Dynamic Sourcing Automation for Risk-Based Supplier Defect Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for managing defects in manufacturing parts supplied by sub-suppliers is slow, error-prone, and difficult to manage, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing processes and supply chains.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automating the identification and communication of supplier actions to correct defects in parts by using IoT devices, sensors, and machine learning to determine risk priority ratings and send immediate electronic messages to suppliers for corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual defect notification processes are used (emails, calls), then suppliers can be informed of defects, but the process is slow and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical communication methods (emails, phone calls) with an automated electronic notification system that uses software agents and electronic messaging to communicate defects to suppliers, eliminating human error and accelerating the notification process
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated defect detection agents that automatically identify, classify, and notify suppliers of defects without requiring manual intervention from quality personnel, allowing the system to service itself in detecting and communicating quality issues
2Productivity
If automated defect detection systems are implemented, then defect identification speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the defect detection system into separate functional agents: detection agents that identify defects, classification agents that categorize them, and notification agents that communicate with suppliers. This modular segmentation improves detection speed while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The software agents are designed with multi-functionality, serving as universal components that can detect various defect types, classify different severity levels, and communicate through multiple channels (electronic messaging, alerts), reducing the need for separate specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
A technology is described for communicating a supplier action selected for defective feature correction. The method can include receiving a defective feature and risk attributes for a part incorporated into a product. An additional operation may be determining a risk priority rating by combining the risk attributes. The risk priority rating may be mapped to the supplier action by determining a risk priority rating range, from a plurality of risk priority rating ranges with associated supplier actions, within which the risk priority rating is classified. A message may be sent to a supplier with the supplier action to be taken for a defective feature.