Carbon Asset Network Platform for Real-Time Inventory Version Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enterprise greenhouse gas inventories require significant manual effort to collect and integrate data from subsidiaries, upstream and downstream supply chains, and lack effective tools to manage complex operational boundaries, leading to duplicate counting and time-consuming updates.
Innovation Solution
An automated carbon asset network system using computer technology to automate data collection, integration, and version control across operational boundaries, enabling real-time management of greenhouse gas inventories and product carbon footprints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data collection methods are used for greenhouse gas inventories, then data can be gathered from subsidiaries and supply chains, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection processes with an automated digital system. The carbon asset management platform uses electronic questionnaires, API integrations, and automated data processing to collect greenhouse gas inventory data from subsidiaries and supply chains, eliminating the need for manual paper-based collection and significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where subsidiaries and supply chain partners can automatically provide their carbon inventory data through integrated platforms and standardized interfaces. The automated questionnaires and data exchange mechanisms allow participants to submit their own data without requiring manual intervention from the central organization.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive manual data collection is performed across multiple operational boundaries, then complete carbon inventory data can be obtained, but duplicate counting and data integration issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system automatically tracks and monitors data submissions from multiple operational boundaries. When data is collected from subsidiaries, suppliers, or customers, the system provides feedback to verify consistency and prevent duplicate counting. The platform cross-checks data across different sources to ensure accuracy and eliminate redundancies in the carbon inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon asset management platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects data from diverse sources (subsidiaries, suppliers, customers), standardizes the data formats, validates the information, and integrates it into a unified carbon inventory. This multi-functional approach ensures both completeness and accuracy without requiring separate processes for each function.
3Reliability
If traditional paper-based or manual electronic platforms are used for carbon inventories, then data can be stored and processed, but real-time updates and version control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection and updates through an always-active digital platform. Instead of periodic manual updates, the system continuously monitors and receives carbon inventory data from operational boundaries in real-time. The platform maintains continuous version control, automatically tracking changes and ensuring the latest data is always available for processing and reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual paper-based storage and processing with an automated digital infrastructure that enables real-time data updates. The platform uses electronic databases, cloud computing, and automated processing algorithms to instantly update carbon inventory records and maintain accurate versions of the data, eliminating the delays inherent in manual update processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex operational boundaries with multiple supply chain levels are managed manually, then comprehensive carbon accounting can be achieved, but the system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex carbon inventory management system into modular functional components: data collection modules for different operational boundaries, data validation modules, integration modules, and reporting modules. Each segment handles specific tasks independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement across complex supply chains with multiple levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon asset management platform acts as an intermediary layer between various operational boundaries and stakeholders. It provides standardized interfaces and protocols that simplify communication and data exchange between different entities in the supply chain, reducing the complexity of managing multiple operational boundaries without requiring direct complex interactions between each participant.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated carbon asset network system and a carbon asset management method are provided. The automated carbon asset network system includes a carbon asset management digital platform realizing a carbon inventory executed for an enterprise through a computer system, and the carbon asset management digital platform includes a carbon asset network establishing module, a carbon asset network connection module, and a carbon asset network update module. The carbon asset management method includes: receiving data for stakeholders, internal or external carbon asset management digital platform, carbon asset management report formats, and carbon inventory obtained through automated customized questionnaires, by using the application program interface; automatically integrating carbon inventory data for supply chains and performing version control; digitally managing a full scope of an organizational greenhouse gas inventory and product carbon footprint information throughout product life cycles for brands in the enterprise; and generating documents according to requirements.