MONITORING DEVICE USED FOR PRODUCING COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The present invention is directed to a monitoring device used for producing a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint and a monitoring device used therein. The device includes (A) a client computer usable storage medium located in a client computer, and a host computer usable storage medium located in a host computer in communication with said client computer; and (B) means for dispensing required items for making a desired amount of said target composition, said means for dispensing being in communication with said client computer, said host computer, or said client and said host computer; wherein said client computer usable storage medium, host computer usable storage medium, or said client computer usable storage and said host computer usable storage media have computer readable program code means residing therein for monitoring production of a target composition. The computer readable program code means include (I) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to identify one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of said target composition, said formula providing a required inventory for making said desired amount of said target composition; (ll) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to generate a current inventory; (III) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to compare said current inventory against said required inventory to ascertain whether said current inventory fulfills said required inventory; (IV) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to generate a supplementary inventory if said current inventory partially fulfills said required inventory; (V) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to dispense through said means for dispensing said required items listed in said required inventory from current items listed in said current inventory, supplementary items listed in said supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make said desired amount of said target composition; and (VI) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to generate an updated inventory. The device can be also used to control the inventory by shipping just in time any components required to produced target compositions, such as refinish tints used in automotive refinish paints.