Process Bottleneck Identification via Resource Utilization Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying process bottlenecks and mismatches between planned activities and process capabilities in organizations are inefficient, hindering continuous improvement and optimal resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based decision support system that models processes as sequences of resources, calculates resource utilization, and visually represents bottlenecks through graphical displays, aiding in the identification and management of constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to identify process bottlenecks, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but identification efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis methods with an automated computer-based system that uses software algorithms to calculate resource utilization metrics and generate visual representations of bottlenecks, thereby improving identification efficiency while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies or representations of the actual process flow and resource utilization data through graphical displays, allowing users to analyze bottlenecks through simplified visual models rather than complex raw data, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If detailed resource utilization calculations are performed for all processes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the critical information needed for bottleneck identification from the full set of process data, calculating resource utilization metrics selectively for resources that impact the overall process flow, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing data processing time by focusing on essential data elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the process into discrete resources and calculates utilization metrics for each resource independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple resources and enabling precise measurement without requiring sequential analysis of all process data, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision
3Ease of operation
If visual representation tools are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies or representations of the actual process flow and resource utilization data through graphical displays, allowing users to analyze bottlenecks through simplified visual models rather than complex raw data, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method includes defining a sequence of process resources. Each of the process resources is for performing at least one respective task on a work item. The method further includes calculating a resource utilization metric for each of the process resources. The method also includes displaying a representation of at least a portion of the sequence of process resources. The representation includes image elements that each have a dimension that is inversely proportional to the resource utilization metric for the process resource represented by the image element in question.