Abstract:
A computerized system and method facilitates the collection, calculation, and analysis of supplier capacity data. Using portal technology, communications between the manufacturer and suppliers related to capacity data are facilitated. The system and method accommodate numerous supplier manufacturing processes and their unique configurations so that consistent “standard’ and “maximum” capacity values may be calculated. The portal supports data entry to quickly, efficiently, and accurately identify capacity constraints at the process and part number levels, create solutions, and monitor the implementation of solutions to increase capacity. Using dynamic calculation logic, fluctuating demand values for parts are considered in determining probable capacity values. The impact of various investments on production capacity may also be assessed. The manufacturer may further use capacity constraint data to adjust production to sales or market changes and to align production with capacity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional patent application claiming the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/371,566, filed Aug. 6, 2010, titled COMPUTERIZED DYNAMIC CAPACITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many manufacturers today devote substantial resources to developing product lines to address the needs and desires of very different consumer groups. Satisfying consumer demands often requires manufacturers to develop products that meet not only consumers&#39; functional requirements but also their aesthetic requirements. Many manufacturers address the need for multiple products and product lines by developing base products and then configuring them in various ways during production to meet needs in different consumer market segments. 
         [0003]    Although the ability to modify and adapt products for consumer needs and demands can help a manufacturer to acquire or increase market share, responding quickly to consumer needs and demands can be difficult. For example, if demand for a certain product increases unexpectedly, the manufacturer must be able to increase production for the specific product, and component parts, to respond to the increase in demand. For manufacturers that rely on multiple suppliers, increasing production may require a commensurate increase in component parts from suppliers. It is important therefore, for the manufacturer to know whether its suppliers are prepared to respond to an increase in demand for parts to meet the increase in demand for its products. 
         [0004]    Some manufacturers in the automotive industry have adopted various processes for evaluating the capacity of their suppliers. Capacity data for suppliers may be communicated to a sales organization that analyzes sales demand data and forecasts future sales demand for the manufacturer&#39;s products. The sales organization may further have the responsibility of issuing sales demand orders for production of automobiles for the forecasted sales demand. The supplier capacity data assists the sales organization in issuing sales demand orders that the various facilities or factories of the manufacturer use in establishing production schedules. 
         [0005]    To determine a specific capacity quantity of parts or pieces per a weekly production time, an automotive manufacturer obtains multiple and varied inputs from each supplier. At supplier locations, production processes, lines, and/or machines are designed to manufacture multiple variations of specific OEM part(s). Each variation of the part(s) may have a different cycle time. Therefore, an accurate capacity measurement must account for the different cycle times of the parts. Many other factors are considered in analyzing capacity. The complexity of data is difficult to control and manage for a variety of reasons. 
         [0006]    One reason the data is complex is that automotive manufacturers typically produce different automobiles in factories for or located in different geographic regions and therefore, issue different requirements to parts suppliers even though there may be similarities between the products that are manufactured. Each factory may have more than 500 suppliers that produce thousands of parts. Variations of similar parts allow the manufacturer to produce a variety of different products that address needs in different consumer markets. The lack of standard parts requirements across all factories and suppliers, however, can make capacity data collection and analysis difficult. 
         [0007]    Another problem is a lack of tools for analyzing the data that is collected. Spreadsheets may be used to facilitate data collection but they do not seamlessly support data aggregation and analysis. The data aggregation, review, and analysis functions are primarily manual as there is little computerized functionality for receiving data from spreadsheets and performing calculations that may be needed. Various individuals may access the data in the spreadsheets but may reach different conclusions regarding supplier capacity based on the data they access, the tools they use (if any), and the assumptions they make. For example, “standard” capacity output values and “maximum” capacity values for a group of parts produced on the same supplier manufacturing line (referred to as a process) may vary if the parts have differing cycle times. To produce sufficiently accurate values, capacity calculation logic should account for cycle time differences. 
         [0008]    Probable “standard” and “maximum” capacity values for the group of parts is also impacted by fluctuations in demands for the parts. For a variety of reasons, demands for parts within a factory may fluctuate during a production period. Fluctuations in production demand typically are not communicated to individuals involved in capacity analysis as there is no means for efficiently communicating the production demand changes for thousands of parts for which details are contained in thousands of spreadsheet files. 
