Virtual IHS Manufacturing via Component Identifier Cloning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of entering system identifiers and hardware serial numbers into a database prior to assembly in information handling systems (IHS) slows down manufacturing times and increases costs, hindering the automation and customization of the initial boot process.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing virtual IHS that generates a component identifier, uses it to retrieve and install a manufacturing operating system, and clones the first virtual IHS to create multiple identical systems with a common operating system and software subset, eliminating the need for manual database entry and reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual database entry of system identifiers and hardware serial numbers is performed prior to assembly, then customization and tracking accuracy are improved, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring system identifiers and hardware serial numbers in the database before the actual assembly process begins. This allows the manufacturing system to retrieve pre-stored identification data during assembly, eliminating the need for manual data entry at the time of assembly and thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated electronic system. Barcode scanning devices and automated database retrieval systems substitute for manual typing and data input, transforming the mechanical manual operation into an automated electronic process that reduces time while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If automated manufacturing processes are implemented, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the ability to handle customized configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a manufacturing system that can handle both standardized and customized configurations through a single automated platform. The system uses universal databases and retrieval mechanisms that can accommodate varying customer specifications while maintaining automated operation, allowing the same system to serve multiple customization needs without sacrificing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the manufacturing system flexible and adaptable to changing configuration requirements. The automated system can dynamically retrieve different identification data and configuration parameters from the database based on specific customer orders, allowing the manufacturing process to adapt to customized needs while maintaining automated efficiency.
3Reliability
If manual data entry processes are used for system identifiers, then data accuracy is improved, but labor costs and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using barcode scanning technology to automatically capture and transfer identification data from physical labels to the database. This creates an accurate digital copy of the hardware identifiers without manual transcription, eliminating human error while maintaining data accuracy and reducing the complexity of manual data entry processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Manufacturing a virtual information handling system (IHS) includes creating a virtual IHS including a component identifier. A boot process is then begun for the virtual IHS. A manufacturing operating system is then retrieved for the virtual IHS using the component identifier. The manufacturing operating system is then installed on the virtual IHS. Manufacturing a virtual IHS may also include determining a common operating system and a common software subset among a plurality of to-be-manufactured virtual IHSs. A first virtual IHS may then be created and the common operating system may be configured on the first virtual IHS. At least a portion of a first virtual IHS software may also be configured on the first virtual IHS. The configuration of the first virtual IHS software on the first virtual IHS is stopped when the common software subset is configured on the first virtual IHS. The first virtual IHS may then be cloned to create a cloned virtual IHS.