Data Fusion Workflow Management for Adaptive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ERP software lacks flexibility to adapt to complex manufacturing environments, particularly in the aerospace industry, where rapid iterative developments require dynamic workflow adjustments that cannot be programmed quickly enough to keep up with manufacturing changes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a data fusion engine that allows users to log workflows to various data objects, including real-world inventory items and parts, using a hierarchical data structure and a user interface, enabling no-code or low-code adjustments to workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ERP software uses workflows to assign tasks and track project progress, then task management capability is improved, but flexibility to adapt to rapid manufacturing changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic workflows that can be modified in real-time through a graphical user interface without requiring software reconfiguration or code changes. Users can add, remove, or modify workflow steps dynamically as manufacturing conditions change, allowing the system to adapt rapidly to new requirements while maintaining structured task management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures a flexible framework of workflow templates and parameters that can be quickly instantiated and customized. Rather than requiring complete reprogramming for each change, the system provides pre-built adaptable structures that users can configure through simple interface interactions, enabling rapid response to manufacturing changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If new workflows are created via custom code-based programming, then workflow functionality is improved, but development speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of code-based workflow creation with a graphical user interface-based configuration system. Users interact with visual elements and parameters through the interface rather than writing code, substituting a faster, more accessible method for creating and modifying workflows while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses template-based workflow copying where standard workflow patterns are pre-defined and can be instantiated repeatedly. Users can copy existing workflows and modify them through the interface rather than creating from scratch or programming, significantly accelerating workflow development while maintaining functionality
3Ease of operation
If ERP software assumes users know what they want to build before they build it, then project planning is improved, but responsiveness to iterative developments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic project planning where workflows and parameters can be modified during execution rather than being fixed in advance. Users can adapt project plans iteratively through the graphical interface as new requirements emerge, maintaining structured planning capabilities while enabling flexible response to changing conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing resources and scheduling is disclosed. The system includes a client computer, software executable by the client computer for providing a user interface, a server in data communication with the client computer, a database for storing data in a hierarchical data structure, and a data fusion engine executing on the server. The hierarchical data structure includes a parent node and child nodes linked to the parent node. The data fusion engine is configured to log a workflow to at least one of the child nodes based on user input received via the user interface. A related method and software is also disclosed.