Abstract: An inventory agent operating on software includes instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to receive inventory data relating to stock in an inventory. The inventory data includes planned inventory data and actual inventory data. The instructions are operable to cause the programmable processor to use the inventory data to calculate one or more correlations in errors between the planned inventory data and the actual inventory data, use the one or more correlations in errors to estimate a probability density for one or more errors, calculate a predicted inventory level, calculate a likely error of the predicted inventory level using the estimate of the probability density, and adjust the predicted inventory level with the likely error to estimate a likely actual inventory level. The inventory agent may be implemented in a supply chain management system.

Abstract: A system for integrating a packaging supply chain from a point that a digital contract proof is available through delivery of finished packaging materials to an end user, wherein said system comprises a computer system accessible for interactive communications with users, said computer system comprising a first memory area for storing functionality and data for end user members of the supply chain; a second memory area for storing functionality and data for converter members of the supply chain; and a third memory area for storing functionality and data for other members of the supply chain.

Abstract: A transfer rack 15 loaded with a seriate number of component supply cassettes 14 to be handled collectively is carried and retained on a truck 61 so that it can be taken in and out of the truck 61. The transfer rack 15 is passed between the truck 61 and a component supply section 8. Thus, the withdrawal of the transfer rack 15 from the component supply section 8 to the truck 61 and the delivery of the transfer rack 15 to the component supply section 8 are executed in a timely manner so as to change the component supply cassettes 14 at the component supply section 8. The transfer rack 15 delivered to the component supply section 8 is positioned by operating an automatic positioning means at the component supply section 8 in a direction in which it is loaded and unloaded and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it is loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A system and method for requesting delivery of sequenced parts that accounts for parts in inventory is disclosed. Production schedule data is used to determine gross-based requirements that are modified based on inventory data to determine net-based requirements. Parts are delivered in containers. The system and method support small lots and allow parts to be mixed within a container. Parts are sequenced within the containers as well as on trailers that transport the part containers to the production facility. A lot sequence number indicates the order in which lots are consumed during production and therefore, packed in a container. The lot sequence number further indicates the priority for loading containers on a trailer. A batch number is used to link lot numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a storage device which stores information concerning first objects to be reused and second objects to be recycled, and a modeling device which performs life cycle modeling. The life cycle modeling includes reading information concerning the first objects and the second objects that configure a product from the storage device, selecting some of the first and second objects which are diverted to a new product from a recovery product using the information, and combining selected ones of the first and second objects to fabricate the new product to generate a life cycle model.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated, data-centric hazard communication system. The system has an authoring module and a means for disseminating hazard information about a material and its components, decomposition products and related materials. The authoring module decompiles material data, associates the decompiled data with hazard information, and recompiles material data associated with hazard information to provide hazard information about the material, its components, decomposition products of the material, and substances related to the material. The system can be a general purpose computer programmed with computer instructions to perform these functions. Computer software for performing these functions is also presented.

Abstract: A method of classifying demand for an allocation term. The inventive method first inputs demand data, order data, and supply data. The method then classifies the demand data into prioritized demand data according to the order data and the supply data. The method finally combines and outputs the first, second, and third priority demand data, and updates the supply data according to the first, second, and third demand data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining plastic components of a blended plastic material. According to a method of the present invention, a blending computer access supply data describing characteristics of each of a plurality of plastic components. The blending computer receives specification data which identifies at least one desired characteristic of the blended plastic material. The blending computer processes the supply data and the specification data to determine combinations of certain of the plastic components that may produce the blended plastic material having the at least one desired characteristic. The blending computer determines, for each combination, a preferred percentage of each of the plastic components of the combination, and reports the combinations and preferred percentages.

Abstract: A method of scheduling and making material time balancing decisions for a set of balanced tasks. The method includes steps of scheduling a first task from among the set of tasks, maintaining a reversible buffer over the interval, values of which over the time interval define a buffer profile. The buffer profile indicates the balance of items consumed by already scheduled tasks over the time interval. The next task to be scheduled is then selected from among all schedulable tasks of the set of tasks. A schedulable task is defined as a task that produces a quantity of items that is less than or equal to the balance of items consumed by the already scheduled tasks, as indicated by the buffer profile. The selected task may then be scheduled such that the end time of the selected task is latest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating material class processing and quality controls in an industrial controller environment. One or more classes are provided that generically describe materials or components of a recipe. The classes are associated with the recipe and resolved or determined before or during runtime of automated processes producing the recipe. If a class designation is encountered during recipe execution, an operator can be queried for which material or materials from the detected class is desired for the recipe currently being produced. After a material is selected from the class, the recipe is then processed according to the selected material from the respective class. In another aspect, automatic selections can be made to resolve members of class-based recipes.

