Asset Verification Using Electronic Tags and Cross-Referencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and tracking tools at third-party supplier locations are inadequate, leading to inefficiencies and potential financial losses due to unaccounted tooling, manipulation in procurement processes, and the inability to reclaim residual value from tools reaching the end of their life.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the certification and validation of tool existence and location using electronically readable tags, such as QR Codes, RFID, and NFC, integrated with smartphone technology for efficient tracking and verification, reducing the need for costly infrastructure and enabling periodic inventory updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current procedures to identify and track tools at third party supplier locations are used, then the tracking process can be performed, but the identification and location accuracy is insufficient and timely basis is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronically readable tags (such as RFID, NFC, or QR codes) as copies of the tool identification information. These tags contain encoded data that represents the tool's identity, location, and status, allowing for accurate and reliable tracking without requiring direct physical verification of each tool at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic interrogation systems. Instead of physically checking tools at supplier locations, the system uses electronic readers to interrogate tags, automatically collecting and verifying tool information through electronic communication rather than manual inspection.
2Reliability
If regular verification of assets is performed manually, then compliance requirements can be met, but the cost and time required for physical verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-verification through automated electronic interrogation. The electronically readable tags on tools automatically provide their identification and location information when interrogated by readers, eliminating the need for manual physical verification and reducing both time and cost while maintaining compliance assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously or periodically interrogates tags to verify tool location and status. This automated feedback loop provides ongoing verification without requiring manual intervention, ensuring compliance while reducing verification time and costs.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive tool tracking is implemented with detailed verification, then accurate inventory management is achieved, but the complexity of the tracking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronically readable tags as compact copies containing essential tool information. These tags store only the necessary data (identification, location, status) rather than requiring complex databases or systems, simplifying the overall tracking architecture while maintaining information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically readable tags serve multiple functions: identification, location tracking, status indication, and compliance verification. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single unified approach, reducing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive inventory management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing mobile assets includes initially certifying a physical existence and location of a mobile asset. The certifying includes receiving certification information about the location and data representing the physical existence of the mobile asset into a database. After certification, interrogation information is received into the database. The interrogation information includes read information from an electronically readable tag associated with the mobile asset, user-entered information about at least one of an instant location of the mobile asset and user-entered data representing the physical existence of the mobile asset, and geolocation information of the reader. At least one of the instant location and the user-entered data representing the physical existence of the mobile asset is validated by cross-referencing the certification information and the interrogation information to identify any discrepancies. The absence of discrepancies indicates a positive validation and the presence of any discrepancies indicates a negative validation.