Automated Bill of Materials Compilation for Complex Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating bill of material data for complex systems are tedious and prone to human error, particularly in mapping keywords to reference architecture documents, leading to inaccurate recommendations and lack of scalability in product selection.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores electronic documents in a standardized format, allowing for query-based extraction and compilation of bill of materials data, enabling proactive and integrated recommendations for complex system configurations without manual keyword mapping, using a solution identifier and solution property extractor service to generate a complete Bill-Of-Material (BOM) and update pricing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual keyword mapping is used to generate bill of material data, then flexibility in document processing is maintained, but accuracy and productivity deteriorate due to human error and tedious processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual keyword mapping (mechanical human process) with automated electronic data processing. The system uses electronic data documents with standardized fields and automated extraction processes to generate bill of material data, eliminating human error while maintaining high processing efficiency through computer-based operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format from unstructured text requiring manual interpretation to structured electronic fields with standardized formats. By implementing specific data fields (solution identifier, bill of materials data fields) in electronic documents, the system enables automated processing while ensuring data accuracy through consistent parameter structures.
2Productivity
If standardized electronic data formats are implemented, then productivity and accuracy improve through automated processing, but device complexity increases due to system integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electronic data document format that can process multiple types of technical documents (reference architecture documents, blueprints, specifications) through a single standardized system. The electronic data documents contain universal fields (solution identifier, bill of materials data fields) that work across different document types, reducing the need for multiple specialized processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex data processing task into distinct electronic data fields (solution identifier data field, bill of materials data fields). This segmentation allows the system to process information in manageable, standardized units that can be independently extracted, validated, and compiled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Loss of time
If automated extraction and compilation processes are used, then loss of time is reduced and productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to automated processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-structuring data in electronic documents with standardized fields (solution identifier, bill of materials data fields) before processing. This preliminary organization of data in a machine-readable format enables rapid automated extraction and compilation without requiring complex real-time processing, reducing both time loss and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating bill of material data for complex systems comprising storing a plurality of electronic documents in a standardized format using an electronic data storage device, where each electronic document has an associated solution identifier data field and one or more associated bill of materials data fields. Receiving a query request over a data network in an electronic data format that includes a query solution identifier data field. Extracting electronic data documents having a matching data field value to the solution identifier data field. Extracting the bill of materials data fields for each electronic document using data processing equipment. Assembling a compilation of the bill of materials data fields from each of the extracted electronic data documents.