Supply Chain Inventory Tracking for Discrepancy Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual counting and comparison of products in pallets to identify discrepancies is tedious, error-prone, and fails to pinpoint the location or time of discrepancies in the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
Utilize product code information conforming to GS1 EPCIS standards, including hierarchical, path, and event information, combined with sensor data to automatically identify and locate discrepancies in inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting and comparison of products in pallets is performed to identify discrepancies, then inventory accuracy can be verified, but the process is tedious, error-prone, and cannot pinpoint the location or time of discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting processes with automated electronic systems including RFID readers, barcode scanners, and weight sensors. These systems automatically capture product information and quantities, eliminating the need for manual counting while improving both accuracy and speed of inventory verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of inventory data through automated scanning and sensing mechanisms. RFID tags, barcodes, and sensor readings generate electronic records that are stored and compared automatically, replacing physical manual verification with digital data processing and comparison algorithms
2Loss of information
If manual counting methods are used to identify inventory discrepancies, then some level of verification is achieved, but the method fails to locate the specific point in the supply chain where discrepancies occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capture by placing RFID tags, barcodes, and sensors on products and pallets before they enter the supply chain. These pre-installed identifiers and sensors continuously record location, time, and handling information, enabling automatic tracking and pinpointing of discrepancy origins without requiring manual intervention at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data, RFID readings, and inventory records are automatically compared against expected values. When discrepancies are detected, the system provides immediate feedback about the location, time, and nature of the discrepancy, enabling rapid identification and correction of supply chain issues
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing inventory of a product at a facility in a supply chain are described. In an example, product code information associated with the product at the facility is received, where the product code information comprises at least one of hierarchical information, path information, and event information associated with the product. An expected inventory of the product at the facility is then determined from the product code information. An actual inventory of the product at the facility is then retrieved from an inventory database associated with the facility. The expected inventory is then compared with the actual inventory to identify a discrepancy in the inventory of the product. A point of discrepancy in the supply chain where the discrepancy in the inventory of the product had occurred is then identified, where the point of discrepancy is identified from the path information.