Abstract: Systems and methods to select a vehicle component are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives first configuration data defining a first vehicle assembly configuration, category data defining a component category, and component data defining a vehicle component. The system stores the configuration data and the category data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the component data satisfies a selected vehicle assembly configuration definition and whether the component data satisfies a selected component category definition. The system outputs a representation of the vehicle component if the component data satisfies the selected vehicle assembly configuration definition and the selected component category definition thereby automatically selecting the component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a personalized cosmetic product, said method comprising, receiving data relating to a person; obtaining a predefined list of items and determining at least one item to be used in manufacturing the personalized cosmetic product according to the data relating to a person. The apparatus containing a computerized device for analyzing the received personalized data according to the list of items.

Abstract: A manufacturing production and process electronic data model and method of defining the model are provided, in which the model defines the manufacturing of a defined end output product. The electronic data model includes, firstly, a top-level database object that identifies the defined end output product. The electronic data model also includes multiple defined production segment database objects that are each linked to the top-level database object. Each linked production segment database object 1) identifies a defined segment output product, 2) includes a defined bill of material needed as inputs to produce the defined segment output product, and 3) includes a defined routing that describes how the defined segment output product is produced. One of the defined segment output products is the defined end output product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing product quality is disclosed. The method integrates various inspections on quality of materials and products from purchasing the materials until delivering the products to customers. A related system is also disclosed. By utilizing the method and the related system, multiple inspection results are recorded.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a paint formula having an effect pigment is provided. The system includes a coarseness gauge which may be placed adjacent to a painted surface, such as that of a vehicle. A technician compares the gauge to the painted surface to determine a coarseness of the effect pigment. This coarseness is then used to select and/or adjust a paint formula such that an accurate match may be achieved.

Abstract: A production planning support method and a system thereof are disclosed, wherein in order to facilitate the change in the production plan to suppress the inventory increase, the future timing to order the parts with an increased order amount and the quantity of the parts already ordered for the production planning amount at a given timing are grasped in advance. The feature of the invention lies in that the part order timing information is collected for each order timing and converted into the amount of money thereby to calculate the order amount for each order timing. The result is formed into graphs, so that the production planning amount at a given timing and the order amount required for the parts to meet the production plan collectively shown for each period are presented as juxtaposed graphs to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for improving planning, scheduling, and supply chain management. Embodiments of the invention can provide some or all of the following: improved systems and methods for determining an optimal lot size, improved systems and methods for determining optimal WIP levels, improved systems and methods for an inventory advisor module, improved systems and methods for integrating functionality of a lot sizer and WIP module and an inventory module, improved systems and methods for implementing multi-echelon inventory analysis, and improved systems and methods for partitioning planning information.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting decisions for improvement of environmental loads has: environmental load per-process collecting means; proportional distributing condition per-parts storing means for storing conditions to proportionally distribute the environmental loads every parts; parts attribute storing means; manufacturing condition storing means; parts attribute calculating condition storing means for storing environmental load calculating conditions to calculate the environmental load per parts; environmental load per-parts calculating means; environmental load per-parts/process storing means for storing the environmental loads every parts/process; bill of materials (BOM) storing means; product manufacturing amount storing means; contribution degree per-product/process evaluating means for collecting the environmental loads per parts/process and calculating a contribution degree of each product to the environmental load amount of each process by multiplying the collected environmental load amount by the numb

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method for generating a virtual brick model. The virtual brick models are generated by users and uploaded to a centralized host system. Users can build virtual models themselves or download and edit another user's virtual brick models while retaining the identity of the original virtual brick model. Routines are provided for both storing user created building steps in and generating automated building instructions for virtual brick models, generating a bill of materials for a virtual brick model and ordering physical bricks corresponding to a virtual brick model.