         [0009]    The inability to obtain accurate and timely capacity data can impact the ability of the automotive manufacturer to respond to changes in demand for its products. For automobile manufacturers that rely on sales demand orders, even minor misrepresentations of capacity values directly impact the ability to set the appropriate vehicle demand order. Misstated capacity values (whether too high or too low) could incorrectly constrain sales demand orders and therefore, the ability of the manufacturer to meet consumer demand. The inaccurate capacity data may result in the creation and release of demand orders that further strain a supplier&#39;s production capability thereby creating quality and delivery issues that result in unplanned expenses or that a supplier cannot fulfill. The supplier order may then need to be revised which can jeopardize other operations. 
         [0010]    There is a need for a computerized capacity management system and method that facilitates the collection and analysis of supplier capacity data. There is a need for a computerized capacity management system and method that centralizes and standardizes supplier capacity data analysis to produce more accurate and timely capacity values. There is a need for a computerized capacity management system and method that responds to updates in supplier demand data and facilitates the calculation of new capacity values in response to changes. There is a need for a computerized capacity management system and method that provides accurate and timely information to a sales organization to facilitate creation and distribution of accurate and timely sales demand orders. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    A computerized system and method for the present disclosure facilitates the collection, calculation, and analysis of supplier capacity data. In an example embodiment, it is implemented using portal technology to facilitate communication between the manufacturer and suppliers. One or more software applications are further linked to demand planning tools and systems. The system and method accommodate numerous supplier manufacturing processes and their unique configurations so that consistent “standard” and “maximum” capacity values may be calculated. Using dynamic calculation logic, fluctuating demand values for parts are considered in determining probable capacity values. 
         [0012]    The use of portal technology allows multiple manufacturer factories as well as hundreds of suppliers to use the same software application or applications. The same capacity validation process may be applied to new model as well as mass production products. The system and method may further be linked to planning tools such as an Advance Planning System (APS) that provides consolidated vehicle and part demand views and facilitates comparisons of demand and capacity data to balance demand with supplier capacity. The computerized APS may provide a variety of features and functionality that support various aspects of production planning and scheduling and in particular, allocation of production capacity to meet demand. 
         [0013]    The portal supports data entry to quickly, efficiently, and accurately identify capacity constraints at the process and part number levels, create solutions, and monitor the implementation of solutions to increase capacity. The centralized approach allows individuals at the manufacturer as well as supplier side to enter and view data and to monitor developments. Purchasing functions are also enhanced as the system and method supports isolation of absolute or certain capacity constraints and determining corrective measures in a timely manner (e.g., within a three to four week timeframe). The manufacturer may further use the capacity constraint data to adjust production to sales or market changes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1A-1B  are sample manufacturer screen displays for an example embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A-2G  are sample supplier screen displays for an example embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A-3C  are sample screen displays illustrating details of a probable capacity analysis for an example embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate reporting features for an example embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of APS and capacity management servers for an example embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a sample dynamic capacity impact calculation details screen for an example embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6B and 6C  illustrate details of demand/capacity balancing for an example embodiment; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a sample balancing results screen display for an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In a computerized capacity management system and method for an example embodiment, input data for each supplier is collected and stored in a database under a supplier identifier. Supplier location information may also be stored with the supplier identifier. Details for each supplier process at the supplier location are collected and stored. Process identifying information such as a process or line name identifies each supplier process for which data is collected, stored, and analyzed. Part data for the parts that are produced for the process is also recorded Additional input relates to numerous manufacturing process characteristics such as number of production shifts, time allocated to manufacturing, process efficiency ratio, number of work days, part numbers produced, cycle times, and part number demand. Various capacity calculation parameters such as workload and work time parameters (e.g., number of lines/cells, number of shifts per day, total hours/shift, planned daily work time, daily loading time, actual daily operating time, etc.), and efficiency parameters may be used in capacity calculations. 
         [0023]    In an example embodiment, the following input data is collected: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Supplier Process Input 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Process Equipment Information 
               
