. A plurality of roof trusses are attached to the four or more walls in block 806. A plurality of roof panels are attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses in block 808. Each wall is fabricated by attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0102] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes providing the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels in the kit. In another aspect, the method further includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit includes a plurality of vertical metallic tubular members, a radiant vapor barrier, and a plurality of concrete side panels. The kit is configured to construct one or more walls comprising the radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members that are spaced-apart, the plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members.

[0104] In one aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members configured to be attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of fasteners. In another aspect, the kit includes one or more doors or windows, a plurality of roof trusses, or a plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members. In another aspect, the kit includes an external facing material, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of side panels, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0105] The supply chain for the foregoing disclosure can be implemented using a decentralized ledger supply chain interchange, which will now be described.

[0106] Various embodiments of the following disclosure provide a decentralized Sales and Operations Planning (“S&OP”) system with a distributed ledger, such as Blockchain, Ethereum, Hyperledger, Quorum, etc. The entire distributed ledger becomes the core “database” of decentralized data and distributed Apps (“DAPPs”) enable “smart contracts” (essentially stored procedures) that click off based on the self-describing distributed ledger network. A block diagram of a S&OP solution roadmap in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. Blockchain planning interchange (“BPI”) object, also referred to as decentralized ledger interchange objects, flow directly into and out of the planning service repository using the planning templates to partners in a synchronized manner.

[0107] A representation of the types of user interfaces (solutions) fed by the BPI object is shown in FIGS. 10A-10B. The BPI objects are fed to centralized S&OP plans, order commitment SOE execution requests, as well as rollups of the BPI feeds from many suppliers, into the ability to commit an order and lead time for clients within and between blockchain networks. These advanced blockchain DAAPs could push and pull S&OP plans at the edge of the network back to a centralized rollup. Non-limited examples of S&OP systems that will work with the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,974,395, 7,657,534 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0262581, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0108] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using any existing or future distributed ledger system in which digital data is replicated, shared and synchronized across nodes within a peer-to-peer network. Each node replicates and saves an identical copy of the ledger and updates itself independently. There is no central administrator or centralized data storage for the distributed ledger. The systems can be either public or private. Blockchain is an example of distributed ledger that is resistant to modification of the data, in part, because it is a growing list of blocks that are linked together using cryptography. Typically, each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp and transaction data. The invention is by no means limited to what current IT professionals describe as Blockchain but rather possible on ANY decentralized / distributed network protocol.

[0109] Blockchain represents a method to scale a loosely coupled decentralized network of data but keep it in sync or better yet decompose the plan send out for comment and recompose, resync. This is done with blockchain nodes, shared ledgers, peer to peer IP messaging and encryption technology. It allows for decomposition for security reasons as well as business process reasons.

[0110] Various embodiments of the present invention use a distributed ledger planning interchange object as the basic building block element of a supply chain plan (time phased array of data) encapsulated in distributed ledger technology and designed to be disassembled and reassembled into any planning tool from a spreadsheet (e.g., Exel, etc.) to the most complicated planning tool. As used herein, the distributed ledger planning interchange object will be referred to as a blockchain planning interchange (“BPI”) object, but it is not limited to blockchain. The BPI object works on all major blockchain technologies (Ethereum, Hyperledger and Quorum) and in a permissioned (private network) or in a public (non-permissioned) blockchain decentralized network. The BPI blockchain object is completely transferable between private and public decentralized networks regardless of their “topology”, “brand”, or instantiation / implementation

[0111] Some examples of decentralized S&OP with DAPP and Smart contract rules enforcement will now be briefly described.

[0112] FIG. 11 illustrates two physical examples, namely a vehicle and a cell phone, in which postponed manufacturing is enabled by BPI object and blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Three of many possible new business models are enabled by the BPI's ability to synchronize the supply chain network as well as many S&OP plans. For example, keeping components of a vehicle in ready-to-assemble form and the same for a hi-tech cell phone products. The ability for the BPI object and the conversational BPI objects to make communicating quantities, lead times of these assemblies as effortless as communication about a stock keep unit (“SKU”) is revolutionary in the creation of supply chain efficiency as discussed. These examples include postponed manufacturing enabled by BPI object and blockchain where a planning bill of materials is linked via the BPI object to the original source, S&OP is enabled against decentralized data, final assembly close to demand, massive working capital savings, and intellectual property protection. If a manufacturer is given more lead time to coordinate and plan his production his cost of raw materials, his scheduling of labor and even his overhead costs of facilities and equipment go down. For confirmation of how beneficial this capability can be and how the intellectual capital has not yet been previously discovered is there is virtually NO example of lower price for longer lead times in the consumer market and if done in the commercial industrial market is done through negotiation not a general business model. Advanced DAPPs and smart contracts that enable much more rapid synchronizing the conversation of how much to make when using the BPI object and decentralized S&OP plans not only enable but make these advance business models like automatic assembly logic for postponed (delayed manufacturing), and assembly coordination the norm in the consumer and industrial manufacturing ecosystems. Thus, allowing synching of numerous items in an indented planning bill of material to be coordinated to a location at the same time from many suppliers and supply points / thus blocks in the blockchain.

[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates how the BPI object, along with a decentralized S&OP network, enable “Smart Contracts” and / or distributed applications that allow for these build assemblies along with lead times to be persisted and maintained throughout the network. Time based pricing of smart contracts with S&OP is used to notify buyers of price discounts based on accepting inventory with more lead time. If the build inventory schedules / plans can be shared and committed to through a decentralized network, then much of the overall working capital / inventory could be reduced thus allowing manufacturers to incept customers to take a lower price for longer lead times. Advanced DAPPs and smart contracts provide the ability for manufacturers and distributors to use time-based pricing. Coordinating production commitments provides based on time provides discounts to same SKU if given more time to produce it. Furthermore, the concept gets ever more interesting when combining lead times with the planning build of material (basic components for assembly) where lead times are pushed back to coordinate at time all are available. This enables massive time reduction for the jobs rolls who coordinate material across our economies from Boeing making airplanes to the general contractor remodeling your kitchen. As shown, the price is $10 for units that are on hand and available today, the price is $9 for units that are postponed with a three-week lead time, and the price is $6 for units for drop shipment twelve weeks out. Note that the prices can vary during the different periods. This is analogous to yield management in airlines and hotels but done a decentralized database of request and respond networks. Although concept of yield management is not new applying in today's highly decentralized manufacturing supply chain requires the BPI object and advanced BPI object-based S&OP.

[0114] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed application (“DAPP”) that sits inside any blockchain network that can do a complete S&OP plan. This allows for levels of autonomy linked to the broader network to synchronize demand and supply within the network.

[0115] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which assembly coordination combines many advanced business models enabled by BPI object and S&OP (aggregated business models). As shown, a bill of materials for Part 13A-5200-13A is made up of four items. The parts are displayed based on cost and lead time, in which Part 1 has the highest price and shortest lead time, Part 2 has a lower price and a longer lead time, Part 3 has a lower price and a longer lead time, and Part 4 has the lowest price and the longest lead time. Since Part 4 has the longest lead time, delivery of the other parts can be pushed out to the longest lead time (Part 4) and discounted prices for Parts 1, 2 and 3 can be obtained. This is a process material planners in all industries do daily hourly but with the BPI object their ability to use computing to dramatically save time in their existing process and expand their network of partners dramatically is exponentially improved.

[0116] The BPI object will now be described in more detail. Think of the BPI object as a blockchain instantiation of an array of numbers over time periods (like a spreadsheet) or in computing architecture an “array” is a common term for a list of numbers in a period sequence. The BPI object is this array can be defined down to one line item (one SKU) for a few periods or can be a large portion of an entire schedule with multiple SKU's depending on the application. From a lay perspective, the BPI object is the “DNA” or genetic Lego building block of all schedules and plans. BPI objects are signals or messages sent to decentralized / distributed versions of one or more planning systems.

[0117] The BPI object is highly differentiated from existing data standards or other data structures to share production data across differentiated systems using either online share databases or with flat files.

[0118] The BPI object can be formatted as EDI, XML, REST messages or any other type of known or unknown message.

[0119] The BPI object can be decentralized distributed but then reconnected, and it will know where it fits in the aggregation of multiple streams of arrays of production over time from multiple sources. This is accomplished using time-stamps indicating the network or owner it came from (e.g., node owner identifier, blockchain identifier, etc.) and the date it was created.

[0120] The BPI object is encrypted with network centric encryption so the owner of the BPI object can choose who in the network can read the data and or modify the data.

[0121] The BPI object is created as part of a decentralized network. So it can be a single item of a few weeks of production information or could represent an entire S&OP planning result to be shared with other entities for use or consolidation.

[0122] The BPI object because the inherent data of when, where, why, who it came from as well as time stamping greatly assists the human or computer assisted human in reconciling time netting of consumption of previous demand from previous production. This ability is much like the ability of insect colonies of ants or bees to work collectively using offline instructions / pheromones visual signals (still a mystery to science). The result is dramatic synchronization of activity. This is one of the goals of the BPI object—become the base element to the production planning, S&OP, supply chain planning, forecasting systems so they all can work concurrently but with dramatically improved synchronization.

[0123] The BPI object builds off of historical standards like an ANSI EDI 830 message but is usable by any system standalone to the most sophisticated encrypted decentralized network.

[0124] The BPI object is not restricted to one estanutaton of the data. The BPI object can be a specific single item of production and commitment over time or a complete plan result with all items, consumption, forecasts, production and commitment result. Like the build plan output of an S&OP system. As noted herein, the importance of the BPI object can be best understood by the advanced business models and ability to run S&OP as a decentralized distributed process across heterogeneous company and technology networks / environments.

[0125] In one embodiment, the BPI object is a portion of a master production plan (in a spreadsheet or in a database-controlled planning system) that an entity wishes to communicate and receive a commitment on. The BPI object can be a portion of data in an array, or a portion of a multiparty spreadsheet that can be disseminated, acted on and then communicated back to the original owner with the appropriate time stamps, version stamps, permissions, hierarchy of importance, etc. An off-chain application can reassemble the BPI object back to its original form, but with the feedback and knowledge of the loosely coupled distributed / decentralized participants. The BPI object enables a “Hivechain” or “Intelligence at the edges” computing framework that encourages validation closest to the operation and resynchronization without human interaction. This system takes the burden of data coordination largely away from the human and allows the human planner / decision maker to act, run scenarios, provide time to consider alternative approaches that better accomplish a goal. That goal could be as wide ranging as speed at any cost to minimum cost with unlimited time.

[0126] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a BPI object configuration having an array of periods for an item with requested production and an array for commitment. The BPI object is coordinating lead times of individual arrays of production with the planning bill of material describing part dependencies components required to complete a finished item. The simple example is pushing all parts back to the lead time of Part 4 to coordinate assembly but do at a lower cost as without Part 4 the finished item cannot be built, shipped etc. More specifically, the array of periods includes one or more time periods (e.g., ten periods 1 to 10) for part number 13A-5200-117. As shown, a requested production of 30 units for each of the time periods is shown. Note that the quantities can vary for the different time periods. The supplier will add the quantities that they can provide in the commit section. Price information and other terms may also be added to the BPI object. The BPI object is the transaction data that is recorded into the block of the blockchain. This illustration of the BPI object is for one item over 10 periods but the BPI object is not limited to a single configuration. The design of the BPI object allows for the definition of number of items and periods to be understood between trading partners and synchronized back into or with production / S&OP plans at will. This also provides flexibility to accommodate preferred practice for various reasons (tradition, industry, production planning system integration feeds, etc.). Note that the BPI object is not limited to this data configuration.

[0127] If BPI objects and other similar objects are widely used for open purchase orders, available inventory, in-transit inventory, open orders, etc., they become instantiated in blocks in the production planning network and will create a time synchronized record of key execution data and planning data for all nodes in the block (companies, planning locations, etc.). Thus, by using the blockchain data sharing ecosystem, this time synchronized and scrubbed warehouse of data becomes available for a node. Furthermore, may become available across nodes thus that a larger powerful brand owner my run a plan to suggest purchases a supplier does to support the brand owners needs. For example, Apple looks at component supplier Corning's ability to push inventory to Foxcon and advises on production suggestions even though they are not financial responsible for Corning or Foxcon production assets and people. In most cases owners of the asset would reject this “advice” but potentially in a situation such as Apple it is welcome as Apple might be owning nearly 100% of said facility or entire production capability of Corning or Foxcon for a period of time and willing to pay for it. Much like renting a car you know own for a period of time and up to you to make the best utilization of the asset for that period of time?

[0128] In one embodiment, the BPI object is a generic time-based array in Java Script, spreadsheet scripting language or any other tool to store on a distributed ledger data. The data can be stored in a block in a node on the supply chain or can be stored in a larger centralized data pool (e.g. Interplanatory File System (“IFPS”) link to a database). The BPI object is kept generic so it can be used in all major forms of blockchain platforms (Ethereum, Hyperledger, Quruom etc.) and also used in non-blockchain decentralized network data stores and topologies. In fact, the BPI object can be deployed across numerous formal / informal networks for databases, spreadsheets, email, XML and other communication methods. Any database or flat file of choice can be used. Using the shared ledger, consensus models of blockchain the BPI object can be broken out of any existing schedule or plan and sent via blockchain peer-to-peer and encrypted decentralized network to any and all nodes.

