Automated Analyzer Reagent Scheduling for Expiration-Aware Inventory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated analyzer apparatus in medical testing face challenges in inventory management, including analyzer downtime and expiration of perishable items due to inadequate inventory control, especially for inexperienced operators managing multiple systems.

Innovation Solution

An inventory control method and apparatus that receive change-out inventory status and planned workload data, using a decisioning module to generate a work plan itinerary with sequence instructions for operators to manage inventory replenishment, task prioritization, and calibration, thereby optimizing inventory usage and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated analyzer apparatus are operated continuously to maximize instrument usage, then productivity is improved, but inventory items may expire before use causing loss of substance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument usageVSAvoidreagent expiration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future inventory needs based on scheduled workload and reagent consumption rates. The predictive inventory control module calculates when reagents will be depleted and schedules their use before expiration, preventing loss while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring current inventory levels, comparing them against predicted consumption based on scheduled workload, and adjusting the work plan itinerary to optimize reagent usage timing and prevent expiration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If operators manually manage inventory for multiple analyzers, then inventory control can be maintained, but operator efficiency decreases and downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory controlVSAvoidoperator efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating work plan itineraries that include inventory management tasks. The predictive inventory control module autonomously calculates replenishment schedules and prioritizes tasks based on inventory status and workload, reducing reliance on operator expertise and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The predictive inventory control module acts as an intermediary between the complex inventory management requirements and the operator. It processes inventory data, workload schedules, and consumption rates to generate simplified action itineraries, bridging the gap between system complexity and operator capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If reagents are used according to standard workflow order, then test accuracy is maintained, but analyzer downtime increases due to inventory management tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest accuracyVSAvoidanalyzer downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the work plan itinerary flexible and adaptive. It dynamically adjusts the sequence and timing of tests based on real-time inventory status, reagent expiration dates, and workload priorities, allowing operators to perform necessary inventory management tasks with minimal disruption to test accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If inexperienced operators manage multiple automated analyzers, then device complexity is handled, but inventory management errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyzer managementVSAvoidinventory management accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for operator inexperience by enabling self-service through automated predictive inventory control. The module independently monitors inventory levels, predicts consumption based on scheduled workload, and generates detailed work plan itineraries, eliminating the need for operators to possess expert inventory management knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The predictive inventory control module serves as an intermediary that shields inexperienced operators from system complexity. It translates complex inventory data, reagent specifications, and workload schedules into simple, actionable itineraries, allowing operators to manage multiple analyzers effectively without requiring deep expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11537968B2Predictive inventory control including scheduling and performing bio-fluid tests out of order based on reagent inventory expiration

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Methods of and apparatus controlling change-out inventory of an automated analyzer apparatus. The inventory control methods include receiving change-out inventory status from automated analyzer apparatus at a server, receiving an estimate of the planned workload over a specific time period at the server, analyzing with a decisioning module of the server first data of the change-out inventory status and second data of the planned workload over the specified time period, and producing a work plan itinerary as an output from the decisioning module. The work plan itinerary provides sequence instructions or commands for an operator (person and/or robotic mechanism) to follow for changing out of change-out inventory items. Inventory control apparatus configured to carry out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.