Resolving demand and supply imbalances

US8275677B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Edward W. Armstrong · Chapel Hill, US
• Brian T. Eck · Poughkeepsie, US
• Mark Henderson · Patterson, US
• Daniel Peters · Poughquag, US
• Howard K. Porter · Morrisville, US
• Linda L. Scheib · Austin, US
• Elizabeth C. Szymanowicz · Newburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 20, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/0875
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A storage medium for resolving demand and supply imbalances is provided. The storage medium includes machine-readable computer program code and instructions for causing a computer to implement a method. The method includes identifying an excess component inventory liability or constraint in supply capability for an end product by matching current buying patterns for the end product against inventory liability and supply capability based on a previous demand forecast. Where excess component inventory liability exists, the method includes: refocusing the excess component inventory liability by determining alternative end products that use components identified in the excess component inventory liability; and executing sales activities for enticing sales of the alternative end products. Where constrained supply capability exists, the method includes determining alternative end products that are functionally equivalent to those in the constrained supply capability, and executing sales activities for enticing sales of functionally equivalent alternative end products.