               
                   
                 Number of Hours/Shift 
               
               
                   
                 Number of Shifts/Day 
               
               
                   
                 Standard Number of Days/Week 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Number of Days/Week 
               
               
                   
                 Number of Lines or Cells 
               
               
                   
                 Standard Number of Hours/Week 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Number of Hours/Week 
               
               
                   
                 Average Weekly Production Time for non-manufacturer Parts 
               
               
                   
                 Planned Daily Work Time 
               
               
                   
                 Planned Daily Break Time 
               
               
                   
                 Average Planned Daily Downtime 
               
               
                   
                 Average Unplanned Daily Downtime 
               
               
                   
                 Average Daily Output (Actual Production) 
               
               
                   
                 Average Daily Scrap 
               
               
                   
                 Standard Ideal Cycle Time 
               
               
                   
                 Part number 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 linked for manufacturer parts 
               
               
                   
                 keyed for non-manufacturer parts 
               
               
                   
                 keyed for manual parts 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Monthly Part Demand 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 linked for manufacturer parts 
               
               
                   
                 keyed for non-manufacturer parts 
               
               
                   
                 keyed for manual parts 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Cycle Time 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0024]    Selected inputs are used in mathematical equations that calculate “standard” and “maximum” capacity values in quantity of parts. In alternative embodiments, capacities may be expressed in other units. Several intermediate calculations are completed prior to the completing the capacity calculations. In an example embodiment, the following values are calculated for use in the capacity calculations. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Calculated Inputs 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Total Planned Daily Non-Work Time 
               
               
                   
                 Daily Loading Time 
               
               
                   
                 Actual Daily Operating Time 
               
               
                   
                 Operating Rate 
               
               
                   
                 Performance Rate 
               
               
                   
                 Quality Rate 
               
               
                   
                 Efficiency - OEE 
               
               
                   
                 Monthly Time Consumed on Process 
               
               
                   
                 Weighted Average Cycle Time for Process 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0025]    Outputs of the computerized capacity management system and method include monthly standard capacity and monthly maximum capacity. In an example embodiment, a specific capacity calculation formula for a monthly standard capacity for an 18 month production period is as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Monthly Standard Capacity for an 18 Month Production Period 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ((((((standard number of hours/week &lt;sum for all lines&gt; - “average 
               
               
                   
                 weekly production time for non-manufacturer parts (hours)”&lt;sum 
               
               
                   
                 for all lines&gt;)) * (daily load time/planned daily work time) * 
               
               
                   
                 60 *60)/weighted average cycle time for process) * OEE %)/ 
               
               
                   
                 standard working days in a week) * working days in the 
               
               
                   
                 month) * (remaining calendar days in the calculated month starting 
               
               
                   
                 from effective date/total calendar days in the calculated month) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0026]    In an example embodiment, a specific capacity calculation formula for a monthly maximum capacity for an 18 month production period is as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Monthly Maximum Capacity for an 18 Month Production Period 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 ((((((maximum number of hours/week &lt;sum for all lines&gt; - “average 
               
