John B Howe

US Patent:

6990461, Jan 24, 2006

Filed:

Mar 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/386051

Inventors:

Guy O. Bargnes - Grosse Pointe MI, US
John K. Howe - Palm Harbor FL, US
Charles Kelly - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US
Jean-Claude Pierre - Senden, DE
Chris W. Lavington - Roseburg OR, US
Antonio C. Torres - Millersville MD, US

Assignee:

BASF Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

G06F 17/60

US Classification:

705 10

Abstract:

A computer-implemented method is provided for analyzing and prioritizing business aspects of a vehicle-related multi-step process. The method calculates a relative strength of a particular category for the vehicle-related business. The method then assigns a strength indicator for the particular category based upon the calculations. The method also analyzes the performance, projections, and production workforce shift profiles for the vehicle-related business.

US Patent:

7020620, Mar 28, 2006

Filed:

Jun 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/602922

Inventors:

Guy O. Bargnes - Grosse Pointe MI, US
John K. Howe - Palm Harbor FL, US
Charles Kelly - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US
Jean-Claude Pierre - Senden, DE
Chris W. Lavington - Roseburg OR, US
Antonio C. Torres - Millersville MD, US

Assignee:

BASF Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

G06F 17/60

US Classification:

705 10, 705 8

Abstract:

A computer-implemented method of tracking a vehicle during a vehicle-related multi-step process. A vehicle identifier is received for uniquely identifying a vehicle. A daily time target for each day of the repair process is preselected. A delay is then identified during a repair step if the time allocated to the vehicle is less than the preselected daily time target. A length of time for the delay is stored. Also, a reason for a delay is determined for why the vehicle was delayed during at least one of the multi-step processes. A proficiency of the repair process can then be reported such that a repair facility can assess areas of improvement.

US Patent:

20040162754, Aug 19, 2004

Filed:

Nov 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/705359

Inventors:

Guy Bargnes - Grosse Pointe MI, US
John Howe - Palm Harbor FL, US
Charles Kelly - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US
Jean-Claude Pierre - Senden, DE
Chris Lavington - Roseburg OR, US
Antonio Torres - Millersville MD, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/010000

Abstract:

A method of determining an efficiency of a repair process. The method includes the step of creating a vehicle identifier for the vehicle. The identified vehicle is examined to locate areas in need of repair. An extent of a repair is then estimated. Further, a total labor hours is estimated to perform the repair process. A vehicle production start period is determined and a vehicle production finish period is determined. A total shop production hours based upon when the repair shop opened and closed for each day between the vehicle production start period and the vehicle production finish period is simultaneously determined. A production process efficiency is then calculated for the completed repair process by dividing the total shop production hours by the estimated total labor hours, which reveals a true efficiency of the repair process by calculating the production process efficiency in terms of hours.