[0129] A graphic view of a generic BPI object moving in a block is shown in FIGS. 15A-15B. A graphic view of blocks synchronizing and replicating BPI objects through nodes on decentralized network in shown in FIG. 16. An illustration of decentralized blockchain data node synchronization, validation, conversation, collaboration and commitment is shown in FIG. 17. An illustration of decentralized BPI objects disseminated across a supply chain network, which enables new powerful business models that greatly improves activity synchronization is shown in FIG. 18. An illustration of deploying BPI object enabled business models in any order entry system is shown in FIG. 19. An illustration of how the BPI object enables decentralized distributed S&OP is shown in FIG. 20.

[0130] In one scenario, the BPI objects work on a private (permissioned) blockchain where all the trading partners in the network already know and trust each other. In this case, there is no need for Proof of Stake or Proof of Work algorithms to determine trust. In another scenario, the BPI objects work as same array defined object in the public or non-permissioned blockchain. This is where various proof of trust algorithms are used and require 3rd party miners to define trust. Much like cryptocurrency mining works but more specific to the data element. In both scenarios, the level of complexity is much lighter then in a transactional level data sharing, such as financial services that are prolific in the blockchain world today. So much of the BPI object can be accomplished and has been accomplished without blockchain technology. These scenarios are illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0131] What blockchain platforms offer is the latest approach to scale, to proliferate to provide popularity of the approach thus making the decentralized network a close to real time as necessary but allowing participants to control level of data they share, how often, in what form and to respond to requests at a rate commensurate with their internal planning and profit goals as well as other mitigating business process goals. Thus, a firm participating in aerospace machining will take much more time to respond but maybe more precise. A contract manufacturer producing apparel or low-cost electronics may be near real time due to competitive pressures and the required agility of the network.

[0132] “M8keit” is a service to provide a synchronized production BPI object data coordination supply chain between brand owners and manufacturers and their tiers of suppliers using asynchronous / loosely coupled blockchain technology and the BPI. The BPI object design will feed S&OP and all variations of forecasts, plans and schedules using a service at the URL M8kit.net. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, M8kit starts with matching potential brand owners, manufacturers and suppliers but is real unique and large value add is in coordinating these time-based plans in a synchronized fashion to catalyst successful long-term relationships and relationships that serve customer desires at a much lower price point through build to order time-based pricing incentives.

[0133] The BPI object architecture in FIG. 26 is illustrated by the yellow box. The network includes:

[0134] Ledgers (one per channel—comprises of the blockchain and the state database);

[0135] Smart contract(s) (e.g., chaincode, etc.);

[0136] Peer nodes;

[0137] Ordering services;

[0138] Channels; and

[0139] Fabric Certificate Authorities.Information about the Hyperledger can be found at hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / release-1.2 / network / network.html.Information about blockchain can be found at graphics.reuters.com / technology-blockchaing / 010070P11GN / index.htmlThe technical architecture of hyperledger can be found at hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / release-1.2 / whatis.html#

[0140] An instance of Hyperledger is installed on a hosting environment like AWS, Microsoft, IBM or other environment. Hyperledger fabric and ordering nodes are installed. Network participants are defined by IP addresses of which a Hyperledger node or nodes are addressed using a Public Key Infrastructure (“PKI”). “Hyperledger Fabric assigns network roles by node type. To provide concurrency and parallelism to the network, transaction execution is separated from transaction ordering and commitment. Executing transactions prior to ordering them enables each peer node to process multiple transactions simultaneously. This concurrent execution increases processing efficiency on each peer and accelerates delivery of transactions to the ordering service.” (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / releast-1.2 / functionalities.html).

[0141] Each time channel owner or supply chain network owner wants to broadcast a time phased array plan for a response commitment for consolidation the system pushes a new share ledger to the World State (see Hyperledger fabric description below and creates a blockchain). Thus, the entire master schedule could be a BPI object or as we would prefer a line item of a SKU for N number of periods of time (our default BPI).

[0142] The base level BPI object is defined as one time series array of one item (SKU) over “N” number of periods. There will be instances with the BPI object will be much larger literally a whole section of a master plan and items. However, the more the shared ledger is defined as the base BPI object, the more permutations of many shared ledgers (production) information are allowed to be consolidated and ordered off chain

[0143] An example of a Hyperledger architecture is shown in FIG. 24. An example of an Ethereum network architecture is shown in FIG. 25.

[0144] A typical use case will now be described in reference to FIG. 26.

[0145] Step 1: Sales asks for 300 units in aggregate across three contract manufacturers:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production30303030303030303030Commit All

[0146] Step 2: Internal operations after S&OP process decides shipping 10 units per week over 10 weeks with one week lead time to distribution facility will meet expected sales. To not be restricted to single source of supply, the Brand owner breaks this production request into three build plans and ships to three separately owned contract manufacturers.

[0147] Step 3: A message is sent to each contract manufacturer via the blockchain to secured partners (already trust the partners and do business with them). This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 1:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production10101010101010101010Commit All

[0148] This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 2Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production15151515151515151515Commit All

[0149] This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 3:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production5555555555Commit All

[0150] All three contract manufacturing locations use different production planning systems.

[0151] Step 4: Each contract manufacturer will have an off blockchain “wallet” to receive the array of data (spreadsheet) and will either use our utility or their production planning software utility to import the request into their production system. Once imported into their production planning, scheduling, MPS based on their unique needs they will respond with the quantity they can commit to. Because quantity is generally not disputed but quantity per time period is generally not held, the following is assumed.

[0152] Step 5: Each plant responds with three days or sooner.

[0153] Contract manufacturing location 1 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production10101010101010101010Commit CM 10000451111111111

[0154] Contract manufacturing location 2 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production15151515151515151515Commit CM 2151515151500000

[0155] Contract manufacturing location 3 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production5555555555Commit CM 35555555555

[0156] Step 7: The utility we provide with the blockchain will extract the data from each CM's “production wallet” and will be sent encrypted via the blockchain network / Internet to the Brand manager central location.

[0157] Step 8: Using the utility provided as off blockchain, each response is synchronized and uploaded to the S&OP staging data area. The planners review each response and consolidate the response into the S&OP production commitment section and auto reconcile by hitting a button. This functionality is all done off blockchain.

[0158] The consolidated commitment plan will look like this:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production30303030303030303030Commit CM 20202020652626262626ALL sitesShortage flag10101010+3544444Cumulative10203040038121620short

[0159] The Brand manager may accept this schedule as fully adequate to meet the demand or may repeat the cycle to negotiate with contract manufacturer(s).

[0160] Step 9: To test the public vs. private blockchain performance, the incremental short balance in the above table was put out in a public network for contract manufacturers to identify additional manufacturing capacity. The reason for this additional step is both functional and to test transaction ledger speed on trusted partner network vs. open untrusted network.

[0161] Step 10: To test using EPBI object outside blockchain to send “spreadsheet” array in native form to another division of Brand owner company using a dissimilar enterprise production planning system and get commitments via a traditional messaging approach. Consolidate this back to totals.

[0162] The major difference in this scenario is it is precisely how the real world works. The algorithms in the brand managers S&OP are not used at this point it purely is locking in attainment promised by the CM manufacturers and will proceed to commit other resources in the supply chain and sales to this plan.

[0163] The existence of this distributed block chain array scheduler will allow this negotiation to happen largely without human interference and without error as these time phased array additions, subtractions and adjustments are all difficult to keep manually. Many more SKU's maybe 1000's are shipped back and forth in a planning period. The SKU's will link to planning bill of material information that the CM's largely already have in their production systems but likely will be available also.

[0164] There will be subcomponent suppliers A, B and C as illustrated in the diagram. All of these suppliers will be given access to the demand signal from the brand manager. They may or may not have systems to interpret component quantity demand from finished good demand. If said component supplier does not have this planning bill of material they will be able to pull it from the blockchain or off blockchain application to make the calculation. In a typical deployment, there could be a geometrically large volume of nodes and thus the blockchain design created and designed to scale.

[0165] Sample base BPI object defined as JSOM

[0166] Communicate on chain in parallel to all block visualization{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″commit″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}

[0167] Off chain code to push and pull data on and off the blockchain at the response nodes / roles (e.g. a contract manufacturer or plant responding to demand signal request) as shown in FIG. 27. Off chain code to consolidate many BPI's from many nodes from blockchain to an ordering database either in the State DB or a direct manipulation of data from the State DB. These can then organize the response in a method that respects latest greatest information ignoring older duplicate or meaningless responses.

[0168] The new way BPI object enabled production capacity and commitment conversation between financial entities. The data of the use case as represented above when HP need to order 300 laptops to be produced by three independent contract manufacturers and how planned production is shared, committed or commented on by contract manufacturers and then negotiated as shown in FIGS. 28-36.

[0169] A new Plan is configured, checked out, data assembled then planning is started. Plan is completed and established as released plan by the brand owner HP

[0170] Step 1: S&OP Plan goes through planning cycle and becomes final and approved as shown in FIGS. 30A-30B.

[0171] The real test of a good S&OP is it meeting customer supply needs but in equilibrium of liabilities vs. assets. As shown in FIGS. 31A-31B, an Inventory Bridge from DCRA S&OP plan shows a plan where long term demand is pegged to various levels of liabilities (commitments from production). This can be in house production or outsourced production. The BPI object will greatly reduce the time it takes to get firm commitments from suppliers and thereby improving the accuracy and precision of the plan as well as make the plan more nimble if and when demand changes. The S&OP solution allows virtually unlimited views / reports / categorization of the plan.

[0172] Step 2: The various partners (contract manufacturers, internal manufacturing, component suppliers, logistics providers) are notified with their “build plan” instructions, which is generally a subset of overall plan. An example build plan output from actual plan is shown in FIGS. 32A-32B. The total is allocated to three contract manufacturers.

[0173] Step 4: The Blockchain array is populated with build plan and the blockchain technology disseminates this production array to all the nodes in the blockchain / supply chain. There will be more “data” nodes then supply chain participants as one supply chain participant (node) might have many different roles to act and thus data nodes as shown in FIG. 29.json Object{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″REQUEST″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}Once the build plan production arrays are extracted, transformed and loaded onto a blockchain array the data is propagated through the blockchain nodes to all approved, interested parties. In this simplified flow we will primarily look at the contract manufacturers receipt of the array.

[0175] Step 5: Blockchain array is received by all supply chain nodes (and blockchain trust nodes) and is sent to response tool of node as shown in FIG. 34.

[0176] Step 6: Plan by local contract manufacturer. Tools used by various manufacturers and even within various production groups, facilities, business groups may vary but the BPI object will be a universal representation of said plan. The production party will load into their tool ranging from a whiteboard / spreadsheet to the most sophisticated Al based APS system for analysis. See FIG. 25.

[0177] Step 7: After planning is done by response node a response it re-communicated through the blockchain back to brand owner.

[0178] Step 8: Reload back onto chain.

[0179] Step 9: Communicate on chain in parallel to all block visualization{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″commit″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}

[0180] Step 10: Blockchain is insert directly to S&OP plan out put as revised commitment or is inserted into plan and replanning done to meet demand and supply. The commitment array can literally white out a portion of the requested master production schedule and replace it with the contract manufacturer's commitment. Balance this against sales and either accept or rinse and repeat with the manufacturing entity.

[0181] Step 11: Illustrate potential for on chain Smart Contract potential for simple rules to be engaged based on distributed, decentralized data updates. Example Smart contract: Automatic transport lead-time escalation from ocean to air freight for late production; and payment upon commitment.

[0182] Step 12: Illustrate use of tokenized BPI object to use BPI object to obtain additional capacity bids when primary suppliers come up short of available production / inventory.

[0183] Step 12a: Use search function to look into catalog of contract manufacturers by industry, by geography, by functional expertise.

[0184] Step 12b: Select contact info of contract manufacturer or demand owner and see if there is interest general availability.

[0185] Step 12c: Send tokenized BPI object schedule and follow same model as private network above.

[0186] Step 12d: For full public coin model the process will likely start with step 12 then go to step 1. For private network step 12 only used if capacity not available with trusted sources.

[0187] Step 13: Envision new type of S&OP part quantitative part communication based. In essence a negotiation enabled S&OP plan.

[0188] An overview of the process is shown in FIG. 36.

[0189] FIG. 37 illustrates a current stat of sharing product data between entities in which the BPI object and blockchain create efficient decentralized supply chain collaboration. FIG. 38 illustrates a phase 1 of BPI object enabled production sharing. FIG. 39 illustrates how the BPI object manages decentralized virtual inventory. FIG. 40 illustrates BPI object messaging support on any blockchain or centralized network.

[0190] FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a data structure for a decentralized ledger interchange object 4100, which is also referred to as the BPI object, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The decentralized ledger interchange object 4100 includes a first data field 4102, a set of second data fields 4104, a set of third data fields 4106, and a set of fourth data fields 4108. The first data field 4102 contains an identifier for an item. The set of second data fields 4104 are linked to the first data field 4102. Each second field 4104 contains one of a set of time periods. Each third data field 4106 is linked to a corresponding second data field 4104, and each third data field 4106 contains a requested quantity of the item for a corresponding time period. Each fourth data field 4108 is linked to the corresponding second data field 4104, and each fourth data field 4108 contains a committed quantity of the item for the corresponding time period. Note that the decentralized ledger interchange object 4100 may include additional data fields and the data can be arranged differently as long as the links are maintained. For example, in some embodiments, the data structure 4100 may include a set of fifth data fields 4110. Each fifth data field 4110 is linked to the corresponding second data field 4104, and each fifth data field 4110 contains a price for the corresponding time period. Likewise, in some embodiments, the data structure 4100 may include one or more sixth data fields 4112. The sixth data fields 4112 are linked to the first data field 4102, and each sixth data field 4112 contains one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. Other information or data may be included.