Abstract: A manufacturing management system and method. The system includes a manufacturing execution system and a plurality of manufacturing sites coupled to the manufacturing execution system. The manufacturing execution system comprises management data to support the manufacturing sites. Each manufacturing site comprises a corresponding site attribute. At least one of the manufacturing sites receives a lot, queries the management data for the lot from the manufacturing execution system according to lot identification and the site attribute of the manufacturing site receiving the lot, and processes the lot accordingly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production planning system that judges whether or not production can be carried out in accordance not only with a request from a sales side and a demand forecast but also with a production request number or a maximum producible number of sets for each product. In the invention, production request number information of products, parts list information and information about inventory and inventory schedule of each of parts are accepted. When a calculation processing unit calculates a material necessary amount and makes a production plan of the product, it makes the production plan setting a production infeasible number as a new necessary number to a date later than a date designated by the production request information if any production infeasible number of sets exists. Surplus parts information not linked with the production plan is generated and a production addable number is calculated for each product.

Abstract: A manufacturing management system and method for cross-site lot handling is provided. The system includes a management unit and a target manufacturing site. The target manufacturing site receives a lot, checks whether a lot handling request indicating the lot and the target manufacturing site exists in the management unit, and registers the lot handling request for the lot before the lot being processed if the lot handling request exists.

Abstract: A method including 1) generating an asset record in a management system database when an order for components of an asset corresponding to said asset record are ordered; and 2) tagging said asset when deployable with an asset identification (ID), said asset ID uniquely referring to said asset record.

Abstract: A dispatch method and system for Long-duration Processing Batch Equipment (LPBE). The system includes LPBE, a plurality of equipment tools preceding the LPBE, and a dispatch unit. The LPBE retrieves equipment candidates having capabilities compatible with those of the LPBE from among the equipment tools, and selects one candidate. Lots corresponding to the selected candidate are then retrieved, grouped and sorted to obtain a plurality of batches, and at least one of the batches is designated as a reserve batch. Thereafter, the selected candidate performs a process corresponding to the capability on the reserve batch, and forwards the processed batch to the LPBE.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of computer analysis of text documents. More specifically it relates to the field of artificially intelligent systems capable of analyzing responses to Request for Quotation (RFQ).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for optimizing a quantity of bins used to transfer raw material from a producer to a consumer and to keep inventory at a minimum while optimizing output in a supply and demand manufacturing operation. A method is also provided for optimizing the bin size to keep inventory at a minimum while optimizing output to enhance the economic efficiency of the manufacturing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the environmental impact of various chemical components as a function of their proposed functional use in a chemical product, methods for formulating products based on those evaluations, and databases for assisting in those methods. Consumer products can be environmentally improved using these methods. Environmental criteria are in part developed based on the nature of the ultimate use of the product, and usually vary for a given chemical between types of proposed uses. The environmental classes for components are adjusted by their weight representation in the final product.

Abstract: A production control system for producing products from parts, the production control system, comprising: a product data obtaining module configured to obtain product data including an effective surplus production quantity from a parent product production location, which is a location producing parent products using the products as their direct parts; a part data obtaining module configured to obtain part data including a surplus production quantity from a part production location producing the parts; an effective surplus production quantity calculation module configured to calculate an effective surplus production quantity of a production department which produces the products from the parts based on the effective surplus production quantity and the surplus production quantity; and, a part data transmission module configured to transmit part data including an effective surplus production quantity of the production department to the part production location.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for improving the efficiency of a process for manufacturing a product and begins with the step of receiving from a manufacturer a desire to manufacture a number of said products. Next, the amount of materials that is required to produce the number of products is determined. Next, the optimum process for manufacturing the number of products is determined. Next, a cost to manufacture the number of products based on the amount of materials and the optimum process is calculated. The manufacturer is then provided with the optimum process and the cost to manufacture the number of products. Finally, a payment is received from the manufacturer that is proportional to the cost to manufacture the number of products.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing an estimate for sheet metal working. Data of bending lines and data of an associated processing time for the bending lines is stored. Data of holes and data of an associated processing time for the holes is stored. A three-dimensional view and a development drawing which realizes the three-dimensional view are prepared based on an orthographic drawing. A bending line and a hole on a product are detected based on at least one of data of the three-dimensional view and data of the development drawing. A processing time of the specified bending line is calculated based on the associated data of the bending lines. A processing time of the specified hole on the product is calculated based on the associated data of the holes. The processing time of the bending line and the processing time of the hole are stored in a processing time memory. A total processing time necessary to process the product is calculated by adding up the processing times stored in the processing time memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing dental restorations, the method comprising the steps of (a) compiling a database of materials for use in preparing a dental restoration; (b) compiling a database of procedures for preparing the dental restoration; (c) determining the geometrical constraints of the dental restoration; (d) determining the aesthetic constraints of the dental restoration; and (e) inputting the geometrical constraints and the aesthetic constraints to a computer to mathematically select from the material database and the procedure database a recipe for producing the dental restoration.

