Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.

Abstract: The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. One exemplary system includes a computerized product configuration module that defines product family parameters from user input and outputs a product family data structure, for example, a coded character string, to a technical design module. The technical design module, which incorporates engineering design rules for control panels and wiring modules, automatically processes the coded character string, outputting detailed engineering drawings, component listings, and even assembly instructions to robotic manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: A method for deploying parts is disclosed. Locations that include supply locations and demand locations are defined. A supply location supplies parts to a demand location. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A stock level is computed for each part at each location. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function for the parts at the locations is generated from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.

Abstract: A method of managing manufacturing production includes determining a plurality of products for manufacture using a production line is disclosed. Each product is specified by composition and production line steps and criteria. Production orders for products are analyzed to determine whether products should be grouped into product-types, and whether product (type) should be made-to-stock or made to order. Queuing theory based analytic methods and optimization based heuristics are used to determine the priority for each product in the production line, taking product substitution opportunities in batch-production into account. Preselected points along the production line are determined for gathering an amount of inventory for each product. This decision is made considering product-differentiation down the line.

Abstract: A method for providing bin-based control when manufacturing integrated circuit devices is disclosed. The method comprises performing a plurality of processes on a plurality of wafer lots; determining a required bin quantity, an actual bin quantity, and a projected bin quantity; comparing the determined required bin quantity with the determined actual bin quantity and determined projected bin quantity; and modifying at least one of the plurality of processes on the plurality of wafer lots if the determined actual bin quantity and determined projected bin quantity fail to satisfy the determined required bin quantity.

Abstract: One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacturing products that include technology in skilled areas is configuring a production station for use by an operator without specialized skills. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station configurable to perform one or more of incoming inspection, assembly, testing, and branding. A preferred approach includes verifying data associated with units prior to accepting them for incorporation, preventing incorporation of an incorrect unit, and guiding an operator in possible remedial action. This approach includes storing data in a server and making such data substantially instantly accessible to production stations once written in the server. Such data preferably includes software to configure the production station such that the operator need not have specialized skills. A production station designed using this approach is particularly useful in the manufacture of an outdoor unit of a split-mount microwave radio system.

Abstract: A non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guide, and a method and system for creating, using, and managing non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guides to facilitate the assembly of one or more articles of manufacture. The method includes identifying the parts, tools, and test fixtures necessary to create a particular article; creating a three-dimensional graphic representing each said part, tool and test fixture; annotating said graphics; combining said graphics according to a sequence to create a non-linear, animated, interactive assembly guide; displaying said assembly guide where an assembler can observe it while assembling an article; and managing access to said guides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for receiving a product parts list containing parts for creating a product variant of a product and updating a bill of material with the parts and a selection condition to identify a part of the product variant. The method includes determining a characteristic and a characteristic value of the parts of the product variant and generating a variant demand object for the product variant.

Abstract: A plasma-processing tool for processing a substrate using at least a first process recipe and a second process recipe is provided. The plasma-processing tool includes transducers configured to collect process data streams, each process data stream pertaining to a process parameter being monitored during recipe execution. The tool also includes a logic circuitry configured for receiving a set of meta-data wherein each meta-data includes identification data about the substrate and the process recipe being executed. The logic circuitry is also configured for receiving a set of process data streams, each of which being associated with a specific process recipe. The logic circuitry further includes storing the meta-data and the process data streams associated with the first process recipe as a first file and the meta-data and the process data streams associated with the second process recipe as a second file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pull back optimizer in conjunction with an inventory management system allows for efficient retrieval of return assemblies for optimized parts fulfillment. The inventory management system includes a return assembly inventory and a list of parts needed for order fulfillment. The return assembly inventory lists the part numbers and quantities of parts in each return assembly. The pull back optimizer allows a user of the inventory management system to efficiently determine the optimal return systems to pull back to production for parts fulfillment to minimize the impact on those using the return assemblies.