Abstract: The design/manufacture support system has a self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit for storing the correspondence between parts numbers of self company and correspondent parts, a self company parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts of a self company product, a correspondent parts bill storage unit for storing a structure of parts purchased from a correspondent, a representative part creation unit for creating a representative part from the correspondence between self company and correspondent parts numbers stored in the self company/correspondent parts number correspondence storing unit, and a parts bill creation unit for creating a parts bill from the representative part created by the representative part creation unit, the self company parts bill stored in the self company parts bill storage unit and the correspondent parts bill stored in the correspondent parts bill storage unit.

Abstract: A system for integration of material costs of a product (1) can calculate material costs of a product according to purchase data, inventory data and material consumption data. The system for integration of material costs of a product is connected to a number of client terminals (3), a purchase management system (6), an inventory management system (8) and a production management system (9) via a network (2). The system for integration of material costs of a product includes a web server (12), a database server (14), and a database (16). The web server is connected to the database server, which contains the database. The web server stores a number of software function modules for receiving and processing data from the client terminals, and for returning results to the client terminals after processing. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a remote manufacturing facility are described. The system includes a network, data store, interface, and a processor. The interface is located at a manufacturing facility. The processor and data store are located at a location removed from the manufacturing facility. The network communicatively couples the interface to the data store and the processor. The data store includes information that directs technicians through the steps associated with manufacturing sub-assemblies and assemblies. The information includes bill-of-materials, manufacturing instructions, partially completed quality assurance documents, part identifiers and part parameters, tool identifiers and tool parameters, as well as annotations and images.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electronic circuits including generating CAD data, a bill of materials and an approved component vendor list for an electronic circuit and employing the CAD data, the bill of materials and the approved component vendor list for automatically generating a pick & place machine-specific component loading specification, a pick & place machine-specific component placement sequence and pick & place machine-specific component data for governing the operation of at least one specific pick & place machine in a manufacturing line.

Abstract: A computer implemented Availability Checking Tool wherein tool users work within a common work environment, from common enterprise data, and considering assets and demands across multiple order management systems and manufacturing facilities within boundaries established by manufacturing specifications, process flows and business policies. Tool users can easily maintain a synergistic relationship between orders from multiple demand sources or ordering systems. A demand configurator receives demand information from each demand source and coordinates product requests in accordance with customer request rules and priorities. A supply configurator receives manufacturing and planning data from a planning source and manipulates the received manufacturing and planning data to create new supply data. A material resource engine provides material supply information from the new supply data, the received demand information following product supply rules and priorities.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing a system including an element, wherein the element connects a plurality of components. First, a system design including the plurality of components is established. A diagram associated with the system design is generated, the wiring diagram including the element and the plurality of components. Guidelines for designing the structure are established. A routing pattern in the system for the element is then determined automatically based on the diagram and the guidelines.

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

Abstract: A design data management program directs a computer to perform a procedure of converting design data generated at a designing side to a data format applicable to a production side and transmitting the data to the production side, and a procedure of converting the data to data described in a predetermined language and storing the data in the storage device when a notification of a change of the design data is received from the production side.

Abstract: Modeling a process chain includes mapping processes in the process chain to control cycles, defining states for the control cycles, and defining couplings between states in different control cycles such that a state change in one control cycle causes a state change in another control cycle. The control cycles may be Kanban control cycles.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to facilitate the entry of a sensor node and the adoption of a protocol in the existing sensor network system effectively utilizing limited resources of radiocommunication. To achieve the object, the following are provided. A sensor node has a radiocommunication unit that transmits a measured value sensed by a sensor and an identifier of a sensor node as binary measured data. A base station has a radiocommunication controller that receives the measured data from the sensor node, a wire communication controller that transmits the received measured data to a server, a conversion definition information selector that selects conversion definition information corresponding to the identifier included in the measured data out of preset plural conversion definition information and a conversion engine that converts the binary measured data to measured data in a text format based upon the selected conversion definition information.

