Abstract: A method selectively modifies an existing production order based on a change request. An order configuration module (OCM) receives order specifications for a second order that replaces and/or modifies a first order, while the first order is being fulfilled. The OCM generates hash tag pairs respectively associated with various characteristics of the orders. For each hash tag pair, the OCM compares a first hash tag associated with the first order with a second hash tag associated with the second order, using an established pattern. If the hash tags match, the OCM includes within a second production order, an unchanged production specification corresponding to the first hash tag. If a match does not occur, the OCM initiates an order reload, which provides, within the second production order, new production specifications that are associated with the second hash tag.

Abstract: Performing an inventory count is provided. A scan of an object is initiated according to a profile in order to perform the inventory count of the object. A scan result is compared with a recorded level for the object to determine if a variance exists between the scan result and the recorded level. A variance analysis is performed if the variance exists.

Abstract: Operator authorizations are autonomically adjusted in many ways to automatically account for many different variables. Operator authorization may be adjusted according to an operator's past activity record so previous experience is not lost when the operator is rehired. Operator authorization may be adjusted according to the operator's quality and performance. Operator authorization may also be adjusted by recognizing similar operations to those the operator is authorized to perform, and authorizing the operator to perform one or more similar operations. Operator authorization may also be adjusted to a lesser level or may be revoked for an operation based on the passage of time. A manufacturing system may efficiently track operators taking into account different activity periods, the passage of time, the operator's performance, and similar operations to autonomically adjust the authorization of the operators as needed.

Abstract: A method selectively modifies an existing production order based on a change request. An order configuration module (OCM) receives order specifications for a second order that replaces and/or modifies a first order, while the first order is being fulfilled. The OCM generates hash tag pairs respectively associated with various characteristics of the orders. For each hash tag pair, the OCM compares a first hash tag associated with the first order with a second hash tag associated with the second order, using an established pattern. If the hash tags match, the OCM includes within a second production order, an unchanged production specification corresponding to the first hash tag. If a match does not occur, the OCM initiates an order reload, which provides, within the second production order, new production specifications that are associated with the second hash tag.

Abstract: A data processing system (DPS) and a computer program product selectively modifies an existing production order based on a change request. An order configuration module (OCM) receives order specifications for a second order that replaces and/or modifies a first order, while the first order is being fulfilled. The OCM generates hash tag pairs respectively associated with various characteristics of the orders. For each hash tag pair, the OCM compares a first hash tag associated with the first order with a second hash tag associated with the second order, using an established pattern. If the hash tags match, the OCM includes within a second production order, an unchanged production specification corresponding to the first hash tag. If a match does not occur, the OCM initiates an order reload, which provides, within the second production order, new production specifications that are associated with the second hash tag.

Abstract: A system for generating a work unit test ahead candidate list. A list is generated of all potential candidate systems for test ahead operations. A system in the potential candidate list is selected. It is determined whether any work unit in the selected system is waiting for short parts. Determining that no work unit in the selected system is waiting for short parts, a complexity score is calculated for each work unit in the selected system. The calculated complexity scores are added to a total system complexity score. It is then determined whether an override exists for a work unit in the selected system. Determining that an override does exist, the selected system is removed from the potential candidate list. A candidate list is generated from remaining systems in the potential candidate list. Then, the candidate list is outputted to provide recommendations for optimizing work unit test ahead operations.

Abstract: A logical inventory mechanism takes components in assemblies into account when determining purchase requirements. The inventory control system determines assemblies that are available, determines their components and whether or not each component may be reused, then adjusts physical inventory to generate therefrom logical inventory based on physical inventory plus parts in the assemblies that may be reused if the assemblies are disassembled. By computing logical inventory that would be available by disassembling assemblies, inventory levels may be reduced, thereby enhancing the efficiency of an inventory control system that includes the logical inventory mechanism. Assemblies in inventory thus may be used in two very different matters, as the starting point for a higher-level assembly, or to be disassembled to use one or more reusable components in the assembly in a different assembly.

Abstract: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.

Abstract: A production system includes an information handling system (IHS) having a carrier capacity prediction tool that receives a customer order that may include packaging and carrier requirements. The carrier capacity prediction tool partitions the customer order into work units. The carrier capacity tool determines work unit carrier capacity requirements from historical data that a volumetric weight database stores. If the volumetric weight database does not include sufficient historical information to determine carrier capacity requirements, the carrier capacity tool predicts carrier capacity requirements from best fit or actual packaging data during final packaging of customer goods for shipment. The carrier capacity tool sums all work unit packaging and volumetric weight data for each customer order to generate an aggregate of the total carrier capacity needs for a particular time period for production system shipping.