Abstract: A dental CAD/CAM system performs structural analyses of a candidate prosthetic dental item that is to be created using design data representing the prosthetic dental item. The dental CAD/CAM system can recommend positioning of a surface of the prosthetic dental item within a volume of a milling block based on the design data and data representing desired aesthetic properties of the prosthetic dental item. The dental CAD/CAM system can generate and display simulated images of the aesthetic properties of the prosthetic dental item using the design data, data representing the surface of the prosthetic dental item, data representing the volume of the milling block, and data representing aesthetic properties of the milling block. The dental CAD/CAM system can be used to form prosthetic dental items having complex aesthetic properties, such as translucent regions and shades of colors that vary spatially.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochemical cell. The method includes generating spatial information including an anode geometry, a cathode geometry, a separator geometry, and one or more current collector geometries. The method also includes storing the spatial information including the anode geometry, the cathode geometry, the separator geometry, and the one or more current collector geometries into a database structure. In a specific embodiment, the method includes selecting one or more material properties from a plurality of materials and using the one or more material properties with the spatial information in a simulation program. The method includes outputting one or more performance parameters from the simulation program.

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 system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for recommending one or more materials used in designing and manufacturing parts may include receiving data from at least three data sources. The data sources may include a sourcing, manufacturing, and design data source. The data source data may be standardized to obtain a collection of data including a dataset of materials for consideration in recommending one or more materials for use in one or more parts. The method may also include receiving optimization metrics and constraints for the dataset of materials. Optimization values for each material based on the dataset of materials and the one or more optimization metrics may be determined. An optimization algorithm on each material may be performed based at least on the optimization values and the constraints to obtain one or more recommended materials from the dataset of materials for use in a design of one or more parts.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include determining a material utilization for one or more assemblies having a plurality of parts. Offal data for one or more parts comprising one or more part assemblies and a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more part assemblies may be received. The blank material utilization status for the one or more part assemblies may be based on a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more parts. The offal data may be standardized to obtain standardized offal data. One or more offal utilization assignments for the part assemblies having a plurality of parts may be determined based on the standardized offal data and the blank material utilization status for the part assemblies. The offal utilization assignments may then be transmitted for assignment to the one or more part assemblies.

Abstract: A computer-based method for defining a surface of a part for placement adjacent a mating surface of a base part is described. The method includes receiving raw data which defines the mating surface of the base part, smoothing the raw data, generating a stable reference frame consisting of at least one of a substantially smooth curve and surface based on the smoothed raw data, calculating a dimensional offset curve or surface using the smoothed raw data and the stable reference frame curve or surface by referencing any peaks in the smoothed raw data within a predefined range of a corresponding point in the stable reference frame curve or surface, smoothing the dimensional offset curve or surface, and outputting the dimensional offset curve or surface for utilization in fabricating the part that is to be adjacent the base part.

Abstract: A novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for tuning order configurator performance by dynamic integration of manufacturing and field feedback information. A method for dynamically tuning order configurator behavior by using product issue data can include collecting product issue data for a manufactured product, the product issue data including performance and attribute information of a part of the manufactured product, analyzing the collected product issue data to identify a problematic part, and, modifying the order configurator using the analyzed product issue data.

Abstract: A profit optimization system takes account of supply-side and demand-side factors in optimizing profit for an organization. The profit optimization system uses an optimization model to optimize profit in a spot market. The model takes into account which parts the organization uses to assemble various products. Demand curves are used to characterize the quantity of each product that will be demanded as a function of price on the spot market. Supply model data is used to determine which mix of products can be sold in view of parts availability. Using the demand model and supply model data, the optimization model can recommend a set of prices to use for selling the organization's products. The model ensures that the organization has sufficient resources available to produce the products and enforces user-supplied business rules and other constraints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for allocation of a pipe or several pipes with several pipe parts to be cut for a laser cutting installation, wherein the pipe parts to be cut are selected from an order table. Methods include measuring a length of each of the one or more pipes, calculating, before measuring, a nesting of a pipe part relative to the same pipe part or a different pipe part of the order table, calculating a plurality of pipe allocation variants for a particular pipe of the one or more pipes with the pipe parts to be cut based on the nesting and the measured pipe length of the particular pipe, selecting one of the plurality of calculated pipe allocation variants as a desired pipe allocation, and initiating cutting of the particular pipe based on the desired pipe allocation.

