3D Manufacturing Reservation Matching for Faster Supplier Quotes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process is hindered by delays and increased work due to manual requests for pricing from multiple suppliers, which can take days to receive and vary in methods and algorithms, making it difficult for designers to determine the impact of design elements on prices and leading to inefficiencies in the fabrication process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables expedited manufacturing by displaying user-selectable options, automating the comparison of 3D computer models with supplier data to determine applicable manufacturing reservations, calculating total production time, and presenting this information to users, thereby streamlining the selection of suitable suppliers and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual requests for pricing are sent to multiple suppliers, then comprehensive price comparison is achieved, but time consumption and work effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically sending pricing requests to multiple suppliers simultaneously and pre-processing the responses, so that when the designer needs pricing information, it is already prepared and available for immediate comparison, eliminating the time-consuming manual process
Solution Approach 2:
An automated intermediary system (software platform) is introduced between the designer and suppliers to manage the pricing request process. This intermediary automatically transmits design data to suppliers, collects pricing information, and presents it to the designer, replacing manual email or postal communication
2Measurement precision
If manual RFP process is used to obtain pricing from suppliers, then price information is obtained, but additional work and expense are created
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate actions into a single integrated process: sending pricing requests to multiple suppliers, receiving responses, processing data, and presenting comparisons are all combined into one automated workflow that the designer initiates with a single action, reducing both work and expense
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing designers to automatically obtain and compare pricing information without requiring manual intervention for sending RFPs, following up with suppliers, or compiling price data. The automated platform handles the entire process independently
3Reliability
If waiting for price responses from suppliers is required, then pricing decisions can be made, but delays occur in the fabrication process
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the pricing process running in the background without interrupting the designer's workflow. While prices are being processed and compared, the designer can continue with other tasks, and the pricing information is ready when needed, preventing delays in the fabrication process
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suppliers use different methods and algorithms for pricing, then supplier-specific pricing strategies are maintained, but users cannot determine how design elements influence prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by analyzing pricing data from multiple suppliers and providing designers with information about how specific design elements (such as materials, dimensions, or complexity) influence the prices. This feedback loop transforms raw pricing data into actionable insights that help designers optimize their designs for cost-effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling expedited manufacture of one or more instantiations of a structure modeled as a 3D computer model, the method implemented on one or more computer devices including displaying one or more user selectable expedited manufacturing reservation options for a plurality of requests for manufacture, generating a prompt to select a user selectable expedited manufacturing reservation option, receiving an expedited manufacturing, storing the expedited manufacturing reservation, receiving a request for manufacture of one or more instantiations of a structure modeled in an associated 3D computer model from a user, compare one or more of the requests for manufacture and one or more aspects of the associated 3D computer model with the expedited manufacturing reservation, determining an applicability of the expedited manufacturing reservation to the request for manufacture, calculating a total time to complete the request for manufacture, and presenting the total time to complete the request for manufacture.