Supply Chain Lead Time Forecasting with Weather and Economic Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supply chain management systems struggle to accurately measure and correct deviations between planned and actual lead times, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to unpredictable factors such as weather and economic indicators, which conventional tools fail to account for effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic supply chain planning system utilizing machine learning algorithms that analyze historical lead time data, weather data, and economic indicators to forecast future lead times, incorporating a data preparation module, forecasting module, and clustering module to adjust planned lead times and identify patterns of deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional supply chain management tools are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of lead time deviations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelead time deviation measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical supply chain planning tools with machine learning algorithms that process historical lead time data, weather data, and economic indicators to predict future lead times with higher precision, accepting increased system complexity as necessary for improved measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components between raw supply chain data and decision-making processes, enabling precise measurement of lead time deviations by mediating through complex analytical processing that conventional tools cannot perform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If machine learning algorithms are implemented, then forecasting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforecasting accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by training machine learning models on historical data before actual forecasting needs arise, preparing the system in advance to handle future lead time predictions with high accuracy, thus managing complexity through pre-computation rather than real-time processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming multiple input parameters (historical lead times, weather conditions, economic indicators) into predicted lead time outcomes through machine learning models, accepting system complexity as necessary for processing and reconciling multiple varying parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive data analysis is performed, then reliability of supply chain planning is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply chain planning reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and training machine learning models on historical data in advance, so that when actual forecasting is needed, the system can quickly generate reliable predictions without extensive real-time processing, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12393907B2Analysis and correction of supply chain design through machine learning
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 KINAXIS INC
  • US12393907B2 patent drawing
  • US12393907B2 patent drawing
  • US12393907B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic supply chain planning system for analysis of historical lead time data that uses machine learning algorithms to forecast future lead times based on historical lead time data, weather data and financial data related to locations and dates within the supply chain.