Abstract: A feature centric method of and system for monitoring the development and release process of a product, monitoring the development and release of a product, where the product is characterized by having a plurality of features is described. The method steps, which the system is configured to carry out, include enumerating features to be included in the product, enumerating tasks, task milestones, and task milestone completions identified to the features; enumerating required task approvals and feature approvals and completed task approvals and feature approvals, and enumerating required associated activities and completed associated activities. The enumeration preferably includes information to show linkages, associations, priorities, milestones, and missed milestones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of production control and a method of manufacturing industrial products. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of production control and a method of manufacturing industrial products which make it possible to set a target processing quantity of a process appropriately set and to improve the throughput of a production line as a whole. A method of production control for a production line including a plurality of processes is provided, in which a target processing quantity Lk for a process Pk is obtained from: Lk=Nk?SKk(Nk>SKk) Lk=0(Nk?SKk) where the processes are represented by Pn (n=1, 2, . . . , k?1, k, . . .

Abstract: A recycling method enables closed-loop material recycling (CMR) to be smoothly performed while reducing the amount of a recovered material disposed of outside the CMR loop. The amount of use of recovered ABS in a copying machine in a product production division is determined on the basis of a plan to produce the copying machine in the product production division and the amount of production of recovered ABS in a recovered material production division for producing recovered ABS from used component parts. The amount of use may be determined by adjusting the mixing ratio of recovered ABS and virgin ABS in a regenerated material production division for producing regenerated ABS by mixing recovered ABS and virgin ABS.

Abstract: A parts production scheduling method is provided for preparing, after receipt of a production order schedule of finished vehicles, a production order schedule of parts necessary for the production of the finished vehicles, wherein the production order schedule of the parts, which is divided into plural zones each equivalent to production of a predetermined number of consecutive products in the product order schedule of the higher products, is shifted so that it is ahead of the production order schedule of the higher products by one zone, thereafter, for each zone, parts to be produced on a parts production line are converted into corresponding pieces of parts identification information registered in advance, and the converted pieces of parts identification information are sorted by pre-registered inter-parts similarity information and collated with pre-registered part-by-part production order pattern information.

Abstract: A method for calculating the health of a process control loop based on multiple key assessments of the loop's performance. The method uses the concepts of baselines and thresholds. The typical calculation of loop health is the average of the Percent Towards Threshold for all the assessments divided by the economic significance of the loop.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising sampling at least one parameter characteristic of processing performed on a workpiece in at least one processing step, and modeling the at least one characteristic parameter sampled using an adaptive sampling processing model, treating sampling as an integrated part of a dynamic control environment, varying the sampling based upon at least one of situational information, upstream events and requirements of run-to-run controllers. The method also comprises applying the adaptive sampling processing model to modify the processing performed in the at least one processing step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for efficiently modeling the situation where a product manufactured within a multi-stage manufacturing system has components upstream in the supply chain which may substitute for one another. The invention selectively permits substitutions based on rules associated with downstream operations or customer shipments. One component may substitute for another provided that the assembly consuming the component belongs to a certain set of assemblies. The invention also encompasses a method by which this can be integrated into a production planning system based on a linear programming (LP) model.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the environmental impact of various chemical components as a function of their proposed functional use in a chemical product, methods for formulating products based on those evaluations, and databases for assisting in those methods. Consumer products can be environmentally improved using these methods. Environmental criteria are in part developed based on the nature of the ultimate use of the product, and usually vary for a given chemical between types of proposed uses. The environmental classes for components are adjusted by their weight representation in the final product.