Abstract: A method for forecasting the component surpluses for a target planning period is provided. To begin this method, a planner first identifies each component required to produce a product. For each component, the planner defines a planned level and an uncancelable level. The planned level for a component is the quantity at which the component is expected to be available. The uncancelable level for a component is the quantity of the component that cannot be liquidated without charge. The planner also defines a vector of connect rates for the components. After the required data has been entered, an expected surplus is computed for each component. To compute a component's expected surplus, the component is assumed to be available at its uncancelable level. The remainder of the components are assumed to be available at their respective planned levels.

Abstract: The present teaching is intended to observe the delivery date of a product and decrease the number of workpieces in a merger process. A treatment sequence calculator included in manufacturing instruction equipment identifies an in-process part being worked in each process, and calculates the delivery-date allowance of the in-process part. In-process parts whose delivery-date allowances fall below a predetermined threshold are inputted to each process in ascending order of delivery-date allowances. In-process parts whose delivery-date allowances are equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold are inputted to each process in ascending order by a minimum value of remaining treatment times which the in-process parts take to reach the merger process.

Abstract: Providing quality management and intelligent manufacturing with labels and smart tags in event-based product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer-readable media for storing, during a process, data associated with a material. Also disclosed are a method of collecting, storing, and reporting machine productivity, waste, and delay information on an event basis in a manufacturing system, a method of capturing and storing material history, a method of automating tracking of positions of components used in a process and correlating portions of a component with production problems, an improved inventory management system, and a method of tracking and recording actions of specific operators of a process performed by a machine.

Abstract: Methods of production planning, including a novel method of optimized production planning for a plurality of production plants producing a product for delivery to a plurality of customers using a common distribution network, wherein the product consumption by customers can vary, and the variable cost of producing the product can vary between production plants, over time, and production quantity. The method maximizes profitability by characterizing raw material costs over varying production rates and minimizing variable cost across the network for any given production demand. The method considers the variable cost of producing product in varying production quantities, the variable cost structure of raw material supplies, and how these variable costs vary between production plants. The method also considers the variable cost impact of purchasing product from outside sources.

Abstract: A method for managing a product manufacturing process is disclosed.

Abstract: In a build-to-order (BTO) management system, domestic production orders are incorporated into a production plan before overseas production orders. When incorporating the production orders into the production plan, an ideal number of products is set for various equalizing factors, and several kinds of the production plans are made on the basis of an achievement ratio of the number of products for the equalizing factors actually incorporated into the production plan to the ideal production number of products and the dates of receiving the production orders. The resulting production plans are compared to choose an optimal production plan.

Abstract: A design module is a software module that is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. The design module receives inputs from a person to create a custom insert for a lighting control panel. The inputs identify the content and locations of labels and a decorative background of the insert. Each label is associated with a corresponding input device. Each input device is associated with an optical configuration or “scene” of an environment associated with the lighting control panel. Each label includes alphanumeric text and/or graphics that identify the scene of the label's corresponding input device. The design module causes the insert to be generated by instructing a printer to print the labels and background on a sheet of material, at the specified locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways.

Abstract: A Managing component supply for complex products is achieved by monitoring the delivery performance of component suppliers and optimizing the times at which orders are placed. Supply delivery performance targets are set for each supplier, and component order times are optimized by 1) optimizing safety stock for each component, 2) calculating optimal times to place supply orders in order to maintain the safety stock level, and then 3) iterating safety stock calculations in order to minimize overall inventory costs and maximize supply availability. The process takes into account supply lead times, component costs, and target tolerances for delays in the assembly of components. The effects of changes in supply lead time performance on assembly schedules are projected for planning purposes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for maintaining a plurality of dealer inventories in a supply chain management system comprising a plurality of dealer inventory data objects representing dealer inventories, a plurality of interfaces for accessing the dealer inventory data objects and a plurality of participants within the supply chain management system, wherein the dealer inventory data objects are stored with the supply chain management system; the dealer inventory data objects located with the supply chain management system of a second participant are owned by a first participant; the participants are accessing the dealer inventory data objects, wherein the first and the second participant having read and write permissions and the further participants having read permissions; and the interfaces are adapted to support online collaboration between the participants.

