Abstract: A computer implemented method and a computer system implementing the method of a business process transformation wizard leads a business analyst through a series of steps to invoke business transformation patterns, in order to analyze the results of those processes. The wizard first prompts the business analyst to specify business objectives of process transformation. Required parameters are added to the business process model guided by the business process transformation wizard until the business process model is completed. Once the model is completed, the wizard prompts the business analyst to select transformation techniques or patterns for optimizing process parameters and, for each selected transformation pattern, optimizes process parameters using a selected optimization technique.

Abstract: A method for assisting a user with procurement decisions, sourcing decisions and strategic sourcing decisions in an enterprise is disclosed. The method implements a plurality of software modules in a logical workflow process based on the results of integrating and analyzing data. The workflow process provides a plurality of steps for discovering data, analyzing data, alerting the user about the data, recommending actions to the user based on the data, and executing those actions. The workflow process is based on a Value Chain Intelligence (VCI) system, which integrates and analyzes internal data from enterprises and external data from suppliers, catalogs, and marketplaces in real time for their impact on supply chains processes. Components for such a system may consist of internal data collection components, external data collection components, data integration components, and data application components.

Abstract: A method of and system for defining a sales promotion including consolidating sales promotion data in a data warehouse are disclosed. The method includes receiving in a computerized system first and second sales promotion data corresponding to first and second sales promotions from the data warehouse, and grouping the first and second sales promotion data to define third promotion data corresponding to a third sales promotion. The system includes means for receiving first and second sales promotion data corresponding to first and second sales promotions from the data warehouse, and means for grouping the first and second sales promotion data to define third promotion data corresponding to a third sales promotion.

Abstract: A method for tracking progress of a construction project is described. The method includes storing a digital representation of a construction project; and monitoring progress of the project. The method also includes comparing the progress with the digital representation and generating a graphical representation of the progress as a function of the digital representation. The progress includes a physical completion of said project and labor and material costs incurred for said physical completion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed.

Abstract: Products include autonomic logic to self-monitor one or more parameters associated with the products to provide product usage information. Data relating to the product usage information generated by the products is automatically disseminated to interested entities. The interested entities may analyze the provided data and automatically forward information relating to the provided data back towards the products. The interested entities may also effect changes to products based on the data.