Print Service Provider Data Collection via Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print service providers face challenges in efficiently collecting and monitoring data due to the stochastic nature of orders and numerous product flows, leading to inconsistent and incomplete information collection, which is often developed through trial and error and results in high implementation costs and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A simulation platform is used to model PSP operations, determining effective monitoring locations and frequencies, allowing for adaptive and robust data collection strategies that minimize the number of active monitors and data collection efforts, while ensuring timely decision-making and flexible system management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If trial-and-error methods are used to determine data collection time and location, then a minimum set of data can be collected, but implementation costs are high and resource efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using discrete event simulation to model PSP operations and determine optimal data collection locations and frequencies before actual implementation. This allows the system to pre-identify which monitors and data points are most valuable, avoiding wasteful trial-and-error approaches and enabling efficient resource allocation from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using simulation to analyze how different data collection configurations (locations, frequencies, monitor selections) affect overall system performance. This allows optimization of data collection parameters to achieve maximum information value with minimum resources, rather than using fixed trial-and-error methods.
2Loss of information
If more monitors and data collection points are deployed, then data collection completeness improves, but system complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data collection points and monitors that provide maximum value to PSP operations. By using simulation to identify critical monitoring locations and data flows, the system removes unnecessary monitors and data collection efforts, achieving effective data collection with a minimized set of active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting data only at strategically selected locations and times identified through simulation, rather than implementing comprehensive monitoring across all system points. This selective approach achieves sufficient information consistency while reducing the number of active monitors and system complexity.
3Loss of time
If data collection frequency is increased, then decision-making timeliness improves, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by determining optimal data collection frequencies for different monitors and data points based on simulation results. Rather than continuous or uniform high-frequency collection, the system establishes targeted periodic collection intervals that ensure timely decision-making information is available while minimizing unnecessary resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory, computer-readable medium has embedded therein instructions executable by a processor. The instructions simulate an operation of a print service provider (PSP) using a model of a printing system with a set of operation parameters for performing the PSP operation. The instructions determine a monitoring strategy based on the simulated PSP operation. The monitoring strategy is for monitoring the PSP operation when performed in the printing system.