[0191] In one aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields, and the set of third data fields are filled in by a first processor, and the set of fourth data fields are filled in by a second processor. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatic input into or export from a sales and operations planning system. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatic input into or export from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatically updating an electronic commerce application. In another aspect, the identifier for the item comprises a stock keeping unit number, a production unit number, a part number, or a model number. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is configured for use in a decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger can be hyper ledger, blockchain, quorum or other known or unknown decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is detachable from the decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the detached decentralized ledger interchange object is reconcilable back to a source of the decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the detached decentralized ledger interchange object is synchronized with other information without a link to the source of the decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is an asynchronous data object that is self-reconciling.

[0192] This data object has embedded within it structures, links, relationships and other information such that it can be detached from its “Blockchain” or other decentralized network but then later reconciled back to its source and synchronized with other detached production schedule information without having to be tethered or linked to its source to synchronize. It is an asynchronous data object that self-reconciles.

[0193] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a computer system 4200 that uses a decentralized ledger 4202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The computer system 4200 includes a first computer system 4204 having one or more first processors 4206 and one or more second computer systems 4208, each second computer system 4208 having one or more second processors 4210. The one or more first processors 4206: (a) generate a first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (b) generate a first block 4214 for the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (c) insert the first block 4214 onto the decentralized ledger 4202, and (d) make the first block 4214 visible to the one or more second computer systems 4208. The one or more second processors 4208: (a) access the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212 in the first block 4214 of the decentralized ledger 4202, (b) generate a second decentralized ledger interchange object 4216 based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (c) generate a second block 4218 for the second decentralized ledger object 4216, (d) insert the second block 4218 onto the decentralized ledger 4202, and (e) make the second block 4218 visible to the first computer system 4204. The first and second decentralized ledger interchange objects 4212 and 4216 include an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, and a committed quantity of the item for each time period. The first computer system 4204 can be communicably coupled to other internal or external systems 4220. Likewise, the second computer system 4208 can be communicably coupled to other internal or external systems 4222.

[0194] In one aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise a price for each time period. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the one or more first processors generate at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system, and encrypt the first block using the cryptographic key, and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the one or more first processors input the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object, and the one or more second processors input the committed quantity of the item for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the one or more first processors generate the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system, and update the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the one or more first processors reconcile and synchronize the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the first decentralized ledger object and the second decentralized ledger object are automatically input into or exported from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan. In another aspect, the first decentralized ledger object and the second decentralized ledger object an exported to a static non-network production system or supply chain system as a direct data feed to synchronize future inventory requirements from another party, source, block, node or location. In another aspect, the second decentralized ledger object is used to automatically update an electronic commerce application. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger is used as a source of data in a manufacturing process, a supply chain, a sales and operations planning time series plan, or a schedule.

[0195] The decentralized ledger object can be generated from a Blockchain or other decentralized network supported system, but also can be exported to static non-network production / supply chain systems as a direct data feed to synchronize future inventory requirements from another party / source / block / node / location. This conversation can repeat itself over and over such as would occur between emails or requests and promises with a spoken language.

[0196] FIG. 43 is a flow chart of a computerized method 4300 for time-based manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A first computer system comprising one or more first processors is provided in block 4302. A first decentralized ledger interchange object is generated using the one or more first processors in block 4304. The first decentralized ledger interchange object includes an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, and a committed quantity of the item for each time period. A first block is generated for the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors in block 4306. The first block is inserted onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more first processors in block 4308. The first block is made visible to one or more second computer systems using the one or more first processors in block 4310. A second block on decentralized ledger is accessed in block 4312. The second block is created by one or more second processors of the second computer system based on the first block. The data from the second block is used to create or modify a manufacturing schedule in block 4314.

[0197] In one aspect, the method further includes: accessing the first decentralized ledger interchange object in the first block of decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors; generating the second decentralized ledger interchange object based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors; generating a second block for the second decentralized ledger object using the one or more second processors; inserting the second block onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors; and making the second block visible to the first computer system. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise a price for each time period. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system; encrypting the first block using the cryptographic key; and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the method further includes: inputting the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more processors; and inputting the committed quantity of the item for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system; and updating the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the method further includes reconciling and synchronizing the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the method further includes: automatically exporting data from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan into the first decentralized ledger object; and automatically inputting data from the second decentralized ledger object into the sales plan, the inventory plan, the customer lead time plan, the new product development plan, the strategic initiative plan, or the financial plan. In another aspect, the method further includes automatically updating an electronic commerce application using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes coordinating and synchronizing one or more production arrays of data using the first decentralized ledger object or the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes rationalizing, synchronizing and coordinating two or more independent decentralized distributed concurrent plans the first decentralized ledger object or the second decentralized ledger object.

[0198] This embodiment allows non-centralized, asynchronous production planning, supply chain and in particular decentralized S&OP plans to coordinate, synchronize various production arrays of data using the decentralized ledger object. In particular, a production planning S&OP system can be built on top of as the decentralized ledger object as the central basis of communication can allow for independent decentralized distributed concurrent plans to be rationalized, synchronized, coordinated in methods previously impossible when trying to coordinate independent production plans.

[0199] FIG. 44 is a flow chart of a computerized method 4400 for time-based pricing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A second computer system comprising one or more second processors is provided in block 4402. A first decentralized ledger interchange object in a first block of decentralized ledger is accessed using the one or more second processors in block 4404. The first decentralized ledger interchange object is provided by a first computer system and includes an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a price for each time period. A second decentralized ledger interchange object is generated based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors in block 4406. The price for each time period is not the same for all the time periods. A second block for the second decentralized ledger object is generated using the one or more second processors in block 4408. The second block is inserted onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors in block 4410. The second block is made visible to the first computer system in block 4412.

[0200] In one aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors of the first computer system; generating the first block for the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors; inserting the first block onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more first processors; making the first block visible to one or more second computer systems using the one or more first processors; and using data from the second block to create or modify a manufacturing schedule. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system; encrypting the first block using the cryptographic key; and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the method further includes: inputting the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more processors; and inputting the committed quantity of the item for each time period and the price for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system; and updating the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the method further includes reconciling and synchronizing the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the method further includes: automatically exporting data from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan into the first decentralized ledger object; and automatically inputting data from the second decentralized ledger object into the sales plan, the inventory plan, the customer lead time plan, the new product development plan, the strategic initiative plan, or the financial plan. In another aspect, the method further includes automatically updating an electronic commerce application using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes organizing a production capacity in pricing blocks using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the production capacity is within a production facility, a production line within the production facility, a product production across multiple facilities, multiple geographic areas or an entire company.

[0201] Time based pricing is an extension of independent S&OP plans ability to reconcile quickly and efficiently. A result of this new capability allows a production facility, a production line within a facility, an entire product production of a item across facilities or entire company to organize their production capacity in pricing blocks and do as such dynamically. To accomplish time based pricing, the owner of the assets production of the product can offer to buyers a bucket / slot of the capacity using the decentralized ledger object. The decentralized ledger object provides a method to request, for example, 10000 units per week for 10 weeks but 50 weeks in the future between weeks 40 and 50. Using the decentralized ledger object, the customer can transmit the request and the owner of the production capacity (much like an airline making a series of flight sin the future offered at a discount price) possible as a simple request. The owner of the capacity can choose to allocate the requested capacity or some subset of it, and can lower the price to reflect the owners reduction of risk in filling that capacity in the future.

[0202] FIG. 45 is a block diagram depicting the phases, levels or layers that include the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Phase I includes three levels or layers: (1) the blockchain network (permissioned or non-permissioned) (e.g., Quorum, Ethereum, Hyperledger, etc.); (2) BPI objects, invoices, purchase orders, bill of materials (“BOM”), logistics and orders; and (3) smart contract and enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) interfaces. Phase II includes existing DS&OP moved to blockchain communications, such as embedded S&OP knowledge in network on blockchain, Dapp decentralized S&OP, and legacy siloed enterprise applications. Phase III include new business models.

[0203] FIG. 46 depicts the BPI packet being pushed to a permissioned blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The brand owner 4602 pushes the BPI packet 4604 to the private positioned blockchain network 4606. The network 4606 instantly replicates the full production array to all five nodes within the network 4606 (see the five shapes within the circle in FIG. 47). Every cell value is secured and immutable across the distributed ledger.

[0204] FIG. 47 depicts the network delivering the array to all manufacturing partners in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The permissioned network 4606 delivers the identical production array 4604 to every manufacturing partner (see 4802, 4804, 4806 in FIG. 48) simultaneously. Contract manufacturers (see 4802, 4804, 4806 in FIG. 48) and their tier 2 suppliers (see 4808, 4810 in FIG. 48) all receive the same data, the same version, at the same time.

[0205] FIG. 48 depicts the manufacturing partners analyzing the array in their planning systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each manufacturing partner 4802, 4804, 4806 loads the BPI array 4604 into their own production planning system (e.g., ERP, MES or custom tool, etc.) and independently runs capacity checks, material feasibility, and scheduling analysis.

[0206] FIG. 49 depicts the manufacturing partners committing resources in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each manufacturing partner 4802, 4804, 4806 generates their commit—typing their response quantities directly into the array. Contract manufacturer 1 4802 commits fully as shown in the CM−1 row in the BP Object 4902. Contract manufacturer 2 4804 flags a shortage in period three as shown in the Delta row in the BP Object 4904. Contract manufacturer 3 4806 flags a shortage in period four 4906. Every deviation is visible and every cell is accounted for.

[0207] FIG. 50 depicts the committed arrays traveling back through the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. All commit arrays 4902, 4904, 4906 traverse back through the permissioned network 4606 simultaneously. Tier 2 commitments from suppliers 4808, 4810, 5002 roll up into contract manufacturer packets. The network 4606 receives, validates, and replicates every response across all nodes.

[0208] FIG. 51 depicts a comparison of one embodiment of the present invention with legacy systems. A legacy centralized ERP system with sequential record locking is shown on the left side. The simultaneous decentralized replication is shown on the right side.Legacy ERPDCRA M8kitSync MethodSequential Record LockSimultaneous ReplicationTime to All Partners3-5 business days<60 secondsVersion ConsistencyDivergent (3 versions)Identical (consensus)Lock ConflictsConstantZeroAudit TrailManual, FragmentedImmutable, AutomaticFailure RecoveryManual ReconciliationSelf-healing Consensus

[0209] FIG. 52 depicts one embodiment of the present disclosure receiving a build order. The modular tubecrete build order 5202 enters the M8kit system, triggering simultaneous procurement planning across all three material streams: galvanized steel 5204 (lane 1), AAC concrete panels 5206 (lane 2), and non-polymer coatings 5208 (lane 3).

[0210] FIG. 53 depicts the creation of the steel buy-to-order packet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. M8kit generates the galvanized steel BTO packet 5302—14-gauge square tube, custom lengths, 8-week horizon. The BTO packet 5302 is sent to Nucor 5304 and tube fabricators 5306 simultaneously. The rest of the supply chain is shown as the distributor 5308, BTO fabrication 5310 and the jobsite 5312.

[0211] FIG. 54 depicts the planning of the AAC concrete direct shipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. AAC concrete panels (see BTO packet 5402) skip distribution entirely. M8kit routes direct from the panel manufacturer 5404 to the jobsite 5312, cutting five days of warehouse handling. The rest of the supply chain is shown as logistics 5406.

[0212] FIG. 55 depicts the planning of the nano-polymer coating batch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Elastomeric coating materials 5502 are mixed 5504 into batches 5506 to specification, quality control certified, and committed through to the applicator 5508 and the jobsite 5312. Fire, wind, and waterproof ratings are locked to each batch ID on-chain (BTO 5510).

[0213] FIG. 56 depicts all three BPI packets pushed to the blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. All three material commitment arrays 53025402, 5510 hit the blockchain simultaneously. One version. One time stamp. Zero ambiguity.

[0214] FIG. 57 depicts the network delivering the BPI packets to the fabricators and applicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. M8kit delivers each packet to the right party—steel 5302 to BTO fabricator 5310, AAC 5402 to direct logistics 5406, and coatings 5510 to certified applicators 5508. All in under 60 seconds.

[0215] FIG. 58 depicts the partners committing with real quantities and real dates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fabricators 5310, logistics 5406 and applicators 5508 enter their commit arrays 5802, 5804, 5806, respectively. Every quantity, every period confirmed. Shortages flash red instantly—no phone calls, no email chains.

[0216] FIG. 59 depicts that master array with the jobsite ready in one week in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Every material stream confirmed, committed, and immutably recorded 5902. Tubecrete delivers faster, better, for less because M8kit eliminates every coordination gap.

[0217] It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0218] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0219] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the fastener subjects.

[0220] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method / process step, or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), property(ies), method / process step(s), or limitation(s)) only.

