Abstract: A method and system are provided for automating validation and payment within a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system having a number of trading partners linked via an independent (or proprietary) communications network utilizing an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Planned orders for production items generated via a Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) system and/or orders for non-production items are utilized by a purchasing system to create a purchase order which is then transmitted to a supplier via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). A planned receipt list of items is created based upon the purchase order and utilized to validate those items listed within an advanced ship notice. In response to such validation, or after correcting any discrepancy in accordance with listed tolerances, an authorization for payment is automatically generated and payment is issued.

Abstract: A computer implemented method facilitates the capability for shop re-work orders to be effectively scheduled, knowing the time and location of item availability that is needed to correct the problem found in the re-work shop orders. The system automatically identifies alternate components or items that can be used in the shop orders and provides realistic shipping dates so that the re-work shop orders can be scheduled. If components or items are not available, the system provides feedback to the material planning system to re-plan items using traditional material planning systems such as the MRP (material requirement planning) systems and provide projected shipping dates so that re-work orders can be scheduled.

Abstract: A computer implemented system analyzes shop dispatch rules using current status and a simulation system for the shop floor to establish the dispatch rules to be used to minimize tardiness. When re-work orders are introduced into the system, the shop floor orders have to compete for the same resources, and so the sequence for dispatch may have to be modified to meet the new demands on the shop floor resources. The system provides the capability such that minimum impact is felt on existing orders while maintaining management objectives. The system provides feedback to the user and the up-stream planning system if major changes need to be made on the shop floor schedules. The system develops revised dispatch rules to be followed and the associated sequence of operations to be followed after the introduction of re-work shop orders.

Abstract: A conceptual tool for inventory cost analysis based on an engineering change request for an item. The invention is a conceptual tool that uses both existing and new product structure in which an engineering change is requested on the item. Based on the product in which the item in question is being used, the system would identify all affected products (active and inactive), evaluate the on-hand inventory costs of raw material and finished products by accessing an inventory database. The system automatically designs an inventory model to evaluate the work-in-process inventory for all products affected by the change through direct access to item and process parameter data from an engineering database. A consolidated inventory cost for raw material, work-in-process and finished goods is derived based on the engineering change request and advises the user of the cost impact.

Abstract: An automated inventory management system is provided which is easy to use and user friendly to evaluate the impact of customer demand changes on inventory. For a given item, the system automatically defines an inventory model by accessing an engineering planning database. The system identifies the on-hand raw material inventory and evaluates the work-in-process inventory from the model. The system then accesses an inventory database to identify the finished goods inventory and automatically consolidates all inventory and computes the total impact. The system also provides the practicing manager necessary control limits on raw material and work-in-process inventory dollars to complete a given finished product and establishes the required inventory turns. The user can use the system to compare against acutals and take appropriate action to correct any process deficiencies.

Abstract: A conceptual decision analysis tool for production release planning displays management parameters and objectives and prompts the user to define priorities. This encourages the user to plan based on management criteria. The user keys in the priorities and the system automatically analyzes the impact of planned release on the manufacturing process using a simulation process and re-evaluates the order release priorities and sequence. This capability is used before any order is actually released to manufacturing. The system also provides the capability of analyzing the impact of the orders even after the user pre-sets priorities to release certain orders. The system calculates the revised sequence and produces impact statements on such management criteria as manufacturing throughput, work-in-process inventory and cycle time.

Abstract: A conceptual decision analysis tool for production dispatch process is used to evaluate alternatives during a production process and generate an optimum path to follow after a process disruption at a given production center in order to maintain the promised due date. The objective is not only to decide on a dispatch rule to be followed for an order under progress at a given work center in the event of a disruption, but also to re-analyze dispatch rules for existing orders waiting in line to be processed at that work center. In the event of production stoppage or disruption, this system analyzes the revised sequence for orders in progress as well as passes the recommended results to a planning system so that this information can be used to re-plan the release sequence of orders waiting for release. This provides a feedback control mechanism and an element of artificial intelligence.