Distributed Production Node Selection for Faster Custom Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing and distribution systems face challenges in reducing delivery times and costs due to centralized production and distribution, especially when personalization is required, leading to inefficiencies and increased inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed manufacturing system that allows for the production of customized products at multiple points of production, using digital information to represent product features and customizations, enabling production closer to the end-point and optimizing shipping routes based on location, cost, and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized production is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but delivery time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized manufacturing system into multiple distributed production nodes located geographically close to different customer segments. Each node independently produces customized products locally, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation while maintaining production efficiency through distributed parallel manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized production model to a multi-dimensional distributed network where production occurs across multiple locations simultaneously. This spatial redistribution enables products to be manufactured closer to end customers without sacrificing overall manufacturing throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If items are personalized at the point of manufacture, then customization capability is improved, but delivery time increases due to inability to pre-position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple production nodes with manufacturing capabilities close to potential customer locations before orders are placed. This allows customized items to be produced quickly at the nearest node after ordering, eliminating the delay that would occur if personalization had to wait for centralized production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital information network as an intermediary that connects customer customization requests with the appropriate distributed production nodes. This network enables real-time coordination between personalization requirements and local manufacturing capabilities, facilitating both customization and rapid delivery.
3Device complexity
If centralized distribution is used, then logistics management is simplified, but shipping cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized distribution network into multiple localized distribution points associated with each production node. This segmentation reduces shipping distances and enables localized inventory management, significantly lowering transportation costs and energy consumption while distributing logistical complexity across manageable regional units.
4Loss of time
If production nodes are distributed, then delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs production nodes with universal capabilities that can manufacture multiple product types using standardized processes. This multi-functionality reduces the complexity of coordinating specialized facilities across distributed locations, as each node can adapt to different production requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
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.