[0221] As used herein, the term “or combinations thereof” refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of. A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0222] As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, “about,”“substantial,” or “substantially,” refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

[0223] All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the devices and / or methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0224] Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

[0225] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0226] To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 as it exists on the date of filing hereof unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0069]Illustrative embodiments of the system of the present application are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0070]In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to and is: (1) a non-provisional patent application of Ser. No. 63 / 810,234 filed on May 22, 2025 entitled Walls, Buildings, and Methods and Kits for Fabricating Walls and Buildings; and (2) a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 16 / 798,366 filed on Feb. 22, 2020 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, which is a non-provisional patent application of Ser. No. 62 / 808,552 filed on Feb. 22, 2019 entitled Distributed Ledger Planning Interchange. The patent application is related to Ser. No. 18 / 297,056 filed on Apr. 7, 2023 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,093,891 B2, and Ser. No. 16 / 798,367 filed on Feb. 22, 2020 entitled Decentralized Ledger Supply Chain Planning Interchange, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,636,425 B2, both of which claim priority to Ser. No. 62 / 808,552 filed on Feb. 22, 2019 entitled Distributed Ledger Planning Interchange.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

[0002] This application is not the subject of any federally sponsored research or development.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of building construction, and more particularly, to walls, buildings, and method and kits for fabricating walls and buildings.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with building construction systems and methods. Typical red iron metal buildings are expensive and have limited exterior design choices. Moreover, they are labor intensive onsite.

[0005] As a result, there is a need for wall, buildings and methods and kits for fabricating walls and buildings.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a wall that includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail, a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and a plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0007] In one aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, a glue or sealant is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members are attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, a coating is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, an external facing material is attached to or installed adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, one or more doors, windows or openings are disposed within the wall. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels are attached to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating a wall includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0009] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes applying an acrylic spray material to the ceramic material. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the wall. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a building includes four or more walls, one or more doors, windows or openings disposed with the four or more walls, a plurality of roof trusses attached to the four or more walls, and a plurality of roof panels attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses. Each wall includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail, a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and a plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0011] In one aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, a glue or sealant is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members are attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, a coating is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, an external facing material is attached to or installed adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels are attached to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the metallic base rail is attached to the foundation. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit. In another aspect, the kit further includes the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating a building includes fabricating four or more walls, installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the four or more walls, attaching a plurality of roof trusses to the four or more walls, and attaching a plurality of roof panels to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses. Each wall is fabricated by attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0013] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes providing the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels in the kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further include one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit includes a plurality of vertical metallic tubular members, a radiant vapor barrier, and a plurality of concrete side panels. The kit is configured to construct one or more walls comprising the radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members that are spaced-apart, the plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members.

[0015] In one aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members configured to be attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the kit include a plurality of fasteners. In another aspect, the kit includes one or more doors or windows, a plurality of roof trusses, or a plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members. In another aspect, the kit includes an external facing material, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of side panels, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0016] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. There aspects, features, and advantages of the devices, processes, and other subject matter described herein will be become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the components used to construct a building or a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 are photographs of the components used to construct a building or a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a photograph of a nonlimiting example of a foundation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a nonlimiting example of a foundation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a photograph of the interior of a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a photograph of the installed concrete side panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6C are photographs of a second floor installed in a building in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for fabricating a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for fabricating a building in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a sales and operation planning (“S&OP”) solution roadmap in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 10A-10B is a representation of the types of user interfaces (solutions) fed by the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates two physical examples in which postponed manufacturing is enabled by BPI object and blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates how the BPI object, along with a decentralized S&OP network, enables “Smart Contracts” and / or distributed applications that allow for these build assemblies along with lead times to be persisted and maintained throughout the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which assembly coordination combines many advanced business models enabled by BPI object and S&OP in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a BPI object configuration having an array of periods for an item with requested production and an array for commitment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 15A-15B is a graphic view of a generic BPI object moving in a block in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a graphic view of blocks synchronizing and replicating BPI objects through nodes on decentralized network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 17 is an illustration of decentralized blockchain data node synchronization, validation, conversation, collaboration and commitment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 18 is an illustration of decentralized BPI objects disseminated across a supply chain network, which enables new powerful business models that greatly improves activity synchronization in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 19 is an illustration of deploying BPI object enabled business models in any order entry system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 20 is an illustration of how the BPI object enables decentralized distributed S&OP in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 21 illustrates examples of a private networks supply chain and a public tokenized network for supply chains in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example of a service in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a Hyperledger architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an Ethereum network architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 26 illustrates a typical use case in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 27 illustrates a contract manufacturer receiving a request via blockchain and responding in minutes, not days, weeks or months in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIGS. 28-36 illustrate a BPI object enabled production capacity and commitment conversation between financial entities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 37 illustrates a current stat of sharing product data between entities in which the BPI object and blockchain create efficient decentralized supply chain collaboration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 38 illustrates a phase 1 of BPI object enabled production sharing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 39 illustrates how the BPI object manages decentralized virtual inventory in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 40 illustrates BPI object messaging support on any blockchain or centralized network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a data structure for a decentralized ledger interchange object, which is also referred to as the BPI object, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a computer system that uses a decentralized ledger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 43 is a flow chart of a computerized method for time-based manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 44 is a flow chart of a computerized method for time-based pricing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 45 is a block diagram depicting the phases, levels or layers that include the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 46 depicts the BPI packet being pushed to a permissioned blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 47 depicts the network delivering the array to all manufacturing partners in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 48 depicts the manufacturing partners analyzing the array in their planning systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 49 depicts the manufacturing partners committing resources in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 50 depicts the committed arrays traveling back through the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 51 depicts a comparison of one embodiment of the present invention with legacy systems;

[0061] FIG. 52 depicts one embodiment of the present disclosure receiving a build order;

[0062] FIG. 53 depicts the creation of the steel buy-to-order packet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 54 depicts the planning of the AAC concrete direct shipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 55 depicts the planning of the nano-polymer coating batch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 56 depicts all three BPI packets pushed to the blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 57 depicts the network delivering the BPI packets to the fabricators and applicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 58 depicts the partners committing with real quantities and real dates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0068] FIG. 59 depicts that master array with the jobsite ready in one week in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] Illustrative embodiments of the system of the present application are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0070] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,”“below,”“upper,”“lower,” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0071] Approximately 80% of the building components are manufactured off site. On site construction for building rough in, dry in on site can be done in five days. Completion of the exterior walls and roof can be completed within two weeks. For example, the onsite framing can be performed in days, adding the concrete siding can be performed in days, and the paint finishing processes can be completed in days. Assembly of the exterior surface is rapid with as much as 1000 square feet per day with a three-person crew. Buildings constructed in accordance with the present disclosure can be completed in less time and at a reduced cost than traditional steel frame buildings. Moreover, the exterior and interior surface choices are much better than traditional steel frame building. Various features of the present disclosure will not be discussed.

[0072] Design—Steel tube frame does not require separate structure for interior finish out with board, sheetrock or concrete panels saving massive amounts of time, money and making insulation much superior over red iron steel, tilt slab or wood structures. The tube frame also allows for extensive architecture details and approaches not possible with a red iron structure.

[0073] Cost—Very cost competitive generally 20 to 50% less than comparable red iron steel frame and R-panel yet much higher wind rating.

[0074] Time—The building system is an excellent balance of offsite manufactured components that yield a very short time on job site assembly. Typical building can take as little as 5 days to rough in and complete with siding, insulation, doors and windows This minimizes weather and other unforeseen construction delays.

[0075] Thermal—Typical buildings, especially red iron frame buildings, are difficult and expensive to insulate. The present system starts with thermal high R value and low thermal conductivity panels. Providing R value of 1.5 or more per inch of cladding and a higher equivalent of thermal protection due to the low thermal conductivity much like an Adobe structure. Since the frame is generally 2 foot on center, the ability to add additional interior insulation very simple. It is also inexpensive to line the interior with the same thermal panels.

[0076] Wind Load Ratings—In Midwest and Texas, there is a constant balance of North and South weather patterns. The tube foot cantered frame with standard 5 foot centers is rated at 140 MPH rating. A 4 foot centered truss structure with 2 foot additional studs and concrete panels is going to have a much higher rating. Although not tested yet the panels by themselves have a 140 mph rating the combination of the two with proper fasteners is likely to be over 180 mph rating and if also lining interior with panels possibly as high as 250 mph rating for the walls of your new building.

[0077] Fireproof—The concrete panels are constructed of Portland cement, fine sand and aluminum oxide. There is nothing combustible, thus they have over a 2 hour fire rating. This is much better than a double ⅝ inch sheetrock wall, especially in a real fire. Sheetrock paper burns and gypsum begins burning around 600 degrees causing disintegration. The steel reinforced 2 inch panels will literally not burn.

[0078] Risk / Financial Risk / Loan risk—Whether a project is self-funded or funded using a loan all are concerned about unplanned construction delays. The ability to have as much as 100% of the project manufactured in a controlled manufacturing environment for welding, fabrication and the construction of all concrete material with only a final labor assembly on site in days not weeks greatly mitigate risk of delays due to material and or labor constraints.

[0079] Customization Extensibility / Agility Adaptability—The entire design of the construction method is very modular and extensible. Unlike red iron buildings or tilt slab concrete which are specifically engineered for a specific dimension, the present technique can be added on to, scaled, modified much more simply with engineering integrity much like construction with wood framing. The structural framing has specific structural property that when used within its design limits does not require additional engineering static and dynamic calculations or testing. This allows for all sorts of flexibility over time.

[0080] Scale—The manufacturing system can scale rapidly due to 100% of base material are manufactured offsite.

[0081] The present disclosure, also referred to Modular Tubecrete, is a sophisticated three-part building system that can be used to build nearly any type of structure, building or residence faster, stronger, safer and with a highly coordinated no waste, highly efficient decentralized supply chain using M8kit.net patented approach to decentralized manufacturing. Simply said, rigorous engineering of both the supply chain coordination and the selection of material yields a much better method of construction. See U.S. Pat. No. 11,636,425 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16 / 798,366 and 18 / 297,056, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0082] This system starts with a foundation of any type or can use a Tubecrete pier and beam foundation using the steel and concrete panels of the large building system. A galvanized steel frame made from rolled galvanized steel in 12 gauge or 14 gauge 2.5 in tubing is designed based on engineering strength of materials. This system levers from a proven system of engineering spans, walls, structures at a component level. Thus, entire building frames can be constructed within engineering tolerances and assembled on site without any additional engineering. Obviously, site specific plans are sometimes necessary.

[0083] This system is carefully engineered for supply chain efficiency and for rapid clean installation using AAC panels with 2 inch or 3 inch thickness and 2×4 or 2×8 dimensions. Installation of the AAC panels is done with the galvanized steel frame carefully spaced with supports every 2 feet. These panels are installed without special equipment with polymer based thin set glue and 2.75 inch self tapping stainless fasteners. Panels are staggered as per a specially engineered installation guide and allow for air-tight, water-tight, pest-proof, very high wind and impact resistance fully roughed in enclosure. Tubecrete can also provide ASTME 3 inch or 4 inch panels that can be installed the roof More typically, insulation and AG-panel steel roofing is installed. Again, this is done in rapid, build to order fashion with little waste and once done any type of finishing coating can be applied.

[0084] Tubecrete has designed a finishing system for the joints between panels that allows for a near perfect smooth surface that does not require expensive 3 or 4 part cementous or acrylic stucco finishes that can be very expensive and fragile. The Tubecrete finishing system as described is revolutionary in speed, thermal properties, appearance and low cost. It is all made possible by extensive research and testing in the installation and joint preparation.

[0085] The Tubecrete coating system again is revolutionary in its speed of installation, its appearance, and its thermal performance, all at a dramatically lower cost than typical stuccos or painting processes. The finishing process is designed with a variety of automated and manual processes that leave joints invisible after the coatings are applied. These coating range from polymer spray stuccos in elastomeric binders, to nano-ceramic particles in elastomeric binders for smooth or textured finishes. The nano ceramics add significant hardness to the panels allowing them to pass more rigorous destructive testing and as much as 4.4 R value for every 4 mils of thickness of coating applied. All this is done at 1 / 10th the cost of traditional stucco approaches, faster, tougher, easier to maintain and patch if damaged.

[0086] This three-step Modular Tubecrete Building system wrapped in highly synchronized build to order M8kit supply chain solves much of the issues with both manufacturing productivity and applying manufacturing supply chain design to dramatically improve the lack of consistent quality and cost overruns in traditional construction techniques.

[0087] It is anticipated that building built in accordance with the present disclosure will have wind load ratings in the range of 200 to 250 mph. The system is all organic with no VOC's or other toxic chemicals, is water proof and literally fire proof. The AAC material has a Kelvin per KwH rating of less then 0.2 and the nano ceramics less then 0.05. Galvanized steel has a very high melting point such that there is nothing to sustain fire. A 2 inch AAC panel has a 2 hour fire rating and 3 inch AAC panel has a 3 hour fire rating, which will be much higher with a nano-ceramic coating.

[0088] The Tubecrete team has also designed standalone or integrated lofts with 2 foot or 9 foot centered joints / supports for 3 inch or 4 inch AAC concrete panel floor / foundation / roof structures. This structure shares a common flooring material with slight variations of use for flat or pitched roofs, 2nd floor space or even as floor for a pier and beam foundations.