Abstract: An equipment application calculating apparatus comprising a product variation calculating section which determines a product variation table based on variations of a product and specification of each of the product variations, the product variation table correlating each of the product variations and equipments related to the specifications of the product variations, a part applyipg section which determines a part property table for each item from the product variation table based on combinations of selected ones of the equipments to be mounted on the item. The part property table correlates each of the combinations of the selected equipments and a part. The apparatus also comprises a part table calculating section which determines a part table for the item from the product variation table and the part property table to correlate each of the product variations and the part.

Abstract: A parts shelf (2) has a configuration in which a storage box holding member for holding a plurality of parts storage boxes and a sensor holding member for holding photoelectric sensors are provided separately from each other. As the photoelectric sensor, an area sensor (100) capable of sensing coordinates of a position in which light is shielded in a predetermined two-dimensional area close to the front of the storage box holding member is employed. In an information processor (1), information of parts corresponding to a plurality of parts storage boxes of the storage box holding member and sizes and positions of the storage boxes is pre-stored. On the basis of the pre-stored information and the light-shielded position coordinates sensed by the area sensor, the storage box storing apart, the hand of the operator has reached is sensed.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for printed wiring boards divides printed wiring boards scheduled to be manufactured into non-fractional and fractional groups depending on the content of an order remainder list. The printed wiring boards categorized as non-fractional are panelized having the same shapes while the printed wiring boards categorized as fractional are grouped corresponding to manufacturing conditions thereof. Then, each group of the printed wiring boards are panelized with different shapes in a predetermined manufacturing block. Consequently, the generation of incidental products or the waste of material can be prevented.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to ensure information sharing in a factory and enhance the production efficiency. The management system of the present invention utilizes a liquid crystal projector PRJ to project an image of management information on a large-scaled display in the factory. A screen SCR is located at a specific position that allows each worker to simultaneously recognize the display and the object of the display (for example, in the case of a storehouse, the storage status of products). The contents of the display are varied according to the location of the display: for example, (1) instructions and actual conditions of storage of products in the storehouse; and (2) requirement of parts from assembly lines to a parts warehouse and status of delivery of parts from the parts warehouse.

Abstract: The specification discloses a support system for parts standardization, a method therefore, a computer program for executing the method and a recording medium storing the computer program capable of being read out by a computer. A support system for parts standardization for selecting standard parts from plural parts, which comprises: a first database storage for storing data representing attributes of the plural parts, a second database storage for storing standardization parameter data that can be criteria on judgment whether the plural parts are standard parts, a nearby range input device for preparing a nearby range data upon inputting of numerals corresponding to a parameter name, and a standard parts judging apparatus for judging whether the plural parts are standard parts, upon the databases, standardization parameter data and nearby range data.

Abstract: An order assembly production system comprises means for showing an order-entry screen to select a frame of a product to be manufactured and an essential unit, means for generating a main body model number based on items selected on the order-entry screen, means for creating a manufacturing parts list for each main body model number based on a product components list showing a list of units as the selectable essential units of each model and the items selected on the order-entry screen, and means for settling delivery time based on a production schedule formed every model and the manufacturing parts list of each main body model number and instructing to start production.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for dynamically coordinating one or more product orders with product parts progressing through a manufacturing process flow. After identifying a first order for generating one or more lots of parts for manufacturing a first product, wherein the first order identifies a predetermined base feature, one or more customer specific features, one or more order specific features, and the quantity of the first product, A smart code is assigned to the first order and the lots of parts, wherein the smart code identifies an association between the first order and the lots of parts. An analysis is then performed, based on the smart codes assigned thereto, to see whether one or more available lots of parts of a second order in production are ready to be converted to produce the first product. The smart code of the available lots is changed to the smart code of the first order if the available lots of the second order are chosen to be further processed for fulfilling the first order.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling page cost in an image rendering device. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and technique that facilitates the limitations of page costs of color documents by establishing a threshold cost limitation and controlling the colorant amounts to be used on the page to ensure that the cost limitation is met.

Abstract: A system and method for generating disassembly, procurement and production plans dealing with recyclable parts and products are provided. Production demand information on products to be manufactured, collection schedule information on individual used products and recyclable part table on recyclable parts contained in the used products are stored in memory; recyclable part availability information is generated by referring to the collection schedule information and the recyclable part table; and by referring to the production demand information and the recyclable part availability information, a disassembly plan on the recyclable parts is created based on the production demand. Further, the production demand information and the recyclable part availability information are referenced to generate a procurement plan on parts and materials that cannot be fully supplied from available, recyclable parts alone. Based on the disassembly and procurement plans, a production plan is created.

