Big Data Analytics Using Unsupervised Learning for Customer Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data analytics methods for businesses are limited in providing accurate insights into customer behavior, supply chain optimization, and inventory management, often relying on simplistic assumptions and resulting in ineffective marketing, mistargeted ads, and inefficient resource allocation due to inaccuracies in data analysis and forecasting.

Innovation Solution

The development of data-driven, model-driven, and data-driven modeling methods that utilize dimension reduction and unsupervised learning algorithms to extract meaningful patterns from large datasets, providing actionable insights for marketing, customer relations, and supply chain optimization by characterizing customer behavior and inventory dynamics without preexisting assumptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional data analytics methods are used, then the analysis process is simple and easy to implement, but the accuracy of customer behavior prediction and supply chain optimization is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of customer behavior predictionVSAvoidcomplexity of data analytics system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments customer data into distinct clusters using unsupervised learning algorithms, dividing the customer base into segments with similar behaviors and characteristics. This segmentation enables more accurate prediction of customer behavior by analyzing patterns within homogeneous groups rather than treating all customers uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality reduction techniques to transform high-dimensional customer data into lower-dimensional representations that capture essential patterns. By projecting data into reduced dimensional spaces, the system maintains predictive accuracy while simplifying the analysis process and reducing computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If simplified statistical methods are used for market analysis, then the analysis is faster and easier to perform, but the insights into customer behavior and market dynamics are inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of market demand forecastingVSAvoidtime required for data analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary data processing and feature engineering to prepare datasets in advance, including cleaning, normalization, and transformation of data. This preliminary action reduces the time required during actual analysis by having data ready in optimized formats, enabling faster and more accurate forecasting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous monitoring and updating of customer behavior patterns and market trends through ongoing data collection and analysis. This continuous action ensures that forecasts remain accurate by incorporating the latest data, while the automated nature of continuous processing minimizes time investment compared to periodic manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If generic marketing personas are used, then the marketing strategy is simpler to implement, but the targeting accuracy and effectiveness of advertising campaigns are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of marketing targetingVSAvoidcomplexity of customer segmentation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates detailed customer segments through unsupervised learning, dividing the market into groups with distinct behaviors, preferences, and characteristics. This segmentation enables precise targeting of marketing campaigns to specific customer groups, improving effectiveness while the automated segmentation process manages system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms generic marketing personas into detailed customer profiles by changing parameters such as demographic characteristics, behavior patterns, and preferences. By adjusting these parameters based on actual data, the system creates accurate, data-driven customer profiles that improve targeting accuracy without requiring overly complex manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If inventory records are used for supply chain decisions, then the decision-making process is more automated, but the accuracy of inventory information and stockout detection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of inventory dataVSAvoidautomation of inventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual inventory levels against recorded data, detecting discrepancies and stockouts. By comparing expected inventory levels with actual conditions and automatically adjusting records or triggering alerts, the system improves data accuracy while maintaining automation in inventory management decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240086726A1Systems and methods for big data analytics
Publication Date: 2024.03.14 NEW ENGLAND COMPLEX SYSTEMS INSTITUTE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods perform analytics and visualization of Big Data. A multiscale geosocial network apparatus can be used for identifying prospective customers and communities of customers with shared interests. A model and visualization of customer signatures for analyzing trends in customer behaviors and making long-term forecasts about future customer activities. An analytics and visualization tool is presented for inventory management using comprehensive event analysis. A set of methods for optimizing shipping and storage costs uses historical data from a variety of data sources including social media platforms and business records of a corporation. The system and method take, as input, data and transform that data into insights that can provide guidance for a variety of decisions including new customer acquisition, managing customer portfolios, inventory management, and optimization of logistics as well as strategic business decisions and planning.