Abstract: An MRP explosion portion calculates the amount of common and optional parts necessary for producing a forecasted sales amount of products. An amount correlated with actual results of received product orders is added to the amount of optional parts. The delivery amounts are added to stock amount parts data corresponding to the shared and optional parts. If a required amount of products is accepted, an MRP implosion portion assigns shared and optional parts to the required amount of products, and subtracts the amount of the assigned common and optional parts from the stock amount parts data. Then, with respect to each kind of product, an excess amount of common parts is assigned. The amount of products of the kinds to which the excess amount of common parts has been assigned are output as the amount of products of the kinds for which additional orders can be received.

Abstract: A system and method schedule manufacturing of a product by a requested availability date. Sources of supply are selected for a given material to be used for manufacturing the product. A check is then performed for each source of supply to ensure that a valid-to date of the source of supply is equal or later than a plan start date. Lead times for sources of supply are calculated having a valid-to date equal or later than a plan start date. A source of supply is selected as a function of a validity interval of the source and a validity date.

Abstract: A method for automatically designing a buffer packing size and a computer accessible storage media to store program thereof are provided. First, a buffer thickness of a buffer material is calculated, and a buffer area for a surface of the object receiving an impact is calculated according to a weight of an object and a static stress of the buffer material. Next, a suitable buffer packing size is automatically calculated according to the buffer thickness and the buffer area.

Abstract: A method of controlling an optimal cost is proposed, which can be applied to a circuitry designing process for making electronic products, allowing a user in drawing a circuitry to choose elements of identical specification with different unit prices, thereby achieving the objective of cost-optimization. The cost-optimization method comprises the steps of: first, integrating data of each of the elements of identical specification at different unit prices to form an element database; then, choosing each of the required elements for drawing the circuitry according to the data stored in the element database. The method provides an element database capable of storing and displaying electronic elements of identical specification with different unit prices for the users' selection, thereby achieving a primary objective of effectively controlling an optimal cost in circuitry designing.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a vehicle component are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives first configuration data defining a first vehicle assembly configuration, category data defining a component category, and component data defining a vehicle component. The system stores the configuration data and the category data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the component data satisfies a selected vehicle assembly configuration definition and whether the component data satisfies a selected component category definition. The system outputs a representation of the vehicle component if the component data satisfies the selected vehicle assembly configuration definition and the selected component category definition thereby automatically selecting the component.

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 computer implemented management domain for controlling the production of low volume advanced technology articles of manufacture is provided. The management domain includes an information library, an integrated manufacturing intelligence, and an interrogation network which includes a plurality of analyzers. The information library includes a plurality of databases, each of which include objects of an object schema. Objects of the object schema of any one database are linked or linkable to dependent objects of objects of an object schema of another of the databases. The integrated manufacturing intelligence includes a plurality of processors for processing data of the databases. Each analyzer of the plurality of analyzers executable with regard to an advanced technology article of manufacture and/or any object of the objects of said object schema of the databases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for compiling production and planning information. In one embodiment, a system for planning the production of a product includes at least one database configured to store engineering information related to the product, and further configured to store process information related to the product, and a processor coupled to the at least one database to combine selected information from the at least one database to generate a manufacturing planning document that defines the product. In another embodiment, a method of generating a manufacturing bill of material for a selected product includes compiling a process data structure from the process information, compiling a product data structure from the engineering information, and generating a manufacturing bill of material by combining the process data structure and the product data structure.

Abstract: A distributed, network-based system, method, and computer program product determines an optimal allocation of available to promise components in a supply chain. An aggregate demand request is generated by a demand entity intelligent agent. The aggregate demand request is propagated via a network throughout the supply chain to a plurality of supply entity intelligent agents. The supply entity intelligent agents respond with an evaluation of available to promise supply capability. Optimal allocation of the available to promise supply is made by calculating a sequence of squared set solutions of unit demand problems using a message-based communications protocol between the demand entity and supply entity intelligent agent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electronic circuits including generating CAD data, a bill of materials and an approved component vendor list for an electronic circuit and employing the CAD data, the bill of materials and the approved component vendor list for automatically generating a pick & place machine-specific component loading specification, a pick & place machine-specific component placement sequence and pick & place machine-specific component data for governing the operation of at least one specific pick & place machine in a manufacturing line.

