Machine Learning Supply Chain Carbon Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprises face challenges in determining strategies to achieve carbon emission reduction goals while aligning with other business objectives and constraints, particularly in optimizing supply chain operations to meet carbon targets.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using machine learning-based models to process carbon emissions data, generate recommendations, and perform automated actions to dynamically enhance supply chain strategies, incorporating carbon budget limits and optimizing emissions and profits across time and location parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If enterprises implement traditional carbon emission measurement and reporting methods, then carbon footprint data can be obtained, but the ability to dynamically optimize supply chain strategies to meet carbon targets is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon footprint measurementVSAvoidsupply chain strategy adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically updates supply chain strategies based on real-time carbon emission data and changing business conditions. Machine learning models continuously learn from new data to adapt optimization recommendations, enabling the system to respond flexibly to evolving carbon targets and operational constraints rather than relying on static measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously measuring carbon emissions, comparing them against targets, and using machine learning models to generate optimized strategy recommendations. This feedback mechanism enables continuous improvement of supply chain strategies based on actual performance data and changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-generated harmful factors

If enterprises focus on meeting carbon emission reduction goals, then environmental targets can be achieved, but alignment with other business objectives and constraints may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon emissionsVSAvoidbusiness objective alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning models are trained to simultaneously optimize for multiple objectives including carbon emission reduction, profit maximization, and operational efficiency. The system evaluates strategies across multiple dimensions and provides integrated recommendations that balance environmental goals with business constraints, rather than treating carbon reduction as a separate single-function optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts optimization parameters based on changing business conditions, carbon targets, and operational constraints. By modifying the weightings and priorities of different objectives in the machine learning models, the system can adapt its recommendations to align with evolving business goals while maintaining carbon reduction focus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If enterprises use static supply chain strategies, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but the ability to consistently meet carbon emission targets is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply chain strategy complexityVSAvoidcarbon target attainment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning models automatically learn from historical and real-time data to generate optimized strategy recommendations without requiring manual intervention for each decision. The system self-adjusts its recommendations based on performance feedback and changing conditions, maintaining operational simplicity for users while achieving reliable carbon target attainment through automated intelligent optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis and generates optimized strategy recommendations in advance based on projected carbon emissions and business conditions. By proactively providing optimized strategies before execution, the system enables reliable carbon target attainment without requiring complex real-time decision-making processes during operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If enterprises manually determine carbon reduction strategies, then strategic customization is possible, but the speed and consistency of achieving carbon targets is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrategy determination easeVSAvoidcarbon target achievement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual strategic determination processes with automated machine learning models that process carbon emission data and generate optimized recommendations instantly. This substitution of mechanical human analysis with computational algorithms dramatically increases the speed of strategy determination while maintaining ease of operation through automated delivery of customized recommendations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning models learn from historical successful strategies and replicate effective patterns in generating recommendations. By copying and adapting proven strategic approaches from historical data, the system achieves fast and consistent carbon target attainment while maintaining the customization benefits of manual strategy development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20230186217A1Dynamically enhancing supply chain strategies based on carbon emission targets
Publication Date: 2023.06.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20230186217A1 patent drawing
  • US20230186217A1 patent drawing
  • US20230186217A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically enhancing supply chain strategies based on carbon emission targets are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes obtaining enterprise-related data and carbon emissions-related data associated with the enterprise; training, using at least a portion of the obtained enterprise-related data and carbon emissions-related data, at least one machine learning-based model configured for enhancing at least one of carbon emissions reduction by the enterprise and value increase for the enterprise; processing carbon emissions data attributed to the enterprise for a given temporal period using the at least one trained machine learning-based model; generating one or more enterprise-related recommendations based at least in part on results of the processing of the carbon emissions data using the at least one trained machine learning-based model; and performing one or more automated actions based at least in part on the one or more enterprise-related recommendations.