[0089] Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a diagram and photographs of the components used to construct a building 100 or a wall 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Each wall 102 of the building 100 includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 attached to a foundation 106 or a metallic base rail 108. In one non-limiting example, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member 104 is a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube, and the metallic base rail 108 is a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch, 14 gauge galvanized base rail attached to the foundation with 6 inch concrete fasteners every 4 feet. The vertical metallic tubular members 104 disperse load more evenly on a slab foundation 106 than typical metal frame column style construction. The spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 can be attached to the metallic base rail 108 using snap together slip joints secured with mechanical fasteners or optional seam welds. Each vertical metallic tubular member 104 can be a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration as shown. In some embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members 110 are attached between the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members 104. In another aspect, a plurality of side panels (not shown) are attached to an interior of the vertical metallic tubular members 104 with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels (not shown) can be made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard, sheetrock or other suitable material. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0090] A radiant vapor barrier 112 is attached to an exterior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104. For industrial buildings, the radiant vapor barrier 112 can have a white vinyl inside finish and a radiant aluminized outside finish. The radiant vapor barrier 112 having a perm rating of 10-20 provides a vapor barrier and a tiny weep space for vapor to fall to the base rail 108 and escape through weep openings. The radiant vapor barrier 112 can be attached to the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member 104 using ¼ inch self-tapping screws.

[0091] A plurality of concrete side panels 114 are adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier 112 and attached to the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members 104 with fasteners 116. In one non-limiting example, each concrete side panel 114 is 2 to 3 inch thick, 2 foot by 8 foot or 2 foot by 4 foot, autoclaved aerated concrete panels with staggered joints and attached to the vertical metallic tubular members 104 with 2¾ inch self-tapping fasteners counter sunk into the autoclaved aerated concrete panels by approximately ¼ to ½ inch. It is recommended that a minimum of 9 fasteners 116 be used for each concrete side panel. In addition, control joint foam or other suitable material for expansion should be installed approximately every 20 feet. The control joint foam or other suitable material for expansion, approximately 1 inch in diameter, should also be installed at the top of the walls. A glue or sealant, such as thin set, is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. Plastic L-shaped weep units or other weep openings are placed every 4 feet underneath the concrete side panels 114. In some embodiments, a coating or external facing material 118 is disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels 114. The coating may include one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer, paint (e.g., ceramic paint) or other suitable material. The stucco may include a ceramic material that adheres to the concrete side panels 114 without a mesh, which greatly reduces the installation time. In other embodiments, the external facing material 118 may include brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile or any other suitable and desirable material.

[0092] The building 100 includes four or more walls 102, one or more doors 120, windows or openings 122 disposed with the four or more walls 102, a plurality of roof trusses 124 attached to the four or more walls 102, and a plurality of roof panels 126 attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses 124. Unlike metal frame buildings with metal trim, trim is not required because the concrete side panels are cut and formed around the doors 120 and windows 122, which provides a cleaner, more durable and more weather-proof solution. The roof trusses 124, such as 12 or 14 gauge galvanized tubes, are welded in place every 4 feet for standard roof panels or material 126 or every 2 feet for concrete roof panels. The legs and trusses are attached with a slip joint nipple in 12 gauge steel. The gable ends are 5 inch by 2.5 inch posts so that sheetrock or other panels can be installed directly to the inside of the steel frame. In some embodiments, concrete panels are installed on both sides for even more building strength. Ladder legs are used for spans over 40 feet on eave sides. The roof panels can be steel panels (e.g., AG panel, R-panel, standing seam panel, etc.), concrete panels or other roofing material. The concrete panels can be sealed and left as is, or another material can be installed on top of the concrete panels for aesthetic purposes.

[0093] Note that the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners can be provided as a kit.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a photograph of a nonlimiting example of a foundation 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The foundation 300 includes a lip 302 for the concrete side panels 114 (see FIG. 1) that provides a better seal with the metallic base rail 108 (see FIG. 1) than if the concrete side panels 114 (see FIG. 1) and metallic base rails 108 (see FIG. 1) were at the same level.

[0095] Now referring to FIG. 3B, a diagram of a nonlimiting example of a foundation 350 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart reinforced concrete 12 inch piers 352 with a six to 10 foot spacing within the perimeter of the building and exterior reinforced concrete grade beams 354 around the perimeter. I-beams or 8+ inch steel beams 356 are installed across the grade beams 354 and piers 352. Four inch thick, 2 foot by 8 foot, autoclaved aerated concrete panels 358 are installed on top of the steel beams 356. Once the foundation 350 is in place, a three-part modular system and materials 360 are deployed.

[0096] Now referring to FIG. 4, a photograph of the interior of a wall 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The construction and joints for the vertical metallic tubular members 104, horizontal metallic tubular members 110 and metallic base rails 108 can be seen. In addition, the radiant vapor barrier 112 and an electrical breaker box 402 can be seem. The walls 102 can easily accommodate electrical conduits and plumbing.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 5, a photograph of the installed concrete side panels 114 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A glue or sealant 502, such as thin set, is disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels 114. Thes coating 118 is being applied on the exterior of the concrete side panels 114. As shown, the concrete side panels 114 can be assembled with smooth joints using specialized tools, processes and materials. The process allows for a two-step rapid process that achieves a approximately 100% smooth joint that is then further smoothed by an acrylic spray material to achieve a uniform finish. The resulting wall is completed at approximately ⅕th the cost of a traditional three-part stucco. Moreover, the installation is faster, stronger and more impact resistant than traditional stucco.

[0098] Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, photographs of a second floor 600 installed in a building in accordance with the present disclosure are shown. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows steel I-beams 602 installed in a building to support a second floor. FIGS. 6B and 6C shows top and bottom views of a plurality of AAC panels 604 installed on the I-beams 602 to create the second floor.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a method 700 of fabricating a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. A plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members are attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail in block 702. A radiant vapor barrier is attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members in block 704. A plurality of concrete side panels are attached to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners in block 706.

[0100] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes applying an acrylic spray material to the ceramic material. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the wall. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0101] Now referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a method 800 of fabricating a building in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Four or more walls are fabricated in block 802. One or more doors, windows or openings are installed within the four or more walls in block 804. A plurality of roof trusses are attached to the four or more walls in block 806. A plurality of roof panels are attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses in block 808. Each wall is fabricated by attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail, attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, and attaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

[0102] In one aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the method includes applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the method includes applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating includes one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint. In another aspect, the stucco includes a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh. In another aspect, the method includes attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the method includes attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the method includes attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation. In another aspect, the method includes providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit. In another aspect, the method includes providing the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels in the kit. In another aspect, the method further includes procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit includes a plurality of vertical metallic tubular members, a radiant vapor barrier, and a plurality of concrete side panels. The kit is configured to construct one or more walls comprising the radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members that are spaced-apart, the plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members.

[0104] In one aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members configured to be attached between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of fasteners. In another aspect, the kit includes one or more doors or windows, a plurality of roof trusses, or a plurality of roof panels. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration. In another aspect, each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member includes a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube. In another aspect, each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members. In another aspect, the kit includes an external facing material, wherein the external facing material includes brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile. In another aspect, the kit includes a plurality of side panels, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock. In another aspect, the plurality of concrete side panels include a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels. In another aspect, the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object includes a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field. In another aspect, the centralized ledger objects further includes one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

[0105] The supply chain for the foregoing disclosure can be implemented using a decentralized ledger supply chain interchange, which will now be described.

[0106] Various embodiments of the following disclosure provide a decentralized Sales and Operations Planning (“S&OP”) system with a distributed ledger, such as Blockchain, Ethereum, Hyperledger, Quorum, etc. The entire distributed ledger becomes the core “database” of decentralized data and distributed Apps (“DAPPs”) enable “smart contracts” (essentially stored procedures) that click off based on the self-describing distributed ledger network. A block diagram of a S&OP solution roadmap in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. Blockchain planning interchange (“BPI”) object, also referred to as decentralized ledger interchange objects, flow directly into and out of the planning service repository using the planning templates to partners in a synchronized manner.

[0107] A representation of the types of user interfaces (solutions) fed by the BPI object is shown in FIGS. 10A-10B. The BPI objects are fed to centralized S&OP plans, order commitment SOE execution requests, as well as rollups of the BPI feeds from many suppliers, into the ability to commit an order and lead time for clients within and between blockchain networks. These advanced blockchain DAAPs could push and pull S&OP plans at the edge of the network back to a centralized rollup. Non-limited examples of S&OP systems that will work with the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,974,395, 7,657,534 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0262581, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0108] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using any existing or future distributed ledger system in which digital data is replicated, shared and synchronized across nodes within a peer-to-peer network. Each node replicates and saves an identical copy of the ledger and updates itself independently. There is no central administrator or centralized data storage for the distributed ledger. The systems can be either public or private. Blockchain is an example of distributed ledger that is resistant to modification of the data, in part, because it is a growing list of blocks that are linked together using cryptography. Typically, each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp and transaction data. The invention is by no means limited to what current IT professionals describe as Blockchain but rather possible on ANY decentralized / distributed network protocol.

[0109] Blockchain represents a method to scale a loosely coupled decentralized network of data but keep it in sync or better yet decompose the plan send out for comment and recompose, resync. This is done with blockchain nodes, shared ledgers, peer to peer IP messaging and encryption technology. It allows for decomposition for security reasons as well as business process reasons.

[0110] Various embodiments of the present invention use a distributed ledger planning interchange object as the basic building block element of a supply chain plan (time phased array of data) encapsulated in distributed ledger technology and designed to be disassembled and reassembled into any planning tool from a spreadsheet (e.g., Exel, etc.) to the most complicated planning tool. As used herein, the distributed ledger planning interchange object will be referred to as a blockchain planning interchange (“BPI”) object, but it is not limited to blockchain. The BPI object works on all major blockchain technologies (Ethereum, Hyperledger and Quorum) and in a permissioned (private network) or in a public (non-permissioned) blockchain decentralized network. The BPI blockchain object is completely transferable between private and public decentralized networks regardless of their “topology”, “brand”, or instantiation / implementation

[0111] Some examples of decentralized S&OP with DAPP and Smart contract rules enforcement will now be briefly described.

[0112] FIG. 11 illustrates two physical examples, namely a vehicle and a cell phone, in which postponed manufacturing is enabled by BPI object and blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Three of many possible new business models are enabled by the BPI's ability to synchronize the supply chain network as well as many S&OP plans. For example, keeping components of a vehicle in ready-to-assemble form and the same for a hi-tech cell phone products. The ability for the BPI object and the conversational BPI objects to make communicating quantities, lead times of these assemblies as effortless as communication about a stock keep unit (“SKU”) is revolutionary in the creation of supply chain efficiency as discussed. These examples include postponed manufacturing enabled by BPI object and blockchain where a planning bill of materials is linked via the BPI object to the original source, S&OP is enabled against decentralized data, final assembly close to demand, massive working capital savings, and intellectual property protection. If a manufacturer is given more lead time to coordinate and plan his production his cost of raw materials, his scheduling of labor and even his overhead costs of facilities and equipment go down. For confirmation of how beneficial this capability can be and how the intellectual capital has not yet been previously discovered is there is virtually NO example of lower price for longer lead times in the consumer market and if done in the commercial industrial market is done through negotiation not a general business model. Advanced DAPPs and smart contracts that enable much more rapid synchronizing the conversation of how much to make when using the BPI object and decentralized S&OP plans not only enable but make these advance business models like automatic assembly logic for postponed (delayed manufacturing), and assembly coordination the norm in the consumer and industrial manufacturing ecosystems. Thus, allowing synching of numerous items in an indented planning bill of material to be coordinated to a location at the same time from many suppliers and supply points / thus blocks in the blockchain.

[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates how the BPI object, along with a decentralized S&OP network, enable “Smart Contracts” and / or distributed applications that allow for these build assemblies along with lead times to be persisted and maintained throughout the network. Time based pricing of smart contracts with S&OP is used to notify buyers of price discounts based on accepting inventory with more lead time. If the build inventory schedules / plans can be shared and committed to through a decentralized network, then much of the overall working capital / inventory could be reduced thus allowing manufacturers to incept customers to take a lower price for longer lead times. Advanced DAPPs and smart contracts provide the ability for manufacturers and distributors to use time-based pricing. Coordinating production commitments provides based on time provides discounts to same SKU if given more time to produce it. Furthermore, the concept gets ever more interesting when combining lead times with the planning build of material (basic components for assembly) where lead times are pushed back to coordinate at time all are available. This enables massive time reduction for the jobs rolls who coordinate material across our economies from Boeing making airplanes to the general contractor remodeling your kitchen. As shown, the price is $10 for units that are on hand and available today, the price is $9 for units that are postponed with a three-week lead time, and the price is $6 for units for drop shipment twelve weeks out. Note that the prices can vary during the different periods. This is analogous to yield management in airlines and hotels but done a decentralized database of request and respond networks. Although concept of yield management is not new applying in today's highly decentralized manufacturing supply chain requires the BPI object and advanced BPI object-based S&OP.

[0114] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed application (“DAPP”) that sits inside any blockchain network that can do a complete S&OP plan. This allows for levels of autonomy linked to the broader network to synchronize demand and supply within the network.