Abstract: A system and method for reserving manufacturing capacity to satisfy a customer deliverable order for a product. The system and method uses a relational database tool adapted to receive said customer deliverable order; and a product manager tool operatively connected to said relational database tool, said product manager tool being adapted to obtain a block of part numbers from unallocated part numbers and to supply said block of part number to said relation database.

Abstract: Databases store therein CAD drawings which different manufacturers have. Other databases store therein equipment specifications. All the databases are connected to a user terminal via a communication line. Data stored-destination address information is inputted to designate information on the CAD drawing or the equipment specification, from a user terminal, and one of the databases is searched based on the data stored-destination address information, thereby selecting the information on the CAD drawing or the equipment specification is selected from one of the databases, corresponding to the data-stored destination address information, based on the search.

Abstract: A system and method for generating disassembly, procurement and production plans dealing with recyclable parts and products are provided. Production demand information on products to be manufactured, collection schedule information on individual used products and recyclable part table on recyclable parts contained in the used products are stored in memory; recyclable part availability information is generated by referring to the collection schedule information and the recyclable part table; and by referring to the production demand information and the recyclable part availability information, a disassembly plan on the recyclable parts is created based on the production demand. Further, the production demand information and the recyclable part availability information are referenced to generate a procurement plan on parts and materials that cannot be fully supplied from available, recyclable parts alone. Based on the disassembly and procurement plans, a production plan is created.

Abstract: An improved method for instructing how to most efficiently effect a product changeover on an assembly line includes the steps of providing an instructional animation which schematically shows the steps which are to be taken by a plurality of workers to effect the changeover. Preferably, the animation is a computer animation, and includes color-coded representations of the various workers and the steps that should be taken in a particular sequence. Preferably, the workers are also provided with instructional badges which could be carried by the workers, and which are also color-coded. The animation will also include access to these color-coded instruction to provide further feedback to both the worker, and the supervisory personnel of the steps an individual worker should be taking during a particular point in the assembly in changeover.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: System and method for controlling the use of control wafers in a semiconductor fabrication line with load balancing and resource minimization. A preferred embodiment comprises a control wafer manager (for example, control wafer manager 605) and an inventory manager (for example, inventory manager 630). The control wafer manager uses a fabrication process dependency graph (for example, fabrication process dependency graph 407) to help determine where a control wafer may be able to go after it has completed its current process step. The inventory manager uses available inventory at each process step to assist in the decision process. Finally, a check-in process is used to ensure accurate inventory control.

Abstract: A method for computer-aided pulled-flow production management including constructing a nomenclature as a numerical table including information relative to links between a finished product and components composing the finished product, constructing a numerical table pertaining to parameters of each of the components, and determining the number of product requirements including constructing a numerical table of calendar requirements over a period of time, wherein each component for the components whose descriptor has a kanban step is associated with a numerical table including counter descriptors counter C0 in which is recorded a state of a number of kanban in circulation with a preceding calculation of requirements, counter C1 in which is recorded a state of a total number of kanban after a last calculation of the requirements, counter C2 in which is recorded a state of a number of kanban available in stock, pending counter C3 in which is recorded a state of a number of pending kanban and not transmitted to co

Abstract: An improved method for instructing how to most efficiently effect a product changeover on an assembly line includes the steps of providing an instructional animation which schematically shows the steps which are to be taken by a plurality of workers to effect the changeover. Preferably, the animation is a computer animation, and includes color-coded representations of the various workers and the steps that should be taken in a particular sequence. Preferably, the workers are also provided with instructional badges which could be carried by the workers, and which are also color-coded. The animation will also include access to these color-coded instruction to provide further feedback to both the worker, and the supervisory personnel of the steps an individual worker should be taking during a particular point in the assembly in changeover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated tracking system and method for providing a company and its customers with information about part and repair status. The tracking system broadly comprises a central processing unit for receiving data about a plurality of parts to be tracked. The central processing unit includes a staging table module for receiving and gathering the inputted data, a master table module for receiving the inputted data from the staging table module and for analyzing, organizing, and standardizing the inputted parts data, and a temporary table module for aggregating transactional records about the parts, which transactional records contain performance metrics on the parts.

Abstract: A supply chain system including a first interface operable to allow a first individual to input first information associated with an item and a second interface operable to allow a second individual to input second information associated with a first processing of the item, wherein the first interface and the second interface are coupled to each other via a network connection.