Mobile Beacon Asset Tracking for Industrial Route Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face inefficiencies in locating and managing assets within large industrial complexes, as existing systems rely on outdated methods like printed maps and ERP systems, leading to time-consuming and cumbersome workflows, especially when assets are spread across multiple floors or locations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device equipped with beacon technology and cloud-based server systems provides real-time situation awareness by estimating the user's location and displaying relevant asset information, allowing for dynamic updates and tailored data based on user profiles and proximity to assets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If technicians use printed maps and ERP systems to locate assets, then they can access asset location information, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods (printed maps, manual ERP system queries, physical plotting of routes) with an automated electronic system. The mobile device automatically retrieves asset locations from the ERP system, determines optimal routes, and displays them digitally, eliminating the need for technicians to manually handle printed materials and perform time-consuming planning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically providing route planning and asset location information to technicians. The mobile device autonomously queries the ERP system, calculates optimal paths between assets, and presents the information without requiring technician intervention for manual lookups or route calculation, thereby reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If technicians plan routes manually using printed lists, then they can organize work by location, but the process is cumbersome and assets may move before work is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual route planning with printed lists and mental organization with an automated digital system. The mobile device automatically retrieves asset locations, calculates optimal routes considering multiple factors, and dynamically updates the plan as assets move or priorities change, simplifying the operator's task while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic route planning that automatically adjusts as conditions change. When assets move to different locations or work priorities change, the system recalculates optimal routes in real-time, transforming the static printed route plans into dynamic, adaptive digital instructions that remain current throughout the workday.
3Adaptability or versatility
If technicians search for assets across multiple floors and locations, then they can complete diverse work orders, but they spend excessive time locating nearby assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large industrial complex into manageable geographic zones or floors, with the system automatically organizing work orders by location. The mobile device groups assets by their physical proximity and presents them in logical sequences, allowing technicians to efficiently service multiple locations while minimizing travel time between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal routes and organizing work orders in the most efficient sequence before the technician begins work. The mobile device automatically determines the best path through multiple locations and assets, so technicians can immediately begin servicing without spending time searching or planning on-site.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed that provide situation awareness to a user of a mobile computing device. In one embodiment, beacon data is received by the mobile computing device, indicating beacon devices that are within reception range of the mobile computing device within an environment. The mobile computing device accesses local map data and local asset data based on a current location and a user of the mobile computing device. The current location is based on the beacon data and the user is defined by user profile data. The mobile computing device determines a display map and asset icons based on the local map data, the local asset data, and the user profile data. The asset icons are displayed overlaid on the display map on a display screen of the mobile computing device.