Aggregate Asset Routing for Flexible Print Partner Batching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asset routing systems face challenges in handling high variability in asset parameters while maintaining flexibility in print partner capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and delays in processing bulk orders and ensuring batch volumes meet delivery service thresholds.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically determine optimal print partners based on asset parameters, capacity, and batch requirements, enabling real-time routing of digital assets to multiple partners with different machine configurations to meet delivery deadlines and batch volume thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single print partner is used for bulk orders, then print partner utilization is simplified, but batch volume thresholds for delivery services cannot be met and processing delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidbatch volume flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments bulk orders into multiple batches and distributes them to different print partners based on capacity and thresholds. Each print partner receives appropriate batch volumes that they can process efficiently, while collectively meeting delivery service requirements. This resolves the contradiction by dividing the workload to achieve both speed and volume flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The routing system dynamically adjusts print partner selection and batch allocation based on real-time capacity, current batch volumes, and delivery thresholds. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize processing speed while ensuring batch volume requirements are met, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple print partners with different machine configurations are used, then asset parameter variability is handled better, but routing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset parameter compatibilityVSAvoidrouting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The routing system automatically determines optimal print partner matching based on asset parameters and print partner capabilities without manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of matching diverse assets to appropriate print partners, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes routing parameters dynamically based on asset characteristics, print partner capacity, and batch requirements. By adjusting these parameters automatically, the system handles asset parameter variability effectively while keeping the routing mechanism itself relatively simple through rule-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual routing is used for digital assets, then routing logic is simple, but processing delays occur and delivery deadlines are missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting system simplicityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual routing mechanics with automated computational routing that instantly determines optimal print partner assignment. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual processes while maintaining relatively simple routing logic through algorithmic decision-making, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary routing determinations and print partner selections automatically as assets enter the system, before processing begins. This preliminary automated action prevents time delays that would occur with manual routing, while the pre-established routing rules keep the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If batch volumes are increased to meet delivery thresholds, then delivery requirements are satisfied, but print partner capacity constraints are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch volumeVSAvoidcapacity compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments total batch volumes into smaller sub-batches that are distributed across multiple print partners. Each print partner receives a portion of the total volume that respects their capacity constraints, while the aggregate of all partners meets delivery service thresholds. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between volume requirements and capacity compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by sending only the appropriate portion of batches to each print partner based on their capacity, rather than exceeding it. Multiple print partners collectively handle the excessive total volume needed for delivery thresholds, with each partner operating within their reliable capacity limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12436721B2Method and system for aggregate asset routing

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 LOB COM INC

AI summary

A method for asset routing including receiving a digital asset, determining a set of print partners for the digital asset, determining a set of candidate batches for the digital asset, selecting a print partner for the digital asset, optionally determining a print partner for an unmatched digital asset, and routing the digital asset to the print partner.