               
                 weekly production time for non-manufacturer parts (hours)”&lt;sum 
               
               
                 for all lines&gt;)) * (daily load time/planned daily work time) * 
               
               
                 60 *60)/weighted average cycle time for process) * OEE %)/ 
               
               
                 standard working days in a week) * working days in the 
               
               
                 month) * (remaining calendar days in the calculated month starting 
               
               
                 from effective date/total calendar days in the calculated month) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0027]    A manufacturer obtains supplier process input data by asking suppliers to respond to capacity requests. A manufacturer may ask all suppliers to provide process input data or may select certain suppliers to respond to capacity requests based on various considerations such as the significance of the parts supplied by the supplier. The manufacturer may further require all suppliers to update their responses according to a defined schedule or the manufacturer may ask selected suppliers to update responses on demand. The strategy that a manufacturer uses to request and update responses may vary depending upon the needs of the manufacturer, the types of products manufactured by the manufacturer, the number of suppliers, the number of parts, the types of parts from the suppliers, etc. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B , sample manufacturer screen displays for an example embodiment are shown. Referring to  FIG. 1A , a sample inbox screen display for a manufacturer representative is shown. In an example embodiment, capacity data collection and analysis is managed through various activities and tasks performed by users of the computerized system and method. In an example embodiment, the data collection process begins with a capacity request. As responses are prepared and completed, they progress through a series of stages. Requests and responses are organized in an inbox according to stages. A user of the computerized system and method may view items at a particular stage in the analysis by selecting a stage from the inbox. The number of requests or responses at each stage is also shown. In an example embodiment, the stages are: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Capacity Request Stages 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Capacity Study Requests - Issuance Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Supplier Capacity Responses Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Level 1 Approval Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Level 2 Approval Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Approved Responses 
               
               
                   
                 Level 2 Closure Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Level 2 Cancellation Pending 
               
               
                   
                 Cancelled Requests 
               
               
                   
                 Closed Requests 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , a sample create capacity request display screen for an example embodiment is shown. Details regarding the capacity request may be provided in a capacity request information section  100 . Each capacity request may have a due date for receiving supplier input, a request type (e.g., new model or mass production), a request creation type (e.g., process or part), and a related model code. Details of the model for which the process is executed or part is produced may be provided in a model information section  102 . 
         [0030]    In a filter criteria section  104 , a user may input selection or filter criteria related to capacity requests. Capacity requests that match the selection or filter criteria are displayed in a list  106 . As indicated in  FIG. 1B , requests may be sorted by part number. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2G , sample supplier screen displays for an example embodiment are shown. Referring to  FIG. 2A , a sample supplier inbox screen display is shown. Capacity requests from the manufacturer may be organized according to the following stages. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Capacity Response Stages 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Pending Responses 
               
               
                   
                 Submitted Responses 
               
               
                   
                 Approved Responses 
               
               
                   
                 Rejected Responses 
               
               
                   
                 Draft Responses 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , a sample submitted responses screen display for an example embodiment is shown. A user from the supplier organization may access this screen to review information regarding responses that it has provided to the manufacturer. Supplier identifying information appears at the top of the display. A list of submitted supplier responses is also displayed on the screen  122 . As indicated in  FIG. 2B , each response may be assigned a CMS tracking number and is related to a request for a specific event (e.g., new model check 1). In addition, each response is associated with a particular model or process. Filtering options  120  allow the user to change the items appearing in the list. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 2C , a sample submitted response details screen display for an example embodiment is shown. Supplier identifying information is displayed near the top of the screen. Capacity request details  124  and model information details  126  are also displayed. A summary of part information (e.g., number and name) for each part in the request is displayed  130  along with status information. Details of the part demand may be viewed by selecting a “part demand view” hyperlink. At the bottom of the screen process data for the related process is displayed  132 . An additional capacity/plant layout option indicates whether the supplier has provided additional capacity survey information in the response. A request comments section  128  and a supplier comments section  134  facilitate communication between the manufacturer and supplier and allow representatives from each side to provide additional information related to the request or response. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2D , a process summary display screen for an example embodiment is shown. Supplier identifying information is displayed at the top of the screen  136 . The user may enter search and filter criteria  138 . A list of processes meeting the search/filter criteria are further displayed on the screen  140 . A user may select items from the list to view detailed information regarding submitted capacity responses. Process and part identifying information as well as a status indicator related to the response stage is displayed. In addition, indicators related to whether monthly standard and maximum capacity shortage data is available are displayed. Finally, details of the process capacity history may be viewed. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2E , a demand capacity balance details screen display for an example embodiment is shown. The screen display provides results of the capacity calculation and evaluates shortages for an 18 month horizon. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2F , a sample process details screen display for an example embodiment is shown. The process details screen display comprises various details related to a selected process including process information details  142 , production information details including line details  144 , efficiency calculations  146 , and details about parts that are processed on the line  148 . The part data includes a link to demand data for the part as well as cycle time data. As indicated in  FIG. 2F , each part may have a different cycle time. Referring to  FIG. 2G , a sample pop-up display of demand data from the process details screen is shown. 
         [0037]    Additional functionality in the computerized system and method captures potential or probable increased capacity based on adjustments to the supplier&#39;s manufacturing process. Adjustments that may result in additional capacity include adding plant capacity, adding or improving tooling, increasing production time, reducing lead time for raw materials or components, increasing production rates, building ahead, and instituting overtime. A variety of changes may be implemented at a supplier facility to increase capacity. Screen displays illustrating details of a probable capacity analysis are provided in  FIGS. 3A-3C . Referring to  FIG. 3A , a capacity study request screen for an example embodiment is shown. The capacity request type is indicated in the capacity request information section  150 . A list of study requests that meet specified selection criteria is displayed in a lower portion of the screen  152 . In a capacity study request, a supplier may be asked to provide details regarding additional actions that the supplier may take to increase capacity. The actions may relate to countermeasures that may be taken (e.g., extending shifts, adding shifts, adding tools/fixtures, adding capital equipment, address raw material or component part issues, or reconfiguring the manufacturing line) as well as plant modifications that may be made (e.g., building a new plant, expanding a plant, adding new lines/processes/technologies, replacing a current line, or modifying an existing line). The additional information assists the manufacturer in assessing the impact of various changes on the supplier&#39;s capacity and whether capacity will increase if certain investments are made. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , a balancing information pop-up display for an example embodiment is shown. The display shows current and proposed or probable demand against current capacity to facilitate the effect of various improvements on capacity. Referring to  FIG. 3C , a capacity studies display screen according to an example embodiment is shown. A list of processes  154  for which a capacity study has been requested is shown. Details of the proposed changes in capacity to support a study request may be viewed by selecting a process from the list. 
         [0039]    Reporting features for an example embodiment are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Referring to  FIG. 4A , a sample part demand display screen for an example embodiment is shown. A user enters filter criteria in a top portion of the screen  160  and data meeting the filter criteria is displayed in a bottom portion of the screen  162 . Part demand data across multiple manufacturer facilities is accessible from a centralized location so a user may review and analyze the data in a variety of ways. As indicated, a user may view part demand data for a manufacturer plant (all or individual plants), supplier location (all or individual locations), or for part number. The user may further specify a time period to view demand data in relation to the specified time period. Demand data for parts  162  is used in completing the capacity analysis. The demand data may be retrieved from the manufacturer&#39;s computerized APS. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , a sample part demand/capacity balancing display screen for an example embodiment is shown. Alignment of demand and capacity is “balancing” and is facilitated by features and functionality in the computerized capacity management system and method. The user enters filter criteria in a top portion of the screen  164  and results are displayed in a bottom portion of the screen  166 . Monthly standard capacity and maximum capacity values reflect estimates of or probable capacity following modifications and improvements at the supplier&#39;s facility to increase production. Demand and capacity data are compared to calculate a variance and ratio reflecting a demand versus capacity balance. 
         [0041]    The computerized system and method comprises “dynamic” functionality by considering in the capacity analysis revised vehicle/part number demand data. Dynamic mathematical equations create new “standard” and “maximum” capacity values for each manufacturing process defined in the system. Supplier manufacturing process characteristics reflect changes in demand data to predict new capacity values. In an example embodiment, new part demand data for up to an 18 month period is received nightly from an APS computer. Servers executing APS and capacity management applications may exchange data as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Data transfers between the applications may be facilitated through an exchange database  170 . In an example embodiment, a calculate part demand operation executes nightly in the APS computer  170 . The part demand data (18 month) is extracted and transferred to the CMS computer  174 . The new part demand data is used to calculate a new monthly standard capacity and monthly maximum capacity for each month in an 18 month horizon. The new capacity values for the 18 month horizon are extracted at the CMS computer  174 , and then transferred to the APS computer  170 . Each system, therefore, has current data from the other that may be used in further calculations and analysis. Certain data may also be written to a data mart  172  for reporting and historical purposes. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , sample dynamic capacity impact calculation details are provided for an example embodiment. For each production month, monthly demand at the vehicle and process levels is determined. The chart illustrates the impact of changes to the demand mix for products over a multi-month horizon. In an example embodiment, the following rules are applied in the calculations: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Dynamic Capacity Impact Calculation Rules 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Calculation 
                 Rule 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Monthly Time 
                 System calculates for 18 months in CMS = 
               
