Supply Chain Item Tracking via Unique ID and Path Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory tracking systems in supply chains primarily provide high-level descriptions of items stored in locations, lacking the ability to track specific items or products as they move through the supply chain, which hinders efficiency and accountability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that assigns inventory identifiers to items upon entry and updates location identifiers as items move, generating diagrams to track items from their entry point to the most recent station, enabling detailed tracking and visualization of item paths through the supply chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a system provides high-level descriptions of items stored in locations, then the system is simple to operate and understand, but the system cannot track specific items or products through the supply chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments inventory tracking into two levels: (1) high-level location-based summaries for general oversight, and (2) specific item-level tracking using unique identifiers for detailed monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to provide both aggregate views and granular tracking without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of tracking by introducing unique item identifiers that track items across multiple locations and time points. This transforms the system from static location-based inventory lists to dynamic item-level tracking across the supply chain, enabling precise tracking without replacing the existing high-level view.
2Reliability
If a system tracks specific items through the supply chain, then data accuracy and fidelity improve, but the system requires more complex data storage and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning unique item identifiers to products at the point of entry into the supply chain. This pre-identification enables continuous tracking without requiring complex real-time data collection mechanisms at each subsequent location, as the identifier is already established and can be scanned or referenced throughout the supply chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of item information (identifiers, location data, timestamps) stored in databases to track physical items. Instead of physically tagging or marking items with complex tracking devices, the system creates and maintains digital representations of item locations and movements, reducing physical complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
3Productivity
If a system focuses on storage location to show where items are stored, then the system can indicate space availability and item locations, but the system cannot track the efficiency of product movement or provide accountability when items are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by recording and storing timestamps, locations, and handler information for each item movement event. This creates a feedback loop where the system continuously updates item location and movement history, enabling analysis of movement efficiency and providing accountability trails that show who handled items and when, allowing for loss prevention and efficiency optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system for tracking items in a supply chain. The system may comprise a memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute instructions. Those stored instructions include receiving a first input that an item has entered a first station, the input comprising a first location identifier; assigning an inventory identifier to the item; storing the location identifier and the inventory identifier in a data store, associating the location identifier with the inventory identifier; receiving a second input comprising the inventory identifier and a second location identifier when the item is moved to a new station: storing the new location identifier when the item is moved to a new station; storing the new location identifier such that the new location identifier is associated with the inventory identifier with at least one previous station associated with the inventory identifier; receiving a request for a diagram; generating a diagram tracking the item using at least the inventory identifier and at least one location identifier, wherein the diagram tracks the item from the inbound station to the most recent station; and transmitting the diagram for display.