Abstract: Performing an inventory count is provided. A scan of an object is initiated according to a profile in order to perform the inventory count of the object. A scan result is compared with a recorded level for the object to determine if a variance exists between the scan result and the recorded level. A variance analysis is performed if the variance exists.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, an apparatus, and computer usable program product for containing a defective product across a supply chain is provided. A data processing system receives a notice from a source supplier that a product is defective. The data processing system identifies an exposure level associated with the defective product, wherein the exposure level comprises a list of affected assemblies and a range of serial numbers associated with the affected assemblies. Responsive to identifying the exposure level, the data processing system notifies each supplier in the supply chain of the defective product.

Abstract: A system for performing an inventory count. A scan of an object is initiated according to a profile in order to perform the inventory count of the object. A scan result is compared with a recorded level for the object to determine if a variance exists between the scan result and the recorded level. A variance analysis is performed if the variance exists.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and storage medium that, in an embodiment, receive service data at a computer system from an RFID tag, where the service data was sent to the RFID tag from an RF transmitter while the computer system was powered off. The RFID tag includes tag memory and an antenna, and the RFID tag is attached to the computer system. In another embodiment, the computer system sends the service data to the RFID tag, and the service data is received by an RF scanner from the RFID tag via the antenna while the computer system is powered off. In various embodiments, the service data identifies the computer system or a product within the computer system. In another embodiment, the service data includes log information associated with the computer system.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for grouping orders. One or more original orders are received. The one or more original orders are grouped using grouping rules to form a set of grouped orders. Upon determining that the set of grouped orders cannot be completely filled, at least one short order is created. The at least one short order is grouped with the set of grouped orders using grouping rules to form a set of consolidated orders.

Abstract: A method is provided for meeting anticipated parts demands, by controlling substitute part inventory coverage based on percentage requirements. The method is characterized by substitution sets determined as a ratio of the current PN level. In one embodiment, current parts of specified type and substitute parts functionally equivalent to the current parts are respectively kept in inventory. This embodiment includes specifying a maximum percentage of demand for the current parts that is allowed to be filled using substitute parts. The number of additional parts needed to cover a demand is determined, when the demand specifies a total number of current parts exceeding the number thereof in inventory. A number of substitute parts is then assigned from inventory to cover the demand, up to a number that does not exceed the specified maximum percentage of the specified total number.

Abstract: A self-optimizing algorithm for real-time problem resolution using historical data. Upon receiving failure symptom characteristics for a product or process failure, the algorithm queries historical failure data to locate historical failure symptoms and corrective actions matching the failure symptom characteristics. If a total number of the historical corrective actions identified meets a minimum match threshold, the algorithm selectively prunes a failure symptom characteristic having the lowest priority level to form an adjusted search query. The algorithm may repeat the querying, identifying, and determining steps using the adjusted search query until the total number of historical corrective actions identified meets the minimum match threshold. Once the threshold is met, the algorithm sorts the historical corrective actions to form a list of recommended corrective actions for the failure symptom characteristics and provides the list of recommended corrective actions to an end user.

Abstract: A hybrid data collection and component installation scheme for optimizing equipment cost, throughput, and quality practices in a multi-stage manufacturing environment. A kit comprising a plurality of parts corresponding to an order for a product is received from one of the stages in the multi-stage manufacturing environment. The parts in the kit were validated in the stage using data collected about the plurality of parts in the stage. At a subsequent stage in the manufacturing environment, a determination is made if the product qualifies for mass installation. If the product qualifies for mass installation, a set of parts in the kit is selected for mass installation. The set of parts are re-verified using the data collected in the previous stage in the environment to determine if the set of parts selected for mass installation is valid. If valid, the set of parts are installed en masse.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for automatically delivering an appropriate level of instructions to a manufacturing operator on demand based on the manufacturing operator's level of activity and performance, the particular characteristics of the product being manufactured, and the particular production environment. Responsive to receiving an order for a product, the manufacturing process identifies an authorization level assigned to an operator performing a particular manufacturing activity on a part in the product and assigns a default level of instructions to the operator based on the authorization level. The process collects and models characteristics about the manufacturing environment, performance history of the operator, and knowledge decay of the operator to determine an appropriate level of instructions to provide to the operator performing a particular manufacturing activity. The manufacturing instructions associated with the appropriate level of instructions are then provided to the operator.

Abstract: A time-phased reutilization of configured products is provided. Partially configured products are detected. Each partially configured product is analyzed to determine if the partially configured product is a valid partially configured product, suitable for being modified into other configurations. A time phased management process is applied to the valid partially configured product.

Abstract: Operator authorizations are autonomically adjusted in many ways to automatically account for many different variables. Operator authorization may be adjusted according to an operator's past activity record so previous experience is not lost when the operator is rehired. Operator authorization may be adjusted according to the operator's quality and performance. Operator authorization may also be adjusted by recognizing similar operations to those the operator is authorized to perform, and authorizing the operator to perform one or more similar operations. Operator authorization may also be adjusted to a lesser level or may be revoked for an operation based on the passage of time. A manufacturing system may efficiently track operators taking into account different activity periods, the passage of time, the operator's performance, and similar operations to autonomically adjust the authorization of the operators as needed.