Method and system for objectively optimizing manufacturing sourcing

US7865381B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• David Eagle · Kilmacolm, GB
• David M. Glinski · Rochester, US
• Donald D. Gunvalsen · Elizaville, US
• James A. O'Connor · Ulster Park, US
• Thomas N. Paske · Oronoco, US
• Edward W. Peterson · Del Mar, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 30, 2005
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q99/00
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A scientific complexity quantification system calculates a specific percent complexity index rating for each manufactured product that can be graphed and compared to other products and that is based on mathematical quantifications of each product's key attributes. The complexity index takes into consideration differences in design and manufacturing complexity, financial considerations, product solution complexity and customer experience. The attribute scoring of individual products are then sorted into potential sourcing categories, such as “outsource,” “in house fulfillment,” or “further evaluation needed.”