Interactive Order Fulfillment System for Custom Print

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Solution Overview

Problem

The commercial printing industry faces inefficiencies in producing small-run, custom printed products due to inflexible infrastructure, lengthy order processing times, and information inefficiencies, leading to delayed turnarounds and potential errors in custom orders for individualized products like business cards.

Innovation Solution

An interactive custom printed order fulfillment system that integrates ordering, information management, and production/distribution subsystems, enabling online ordering, real-time proofing, and targeted marketing, using kiosks and digital interfaces to streamline the process and reduce manual errors, while allowing for storage and reuse of customer data for future orders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple single short-run orders are held to form a single larger run order, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but customer wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcustomer wait time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and validating customer data at the time of order placement, storing it in a database. This allows orders to be processed individually without waiting for consolidation, as all necessary information is prepared in advance. The system also pre-configures printing parameters and customer preferences, enabling immediate production when ready.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical consolidation process with a digital information management system. Instead of physically holding and consolidating orders, the system uses databases and software to manage order information, enabling parallel processing of multiple orders. This substitution of mechanical consolidation with digital management allows simultaneous order fulfillment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual order entry and processing is used, then system complexity is reduced, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidorder accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing customers to input their own order information directly through user-friendly interfaces. The automated system then validates, stores, and processes this data without manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates manual entry errors while keeping the system relatively simple through automated validation rules and standardized data fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system automatically validates customer input against predefined criteria, provides real-time error messages, and confirms order details before processing. This automated feedback loop ensures data accuracy without requiring complex manual verification procedures, maintaining reliability while controlling system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If individualized printed goods are produced in small runs, then customization is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost per item

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of production batch size by enabling efficient processing of variable data in small quantities. Through digital file management and automated printing controls, the system can economically produce individualized items in small runs by optimizing print job configuration, reducing setup time, and managing file transfers efficiently between design and production systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If orders are processed individually rather than in consolidated runs, then customer satisfaction is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer satisfactionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the order fulfillment process into independent, modular stages: data collection, validation, storage, printing, and delivery. This segmentation allows individual orders to be processed through each stage independently without waiting for consolidation, maintaining customer satisfaction while enabling parallel processing that preserves manufacturing efficiency. Each segment can be optimized separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9070142B2Order fulfillment system and method for printing products including individualized information

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 TAYLOR CORP

AI summary

Interactive custom printed order placement and fulfillment systems and methods for placing, selling, accepting, proofing, transmitting, producing, servicing, and delivering orders for printed products including individualized or personalized information in time-efficient ways. Video conferencing technicians can provide direct access to professional, expert, and knowledgeable help. The interactive custom printed order fulfillment systems and methods further provide opportunities for targeted up-sells, cross-promotion, advertising, marketing, and information management to benefit those placing orders, those facilitating or brokering orders, and those producing and delivering orders, thereby increasing information efficiency.