[0115] FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which assembly coordination combines many advanced business models enabled by BPI object and S&OP (aggregated business models). As shown, a bill of materials for Part 13A-5200-13A is made up of four items. The parts are displayed based on cost and lead time, in which Part 1 has the highest price and shortest lead time, Part 2 has a lower price and a longer lead time, Part 3 has a lower price and a longer lead time, and Part 4 has the lowest price and the longest lead time. Since Part 4 has the longest lead time, delivery of the other parts can be pushed out to the longest lead time (Part 4) and discounted prices for Parts 1, 2 and 3 can be obtained. This is a process material planners in all industries do daily hourly but with the BPI object their ability to use computing to dramatically save time in their existing process and expand their network of partners dramatically is exponentially improved.

[0116] The BPI object will now be described in more detail. Think of the BPI object as a blockchain instantiation of an array of numbers over time periods (like a spreadsheet) or in computing architecture an “array” is a common term for a list of numbers in a period sequence. The BPI object is this array can be defined down to one line item (one SKU) for a few periods or can be a large portion of an entire schedule with multiple SKU's depending on the application. From a lay perspective, the BPI object is the “DNA” or genetic Lego building block of all schedules and plans. BPI objects are signals or messages sent to decentralized / distributed versions of one or more planning systems.

[0117] The BPI object is highly differentiated from existing data standards or other data structures to share production data across differentiated systems using either online share databases or with flat files.

[0118] The BPI object can be formatted as EDI, XML, REST messages or any other type of known or unknown message.

[0119] The BPI object can be decentralized distributed but then reconnected, and it will know where it fits in the aggregation of multiple streams of arrays of production over time from multiple sources. This is accomplished using time-stamps indicating the network or owner it came from (e.g., node owner identifier, blockchain identifier, etc.) and the date it was created.

[0120] The BPI object is encrypted with network centric encryption so the owner of the BPI object can choose who in the network can read the data and or modify the data.

[0121] The BPI object is created as part of a decentralized network. So it can be a single item of a few weeks of production information or could represent an entire S&OP planning result to be shared with other entities for use or consolidation.

[0122] The BPI object because the inherent data of when, where, why, who it came from as well as time stamping greatly assists the human or computer assisted human in reconciling time netting of consumption of previous demand from previous production. This ability is much like the ability of insect colonies of ants or bees to work collectively using offline instructions / pheromones visual signals (still a mystery to science). The result is dramatic synchronization of activity. This is one of the goals of the BPI object—become the base element to the production planning, S&OP, supply chain planning, forecasting systems so they all can work concurrently but with dramatically improved synchronization.

[0123] The BPI object builds off of historical standards like an ANSI EDI 830 message but is usable by any system standalone to the most sophisticated encrypted decentralized network.

[0124] The BPI object is not restricted to one estanutaton of the data. The BPI object can be a specific single item of production and commitment over time or a complete plan result with all items, consumption, forecasts, production and commitment result. Like the build plan output of an S&OP system. As noted herein, the importance of the BPI object can be best understood by the advanced business models and ability to run S&OP as a decentralized distributed process across heterogeneous company and technology networks / environments.

[0125] In one embodiment, the BPI object is a portion of a master production plan (in a spreadsheet or in a database-controlled planning system) that an entity wishes to communicate and receive a commitment on. The BPI object can be a portion of data in an array, or a portion of a multiparty spreadsheet that can be disseminated, acted on and then communicated back to the original owner with the appropriate time stamps, version stamps, permissions, hierarchy of importance, etc. An off-chain application can reassemble the BPI object back to its original form, but with the feedback and knowledge of the loosely coupled distributed / decentralized participants. The BPI object enables a “Hivechain” or “Intelligence at the edges” computing framework that encourages validation closest to the operation and resynchronization without human interaction. This system takes the burden of data coordination largely away from the human and allows the human planner / decision maker to act, run scenarios, provide time to consider alternative approaches that better accomplish a goal. That goal could be as wide ranging as speed at any cost to minimum cost with unlimited time.

[0126] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a BPI object configuration having an array of periods for an item with requested production and an array for commitment. The BPI object is coordinating lead times of individual arrays of production with the planning bill of material describing part dependencies components required to complete a finished item. The simple example is pushing all parts back to the lead time of Part 4 to coordinate assembly but do at a lower cost as without Part 4 the finished item cannot be built, shipped etc. More specifically, the array of periods includes one or more time periods (e.g., ten periods 1 to 10) for part number 13A-5200-117. As shown, a requested production of 30 units for each of the time periods is shown. Note that the quantities can vary for the different time periods. The supplier will add the quantities that they can provide in the commit section. Price information and other terms may also be added to the BPI object. The BPI object is the transaction data that is recorded into the block of the blockchain. This illustration of the BPI object is for one item over 10 periods but the BPI object is not limited to a single configuration. The design of the BPI object allows for the definition of number of items and periods to be understood between trading partners and synchronized back into or with production / S&OP plans at will. This also provides flexibility to accommodate preferred practice for various reasons (tradition, industry, production planning system integration feeds, etc.). Note that the BPI object is not limited to this data configuration.

[0127] If BPI objects and other similar objects are widely used for open purchase orders, available inventory, in-transit inventory, open orders, etc., they become instantiated in blocks in the production planning network and will create a time synchronized record of key execution data and planning data for all nodes in the block (companies, planning locations, etc.). Thus, by using the blockchain data sharing ecosystem, this time synchronized and scrubbed warehouse of data becomes available for a node. Furthermore, may become available across nodes thus that a larger powerful brand owner my run a plan to suggest purchases a supplier does to support the brand owners needs. For example, Apple looks at component supplier Corning's ability to push inventory to Foxcon and advises on production suggestions even though they are not financial responsible for Corning or Foxcon production assets and people. In most cases owners of the asset would reject this “advice” but potentially in a situation such as Apple it is welcome as Apple might be owning nearly 100% of said facility or entire production capability of Corning or Foxcon for a period of time and willing to pay for it. Much like renting a car you know own for a period of time and up to you to make the best utilization of the asset for that period of time?

[0128] In one embodiment, the BPI object is a generic time-based array in Java Script, spreadsheet scripting language or any other tool to store on a distributed ledger data. The data can be stored in a block in a node on the supply chain or can be stored in a larger centralized data pool (e.g. Interplanatory File System (“IFPS”) link to a database). The BPI object is kept generic so it can be used in all major forms of blockchain platforms (Ethereum, Hyperledger, Quruom etc.) and also used in non-blockchain decentralized network data stores and topologies. In fact, the BPI object can be deployed across numerous formal / informal networks for databases, spreadsheets, email, XML and other communication methods. Any database or flat file of choice can be used. Using the shared ledger, consensus models of blockchain the BPI object can be broken out of any existing schedule or plan and sent via blockchain peer-to-peer and encrypted decentralized network to any and all nodes.

[0129] A graphic view of a generic BPI object moving in a block is shown in FIGS. 15A-15B. A graphic view of blocks synchronizing and replicating BPI objects through nodes on decentralized network in shown in FIG. 16. An illustration of decentralized blockchain data node synchronization, validation, conversation, collaboration and commitment is shown in FIG. 17. An illustration of decentralized BPI objects disseminated across a supply chain network, which enables new powerful business models that greatly improves activity synchronization is shown in FIG. 18. An illustration of deploying BPI object enabled business models in any order entry system is shown in FIG. 19. An illustration of how the BPI object enables decentralized distributed S&OP is shown in FIG. 20.

[0130] In one scenario, the BPI objects work on a private (permissioned) blockchain where all the trading partners in the network already know and trust each other. In this case, there is no need for Proof of Stake or Proof of Work algorithms to determine trust. In another scenario, the BPI objects work as same array defined object in the public or non-permissioned blockchain. This is where various proof of trust algorithms are used and require 3rd party miners to define trust. Much like cryptocurrency mining works but more specific to the data element. In both scenarios, the level of complexity is much lighter then in a transactional level data sharing, such as financial services that are prolific in the blockchain world today. So much of the BPI object can be accomplished and has been accomplished without blockchain technology. These scenarios are illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0131] What blockchain platforms offer is the latest approach to scale, to proliferate to provide popularity of the approach thus making the decentralized network a close to real time as necessary but allowing participants to control level of data they share, how often, in what form and to respond to requests at a rate commensurate with their internal planning and profit goals as well as other mitigating business process goals. Thus, a firm participating in aerospace machining will take much more time to respond but maybe more precise. A contract manufacturer producing apparel or low-cost electronics may be near real time due to competitive pressures and the required agility of the network.

[0132] “M8keit” is a service to provide a synchronized production BPI object data coordination supply chain between brand owners and manufacturers and their tiers of suppliers using asynchronous / loosely coupled blockchain technology and the BPI. The BPI object design will feed S&OP and all variations of forecasts, plans and schedules using a service at the URL M8kit.net. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, M8kit starts with matching potential brand owners, manufacturers and suppliers but is real unique and large value add is in coordinating these time-based plans in a synchronized fashion to catalyst successful long-term relationships and relationships that serve customer desires at a much lower price point through build to order time-based pricing incentives.

[0133] The BPI object architecture in FIG. 26 is illustrated by the yellow box. The network includes:

[0134] Ledgers (one per channel—comprises of the blockchain and the state database);

[0135] Smart contract(s) (e.g., chaincode, etc.);

[0136] Peer nodes;

[0137] Ordering services;

[0138] Channels; and

[0139] Fabric Certificate Authorities.Information about the Hyperledger can be found at hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / release-1.2 / network / network.html.Information about blockchain can be found at graphics.reuters.com / technology-blockchaing / 010070P11GN / index.htmlThe technical architecture of hyperledger can be found at hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / release-1.2 / whatis.html#

[0140] An instance of Hyperledger is installed on a hosting environment like AWS, Microsoft, IBM or other environment. Hyperledger fabric and ordering nodes are installed. Network participants are defined by IP addresses of which a Hyperledger node or nodes are addressed using a Public Key Infrastructure (“PKI”). “Hyperledger Fabric assigns network roles by node type. To provide concurrency and parallelism to the network, transaction execution is separated from transaction ordering and commitment. Executing transactions prior to ordering them enables each peer node to process multiple transactions simultaneously. This concurrent execution increases processing efficiency on each peer and accelerates delivery of transactions to the ordering service.” (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io / en / releast-1.2 / functionalities.html).

[0141] Each time channel owner or supply chain network owner wants to broadcast a time phased array plan for a response commitment for consolidation the system pushes a new share ledger to the World State (see Hyperledger fabric description below and creates a blockchain). Thus, the entire master schedule could be a BPI object or as we would prefer a line item of a SKU for N number of periods of time (our default BPI).

[0142] The base level BPI object is defined as one time series array of one item (SKU) over “N” number of periods. There will be instances with the BPI object will be much larger literally a whole section of a master plan and items. However, the more the shared ledger is defined as the base BPI object, the more permutations of many shared ledgers (production) information are allowed to be consolidated and ordered off chain

[0143] An example of a Hyperledger architecture is shown in FIG. 24. An example of an Ethereum network architecture is shown in FIG. 25.

[0144] A typical use case will now be described in reference to FIG. 26.

[0145] Step 1: Sales asks for 300 units in aggregate across three contract manufacturers:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production30303030303030303030Commit All

[0146] Step 2: Internal operations after S&OP process decides shipping 10 units per week over 10 weeks with one week lead time to distribution facility will meet expected sales. To not be restricted to single source of supply, the Brand owner breaks this production request into three build plans and ships to three separately owned contract manufacturers.

[0147] Step 3: A message is sent to each contract manufacturer via the blockchain to secured partners (already trust the partners and do business with them). This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 1:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production10101010101010101010Commit All

[0148] This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 2Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production15151515151515151515Commit All

[0149] This request for production is sent to contract manufacturing location 3:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production5555555555Commit All

[0150] All three contract manufacturing locations use different production planning systems.

[0151] Step 4: Each contract manufacturer will have an off blockchain “wallet” to receive the array of data (spreadsheet) and will either use our utility or their production planning software utility to import the request into their production system. Once imported into their production planning, scheduling, MPS based on their unique needs they will respond with the quantity they can commit to. Because quantity is generally not disputed but quantity per time period is generally not held, the following is assumed.

[0152] Step 5: Each plant responds with three days or sooner.

[0153] Contract manufacturing location 1 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production10101010101010101010Commit CM 10000451111111111

[0154] Contract manufacturing location 2 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production15151515151515151515Commit CM 2151515151500000

[0155] Contract manufacturing location 3 responds:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production5555555555Commit CM 35555555555

[0156] Step 7: The utility we provide with the blockchain will extract the data from each CM's “production wallet” and will be sent encrypted via the blockchain network / Internet to the Brand manager central location.

[0157] Step 8: Using the utility provided as off blockchain, each response is synchronized and uploaded to the S&OP staging data area. The planners review each response and consolidate the response into the S&OP production commitment section and auto reconcile by hitting a button. This functionality is all done off blockchain.

[0158] The consolidated commitment plan will look like this:Period13A-5200-11712345678910Production30303030303030303030Commit CM 20202020652626262626ALL sitesShortage flag10101010+3544444Cumulative10203040038121620short

[0159] The Brand manager may accept this schedule as fully adequate to meet the demand or may repeat the cycle to negotiate with contract manufacturer(s).

