In-Memory Database for Variant Configuration Management

The patent segments the complex list of materials into hierarchical levels (product line level, product variant level, and component level). Each level has its own configuration rules and dependencies, allowing the system to manage complexity by dividing the overall BOM management into manageable segments that can be independently configured and evaluated.

The patent introduces a new dimension of configuration by adding explicit configuration rules and constraints that operate alongside the traditional product variant specifications. This creates a multi-dimensional configuration space where products can be defined not only by their features but also by their compliance with configuration rules, enabling complex customization while maintaining manageability.

The patent performs preliminary configuration and dependency evaluation during product design and before manufacturing. Configuration rules and component mappings are established in advance, and the system pre-evaluates dependencies so that when a specific product variant is ordered, the configuration and BOM generation can be rapidly completed without time-critical complex evaluations during production.

The patent replaces traditional sequential mechanical evaluation processes with a rule-based computational system that uses explicit configuration rules and constraints. This substitution enables parallel evaluation of multiple configuration rules and faster determination of component requirements, significantly reducing the time needed for configuration and BOM generation while maintaining accuracy.

The patent changes the parameters of the evaluation system by introducing explicit configuration rules with defined priorities and constraints. Instead of evaluating all possible dependencies equally, the system uses parameterized rules that specify evaluation order, mandatory requirements, and optional features, allowing rapid determination of component requirements even for complex products.

The patent introduces configuration rules as an intermediary layer between product variant specifications and component requirements. These rules act as mediators that translate high-level product configurations into detailed BOMs by applying predefined logic and constraints, simplifying the overall evaluation process while maintaining the ability to handle complex dependencies.