Centralized Supply Chain Data Aggregation for Product Recall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supply chain management systems are disjointed, lacking complete and accessible data, which hampers product recall efficiency, especially for food and medical products, as end consumers struggle to monitor recall information from agencies like FDA and USDA.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mobile devices connected to a server that periodically retrieves recall data and master/event data from traceability servers, processing this information to provide users with product data, including recall status, through barcode scanning and automated updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If supply chain data is tracked by individual manufacturers or distributors, then portions of the supply chain can be monitored, but complete and accessible product data cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges supply chain tracking data from multiple manufacturers and distributors into a centralized database, allowing complete product data to be aggregated and accessed by oversight groups and consumers while maintaining individual entity participation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal platform that serves multiple functions: tracking by manufacturers, monitoring by oversight groups, and consumer access, all through a single supply chain data infrastructure
2Loss of time
If consumers manually monitor FDA or USDA websites for recall information, then recall data can be obtained, but timely and efficient access is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively pushing recall information to mobile devices before consumers need to search for it, eliminating the need for manual website monitoring and providing immediate notification when recalls occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically delivering recall information directly to consumers' mobile devices, allowing them to receive updates without actively seeking information from agency websites
3Productivity
If supply chain data is not centrally accessible, then individual entity control is maintained, but product recall efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized database as an intermediary that connects manufacturers, distributors, oversight groups, and consumers, enabling efficient product recalls by making supply chain data accessible to all parties while maintaining their individual operational control
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supply chain management using mobile devices with a server on an electronic data network includes receiving identifying information for a product transmitted from a mobile device via the network, the server being periodically updated with product recall data. The server queries a traceability server via the network for master data and event data related to the product using the identifying information. The server processes the recall data, master data, and event data to produce product data which is output to the mobile device.