Automated PO Identifier Mapping System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data management systems in the construction industry face issues with manual translation of product identifiers, leading to errors, delays, and increased costs, and lack tools for industry-wide market analysis and product tracking, making it difficult to track product distribution through the supply chain effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the mapping of product identification information to formats used by builders and vendors, reducing manual translation, and provides tools for tracking products and rebates, enabling better marketing campaigns and reducing tracking costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual translation of product identifiers is used between builders and vendors, then flexibility in using different identifier formats is maintained, but errors, delays, and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized product identifier system that acts as an intermediary between builder-specific identifiers and vendor-specific identifiers. This standardized identifier mediates the translation process, allowing automatic and accurate conversion between different identifier formats without manual intervention, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical translation process with an automated electronic system. The system automatically translates between builder-specific identifiers, standardized identifiers, and vendor-specific identifiers using computer algorithms, eliminating human error and improving both speed and accuracy of identifier conversion
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual translation of product identifiers is performed by data entry, then party-specific identifiers can be converted, but time-consuming delays are introduced into the bidding process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry operations with automated electronic translation systems. The system automatically converts between party-specific identifiers using pre-established translation tables and algorithms, reducing the bidding process time from days or weeks of manual work to instantaneous or near-instantaneous electronic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes pre-configured translation tables and mappings between different identifier systems before the bidding process begins. This preliminary setup allows for rapid automatic translation during the bidding process, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual translation operations when bids are being processed
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual translation methods are used, then party-specific identifiers can be converted, but human errors cause delivery of incorrect materials and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual translation operations with automated electronic systems that use pre-configured translation tables and validation algorithms. This automation eliminates human errors in identifier translation, ensuring that the correct products are identified and delivered to construction sites without the costly mistakes associated with manual data entry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the automated translation system, including validation checks that verify the accuracy of translated identifiers. The system provides feedback loops to detect and correct translation errors, ensuring high accuracy in product identification and preventing incorrect material deliveries
4Adaptability or versatility
If industry standard identifiers are not used, then builder-specific and supplier-specific identifiers can be maintained independently, but translation complexity and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized product identifier as an intermediary that simplifies the translation process. Instead of complex direct translations between multiple party-specific identifier systems, the standardized identifier acts as a common reference point, reducing translation system complexity while maintaining the independence and adaptability of individual party-specific identifiers
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, from a builder, a purchase order (PO) that includes information descriptive of a product to be provided by a vendor in association with construction of a home. A first identifier specific to the builder may be used to identify the product. The method includes determining whether the PO is a configured PO, and generating a first alert when the PO is a non-configured PO. The method includes providing the first alert to the builder and the vendor. When the builder views the alert, the builder may be prompted to configure the PO using builder specific information. When the vendor views the alert, the vendor may be prompted to configure the PO using vendor specific information. Mapping information may provide translation of the builder specific information to the vendor specific information and translation of the vendor specific information to the builder specific information.