[0160] Step 9: To test the public vs. private blockchain performance, the incremental short balance in the above table was put out in a public network for contract manufacturers to identify additional manufacturing capacity. The reason for this additional step is both functional and to test transaction ledger speed on trusted partner network vs. open untrusted network.

[0161] Step 10: To test using EPBI object outside blockchain to send “spreadsheet” array in native form to another division of Brand owner company using a dissimilar enterprise production planning system and get commitments via a traditional messaging approach. Consolidate this back to totals.

[0162] The major difference in this scenario is it is precisely how the real world works. The algorithms in the brand managers S&OP are not used at this point it purely is locking in attainment promised by the CM manufacturers and will proceed to commit other resources in the supply chain and sales to this plan.

[0163] The existence of this distributed block chain array scheduler will allow this negotiation to happen largely without human interference and without error as these time phased array additions, subtractions and adjustments are all difficult to keep manually. Many more SKU's maybe 1000's are shipped back and forth in a planning period. The SKU's will link to planning bill of material information that the CM's largely already have in their production systems but likely will be available also.

[0164] There will be subcomponent suppliers A, B and C as illustrated in the diagram. All of these suppliers will be given access to the demand signal from the brand manager. They may or may not have systems to interpret component quantity demand from finished good demand. If said component supplier does not have this planning bill of material they will be able to pull it from the blockchain or off blockchain application to make the calculation. In a typical deployment, there could be a geometrically large volume of nodes and thus the blockchain design created and designed to scale.

[0165] Sample base BPI object defined as JSOM

[0166] Communicate on chain in parallel to all block visualization{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″commit″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}

[0167] Off chain code to push and pull data on and off the blockchain at the response nodes / roles (e.g. a contract manufacturer or plant responding to demand signal request) as shown in FIG. 27. Off chain code to consolidate many BPI's from many nodes from blockchain to an ordering database either in the State DB or a direct manipulation of data from the State DB. These can then organize the response in a method that respects latest greatest information ignoring older duplicate or meaningless responses.

[0168] The new way BPI object enabled production capacity and commitment conversation between financial entities. The data of the use case as represented above when HP need to order 300 laptops to be produced by three independent contract manufacturers and how planned production is shared, committed or commented on by contract manufacturers and then negotiated as shown in FIGS. 28-36.

[0169] A new Plan is configured, checked out, data assembled then planning is started. Plan is completed and established as released plan by the brand owner HP

[0170] Step 1: S&OP Plan goes through planning cycle and becomes final and approved as shown in FIGS. 30A-30B.

[0171] The real test of a good S&OP is it meeting customer supply needs but in equilibrium of liabilities vs. assets. As shown in FIGS. 31A-31B, an Inventory Bridge from DCRA S&OP plan shows a plan where long term demand is pegged to various levels of liabilities (commitments from production). This can be in house production or outsourced production. The BPI object will greatly reduce the time it takes to get firm commitments from suppliers and thereby improving the accuracy and precision of the plan as well as make the plan more nimble if and when demand changes. The S&OP solution allows virtually unlimited views / reports / categorization of the plan.

[0172] Step 2: The various partners (contract manufacturers, internal manufacturing, component suppliers, logistics providers) are notified with their “build plan” instructions, which is generally a subset of overall plan. An example build plan output from actual plan is shown in FIGS. 32A-32B. The total is allocated to three contract manufacturers.

[0173] Step 4: The Blockchain array is populated with build plan and the blockchain technology disseminates this production array to all the nodes in the blockchain / supply chain. There will be more “data” nodes then supply chain participants as one supply chain participant (node) might have many different roles to act and thus data nodes as shown in FIG. 29.json Object{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″REQUEST″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}Once the build plan production arrays are extracted, transformed and loaded onto a blockchain array the data is propagated through the blockchain nodes to all approved, interested parties. In this simplified flow we will primarily look at the contract manufacturers receipt of the array.

[0175] Step 5: Blockchain array is received by all supply chain nodes (and blockchain trust nodes) and is sent to response tool of node as shown in FIG. 34.

[0176] Step 6: Plan by local contract manufacturer. Tools used by various manufacturers and even within various production groups, facilities, business groups may vary but the BPI object will be a universal representation of said plan. The production party will load into their tool ranging from a whiteboard / spreadsheet to the most sophisticated Al based APS system for analysis. See FIG. 25.

[0177] Step 7: After planning is done by response node a response it re-communicated through the blockchain back to brand owner.

[0178] Step 8: Reload back onto chain.

[0179] Step 9: Communicate on chain in parallel to all block visualization{ ″version″: ″1.0a″, ″date″: ″2018-02-05T05:17:33.187Z″, ″src″: ″5994471abb01112afcc18159f6cc74b4f511b99806da59b3caf5a9c173cacfc5″, ″dst″: ″ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad″, ″type″: ″commit″, ″part″: ″13A-5200-117″, ″period″:[{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″},{″qty″: ″5″,″lead″: ″2″}]}

[0180] Step 10: Blockchain is insert directly to S&OP plan out put as revised commitment or is inserted into plan and replanning done to meet demand and supply. The commitment array can literally white out a portion of the requested master production schedule and replace it with the contract manufacturer's commitment. Balance this against sales and either accept or rinse and repeat with the manufacturing entity.

[0181] Step 11: Illustrate potential for on chain Smart Contract potential for simple rules to be engaged based on distributed, decentralized data updates. Example Smart contract: Automatic transport lead-time escalation from ocean to air freight for late production; and payment upon commitment.

[0182] Step 12: Illustrate use of tokenized BPI object to use BPI object to obtain additional capacity bids when primary suppliers come up short of available production / inventory.

[0183] Step 12a: Use search function to look into catalog of contract manufacturers by industry, by geography, by functional expertise.

[0184] Step 12b: Select contact info of contract manufacturer or demand owner and see if there is interest general availability.

[0185] Step 12c: Send tokenized BPI object schedule and follow same model as private network above.

[0186] Step 12d: For full public coin model the process will likely start with step 12 then go to step 1. For private network step 12 only used if capacity not available with trusted sources.

[0187] Step 13: Envision new type of S&OP part quantitative part communication based. In essence a negotiation enabled S&OP plan.

[0188] An overview of the process is shown in FIG. 36.

[0189] FIG. 37 illustrates a current stat of sharing product data between entities in which the BPI object and blockchain create efficient decentralized supply chain collaboration. FIG. 38 illustrates a phase 1 of BPI object enabled production sharing. FIG. 39 illustrates how the BPI object manages decentralized virtual inventory. FIG. 40 illustrates BPI object messaging support on any blockchain or centralized network.

[0190] FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a data structure for a decentralized ledger interchange object 4100, which is also referred to as the BPI object, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The decentralized ledger interchange object 4100 includes a first data field 4102, a set of second data fields 4104, a set of third data fields 4106, and a set of fourth data fields 4108. The first data field 4102 contains an identifier for an item. The set of second data fields 4104 are linked to the first data field 4102. Each second field 4104 contains one of a set of time periods. Each third data field 4106 is linked to a corresponding second data field 4104, and each third data field 4106 contains a requested quantity of the item for a corresponding time period. Each fourth data field 4108 is linked to the corresponding second data field 4104, and each fourth data field 4108 contains a committed quantity of the item for the corresponding time period. Note that the decentralized ledger interchange object 4100 may include additional data fields and the data can be arranged differently as long as the links are maintained. For example, in some embodiments, the data structure 4100 may include a set of fifth data fields 4110. Each fifth data field 4110 is linked to the corresponding second data field 4104, and each fifth data field 4110 contains a price for the corresponding time period. Likewise, in some embodiments, the data structure 4100 may include one or more sixth data fields 4112. The sixth data fields 4112 are linked to the first data field 4102, and each sixth data field 4112 contains one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. Other information or data may be included.

[0191] In one aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields, and the set of third data fields are filled in by a first processor, and the set of fourth data fields are filled in by a second processor. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatic input into or export from a sales and operations planning system. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatic input into or export from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan. In another aspect, the first data field, the set of second data fields and the set of third data fields, and the set of fourth data fields are configured for automatically updating an electronic commerce application. In another aspect, the identifier for the item comprises a stock keeping unit number, a production unit number, a part number, or a model number. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is configured for use in a decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger can be hyper ledger, blockchain, quorum or other known or unknown decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is detachable from the decentralized ledger. In another aspect, the detached decentralized ledger interchange object is reconcilable back to a source of the decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the detached decentralized ledger interchange object is synchronized with other information without a link to the source of the decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger interchange object is an asynchronous data object that is self-reconciling.

[0192] This data object has embedded within it structures, links, relationships and other information such that it can be detached from its “Blockchain” or other decentralized network but then later reconciled back to its source and synchronized with other detached production schedule information without having to be tethered or linked to its source to synchronize. It is an asynchronous data object that self-reconciles.

[0193] FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a computer system 4200 that uses a decentralized ledger 4202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The computer system 4200 includes a first computer system 4204 having one or more first processors 4206 and one or more second computer systems 4208, each second computer system 4208 having one or more second processors 4210. The one or more first processors 4206: (a) generate a first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (b) generate a first block 4214 for the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (c) insert the first block 4214 onto the decentralized ledger 4202, and (d) make the first block 4214 visible to the one or more second computer systems 4208. The one or more second processors 4208: (a) access the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212 in the first block 4214 of the decentralized ledger 4202, (b) generate a second decentralized ledger interchange object 4216 based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object 4212, (c) generate a second block 4218 for the second decentralized ledger object 4216, (d) insert the second block 4218 onto the decentralized ledger 4202, and (e) make the second block 4218 visible to the first computer system 4204. The first and second decentralized ledger interchange objects 4212 and 4216 include an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, and a committed quantity of the item for each time period. The first computer system 4204 can be communicably coupled to other internal or external systems 4220. Likewise, the second computer system 4208 can be communicably coupled to other internal or external systems 4222.

[0194] In one aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise a price for each time period. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the one or more first processors generate at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system, and encrypt the first block using the cryptographic key, and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the one or more first processors input the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object, and the one or more second processors input the committed quantity of the item for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the one or more first processors generate the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system, and update the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the one or more first processors reconcile and synchronize the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the first decentralized ledger object and the second decentralized ledger object are automatically input into or exported from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan. In another aspect, the first decentralized ledger object and the second decentralized ledger object an exported to a static non-network production system or supply chain system as a direct data feed to synchronize future inventory requirements from another party, source, block, node or location. In another aspect, the second decentralized ledger object is used to automatically update an electronic commerce application. In another aspect, the decentralized ledger is used as a source of data in a manufacturing process, a supply chain, a sales and operations planning time series plan, or a schedule.

[0195] The decentralized ledger object can be generated from a Blockchain or other decentralized network supported system, but also can be exported to static non-network production / supply chain systems as a direct data feed to synchronize future inventory requirements from another party / source / block / node / location. This conversation can repeat itself over and over such as would occur between emails or requests and promises with a spoken language.

[0196] FIG. 43 is a flow chart of a computerized method 4300 for time-based manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A first computer system comprising one or more first processors is provided in block 4302. A first decentralized ledger interchange object is generated using the one or more first processors in block 4304. The first decentralized ledger interchange object includes an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, and a committed quantity of the item for each time period. A first block is generated for the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors in block 4306. The first block is inserted onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more first processors in block 4308. The first block is made visible to one or more second computer systems using the one or more first processors in block 4310. A second block on decentralized ledger is accessed in block 4312. The second block is created by one or more second processors of the second computer system based on the first block. The data from the second block is used to create or modify a manufacturing schedule in block 4314.

[0197] In one aspect, the method further includes: accessing the first decentralized ledger interchange object in the first block of decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors; generating the second decentralized ledger interchange object based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors; generating a second block for the second decentralized ledger object using the one or more second processors; inserting the second block onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors; and making the second block visible to the first computer system. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise a price for each time period. In another aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system; encrypting the first block using the cryptographic key; and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the method further includes: inputting the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more processors; and inputting the committed quantity of the item for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system; and updating the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the method further includes reconciling and synchronizing the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the method further includes: automatically exporting data from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan into the first decentralized ledger object; and automatically inputting data from the second decentralized ledger object into the sales plan, the inventory plan, the customer lead time plan, the new product development plan, the strategic initiative plan, or the financial plan. In another aspect, the method further includes automatically updating an electronic commerce application using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes coordinating and synchronizing one or more production arrays of data using the first decentralized ledger object or the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes rationalizing, synchronizing and coordinating two or more independent decentralized distributed concurrent plans the first decentralized ledger object or the second decentralized ledger object.

[0198] This embodiment allows non-centralized, asynchronous production planning, supply chain and in particular decentralized S&OP plans to coordinate, synchronize various production arrays of data using the decentralized ledger object. In particular, a production planning S&OP system can be built on top of as the decentralized ledger object as the central basis of communication can allow for independent decentralized distributed concurrent plans to be rationalized, synchronized, coordinated in methods previously impossible when trying to coordinate independent production plans.

