Automated Product Benchmarking via PLM Database Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current product benchmarking processes rely on cumbersome manual updates and comparisons of large spreadsheet files, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and outdated data, which hinder the development of new products.
Innovation Solution
Integration of product benchmarking into a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform using a data-driven approach, where current capabilities of competing products are digitized in a central database, enabling automated processing and real-time updates, and accessed through a customized user interface for efficient comparison and development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual spreadsheet files are used for product benchmarking, then detailed capability comparison is possible, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of updating and comparing spreadsheet files with an automated electronic system. The benchmarking platform automatically retrieves capability data from competing products, updates benchmark parameters, and performs comparisons without manual intervention, thus maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The benchmarking system is designed to automatically perform data collection, processing, and comparison tasks without requiring manual service. The system self-updates benchmark parameters by electronically comparing capability data, eliminating the need for test engineers to manually enter and update spreadsheet information.
2Quantity of substance
If large spreadsheet files are used to store benchmark information, then comprehensive product data can be maintained, but file management becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a benchmarking platform as an intermediary system that manages the large volume of benchmark information. Instead of directly managing complex spreadsheet files, the platform electronically stores, retrieves, and processes capability data, ensuring data accuracy through automated validation and version control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages electronic copies of benchmark data in a structured digital format within the platform. This allows comprehensive storage of benchmark information while enabling efficient retrieval and comparison through automated processes, eliminating the errors associated with manual file management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual updates to spreadsheet files are performed, then new benchmark information can be added, but version control issues arise and outdated data may be used
Solution Approach 1:
The benchmarking platform implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and update benchmark parameters. When new capability data from competing products becomes available, the system automatically retrieves and processes this information, ensuring that the benchmark database remains current without manual intervention and preventing the use of outdated data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the benchmarking platform with the necessary data structures and automated processes before benchmarking begins. This setup enables the system to automatically handle updates and version control from the start, eliminating the need for manual version management and ensuring data currency.
4Extent of automation
If electronic comparison of spreadsheet files is performed, then benchmarking can be automated, but the process remains slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow electronic file comparison process with a more efficient automated benchmarking platform that directly accesses and compares capability data in real-time. The system uses optimized data structures and processing algorithms to rapidly analyze benchmark parameters, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining high automation levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to computer systems and methods that provide a data-driven approach to product benchmarking. The systems and methods identify a product being developed on a product development platform. The systems and methods repeatedly evaluate products similar in operation to the identified product. In response to the evaluation, the systems and methods automatically determine current performance capabilities of the similar products and digitize the determined current performance capabilities as current benchmark parameters in a central database integrated within the platform. The systems and methods generate output, by an application of the platform, based on searching the current benchmark parameters in the database, and develop functions and parts for the identified product using the generated output. For example, the systems and methods may invoke a modeling application of the platform to automatically determine a part for the identified product by performing a simulation using the searched current benchmark parameters.