               
                 Consumed on 
                 part number monthly demand × part cycle time 
               
               
                 Process by 
               
               
                 Part Number 
               
               
                 Weighted 
                 SUM(monthly time consumed on process by part 
               
               
                 Average Cycle 
                 number)/SUM(part number demand) 
               
               
                 Time for 
               
               
                 Process 
               
               
                 Monthly 
                 System calculates for 18 months in CMS = 
               
               
                 Standard 
                 ((((((standard number of hours/week &lt;sum for 
               
               
                 Capacity 
                 all lines&gt; - “average weekly production 
               
               
                   
                 time for non-manufacturer parts (hours)” 
               
               
                   
                 &lt;sum for all lines&gt;)) * (daily load time/ 
               
               
                   
                 planned daily work time) * 60 *60)/weighted 
               
               
                   
                 average cycle time for process) * OEE %)/standard 
               
               
                   
                 working days in a week) * working days in the 
               
               
                   
                 month) * (remaining calendar days in the 
               
               
                   
                 calculated month starting from effective date/ 
               
               
                   
                 total calendar days in the calculated month. 
               
               
                   
                 Monthly maximum capacity is also recalculated. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0043]      FIGS. 6B and 6C  illustrate details of demand/capacity balancing for an example embodiment. As indicated previously, “balancing” is the process of aligning demand and capacity. Referring to  FIG. 6B , screen displays comprise demand data from the APS and capacity data from CMS for each part. A first balancing scenario  180  indicates that the process has enough capacity to handle the demand. An indicator in the status column (e.g., N for normal) reflects the status of the balance. Referring to  FIG. 6C , a second balancing scenario  182  shows the result after the demand mix change and a dynamic recalculation of standard and maximum capacities. The rebalancing indicates the process has now exceeded its standard capacity and that it is utilizing its maximum capacity. An indicator in the status column (e.g., W for warning) reflects the status. The capacity recalculation and related indicator information notifies the manufacturer if a supplier&#39;s capacity is sufficient or if the capacity is otherwise unbalanced in relation to demand. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a sample balancing results screen display for an example embodiment is shown. The screen display comprises supplier and part constraint data. Process/line/machine identifying information is provided along with all parts produced on the process. In addition, balancing indicators are shown. In an example embodiment, the following indicators may be used: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Balancing Indicators 196 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 S 
                 Shortage - demand exceeds maximum capacity 
               
               
                   
                 W 
                 Warning - demand value within a threshold of maximum 
               
               
                   
                   
                 capacity value 
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 Above standard - demand above standard capacity value 
               
               
                   
                 N 
                 Normal - demand within a threshold of standard capacity 
               
               
                   
                 O 
                 Opportunities - demand below standard capacity value 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0045]    Constraint details  192  as well as constraint attributes  194  may be displayed on the screen. Details appearing on the screen may be modified according to various selection criteria  190 . 
         [0046]    The computerized capacity management system and method supports integration of various business practices across a manufacturer&#39;s supply chain and factories. Requests for capacity data initiated by the manufacturer and responses received from suppliers are tracked and monitored. In response to requests, capacity data is collected, checked, and approved. Capacity shortages and opportunities are identified. Finally, the computerized capacity management system and method assists the manufacturer and supplier in researching methods to increase capacity values. The use of a portal environment facilitates manufacturer and supplier execution of various functions in the computerized system and method and supports communications of various activities in a real time mode. 
         [0047]    A computerized dynamic capacity management system and method is described in reference to the appended figures. The description with reference to figures is made to exemplify the disclosed computerized dynamic capacity management system and method and is not intended to limit the system and method to the representations in the figures. From the foregoing description, it can be understood that there are various ways to construct a capacity management system and method while still falling within the scope of the present invention. As such, while certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the following claims: