USE CASES OVERVIEW
1. Finding Manufacturing Sites for Open-Source Projects:
Use Case: Open-Source-Hardware designers seek suitable locations to materialise their projects. i.e. A designer of prosthesis or cerebral palsy aid devices wants to know if her designs are possible to be replicated in Uganda.
Scenario: A designer uploads their open-source hardware manifest in Open-Know-How (OKH) specification. They utilise the Open-Know-Where (OKW) location match tool to identify potential manufacturing sites based on the project's requirements, such as equipment availability, expertise, and proximity to material resources.
Objective: Empower Open-Source-Hardware (OSH) designers to efficiently identify suitable locations for manufacturing their projects, fostering collaboration and innovation within the distributed manufacturing ecosystem.
Database:
- Facilities locations: Information about the geographical locations where manufacturing facilities are situated.
- Machinery inventory: Data on the types of machinery and equipment available at each manufacturing site.
- Material inventory: Details regarding the availability of raw materials and components necessary for production.
- Skills inventory: Information about the expertise and skill sets of personnel working at each manufacturing site.
- Capabilities tags: Tags or labels indicating the specific capabilities and specialities of each manufacturing facility.
Inputs:
- Open-Know-How manifest: Detailed specifications and requirements of the OSH project, uploaded in the OKH format.
- Selected location or Point-of-Interest: The desired location where the designer intends to replicate their OSH project.
- Bill of Materials (BOM): A list outlining all the necessary components and materials required for the project.
- Component dimensions: Measurements and specifications of each component included in the project.
- Capabilities tags: Tags specifying the required capabilities or specialities of the manufacturing site, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, etc.
- Directory of facilities: A comprehensive list of manufacturing facilities that match the project's requirements, including their locations and contact information.
- Rated locations: Ratings or scores assigned to each manufacturing site based on their suitability and compatibility with the project's needs.
- Tags: Tags assigned to each manufacturing facility, indicating their specific capabilities and specialities relevant to the project.
- Equipment availability: Ensure that the selected manufacturing sites have the necessary machinery and equipment to produce the OSH project.
- Expertise: Evaluate the skills and expertise of the personnel working at each manufacturing site to ensure they can effectively handle the project requirements.
- Proximity to material resources: Consider the proximity of manufacturing sites to essential material resources to minimise transportation costs and delays.
- Collaboration opportunities: Assess the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing with local communities and organisations to foster innovation and mutual benefit.
- Regulatory compliance: Verify that the selected manufacturing sites comply with relevant regulations and standards to ensure the quality and safety of the produced OSH projects.
2. Employment Creation Guidelines
Use Case: Communities seek to stimulate economic growth and job creation by establishing distributed manufacturing nodes within their localities. ie. Immigrant students looking for their first job. They need a safe space were their skills are valued and needed.
Scenario: Local communities or economic development agencies utilise the Open-Know-Where (OKW) platform to access guidelines for initiating and sustaining distributed manufacturing activities. These guidelines are designed to provide insights into key factors such as infrastructure, skills, and resource availability necessary for fostering economic development through distributed manufacturing.
Database:
- Economic indicators and statistics
- Infrastructure availability and status
- Skill-set and workforce data
- Resource availability and accessibility
Inputs:
- Economic development goals and objectives.
- Local infrastructure data (e.g., transportation, utilities)
- Workforce skill-set information.
Outputs:
- Recommendations for establishing distributed manufacturing nodes.
- Insights on leveraging local resources for economic growth.
- Strategies for sustaining distributed manufacturing activities.
Considerations:
- Ensure alignment with local economic development strategies and priorities.
- Integrate with existing community initiatives and development plans to maximise impact and efficiency.
- Promote accessibility and inclusivity of distributed manufacturing opportunities to ensure equitable access for all members of the community.
3. Maker-Space Learning and Setting-Up Guidelines:
Use Case: Individuals or organisations interested in establishing maker-spaces, fab-labs and similar, seek guidance and insights. i.e. A Maker enthusiasts in Mexico wants to know the resources used by maker-spaces in similar contexts, to ensure a long lasting initiative using best practices.
Scenario: A group of enthusiasts or an educational institution explores resources for setting up a maker-space. They utilise the Open-Know-Where (OKW) platform to access comprehensive learning materials and guidelines curated specifically for establishing and managing maker-spaces. These resources cover various aspects, including space layout, equipment selection, safety protocols, and community engagement strategies.
Objective: Provide aspiring maker-space organisers with the necessary knowledge and guidance to effectively set up and operate maker-spaces, fostering community-driven innovation and collaboration.
Database:
- Existing maker-space locations and their resources
- Equipment and tools inventory of maker-spaces
- Safety protocols and guidelines
- Community engagement strategies and success stories
Inputs:
- Aspiring maker-space organisers' goals and objectives
- Location-specific information and constraints
- Budget and resource availability
- Community demographics and needs assessment
- Relevant regulations and legal considerations
Outputs:
- Comprehensive learning materials and guidelines for setting up maker-spaces
- Recommendations for space layout and equipment selection
- Safety protocols and guidelines for operation
- Strategies for effective community engagement and collaboration
Considerations:
- Accessibility and inclusivity of maker-space resources
- Adherence to relevant regulations and safety standards
- Continual evaluation and improvement of maker-space operations and offerings.
4. Rapid Response Procurement Tool:
Use Case: Organisations need to quickly procure essential supplies during emergencies or crises.
Scenario: In response to a pandemic or other crisis, organisations involved in disaster relief or emergency response utilise the Rapid Response Procurement Tool provided by Open-Know-Where (OKW). This tool facilitates streamlined collaboration and procurement processes, allowing multiple stakeholders to coordinate and access critical supplies efficiently. Through the platform, users can identify available resources, place orders, track deliveries, and manage inventory in real-time.
Objective: Simplify collaboration and procurement processes during emergencies or crises by providing organisations with an intuitive and efficient tool for accessing essential supplies and resources through the OKW platform.
Database:
- Inventory of essential supplies and resources
- Supplier information and availability
- Order history and status tracking
- Inventory management data
Inputs:
- User authentication and access permissions
- Supply requirements and specifications
- Delivery location and logistics information
- Budget constraints and funding sources
Outputs:
- List of available suppliers and their offerings
- Order placement confirmation and tracking details
- Real-time updates on delivery status and inventory levels
- Reports and analytics on procurement activities
Considerations:
- Security and confidentiality of sensitive procurement data
- Compatibility with existing procurement systems and processes
- Integration with emergency response protocols and procedures
- Scalability to handle varying levels of demand during emergencies
- Accessibility for users with diverse technical competencies and resources.