Abstract: A computer-implemented process for planning a configuration valid bill of materials for a product includes the steps of inputting at least one MOD from a MOD list into a planning module to generate a part genealogy of a product; identifying a senior MOD of the MOD list based upon a progression level value and a ranking value for at least one location identifier; determining a shortest path in the part genealogy from at least one base part of the product to the senior MOD for the at least one location identifier; identifying a complete progression from each of the at least one base parts to each corresponding at least one senior MODs for each of the at least one location identifiers; generating a configuration valid bill of materials for the product; and conveying the configuration valid bill of materials.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for identifying demand for excess inventory includes the steps of determining an inventory level and a forecasted demand of at least one part at least one facility; determining a part interchangeability of a first part with a second part of the at least one part; inputting an inventory level reflecting the part interchangeability and a forecasted demand reflecting the part interchangeability of the at least one part into an inventory module embodied in a server in communication with the at least one facility; accumulating the inventory level reflecting the part interchangeability and the forecasted demand reflecting the part interchangeability in the inventory module embodied in the server; determining an inventory position reflecting the part interchangeability for the at least one part for all of the at least one facility; determining a real-time demand reflecting the part interchangeability for the at least one part for all of the at least one facility; and conveying the real

Abstract: A computerized method of assisting the routing of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; and generating a tag for affixing to the part. The tag has information thereon responsive to the identifier information. A computerized method of assisting the handling of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; processing the part identifier information; and generating output from the computer responsive to the part identifier information.

Abstract: A computerized method of assisting the routing of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; and generating a tag for affixing to the part. The tag has information thereon responsive to the identifier information. A computerized method of assisting the handling of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; processing the part identifier information; and generating output from the computer responsive to the part identifier information.

Abstract: A computerized method of assisting the routing of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; and generating a tag for affixing to the part. The tag has information thereon responsive to the identifier information. A computerized method of assisting the handling of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; processing the part identifier information; and generating output from the computer responsive to the part identifier information.

Abstract: A computerized method of defining or of modifying a work scope. One method includes: providing a list of tasks; selecting a desired task from the list; adding the desired task to the work scope; determining whether a related task exists; and adding the related task to the work scope if the related task exists. Another method includes: providing a work scope, the work scope comprising a plurality of tasks; choosing a selected task from the of tasks; locating an alternate task that is suitable as a substitute for the selected task; determining whether a conflict exists between the alternate task and a remainder of the tasks; and substituting the selected task in the work scope with the alternate task if no conflict exists.

Abstract: A method of imprinting a workpiece includes lasing the workpiece to create a depression or other opening, depositing a laser-fusible polymer material into the depression, and then lasing the material so as to fuse the material into the depression. Preferably, the laser-fusible polymer material is fusible in the near infrared spectrum. An alternate method for imprinting using colored powder paints includes an additional step of heating the workpiece to ensure thermosetting of the colored powder paint. Laser fusible materials having particular physical characteristics and compositions may be used to facilitate the process.

Abstract: A method of imprinting a workpiece includes lasing the workpiece to create a depression or other opening, depositing a laser-fusible polymer material into the depression, and then lasing the material so as to fuse the material into the depression. Preferably, the laser-fusible polymer material is fusible in the near infrared spectrum. An alternate method for imprinting using colored powder paints includes an additional step of heating the workpiece to ensure thermosetting of the colored powder paint. Laser fusible materials having particular physical characteristics and compositions may be used to facilitate the process.