Abstract: A method for sustainability analysis, and related data processing system and computer-readable medium. One method includes loading product assembly data, the product assembly data including a plurality of components. The method also includes loading sustainability data for the plurality of components, the sustainability data including, for each component, values for a plurality of criteria for each of a plurality of product lifecycle phases. The method also includes receiving a component selection and a phase selection. The method also includes displaying a sustainability output according to the component selection and phase selection.

Abstract: An industrial production method and corresponding production equipment is specified, wherein, for providing the resources and/or energy needed, a load variation y(t) with time is forecast in an automated manner starting with expected environmental and planned production parameters. In at least one embodiment of this process, a forecast for the load variation y(t) with time is generated by linear interpolation in a manner which is clear for the user from parameter sets (p0, p1, . . . pn) provided with rules (R0, R1, . . . Rn) for allocating a respective load curve (Y0(t), y1(t), . . . yn(t)) for an expected parameter set (z).

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a tool are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives first tool data defining a first tool and requirement data defining a requirement of a process to be performed within a manufacturing facility. The system stores the first tool data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the first tool data satisfies a selected requirement definition and outputs a first representation of the first tool if the first tool data satisfies the selected requirement definition thereby enabling a user to select the tool.

Abstract: A device for managing inventory, such as tools and equipment, includes a user interface in operable communication with a processor and a storage medium; a transceiver in operable communication with an antenna and the processor, the transceiver operable for communicating with a tool or a piece of equipment; and a notification device in operable communication with the processor. The processor determines if the tool or the piece of equipment is within a specified range of the device for managing tool and equipment inventory.

Abstract: A method for addressing process variability in a build-to-order, mass customization production environment. The method includes receiving an order for a product having a particular configuration defined by the order, initiating a production order specifically assigned to the order, fabricating the product based upon the production order, determining if an unrelated product order contains an identical product item configuration and automatically swapping identical product items contained on unrelated production orders to optimize overall production process objectives.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a method for achieving simultaneous consideration of multiple independent dates associated with a single demand. The method iterates through the demands to match the demands with the supply quantities respecting demand priorities which vary over time and demand quantities which may perish over time. One embodiment of the invention allocates demand to supply through an iterative process beginning with earlier demand requirement dates and concluding with later demands which may preempt supply from earlier demands depending upon their relative priorities. An additional embodiment transforms the demands to create multiple demand records, each having an associated priority, such that a single original demand record is transformed into a plurality of related demand records, each having an associated priority. The component supply quantities are accumulated into period ending inventories.

Abstract: A computer-based method for controlling product quality is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether a quality of raw materials bought from at least one supplier are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of using materials used at a processing procedure are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of products being manufactured at the processing procedure are acceptable; receiving and storing a post-procedure report obtained by sampling the products after the processing procedure; repeating steps of detecting materials used at a processing procedure, detecting products being manufactured at the processing procedure, detecting the sampling products after the processing procedure, and completing the manufacturing if all the products are finished. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a scheduling process and an availability process are provided in which both the scheduling process and the availability process reside in a service architecture. The scheduling process is configurable to invoke the availability process at a point in the scheduling process, and a user of the service architecture may configure the scheduling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and/or methodologies for route management. More particularly, the invention relates to an industrial controller (e.g., logic controller) based route management solution. The route management solution can statically and/or dynamically determine, maintain, or otherwise manage a route.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cutting of raw gas slabs into a number of glass cuttings. The method includes determining the supply of uncut or partially cut raw glass slabs, continuously detecting incoming cutting orders and processing of the cutting orders, continuously determining an optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns of raw glass slabs based on determined values, processing cutting orders according to the determined optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns, and storing the glass cuttings in assigned compartments of an intermediate storage. An increased productivity with minimized waste of material can be achieved by the continuous optimizing method in regards to the temporal sequence and cutting patterns of the glass cuttings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically totalizing materials from multiple feed locations in parallel while mitigating device requirements to monitor such locations. In one aspect, an industrial automation system to process materials is provided. The system includes a totalizer component to determine an aggregated amount of materials supplied from at least two feed locations. A logic component periodically monitors at least one of the feed locations to determine the amount of each material.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for designing a product using technology readiness levels for materials. Entries identifying materials and technology readiness levels for the materials are stored in a database. A first design is developed using a first material selected from the database, wherein the first material has a first technology readiness level identified from the database. A second design is developed using a second material selected from the database, wherein the second material has a second technology readiness level identified from the database. The first design is compared to the second design using the first technology readiness level and the second technology readiness level to form a comparison. A selection is made between the first design and the second design using the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems are provided for reducing the runtime of a material requirements planning run. In one embodiment, a computer system loads a plurality of bills of materials into a data structure. The computer system may analyze parent-child relationships between components of the plurality of bills of materials in the data structure and set for each component in the data structure a counter value that indicates the number of parent components for each component. The counter value of a specific child component may be decremented when the planning of a parent component of the specific child component is completed. The computer system may then proceed with the planning of the specific child component if the associated counter value indicates that the planning of all parent components of the specific child component is completed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for monitoring and predicting various data related to an inventory. A data processing apparatus interacts with one or more business computers to obtain one of replenishment and consumption activity data related to an inventory. A model for variations in the inventory is created. The model is used to determine estimates of variation for one of currently planned replenishment activities and currently planned consumption activities. The estimates of variation are used to predict future inventory levels. A system including one or more agent computers is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochemical cell. The method includes generating spatial information including an anode geometry, a cathode geometry, a separator geometry, and one or more current collector geometries. The method also includes storing the spatial information including the anode geometry, the cathode geometry, the separator geometry, and the one or more current collector geometries into a database structure. In a specific embodiment, the method includes selecting one or more material properties from a plurality of materials and using the one or more material properties with the spatial information in a simulation program. The method includes outputting one or more performance parameters from the simulation program.

