Abstract: The management and integration of data and categorizing and reporting the results thereof are accomplished by using at least three information levels of the data path, which comprise a transactions level, an extraction, transformation and load level, and a business information level. At the transformation and load level, data are collected from applications residing at the transactions level and extractions and calculations are performed on the collected data. The results are deposited into a data pool and presented to consumers using components residing at the business information level.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a mechanism for detaching the individual blade segments along segmentation lines from a segmented knife blade. The detachment mechanism includes a plunger located at the forward end of the utility knife. An adjustment mechanism advances the knife blade for alignment between the plunger and a retention chamber. Actuation of the plunger exerts a transverse force on the blade segment, detaching same from the remainder of the blade. The retention chamber prevents the detached blade segment from flying from the utility knife where it could cause injury or damage. Optionally, the utility knife may include a spare blade storage compartment and/or a guidance mechanism to facilitate the cutting of straight or curved lines in particular situations.

Abstract: A cutting device including a handle and blade. The blade being detachably connectable to the handle, and the handle including a guidance mechanism. This guidance mechanism has a convex peripheral edge and is rotatively connected to the handle. The cutting device also includes an engagement and disengagement mechanism for operatively interrelating the blade with the guidance mechanism.