Abstract: A computer implemented Availability Checking Tool wherein tool users work within a common work environment, from common enterprise data, and considering assets and demands across multiple order management systems and manufacturing facilities within boundaries established by manufacturing specifications, process flows and business policies. Tool users can easily maintain a synergistic relationship between orders from multiple demand sources or ordering systems. A demand configurator receives demand information from each demand source and coordinates product requests in accordance with customer request rules and priorities. A supply configurator receives manufacturing and planning data from a planning source and manipulates the received manufacturing and planning data to create new supply data. A material resource engine provides material supply information from the new supply data, the received demand information following product supply rules and priorities.

Abstract: A parts list system includes a CAD section and a parts list section. The CAD section generates a CAD figure of a part included in an apparatus based on design reference data, and extracts a part number of the part, configuration part numbers of configuration parts of the part and attribute data from the CAD figure. Here, the design reference data is reference for design. The attribute data indicate properties of the part and the configuration parts. The parts list section generates the parts list based on the part number, the configuration part numbers and the attribute data from the CAD figure and the design reference data. Here, the parts list relates the part number, the configuration part numbers and part data. The part data indicate properties of the part and the configuration part. Then, the CAD section modifies the CAD figure based on a modification command showing a modified design, and extracts the part number, the configuration part numbers and the attribute data from the modified CAD figure.

Abstract: A method for repairing an HVAC system is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the HVAC system and receiving data associated therewith, determining whether the data received from the plurality of sensors is within corresponding predetermined operational parameters, analyzing data determined to be outside the corresponding predetermined operational parameters to diagnose a malfunction of the HVAC system, accessing an on-board bill of materials to determine a proper replacement part to correct the malfunction, automatically ordering the replacement part, and automatically dispatching a service technician to install the replacement part.

Abstract: Techniques for determining how to translate forecast sales data of at least one configuration of assembled product into a forecast schedule of subcomponents composing the assembled product is described. To this end, forecast sales data of at least one configuration of assembled product is received. Usage factors of a plurality of subcomponents composing the assembled product are also received. Each usage factor corresponds to the at least one configuration of assembled product. The forecast schedule of subcomponents composing the assembled product is then composed by applying the usage factors of the plurality of subcomponents to the forecast sales data of at least one configuration of assembled product wherein the forecast schedule includes demand for the subcomponents over time.

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 method for managing spare parts and tools for a manufacturing enterprise is disclosed. Historical demand values are statistically analyzed to determine optimal stocking levels for spare parts based upon required availability percentages, parts lead times, and the statistical distribution parts demand levels. Parts stocking decisions can also be based upon planned and preventative maintenance timeframes with such parts ordered on an as-needed basis in accordance with lead times. Spare parts inventory management can utilize an enterprise-wide computer system to integrate parts demand planning with systems used for engineering and other changes to manufacturing processes and facility maintenance systems. The computer system can perform varying degrees of the parts reordering and planning process and automate certain steps while providing for decision of other issues by parts management personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Lean and Agile methods and their applications to manufacturing operations on production floors. A web assessable, modular, user modifiable, and graphically-enriched system and software is disclosed in this document. It provides real time Lean and Agile solutions to reduce production wastes and to enhance productivity and efficiency for manufacturing organizations.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step.

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: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for integrating rework operations into an advanced planning process. The method comprises: providing at least one rework Bill of Materials flow for use in conjunction with other Bills of Materials flow in a production planning process; forecasting rework parametric information associated with the rework Bill of Materials flow; and generating an integrated manufacturing plan utilizing the rework parametric information and the rework Bill of Materials flow. The rework parametric information includes at least one of: yields; cycle times; capacities; and rework materials. Other embodiments of the invention include a system, and a storage medium.