Abstract: A castable high temperature aluminum alloy is cast by controlled solidification that combines composition design and solidification rate control to synergistically enhance the performance and versatility of the castable aluminum alloy for a wide range of elevated temperature applications. In one example, the aluminum alloy contains by weight approximately 1.0-20.0% of rare earth elements that contribute to the elevated temperature strength by forming a dispersion of insoluble particles via a eutectic microstructure. The aluminum alloy also includes approximately 0.1 to 15% by weight of minor alloy elements. Controlled solidification improves microstructural uniformity and refinement and provides the optimum structure and properties for the specific casting condition. The molten aluminum alloy is poured into an investment casing shell and lowered into a quenchant at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tires by disposing an uncured elastomeric material on a substantially rigid toroidal support so as to form a green tire. The green tire and the toroidal support are then disposed within a vulcanization mold in which a molding cavity is defined, so as to mold and cure the green tire. The molding cavity includes at least a portion in which molding and curing are carried out at a constant volume. The disposition of the elastomeric material onto the rigid toroidal support is carried out by controlling the volume distribution of the elastomeric material onto the toroidal support, so as to fit a predetermined curve of excess material volume, i.e., a curve showing a difference between the volume distribution of the material forming the green tire and the available volume in the portion of the molding cavity adapted for molding and curing the green tire at constant volume, versus a predetermined, e.g. radial, direction.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for processing orders. A request for delivery by a requested delivery date is received for an order having an original delivery date. The ordered product is broken down into one or more materials required for manufacturing the ordered product. For at least one material required for manufacturing the ordered product, a date when an engineering change becomes effective for the material is specified. An alternate bill of materials is created based on the specified date when the engineering change becomes effective for the material. An alternate manufacturing plan based on the alternate bill of materials is created. Manufacturing is initiated based on the alternate manufacturing plan. If manufacturing can be completed in time for delivery by the requested delivery date, the original delivery date of the order is replaced with the requested delivery date.

Abstract: A method for deploying parts is disclosed. Locations that include supply locations and demand locations are defined. A supply location supplies parts to a demand location. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A stock level is computed for each part at each location. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function for the parts at the locations is generated from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a method for achieving simultaneous consideration of multiple independent dates associated with a single demand. The method iterates through the demands to match the demands with the supply quantities respecting demand priorities which vary over time and demand quantities which may perish over time. One embodiment of the invention allocates demand to supply through an iterative process beginning with earlier demand requirement dates and concluding with later demands which may preempt supply from earlier demands depending upon their relative priorities. An additional embodiment transforms the demands to create multiple demand records, each having an associated priority, such that a single original demand record is transformed into a plurality of related demand records, each having an associated priority. The component supply quantities are accumulated into period ending inventories.