Machine Learning Lead Time Forecasting for Supply Chain Corrections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supply chain management systems fail to accurately measure actual capabilities and deviations from the original design, leading to inefficiencies and revenue loss due to discrepancies in lead time planning, which are influenced by unpredictable factors such as weather and economic indicators.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic supply chain planning system utilizing machine learning to analyze historical lead time data, weather data, and economic indicators, processing this data to forecast future lead times and adjust planned lead times through clustering and forecasting algorithms, enabling real-time corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional supply chain planning methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy of lead time forecasting deteriorates due to inability to account for weather and economic factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelead time forecasting accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components between raw supply chain data and forecasting outputs. These models process historical lead time data, weather data, and economic indicators to generate accurate forecasts, acting as mediators that transform multiple data sources into actionable insights without requiring direct complex integration by users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/statistical forecasting methods with machine learning-based electronic systems. The machine learning service automatically processes and analyzes data patterns, substituting manual or rule-based forecasting mechanisms with intelligent algorithms that adaptively learn from historical data and external factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If machine learning analysis is implemented, then forecasting accuracy improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring root causes worsens due to complex data processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforecasting accuracyVSAvoidroot cause analysis difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex forecasting problem into distinct components: data preparation module for data cleaning and integration, machine learning service for pattern recognition and forecasting, and analysis modules for root cause detection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall accuracy while making root cause analysis more manageable through modular investigation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If historical data and external factors are analyzed, then supply chain efficiency improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply chain efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing and storing historical lead time data, weather data, and economic indicators in structured formats before they are needed for forecasting. The data preparation module performs initial cleaning, validation, and organization of data in advance, reducing the time required for actual forecasting operations and enabling faster response to supply chain planning needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250371491A1Analysis and correction of supply chain design through machine learning
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 KINAXIS INC
  • US20250371491A1 patent drawing
  • US20250371491A1 patent drawing
  • US20250371491A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic supply chain planning system for analysis of historical lead time data that uses machine learning algorithms to forecast future lead times based on historical lead time data, weather data and financial data related to locations and dates within the supply chain.