SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ON DEMAND MANUFACTURING OF CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS
First Claim
1. A system for managing an on-demand manufacturing supply chain personalization process comprising:
- a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memory devices including executable program code configured to be executed by the one or more processors, wherein upon execution by the one or more processors, the executable program code being configured to;
receive an electronic order for one or more customized parts configured to be at least a part of one or more customized products, the electronic order including image and customization data specifying imagery to be applied to one or more blank parts to create the one or more customized parts;
verify availability of enough blank parts in inventory to satisfy the electronic order;
determine that the electronic order can be completed;
schedule a post mold image application process with one or more image application devices available for use, the image application devices comprising at least one post mold decoration direct to surface printing device;
provide an image file to the at least one post mold direct to surface printing device, the image file defining at least a portion of the imagery to be applied to the one or more blank parts;
receive an indication that the imagery has been applied to the one or more blank parts resulting in the one or more customized parts; and
receive input indicating that the one or more customized parts meet an inspection quality standard.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are described herein relating to managing an on-demand manufacturing supply chain personalization process. In some embodiments, the management system and method is described in order to manufacturing customized products according to image and customization data with images applied to parts using a post mold image application process. In other embodiments, customized products are defined by electronic orders that specify product manufacturing data including imagery to be applied to the products. In other embodiments, manufacturing methods are described in which an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or an original design manufacturer (ODM) leverages use of an on demand customizing entity in the manufacturing supply chain. In other embodiments, customized products are described in which imagery spans across multiple components of the products. In other embodiments, re-usable tracking devices and scheduling processes based on filtered options are additionally described. Some embodiments combine one of more of these mentioned embodiments.
187 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for managing an on-demand manufacturing supply chain personalization process comprising:
a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memory devices including executable program code configured to be executed by the one or more processors, wherein upon execution by the one or more processors, the executable program code being configured to; receive an electronic order for one or more customized parts configured to be at least a part of one or more customized products, the electronic order including image and customization data specifying imagery to be applied to one or more blank parts to create the one or more customized parts; verify availability of enough blank parts in inventory to satisfy the electronic order; determine that the electronic order can be completed; schedule a post mold image application process with one or more image application devices available for use, the image application devices comprising at least one post mold decoration direct to surface printing device; provide an image file to the at least one post mold direct to surface printing device, the image file defining at least a portion of the imagery to be applied to the one or more blank parts; receive an indication that the imagery has been applied to the one or more blank parts resulting in the one or more customized parts; and receive input indicating that the one or more customized parts meet an inspection quality standard. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An automated method for managing an on-demand manufacturing supply chain personalization process implemented using at least one processor and at least one memory stored executable program code, the automated method comprising:
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receiving an electronic order for one or more customized parts configured to be at least a part of one or more customized products, the electronic order including image and customization data specifying imagery to be applied to one or more blank parts to create the one or more customized parts; verifying availability of enough blank parts in inventory to satisfy the electronic order; determining that the electronic order can be completed; scheduling a post mold image application process with one or more image application devices available for use, the image application devices comprising at least one post mold decoration direct to surface printing device; providing an image file to the at least one post mold direct to surface printing device, the image file defining at least a portion of the imagery to be applied to the one or more blank parts; receiving an indication that the imagery has been applied to the one or more blank parts resulting in the one or more customized parts; and receiving input indicating that the one or more customized parts meet an inspection quality standard.
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16. A method of manufacturing products comprising:
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receiving, at an original design manufacturer (ODM), an electronic order from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for one or more customized products forecast to have commercial demand, the customized products having imagery applied thereto to create a custom appearance of the customized products, wherein the ODM assembles the customized products for the OEM; receiving, at an on demand customizer (ODC), the electronic order; maintaining at the ODC an inventory of blank parts received by direction of the ODM; applying the imagery to one or more blank parts using a post mold image application process to create one or more customized parts, the one or more customized parts configured to be at least a part of the one or more customized products; delivering the one or more customized parts to the ODM; assembling, by the ODM, the one or more customized products from the one or more customized parts; and delivering the one or more customized products to fulfill the electronic order.
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Specification