SPARE PARTS INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
First Claim
1. A method for managing enterprise-wide component inventory, comprising the steps of:
- a. identifying a plurality of components, each comprising a part or tool used in support of at least one manufacturing process;
b. maintaining at least one inventory store of the components;
c. calculating an enterprise-wide demand plan for each of the components; and
d. adjusting the number of the component maintained in the inventory store based upon the demand plan.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for managing enterprise-wide component inventory, comprising the steps of:
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a. identifying a plurality of components, each comprising a part or tool used in support of at least one manufacturing process;
b. maintaining at least one inventory store of the components;
c. calculating an enterprise-wide demand plan for each of the components; and
d. adjusting the number of the component maintained in the inventory store based upon the demand plan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for managing enterprise-wide component inventory, comprising the steps of:
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a. identifying demand values for spare parts used in support of a plurality of manufacturing processes located at multiple facilities;
b. maintaining at least one inventory store of the spare parts;
c. separating breakdown demand for each spare part from non-breakdown demand for each spare part;
d. determining an average demand level for each spare part;
e. calculating a theoretical safety stock level for each spare part based upon an analysis of the statistical distribution of breakdown demand values for the part, the planned delivery time for the part, and an availability requirement for the part;
f. calculating a forecast demand for each spare part based upon the average demand level, planned delivery times, and theoretical safety stock level;
g. placing orders for each spare part such that the inventory store contains sufficient numbers of each spare part to meet the calculated demand; and
h. placing orders for each spare part such that sufficient parts are delivered to facilities in accordance with planned delivery times to meet non-breakdown demand. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for managing enterprise-wide component inventory, comprising the steps of:
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a. monitoring at least one identification device associated with a component, the component comprising a spare part or tool used in support of a manufacturing process;
b. determining a physical location of the component in response to the monitoring; and
c. adjusting inventory data for the component based upon the location of the component. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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22. A method for managing enterprise-wide component inventory, comprising the steps of:
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a. identifying a plurality of components, each comprising a part or tool used in support of at least one manufacturing process;
b. maintaining warranty data for each component;
c. evaluating component status based component data, including the history of the component and the warranty data; and
d. providing for repair in accordance with the warranty data for each component. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification