Abstract: For each of a plurality of production facilities, a series of operations is performed. For each of a plurality of batches of a concrete mixture produced at the respective production facility based on a formulation, a first difference between a measured quantity of cementitious and a first quantity specified in the formulation is determined. A first standard deviation is determined based on the first differences. For each of the plurality of batches, a second difference between a measured quantity of water and a second quantity specified in the formulation is determined. A second standard deviation is determined based on the second differences. A first benchmark is selected from among the first standard deviations, and a second benchmark is selected from among the second standard deviations. An amount by which costs may be reduced by improving production at the production facility to meet the first and second benchmarks is determined.

Abstract: An order relating to a formulation-based product is received, wherein fulfilling the order requires production of the formulation-based product at a first location, transport of the formulation-based product in a vehicle to a second location different from the first location, and performance of an activity with respect to the formulation-based product at the second location. First information relating to a first change made to the formulation-based product at the first location is received, from the first location, prior to transport of the formulation-based product. Second information relating to a second change made to the formulation-based product during transport of the formulation-based product is received during transport of the formulation-based product. Third information relating to the activity performed with respect to the formulation-based product at the second location is received from the second location.

Abstract: A system and method for a vertically integrated construction business. More specifically, a system and method for employing the World Wide Web in a business that vertically integrates the concrete materials procurement, specification, submittals, quotation, testing for compliance with specifications, automated mixture optimization, and manufacturing processes in the construction industries. A relational database is provided with linked objects to create both standards-based and manufacturer-based specifications for concrete and concrete constituent materials. Concrete recipes utilizing the defined specifications are developed either prescriptively or performance-based. Standards-based basemixes that specify concrete can be instantiated into production mixes using local materials. All of the data is preferably published in XML format over the Internet, providing real-time feedback to concrete batch plants and specifiers.

Abstract: A system and method for a vertically integrated construction business. More specifically, a system and method for employing the World Wide Web in a business that vertically integrates the concrete materials procurement, specification, submittals, quotation, testing for compliance with specifications, automated mixture optimization, and manufacturing processes in the construction industries. A relational database is provided with linked objects to create both standards-based and manufacturer-based specifications for concrete and concrete constituent materials. Concrete recipes utilizing the defined specifications are developed either prescriptively or performance-based. Standards-based basemixes that specify concrete can be instantiated into production mixes using local materials. All of the data is preferably published in XML format over the Internet, providing real-time feedback to concrete batch plants and specifiers.