Distributed Manufacturing Node Selection for Delivery Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing and distribution systems face challenges in reducing delivery times and costs due to centralized production, especially when personalization is required, as products cannot be pre-positioned close to the end-point, leading to inefficiencies in shipping and handling.
Innovation Solution
A distributed manufacturing system that allows for the production of customized products at multiple points of production (POPs) using digital information, enabling production closer to the end-point, with features like feature creation, customization, and production node selection based on location, shipping time, cost, and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If products are produced at centralized locations, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but delivery time and cost increase due to longer transportation distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized manufacturing process into multiple distributed production nodes located geographically closer to end customers. Each node can independently produce customized products, transforming a single centralized facility into a network of distributed manufacturing units. This segmentation reduces transportation distance while maintaining production capacity through parallel operations across multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of spatial distribution by placing production nodes at multiple geographic locations rather than concentrating manufacturing in one central facility. This dimensional shift from centralized to distributed architecture enables products to be manufactured closer to delivery destinations, reducing transportation time and cost while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through networked coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If products are personalized at the point of manufacture, then customer customization is improved, but pre-positioning inventory closer to end-point becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple distributed production nodes with the capability to manufacture customized products. Rather than waiting for customization orders, the system pre-establishes a network of nodes that can immediately begin production locally. This allows personalized products to be manufactured close to end-customers without requiring advance inventory pre-positioning, as the nodes are ready to produce customized items on-demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by empowering distributed production nodes with autonomous capability to receive customization specifications and manufacture personalized products independently. Each node can process customization orders and produce tailored products without requiring centralized coordination for every customization decision, allowing local adaptation while maintaining overall system coherence through digital information exchange.
3Loss of time
If distributed production nodes are implemented, then delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing distributed production nodes with standardized multi-functional capabilities. Each node is equipped with identical or similar manufacturing equipment and control systems that can handle various product types and customization requirements. This universal design simplifies system management compared to having specialized nodes, as the same infrastructure can serve multiple functions across different geographic locations, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting production parameters, node selection, and resource allocation based on real-time conditions such as customer location, delivery urgency, and node availability. The system changes operational parameters to optimize delivery efficiency without requiring permanent complex infrastructure, adapting the distributed network's behavior rather than its structure to meet varying demands.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed. The method, when implemented in a computer system, includes obtaining product information, selecting a production node from a plurality of production nodes, and communicating production information to the production node. The product information is configured to facilitate production of a product. The selecting performed by the computer system comprises determining a physical location of a destination of the product and identifying the production node. The identifying is based, at least in part, on the physical location and one or more production criteria. The production information comprises information identifying the product. The computer system is configured to communicate with each production node of the plurality of production nodes. The communicating is configured to result in production of the product by the production node.