[0199] FIG. 44 is a flow chart of a computerized method 4400 for time-based pricing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A second computer system comprising one or more second processors is provided in block 4402. A first decentralized ledger interchange object in a first block of decentralized ledger is accessed using the one or more second processors in block 4404. The first decentralized ledger interchange object is provided by a first computer system and includes an identifier for an item, a set of time periods, a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a price for each time period. A second decentralized ledger interchange object is generated based on the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors in block 4406. The price for each time period is not the same for all the time periods. A second block for the second decentralized ledger object is generated using the one or more second processors in block 4408. The second block is inserted onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more second processors in block 4410. The second block is made visible to the first computer system in block 4412.

[0200] In one aspect, the first and second decentralized ledger objects further comprise one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors of the first computer system; generating the first block for the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more first processors; inserting the first block onto the decentralized ledger using the one or more first processors; making the first block visible to one or more second computer systems using the one or more first processors; and using data from the second block to create or modify a manufacturing schedule. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating at least one cryptographic key for the second computer system; encrypting the first block using the cryptographic key; and the cryptographic key enables the one or more second processors to view blocks on the distributed ledger and to insert blocks onto the distributed ledger. In another aspect, the method further includes: inputting the identifier for the item, the set of time periods, and the requested quantity of the item for each time period into the first decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more processors; and inputting the committed quantity of the item for each time period and the price for each time period into the second decentralized ledger interchange object using the one or more second processors. In another aspect, the method further includes: generating the first decentralized ledger interchange object using data from a sales and operations planning system; and updating the sales and operations planning system using data from the second decentralized ledger interchange object. In another aspect, the method further includes reconciling and synchronizing the second decentralized ledger object received from multiple second computer systems. In another aspect, the method further includes: automatically exporting data from a sales plan, an inventory plan, a customer lead time plan, a new product development plan, a strategic initiative plan, or a financial plan into the first decentralized ledger object; and automatically inputting data from the second decentralized ledger object into the sales plan, the inventory plan, the customer lead time plan, the new product development plan, the strategic initiative plan, or the financial plan. In another aspect, the method further includes automatically updating an electronic commerce application using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the method further includes organizing a production capacity in pricing blocks using the second decentralized ledger object. In another aspect, the production capacity is within a production facility, a production line within the production facility, a product production across multiple facilities, multiple geographic areas or an entire company.

[0201] Time based pricing is an extension of independent S&OP plans ability to reconcile quickly and efficiently. A result of this new capability allows a production facility, a production line within a facility, an entire product production of a item across facilities or entire company to organize their production capacity in pricing blocks and do as such dynamically. To accomplish time based pricing, the owner of the assets production of the product can offer to buyers a bucket / slot of the capacity using the decentralized ledger object. The decentralized ledger object provides a method to request, for example, 10000 units per week for 10 weeks but 50 weeks in the future between weeks 40 and 50. Using the decentralized ledger object, the customer can transmit the request and the owner of the production capacity (much like an airline making a series of flight sin the future offered at a discount price) possible as a simple request. The owner of the capacity can choose to allocate the requested capacity or some subset of it, and can lower the price to reflect the owners reduction of risk in filling that capacity in the future.

[0202] FIG. 45 is a block diagram depicting the phases, levels or layers that include the BPI object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Phase I includes three levels or layers: (1) the blockchain network (permissioned or non-permissioned) (e.g., Quorum, Ethereum, Hyperledger, etc.); (2) BPI objects, invoices, purchase orders, bill of materials (“BOM”), logistics and orders; and (3) smart contract and enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) interfaces. Phase II includes existing DS&OP moved to blockchain communications, such as embedded S&OP knowledge in network on blockchain, Dapp decentralized S&OP, and legacy siloed enterprise applications. Phase III include new business models.

[0203] FIG. 46 depicts the BPI packet being pushed to a permissioned blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The brand owner 4602 pushes the BPI packet 4604 to the private positioned blockchain network 4606. The network 4606 instantly replicates the full production array to all five nodes within the network 4606 (see the five shapes within the circle in FIG. 47). Every cell value is secured and immutable across the distributed ledger.

[0204] FIG. 47 depicts the network delivering the array to all manufacturing partners in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The permissioned network 4606 delivers the identical production array 4604 to every manufacturing partner (see 4802, 4804, 4806 in FIG. 48) simultaneously. Contract manufacturers (see 4802, 4804, 4806 in FIG. 48) and their tier 2 suppliers (see 4808, 4810 in FIG. 48) all receive the same data, the same version, at the same time.

[0205] FIG. 48 depicts the manufacturing partners analyzing the array in their planning systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each manufacturing partner 4802, 4804, 4806 loads the BPI array 4604 into their own production planning system (e.g., ERP, MES or custom tool, etc.) and independently runs capacity checks, material feasibility, and scheduling analysis.

[0206] FIG. 49 depicts the manufacturing partners committing resources in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each manufacturing partner 4802, 4804, 4806 generates their commit—typing their response quantities directly into the array. Contract manufacturer 1 4802 commits fully as shown in the CM−1 row in the BP Object 4902. Contract manufacturer 2 4804 flags a shortage in period three as shown in the Delta row in the BP Object 4904. Contract manufacturer 3 4806 flags a shortage in period four 4906. Every deviation is visible and every cell is accounted for.

[0207] FIG. 50 depicts the committed arrays traveling back through the network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. All commit arrays 4902, 4904, 4906 traverse back through the permissioned network 4606 simultaneously. Tier 2 commitments from suppliers 4808, 4810, 5002 roll up into contract manufacturer packets. The network 4606 receives, validates, and replicates every response across all nodes.

[0208] FIG. 51 depicts a comparison of one embodiment of the present invention with legacy systems. A legacy centralized ERP system with sequential record locking is shown on the left side. The simultaneous decentralized replication is shown on the right side.Legacy ERPDCRA M8kitSync MethodSequential Record LockSimultaneous ReplicationTime to All Partners3-5 business days<60 secondsVersion ConsistencyDivergent (3 versions)Identical (consensus)Lock ConflictsConstantZeroAudit TrailManual, FragmentedImmutable, AutomaticFailure RecoveryManual ReconciliationSelf-healing Consensus

[0209] FIG. 52 depicts one embodiment of the present disclosure receiving a build order. The modular tubecrete build order 5202 enters the M8kit system, triggering simultaneous procurement planning across all three material streams: galvanized steel 5204 (lane 1), AAC concrete panels 5206 (lane 2), and non-polymer coatings 5208 (lane 3).

[0210] FIG. 53 depicts the creation of the steel buy-to-order packet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. M8kit generates the galvanized steel BTO packet 5302—14-gauge square tube, custom lengths, 8-week horizon. The BTO packet 5302 is sent to Nucor 5304 and tube fabricators 5306 simultaneously. The rest of the supply chain is shown as the distributor 5308, BTO fabrication 5310 and the jobsite 5312.

[0211] FIG. 54 depicts the planning of the AAC concrete direct shipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. AAC concrete panels (see BTO packet 5402) skip distribution entirely. M8kit routes direct from the panel manufacturer 5404 to the jobsite 5312, cutting five days of warehouse handling. The rest of the supply chain is shown as logistics 5406.

[0212] FIG. 55 depicts the planning of the nano-polymer coating batch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Elastomeric coating materials 5502 are mixed 5504 into batches 5506 to specification, quality control certified, and committed through to the applicator 5508 and the jobsite 5312. Fire, wind, and waterproof ratings are locked to each batch ID on-chain (BTO 5510).

[0213] FIG. 56 depicts all three BPI packets pushed to the blockchain in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. All three material commitment arrays 53025402, 5510 hit the blockchain simultaneously. One version. One time stamp. Zero ambiguity.

[0214] FIG. 57 depicts the network delivering the BPI packets to the fabricators and applicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. M8kit delivers each packet to the right party—steel 5302 to BTO fabricator 5310, AAC 5402 to direct logistics 5406, and coatings 5510 to certified applicators 5508. All in under 60 seconds.

[0215] FIG. 58 depicts the partners committing with real quantities and real dates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fabricators 5310, logistics 5406 and applicators 5508 enter their commit arrays 5802, 5804, 5806, respectively. Every quantity, every period confirmed. Shortages flash red instantly—no phone calls, no email chains.

[0216] FIG. 59 depicts that master array with the jobsite ready in one week in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Every material stream confirmed, committed, and immutably recorded 5902. Tubecrete delivers faster, better, for less because M8kit eliminates every coordination gap.

[0217] It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0218] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0219] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the fastener subjects.

[0220] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method / process step, or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), property(ies), method / process step(s), or limitation(s)) only.

[0221] As used herein, the term “or combinations thereof” refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of. A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0222] As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, “about,”“substantial,” or “substantially,” refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

[0223] All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the devices and / or methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0224] Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

[0225] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0226] To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 as it exists on the date of filing hereof unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0069]Illustrative embodiments of the system of the present application are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0070]In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by...

Claims

1. A wall comprising:a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail;a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members; anda plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

2. The wall of claim 1, wherein each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member comprises a single metallic tubular member or a pair of metallic tubular members in a ladder leg configuration.

3. The wall of claim 1, wherein each spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular member comprises a 2.5 inch, 12 or 14 gauge, metallic square tube.

4. The wall of claim 1, wherein each concrete side panel is made of autoclaved aerated concrete.

5. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a glue or sealant disposed between edges of adjacent concrete side panels.

6. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members.

7. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a coating disposed on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating comprises one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint.

8. The wall of claim 1, wherein the stucco comprises a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh.

9. The wall of claim 1, further comprising an external facing material attached to or installed adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material comprises brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile.

10. The wall of claim 1, further comprising one or more doors, windows or openings disposed within the wall.

11. The wall of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of side panels attached to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock.

12. The wall of claim 1, wherein the plurality of concrete side panels comprise a plurality of autoclaved aerated concrete side panels.

13. The wall of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit.

14. The wall of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field.

15. The wall of claim 14, wherein the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

16. A method of fabricating a wall comprising:attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail;attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members; andattaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying a glue or sealant between edges of adjacent concrete side panels.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying a coating on an exterior of the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the coating comprises one or more layers of sealant, stucco, primer or paint.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stucco comprises a ceramic material that adheres to the plurality of concrete side panels without a mesh.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising applying an acrylic spray material to the ceramic material.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching or installing an external facing material adjacent to the plurality of concrete side panels, wherein the external facing material comprises brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco or tile.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the wall.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching a plurality of side panels to an interior of the spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners, wherein the plurality of side panels are made of brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, wood, log siding, aluminum or metal siding, concrete siding, vinyl siding, stucco, tile, fabric, plastic, fiberglass, plaster, plywood, medium-density fiberboard or sheetrock.

25. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation.

26. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit.

27. The method of claim 16, further comprising procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

29. A building comprising:four or more walls, each wall comprising:a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members attached to a foundation or a metallic base rail,a radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, anda plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners;one or more doors, windows or openings disposed with the four or more walls;a plurality of roof trusses attached to the four or more walls; anda plurality of roof panels attached to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses.

30. The building of claim 29, wherein the metallic base rail is attached to the foundation.

31. The building of claim 29, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners are provided as a kit.

32. The building of claim 31, wherein the kit further comprises the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels.

33. The building of claim 29, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

35. A method of fabricating a building comprising:fabricating four or more walls, wherein each wall is fabricated by:attaching a plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members to a foundation or a metallic base rail,attaching a radiant vapor barrier to an exterior of the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, andattaching a plurality of concrete side panels to the radiant vapor barrier and the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members with fasteners;installing one or more doors, windows or openings within the four or more walls;attaching a plurality of roof trusses to the four or more walls; andattaching a plurality of roof panels to an exterior of the plurality of roof trusses.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising attaching the metallic base rail to the foundation.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members, the radiant vapor barrier, the plurality of concrete side panels and the fasteners as a kit.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing the one or more doors or windows, the plurality of roof trusses, or the plurality of roof panels in the kit.

39. The method of claim 35, further comprising procuring the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

41. A kit comprising:a plurality of vertical metallic tubular members;a radiant vapor barrier;a plurality of concrete side panels; andwherein the kit is configured to construct one or more walls comprising the radiant vapor barrier attached to an exterior of the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members that are spaced-apart, the plurality of concrete side panels adjacent to an exterior of the radiant vapor barrier and attached to the plurality of vertical metallic tubular members, wherein edges of adjacent concrete side panels are glued together.

42. The kit of claim 41, further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal metallic members configured for attachment between the plurality of spaced-apart vertical metallic tubular members.

43. The kit of claim 41, further comprising a plurality of fasteners.

44. The kit of claim 41, further comprising one or more doors or windows, a plurality of roof trusses, or a plurality of roof panels.

45. The kit of claim 41, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart vertical tubular members and the plurality of concrete side panels are procured using one or more decentralized ledger interchange objects, each decentralized ledger interchange object comprising a first data field for an identifier for an item, a set of second data fields for a set of time periods, a third data field for a requested quantity of the item for each time period, a set of fourth data fields for a committed quantity of the item for each time period, and a set of fifth data fields for a price for each time period, wherein the set of second data fields are linked to the first data field, each third field is linked to a corresponding second data field, each fourth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field, and each fifth data field is linked to the corresponding second data field.

46. The kit of claim 45, wherein the centralized ledger objects further comprise one or more sixth data fields linked to the first data field, each sixth data field for one or more terms and conditions, one or more specifications for the item, a shipping and handling price, a tax amount, a link to other data or information stored remotely, or a link to other decentralized ledger interchange objects.

Images