System and method for accommodating atypical customer requirements in a mass customization
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A build-to-order manufacturing facility comprising:
- a build cell where components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer;
a first network connection connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that data from the on-site server can be transferred to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer; and
a supplemental network connection connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server containing proprietary data of the specific customer, such that the proprietary data of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A build cell is utilized to manufacture computers and load data into the computers according to customer orders. The build cell may include a build station at which components are assembled into a computer and a first network connection that links the computer with an on-site server. The build cell may also include a supplemental network connection that links the computer with an off-site server. Data from the on-site and off-site servers can be transferred to the computer via the first network connection and the supplemental network connection, respectively. Manufacturing facilities and assembly units including the same or similar functionality are also disclosed.
159 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A build-to-order manufacturing facility comprising:
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a build cell where components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer; a first network connection connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that data from the on-site server can be transferred to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer; and a supplemental network connection connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server containing proprietary data of the specific customer, such that the proprietary data of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A build cell for assembling computers and loading data into the computers according to specific customer orders, the build cell comprising:
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a build station where components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer; a burn station in the build cell that receives the computer from the build station; a first network connection connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that data from the on-site server can be transferred to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer; and a supplemental network connection connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server containing proprietary data of the specific customer, such that the proprietary data of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A build-to-order manufacturing facility comprising:
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a kitting facility where components are collected for a specific order for a specific customer; an on-site server that contains a software product required by the specific order for the specific customer; a build cell that receives the components from the kitting facility; a build station in the build cell, where the components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer; a burn station in the build cell that receives the computer from the build station; a first network connection in the burn station connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that the software product can be transferred from on the on-site server to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer; a finishing station that receives the computer from the burn station after the software product has been transferred to the computer from on the on-site server; a supplemental network connection in the finishing station connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server that contains proprietary software of the specific customer, such that the proprietary software of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection; and a boxing facility where the computer is packaged after the proprietary software of the specific customer has been transferred to the computer from the off-site server.
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Specification