Abstract: A method is provided of restricted substance management and recycling in a manufacturing environment. The method includes the steps of inputting restricted substances and recycle content data of parts supplied by a supplier for a vehicle into a computer system of a vehicle manufacturer. The method also includes the steps of reviewing the inputted data and determining parts with banned or recycled content or substances over predetermined thresholds. The method further includes the steps of reporting the determined parts to the supplier and vehicle manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of automatically modelling a relationship between a configurable product and a plurality of components of the configurable product as a bill of materials, wherein the configurable product and the plurality of components are related to one another by a plurality of selection conditions. The method comprising: providing a processor device; generating in demand planning a plurality of characteristic value combinations representing the plurality of selection conditions, modelling the bill of materials using the characteristic value combinations, and using the bill of material to control the supply of the product.

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: A data management system propagates changes in product information. The product information is stored in a central data base for transfer to remote systems having disparate formats and protocols. The system includes an administration module to validate product data stored in the data base. This ensures that the data is accessible by the system. The system also includes a product change module configured to determine whether a change has been made to data related to a product. When changes are discovered, a data management server is alerted to the change. In response to the alert, the data server extracts, formats and transmits the changes in product data from the central data base to an appropriate user system. An application adapter communicating with the user system then receives the changed data from the data server and formats the data according to the user system platform.

Abstract: A method of modular design suitable for use, for example, in a CAD program is provided. In one aspect, the method is embodied in a CAD program specifically configured to support modular design, or more specifically, concurrent and consistent design of multiple installation assemblies of a product. Each installation assembly consists of a reference assembly and a Bill-of-Material (BOM) assembly. The BOM assembly contains component models that are the modular elements to be designed. The reference assembly contains referenced assemblies that are installed to make up the design environment for the component models in the BOM assembly. The BOM assembly in one installation assembly can be reused as a referenced assembly in the reference assembly of another installation assembly. Any changes made to the BOM assembly are automatically reflected in the reference assembly that contains the same BOM assembly as a referenced assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a tool for computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing forming a Project Management System, comprising: (1) a Component Database; (2) a Component Data Management System; (3) a Design and Manufacturing System; (4) an Assembly Drawing Generator; (5) a Bill of Materials Generator; and, (7) a Project Database. The Project Manager tracks the process and actions, recording and supervising version and change order compliance and task completion, from the start through verification of a production-ready finished version. Each project uses a master workbench. On it design specifications are entered for each subassembly element and connector. Then the user consults the Component Database using a Search and Cross Reference engine for components meeting those design specifications, until a constraint-satisfying design is completed. The tool generates a Bill of Materials, Assembly Drawings, and process records for the project in process.

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: Controlling stocker capacity in an automated facility and controlling monitor budgets by capped releases, capped FOUP supplies, and wafer reuse methodology. A Database is used to order, track, and reclaim test (monitor) wafers in the FAB. The database automatically controls the amount of FOUPs in the FAB as well as the amount of wafers released into the FAB each day. This database also interacts with the Control Center in helping to release monitor wafers in the FAB.

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: A bill of materials (BOM) sourcing system includes one or more data storage locations that store BOM sourcing criteria. The system also includes a sourcing engine that receives a BOM that includes a plurality of part identifiers. The sourcing engine identifies one or more part identifiers included in the BOM and searches supplier data to obtain pricing information associated with the identified parts. Furthermore, the sourcing engine receives sourcing criteria and determines which supplier should be used to supply each identified part based on the pricing information and the sourcing criteria. In addition, the system includes a transaction execution module that receives from the sourcing engine a part identifier for each identified part and the identity of the supplier to be used to supply each identified part. The transaction execution module generates one or more transaction documents based on this information and communicates the one or more transaction documents to the associated suppliers.