Central Database for Commodity Order Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracing produce back to its packing facilities and fields of origin are inefficient due to disparate recording techniques and lack of real-time access to information, making it difficult to comply with regulatory requirements and customer demands for instant information access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for entering and accessing information related to commodity orders through a central database, using a web-based application that allows customers to view sales, shipping, tracing, packout, inventory, and inspection information, with features like tracking IDs, digital photographs, and third-party audits, standardizing recording procedures across the supply chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If paper-based recording techniques are used for shipping and inspection information, then device complexity is reduced, but information accessibility and real-time access capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based recording systems with automated electronic data capture systems. Sensors, scanners, and digital devices automatically record shipping, inspection, and tracking information, eliminating the need for manual paper entry and enabling real-time digital access to commodity information throughout the supply chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized database or information system as an intermediary between various supply chain participants. This intermediary collects, stores, and distributes commodity information electronically, allowing customers, regulators, and other stakeholders to access real-time data without direct interaction with each party's internal systems.
2Reliability
If multiple disparate recording techniques are used across the supply chain, then adaptability to different local requirements is improved, but information traceability and data consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic recording system that can handle multiple types of information (shipping, inspection, tracing, inventory) through a single standardized platform. The system is designed to accommodate different commodity types and supply chain configurations while maintaining consistent data structures and access protocols, thereby ensuring reliable traceability across diverse operations.
3Productivity
If real-time information access is implemented through a central database, then customer service capability is improved, but system complexity and implementation cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary data entry and standardization at the source (packing facilities, shipping points, inspection stations) using electronic devices. Information is captured and validated in real-time as transactions occur, eliminating the need for complex batch processing or manual data aggregation later, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling fast customer access.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of allowing a customer to access information related to an order of a commodity include entering the information into a central database, updating a content of a web-based application with the information within the central database, and allowing the customer to access the information via the web-based application. The information may include sales information, shipping information, tracing information, packout information, inventory information, and/or inspection information corresponding to the order of the commodity. Systems for allowing a customer to access information related to an order of a commodity include a server configured to store the information in a central database, one or more terminals having one or more applications configured to enter the information into the central database, and a web-based application configured to allow the customer to access the information within the central database. The information may include sales information, shipping information, tracing information, packout information, inventory information, and/or inspection information corresponding to the order of the commodity.