NFC Inventory Management for Data Center Physical Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing physical processing resources in large data centers is challenging due to the complexity of identifying failed devices, configuring replacements, and tracking inventory, leading to potential misconfigurations and suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable direct interaction between a portable device and information handling systems for configuration, inventory management, and maintenance authorization, allowing for real-time confirmation of device compatibility and network connections, and providing visual aids for maintenance planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual methods are used for identifying and configuring physical processing resources in data centers, then operators can manage system replacements, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone due to device complexity and inventory tracking difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of physical resource managementVSAvoidcomplexity of data center infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an NFC device as an intermediary tool between operators and data center equipment. The NFC device reads unique identifiers from tags on physical processing resources and communicates with a database to retrieve configuration information, thereby simplifying the complex interaction between operators and the intricate data center infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated information retrieval. When an NFC device scans a physical processing resource, the system automatically queries the database using the unique identifier and retrieves the relevant configuration information without requiring manual lookup or complex operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If detailed tracking of physical processing resources is implemented to prevent misconfiguration, then configuration accuracy improves, but the time and complexity of inventory management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device identificationVSAvoidtime for inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing all configuration information in a database associated with unique identifiers on physical processing resources. When an NFC device scans a resource, the information is already prepared and can be instantly retrieved, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inventory checks during replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of physical processing resource information by storing configuration data in a database linked to unique identifiers. This digital copy can be quickly accessed and displayed on the NFC device, providing accurate identification information without requiring physical inspection or manual tracking of the actual hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If manual configuration of replacement devices is performed, then operators have control over the process, but human error leads to suboptimal performance and misconfigurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of configurationVSAvoidsimplicity of maintenance process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by automatically comparing the current physical processing resource configuration with the stored configuration information in the database. The NFC device displays this information to the operator, providing real-time feedback that guides the replacement process and ensures the new device is configured correctly according to the original specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of operators manually tracking inventory and configuring devices, the system uses NFC technology to automatically read identifiers, query databases, and retrieve configuration information, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11336522B2Information handling system physical component inventory to aid operational management through near field communication device interaction

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

NFC communications from a mobile phone to an information handling system initiates an inventory by a management controller of the information handling system. The inventory is provided to the mobile telephone with a second NFC communication so that an end user can see a visual depiction of the interior of the information handling system before opening the chassis of the system.