Networked Processing Systems Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production and transport systems in manufacturing networks operate independently, lacking effective coordination between processing steps, which leads to inefficiencies in raw material availability and processing capacity utilization, resulting in suboptimal production and transport planning.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the combined processable quantity of raw materials by simulating the availability of raw materials and processing capacity across multiple processing systems, optimizing the processing quantity to align with target quantities and ensuring efficient operation of production and transport systems within a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If production and transport systems operate independently with local systems (ERP, MES, PLCs), then each system can be controlled and monitored separately, but the interaction and coordination between processing steps deteriorates, leading to suboptimal production planning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously independent production and transport systems into an integrated networked system. Local control systems (ERP, MES, PLCs) are connected through a network infrastructure, allowing centralized coordination while maintaining local operational capabilities. This integration enables real-time data exchange and coordinated control across all processing steps, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and system-wide coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal communication infrastructure that enables multiple functions across different systems. The networked architecture allows the same communication protocols and data formats to be used across production, transport, and planning systems, enabling them to work together seamlessly. This multi-functional approach allows independent systems to maintain their specialized functions while participating in coordinated operations.
2Productivity
If simulation of processing facilities is performed to determine combined processable quantity, then resource utilization and productivity are improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation functionality into modular components that can be independently developed and deployed. Each processing facility maintains its own simulation model, which can be executed locally or coordinated through the network. This segmentation reduces the complexity of managing a single large-scale simulation system while enabling comprehensive resource optimization across the entire production network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary software layers that facilitate communication and coordination between different simulation models. These intermediaries translate data between different system formats, manage data exchange protocols, and coordinate simulation execution across multiple facilities. This intermediary approach manages system complexity by providing standardized interfaces while enabling sophisticated integrated simulation capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a computer-implemented method for manufacturing at least one product (1) by means of a network (20) of processing systems (10) comprising at least one production system (10) and at least one transport system (10), wherein the manufacture of the respective product (1) comprises at least two sequential processing steps, which include at least one manufacturing step and at least one transport step. To provide an improved method, which in particular improves the interaction of the processing steps, the following process steps are proposed: determining the availability of the respective raw materials (2) as well as the availability of a respective processing capacity of the respective processing system (10H, 10T) for the respective processing step (100H, 100T);Determining a combined processable quantity (4H, 4T) of the respective raw materials (2) of the respective product (1) by the respective processing plant (10H, 10T) during a predefinable time interval by means of a simulation of the respective processing plant (10H, 10T) using the determined availabilities; Determining a combined processing quantity (5H, 5T) of the respective raw materials (2) of the at least one product (1) by the respective processing plant (10H, 10T) for the predefinable time interval based on the determined combined processable quantity (4H, 4T), wherein the combined processing quantity (5H, 5T) corresponds as far as possible to at least a combined target quantity (6H, 6T);and initiating the execution of the respective processing step (100H, 100T) in the manufacture of the respective product (1) by at least one specific of the processing plants (10H, 10T) during the specified time interval according to the determined combined processing quantity (5H, 5T) of the respective raw materials (2).;