Managing an inventory of service parts
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method, implemented using a computer, for optimizing TSLs (“
- target stock levels”
) for an inventory of stock keeping units (“
SKUs”
), the method comprising;
developing a service strategy for assigning a service level for each of a plurality of segments;
identifying, using the computer, at least one logistically distinct business (“
LDB”
) from the plurality of segments, wherein the at least one LDB represents a flow pattern of SKUs in a supply chain determined to have a unique demand or supply characteristic;
assigning the plurality of segments to a “
best-fit”
planning model for indicating deployment, replenishment, forecasting and review characteristics for the plurality of segments;
identifying, using the computer, a probability distribution function (“
PDF”
) for estimating a demand process of the plurality of segments; and
calculating, using the computer, a TSL for the plurality of segments based on the PDF and the at least one LDB.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inventory of service parts may be managed by assessing a company'"'"'s capability, optimizing the inventory and implementing a management program based on the assessment and optimization. Optimizing target stock levels for the inventory of parts may be accomplished by calculating an inventory baseline for understanding information about the currently held inventory; developing a service strategy for a set of segments; quantifying a service level for each of the segments; analyzing the segments and their service levels for identifying at least one logistically distinct business; assigning each of the segments to a “best-fit” planning model for indicating each segment'"'"'s deployment, replenishment, forecasting and review characteristics; identifying a probability distribution function for estimating a demand process of each of the segments; and calculating a target stock level for each segment.
33 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method, implemented using a computer, for optimizing TSLs (“
- target stock levels”
) for an inventory of stock keeping units (“
SKUs”
), the method comprising;developing a service strategy for assigning a service level for each of a plurality of segments; identifying, using the computer, at least one logistically distinct business (“
LDB”
) from the plurality of segments, wherein the at least one LDB represents a flow pattern of SKUs in a supply chain determined to have a unique demand or supply characteristic;assigning the plurality of segments to a “
best-fit”
planning model for indicating deployment, replenishment, forecasting and review characteristics for the plurality of segments;identifying, using the computer, a probability distribution function (“
PDF”
) for estimating a demand process of the plurality of segments; andcalculating, using the computer, a TSL for the plurality of segments based on the PDF and the at least one LDB. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- target stock levels”
-
14. A method, implemented using a computer, for determining a target stock level for an inventory of stock keeping units, the method comprising:
-
analyzing, using the computer, a plurality of stock keeping units (“
SKUs”
) to identify at least one logistically distinct business, wherein the at least one logistically distinct business represents a flow pattern of the plurality of SKUs in a supply chain determined to have a unique demand or supply characteristic;running analytics and performing qualitative analysis to align the plurality of SKUs to a “
best-fit”
planning model;
statistically identifying, using the computer, a probability distribution function (“
PDF”
) for demand of the plurality of SKUs; andassigning, using the computer, a deployment algorithm based on the PDF and the at least one logistically distinct business to deliver a target stock level to probably meet a service level at a desired cost objective. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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15. A computer-readable hardware medium containing a computer program for programming a computer to determine determining a target stock level for an inventory of stock keeping units, the computer program being executed using at least one computer processor, the computer program comprising:
-
a code segment, executed using the at least one computer processor, analyzing a plurality of stock keeping units (“
SKUs”
) to identify at least one logistically distinct business, wherein the at least one logistically distinct business represents a flow pattern of the plurality of SKUs in a supply chain determined to have a unique demand or supply characteristic;a code segment running analytics and performing qualitative analysis to align the plurality of SKUs to a “
best-fit”
planning model;a code segment, executed using the at least one computer processor, statistically identifying a probability distribution function (“
PDF”
) for demand of the plurality of SKUs; anda code segment, executed using the at least one computer processor, assigning a deployment algorithm based on the PDF and the at least one logistically distinct business to deliver a target stock level to probably meet a service level at a desired cost objective. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeAccenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
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Original AssigneeAccenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
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InventorsDerrick, R. Douglas, Giacobbe, Robert A.
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Primary Examiner(s)ADE, OGER GARCIA
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Application NumberUS10/862,935Publication NumberTime in Patent Office2,961 DaysField of Search705 26- 28US Class Current705/28CPC Class CodesG06Q 10/06315 Needs-based resource requir...G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock manageme...
