Abstract:
A computer-performed method of managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets. A demand is received via a communications network. Based on the demand, one or more intelligent elements are queried via the network, each intelligent element being hosted by a corresponding asset. One or more replies to the querying are received from the intelligent element(s). Based on the replies, at least one of the asset(s) is selected in response to the demand. The method is performed in substantially real time.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to management of assets and, more particularly, to computer-implemented management of supply of and demand for assets. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    In a large enterprise having a plurality of locations, it can be complicated and time consuming to track equipment, repair or maintenance parts, and other assets. When, for example, a part is needed in a maintenance action being performed in one location of the enterprise, it may not be clear as to how a spare part might be obtained with minimal expense and time. Ordering the needed part from a supplier can involve delay and expense, even though the part might in fact be easily obtainable from another location of the enterprise. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure, in one implementation, is directed to a computer-performed method of managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets. A demand is received via a communications network. Based on the demand, one or more intelligent elements are queried via the network, each intelligent element being hosted by a corresponding one of the assets. One or more replies to the querying are received from the intelligent element(s). Based on the replies, at least one of the asset(s) is selected in response to the demand. The method is performed in substantially real time. 
         [0005]    In another implementation, the disclosure is directed to a system for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets. The system includes a communications network. Each asset hosts an intelligent element. At least one processor and memory are configured to communicate with the asset intelligent elements via the network. Each intelligent element is configured to maintain information pertaining to the hosting asset, and based on the information, to initiate a demand to the processor(s) and memory via the network. 
         [0006]    In yet another implementation, the disclosure is directed to a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets. The instructions are operable when executable by one or more processors to receive a demand via a communications network. The instructions are operable to, based on the demand, query one or more intelligent elements via the network, each intelligent element being hosted by a corresponding asset. The instructions are operable to receive one or more replies to the querying from the intelligent element(s); and based on the replie(s), select at least one of the asset(s) in response to the demand. 
         [0007]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets in accordance with one implementation of the disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an intelligent element in accordance with one implementation of the disclosure; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a tool for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets in accordance with one implementation of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. In various implementations, the disclosure is directed to a system for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets. Such assets may include but are not limited to equipment, parts, furnishings, tools, etc. The system includes a software tool that communicates with intelligent elements hosted by the assets. An intelligent element of an asset makes it possible for the asset to store its own part information and maintenance history, and to identify itself in a networked environment. Thus, any asset capable of hosting an intelligent element as further described below could be managed using various implementations of the disclosure. 
         [0013]    One implementation of a system for managing supply of and demand for a plurality of assets is indicated generally in  FIG. 1  by reference number  20 . The system  20  may be used, for example, by a large enterprise for management of requisitioning, maintenance, inventorying, and/or procurement of assets  24 . The assets  24  may be distributed among a plurality of locations of the enterprise and may be of many different types. 
         [0014]    The assets  24  are “intelligent”. For example, each asset  24  hosts an intelligent element  28  capable of retaining and transmitting information. Such information may include but is not limited to information pertaining to its hosting asset  24 . Information may be transmitted wirelessly in the system  20 , for example, between an asset&#39;s intelligent element  28  and a supply and demand management software tool  32 . Wireless communication may be via a network indicated generally by reference number  36 . The network  36  includes one or more gateways  38 . It should be noted that where an enterprise in which the system  20  is used is very large, a plurality of network gateways  38  could be distributed over a range of locations. 
         [0015]    The software tool  32  resides in one or more computers  40  having one or more processors and memory. Although a single computer  40  is shown in  FIG. 1 , it is understood in the art that many different numbers and configurations of computers, processors, and/or memory of various types could be used to provide the functionality described in the disclosure. It also should be noted that the disclosure may be implemented using at least some wired communication and is not limited to exclusively wireless connections. For example, in the system  20  wired connections  44  are indicated by solid lines and wireless connections  48  are indicated by dashed lines. 
         [0016]    An exemplary intelligent element  28  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The element  28  includes a processor chip  80  and dynamic memory  82 . The processor  80  is powered by a power source  84  and is operatively connected with a transmit/receive antenna  88 . The processor  80  also communicates with one or more sensors  90 . Sensor(s)  90  may sense variables such as temperature, vibration, humidity, energy usage, etc. The processor  80  is configured to execute rules and/or programming for data management, wireless communication and networking, and sensor integration. 
