| Abstract | A method and system for optimized material movement within a computer based
manufacturing system utilizing global positioning systems. A tracking
module which includes a wireless communication device, such as a cellular
telephone chip set, and a position determination system, such as a global
positioning receiver chip set, is built into each shipping container,
vehicle or the like which is utilized to transport material for a computer
based manufacturing system. The source and itinerary for each shipment of
material, as well as a manufacturing schedule, are then loaded into the
computer system which controls the manufacturing system. Periodically, the
location of each shipment is then determined by querying the tracking
module for a current actual location which is then compared within the
computer system with a planned location, determined from the stored
itinerary for that shipment. Variations in location of a selected shipment
which exceed a specified amount are then utilized to initiate a variation
in the manufacturing process, issue alternate shipment orders or initiate
the selection of an alternate source for the material within that
shipment. |