         [0017]    The intelligent element  28  is configured to retain and wirelessly transmit identity, location and/or other information pertaining to its host asset  24 . The element  28  may send and receive data and/or instructions pertaining to its host asset  24  across the network  36 , through any gateway  38  within range. Intelligent elements  28  may include active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags such as motes. Exemplary motes may include but are not limited to Intel® Motes, available from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., and/or Crossbow® Imote2 motes, available from Crossbow Technology, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. 
         [0018]    It should be noted that intelligent elements are not limited to the foregoing configurations. Many different numbers, types and configurations of components are possible. As one example, an intelligent element could include more than one memory and/or more than one processor. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of an intelligent element could be distributed with reference to its host asset. As one example, an antenna of an intelligent element could be positioned apart from a box holding other components of an intelligent element. 
         [0019]    Intelligent elements  28  may communicate with one another to exchange data with one another. In such manner, assets  24  may self-organize into ad-hoc networks. Intelligent elements  28  can form wireless sensor networks. When a group of intelligent elements  28  are placed in proximity to one another, they are capable of wirelessly linking together to form a sensor network. The elements  28  may broadcast combined sensor data to various recipients. In some implementations, intelligent elements  28  in an ad-hoc network may broadcast to a single source, e.g., to an intelligent element  28  that is closer to a network gateway  38  than other intelligent elements  28  in the ad-hoc network. Thus, for example, if the number of gateways  38  in the system  20  is limited, a given gateway  38  can be located such that a single intelligent element  28  within communication range of the given gateway can provide access by other more remote intelligent elements  28  to that gateway. 
         [0020]    Intelligent elements  28  can also communicate with one another to provide location information for a given intelligent element  28 . Elements  28  can perform triangulation, for example, using signal timing. The timing can be used to obtain intersecting spatial arcs to locate an intelligent element. Additionally or alternatively, elements  28  can compare signal strength to obtain triangulation data for locating an element  28 . 
         [0021]    The software tool  32  can communicate with a plurality of demand sources  56 . For example, a supply requisition system  60  may issue a requisition request to the tool  32 , thereby cueing the tool  32  to locate an asset  24  to fulfill the requisition request. The tool  32  may be prompted by one or more maintenance reports from a maintenance reporting system  64  to locate one or more assets  24 , e.g., for use as repair or replacement parts in a maintenance activity. Additionally or alternatively, an intelligent asset  24  may cue the tool  32  to take one or more actions. For example, information about the life expectancy of an asset  24  may be stored in memory of the intelligent element  28  hosted by the asset. When the asset  24  is approaching the end of its life expectancy, the intelligent element  28  may issue a requisition request to the tool  32  for a replacement for the host asset  24 . In such manner, an intelligent asset  24  can request its own replacement. 
         [0022]    Other or additional demand sources are possible. For example, inventory management could be performed using inventory-related information requested from intelligent assets  24  through the tool  32 . Procurement of assets could also be performed using the tool  32 . As an example, where the requisition system  60  requests an asset  24  that is determined to be unavailable, the tool  32  may initiate a request to a procurement system to procure such an asset. 
         [0023]    A block diagram of the software tool  32  is indicated generally in  FIG. 3  by reference number  100 . The tool  32  includes a plurality of “plug-ins”  104 , i.e., software subroutines configured to interface with demand sources  56  and with gateways  38 . For example, a plug-in  104   a  is configured to interface with maintenance reporting system(s)  64 , a plug-in  104   b  is configured to interface with network gateway(s)  38 , a plug-in  104   c  is configured to interface with supply requisition system(s)  60 , and a plug-in  104   d  is configured to interface with intelligent assets  24  issuing demand cues to the tool  32 . The tool  32  also is configured to interface with a user, e.g., via a graphical user interface (GUI)  70 . 
         [0024]    Each plug-in  104  includes rules that determine how to interface with its associated demand source(s) and/or network gateway(s). Each plug-in  104  also includes instructions on how to find and retrieve specific data. When such data has been retrieved, it may be manipulated in accordance with data management rules configured into the tool  32 . For example, the maintenance reporting system plug-in  104   a  is configured to query the maintenance reporting system(s)  64  for any asset requests generated by a maintenance action. Any such asset request information is brought into the tool  32 . The tool  32 , following applicable data management rules, queries intelligent assets  24  across the network  36  via gateways  38 , e.g., for a suitable replacement asset  24 . When the intelligent element  28  of an asset  24  receives such a query, it compares the query with its stored information. If the intelligent element  28  determines that its asset  24  is suitable, the intelligent element  28  responds to the query by identifying its asset  24  to the tool  32  and providing information as to location and/or condition of the asset. If more than one intelligent element  28  responds to the query, the tool  32  may compare the location of the demand with the location(s) of assets identified as suitable. The tool  32  may select an asset  24  that is easiest to transfer to the demand location. 
         [0025]    As previously mentioned, the intelligent element  28  of an asset  24  may carry a service life expiration date of the asset  24  in memory. In some implementations, the tool  32  is configured to interrogate intelligent elements  28  for such expiration dates. When such a date approaches, the tool  32  may query the system  20  for a suitable replacement and may recommend, e.g., to a user of the system  20 , an asset that would be easiest to transfer to the location of the expiring asset. 
         [0026]    Intelligent elements  28  may initiate communication with the system  20  for various purposes. For example, an element  28  may use sensor information to monitor factors such as temperature that could influence the health and/or other operational aspects of the element  28  and/or its host asset  24 . When, e.g., an element  28  senses a temperature outside a predefined range, the element can transmit an alert to a predefined destination in the system  20 . Sensor information could also be used to monitor usage of assets  24 . Other or additional types of data may be processed in an element  28 . For example, an element  28  may maintain warranty information for its host asset  24 . When a warranty expiration date approaches, the element  28  can transmit a notification to the system  20 . It should be noted generally that many types of sensors and/or data processing could be implemented in an intelligent element, to address many kinds of asset-related issues. 
         [0027]    A user of the tool  32  may use the GUI  70  to display and/or manipulate information obtained through the tool. For example, a user may review and approve the use of assets  24  selected by the tool  32 . Additionally or alternatively, the user may select another asset  24 , e.g., an asset nominated but not selected by the tool  32 . The user may also use the GUI  70  to query the system  20 , e.g., for available supplies. In various configurations, the system  20  allows the user to enter such queries directly into the system  20  without having to access the system through one of the demand source plug-ins  104 . Thus a user can check inventory in real time, e.g., by entering part numbers to query the system  20  without having to enter a demand cue. Intelligent element data can be used in various ways to make forecasts for optimized procurement. Real-time inventory information from intelligent assets  24  can be used, e.g., to select a distribution center, so that replacement assets can be stocked in a center nearest the assets  24 . 
         [0028]    The foregoing tool can interface with a plurality of demand sources, communicate with intelligent assets distributed across a plurality of sites through network gateways, display real-time inventories of intelligent assets, and recommend suitable supplies to fill demands. Users can accept actions recommended by the system  20  or override such recommendations and propose other solutions. 
         [0029]    When a requisition is initiated from any point in the lifecycle of an asset, the tool  32  can query the network  36  for the location of assets that meet specified criteria, make recommendations on which assets to utilize, and automate supply and demand management processes. The foregoing system can be used to 1) allow users to have instant access to real-time inventory levels and supply locations, 2) automate the process of identifying new demands, and 3) identify and optimize the routing of supplies to meet those demands. 
         [0030]    The foregoing tool can be used to automate the process of identifying a demand, locating assets to fill that demand, and selecting an optimal unit (based, e.g., on demand and asset locations) to fill the demand. Assets can independently communicate across existing wireless networks through the deployment and integration of next generation sensors. Communication on the foregoing network can eliminate the need for redundant databases, can take advantage of existing wireless infrastructures, and can automate and optimize the process for asset acquisitions. Databases can be replaced by real-time surveying of assets, and receipt of realtime responses by assets, over a network. 
         [0031]    Implementations of the foregoing apparatus and methods can provide a system that can identify, capture, and analyze supply and demand data to make “best course of action” recommendations with regard to the utilization of assets in the supply chain. An opportunity can be provided for asset managers and/or owners to form strategic partnerships. Implementing the foregoing system and method can increase visibility across partnering asset managers and/or owners, can reduce infrastructure costs, and can increase the availability of personnel to complete other tasks. Time efficiencies also can be realized in requisition, procurement, maintenance, and inventory management processes. Various implementations also can be used to optimize the process of identifying and selecting alternate assets and/or vendors. 
         [0032]    While various embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the present disclosure. The examples illustrate the various embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.