Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a learning system and related methods for providing training and continuing education to members of an organization's supply-chain workforce. A learning system utilizes a blended learning approach that matches various educational delivery techniques to the appropriate learning materials, time constraints, and skill level of the end user. The system is simultaneously accessible to multiple organizations in order to provide uniformity of learning among a wide variety of participants within the supply-chain workforce, while remaining adaptable to the unique learning needs of each organization. Thus, the invention captures the benefits of distance learning techniques while minimizing the isolationist learning environment typically associated with those leaning delivery methods. Furthermore, the invention seeks to capture the benefits associated with traditional learning delivery methods such as team-oriented learning and personal instructor feedback.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing and analyzing integrated voice response systems are provided. Computer devices are used to simulate caller responses or inputs to components of the integrated voice response systems. The computer devices receive responses from the components. The responses may be in the form of VXML and grammar files that are used to implement call flow logic. The responses may to analyzed to evaluate the performance of the components and/or call flow logic.

Abstract: A system and method for creating virtual flat customer records derived from database customer data that may be used as standardized input for analytical models. A Customer Analytic Record (“CAR”) application may be created as a database object to extract, transform, and format all of the customer data needed for customer segmentation and predictive modeling. The CAR may be a set of database views that are defined using virtual stored queries The CAR application may dynamically calculate additional variables using predetermined transformations, including custom transformations of an underlying behavior. The CAR is preferably a dynamic view of the customer record that changes whenever any update is made to the database. The definition of the CAR provides documentation of each data element available for use in models and analytics.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are disclosed which implement a training session for training a user to validate assumptions. First, a plurality of stimuli are presented to a user in the context of a simulation. The user is then prompted to enter responses to the stimuli which are subsequently recorded. The user is then allowed to enter assumptions that form a basis of the responses. Next, the user is prompted to enter information on how to validate the assumptions which is subsequently received. Feedback is then outputted based on the stimuli and responses. Such feedback relates to appropriate assumptions and information on how to validate the appropriate assumptions. As an option, the feedback may be further based on a number of assumptions entered.

Abstract: A warranty management data processing system, method, and computer program are provided for determining relationships of data associated with warranty claims. Warranty data for a plurality of products is received and stored, and warranty service providers file repair/replace warranty claims against the warranties for the corresponding products. The repair/replace warranty claims are processed and repair/replace claims data is generated. The stored warranty data and the repair/replace claims data are analyzed, and a graphical representation of a distribution of the repair/replace claims data for one of the warranty service providers is generated.

Abstract: A mobile collection application is disclosed that is capable of providing collection data to a field agent on a wireless pocket PC. A collection case inventory module is used to generate a list of collection cases on the wireless pocket PC. The field agent may view a detailed report of collection cases that are contained in the list of collection cases. A payment plan component is also provided that allows the field agent to work out a payment plan with the debtor. The mobile collection application is also capable of allowing field agents to register transient taxpayers for the purpose of collecting sales and use taxes.

Abstract: Insight-driven interactions with customers may be enhanced in a holistic approach. A customer relationship management (“CRM”) methodology may include: (1) evaluating a customer strategy; (2) identifying customer segments from a customer base; (3) forming an interaction strategy; (4) defining a series of experiences based on the strategy; (5) applying those interactions with customers during interactions; and (6) monitoring the results of the customer interactions. A computer aid may preferably guide a user through some of these steps. A modular, vendor-independent, centralized, rules-based engine may perform processing to deliver tailored customer experiences, relying on values for prioritized experiences identified through use of the computer aid.

Abstract: A smart shelf system is disclosed. Objects are placed on a shelf that includes RFID tags. The objects prevent an RFID reader from reading certain RFID tags. The number of objects placed on the shelf may be determined by determining how many RFID tags are unreadable.

Abstract: A priority routing process is provided for routing calls received via a call routing system to a live call center agent. Routing is determined through collection of Automated Call Distribution (“ACD”) real-time performance based data and subjective non-ACD data, normalization and weighting of the ACD and non-ACD data through application of certain algorithms resulting in a derived priority score for each call center, and selection of a call center based upon the highest priority score.

Abstract: An IVR system designer receives design specification data (which may be either state definition data or IVR system document data) and stores it in a database. A design specification report can be generated based on the stored design specification data. The report may correspond to a chosen period of time or it may correspond to chosen version of the IVR system. It may provide one or more of the following: a summary of a state within the IVR system, a listing of the previous states that lead to the current state, prompts for the state, inputs for the state, a listing of decision outcomes, key performance indicator triggers for the state, global commands that are active in the state, business units for which the state is applicable, a sample dialogues listing, test scripts listing for testing the IVR system, a change history listing for the system, a design flow diagram for the system, or pseudo-code listing for a portion of the system.

Abstract: A software product is produced by defining a functional model of the overall software product, designing, based on this functional model, a plurality n of configurations and slices of the software product, wherein a configuration is the entirety or a part of the software product forming an independently testable unit and a slice is a set of functions of the software product constructed together and forming the entirety or part of a configuration. The n slices are independently constructed wherein the first slice forms the first configuration. The second to n-th configurations are formed by integrating the k-th configuration with the (k?1)-th slice, wherein k is 1, . . . n?1 Subsequently a first to n-th configuration are tested independently. This software development approach allows an integration of the overall systems in parts as early as possible and to gradually increase the number of integrated components in a controlled, but manageable fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multi-modal messaging for a wireless communication system. A wireless terminal is connected to a wireless access network, wherein the wireless terminal is capable of generating a voice request. A multi-modal message server is connected to the wireless access network for receiving the voice request generated by a user of the remote terminal. A voice recognition application is operable to identify words contained in the voice request. A response generation application uses the identified words to generate a response to the voice request. A unified messaging application is operable to interpret the response and generate a first and second response that is based on the contents of the response generated by the response generation application. The first and second responses are then transmitted to the wireless terminal in different communication formats.

Abstract: A wardrobe closet that assists users in selecting and purchasing clothing is provided. A radio frequency receiver scans tags embedded in clothing to identify the clothing. When a user removes an article of clothing from the wardrobe closet, the wardrobe closet suggests other articles of clothing that match the removed article of clothing. The wardrobe closet may also be connected to websites via the Internet. The wardrobe closet may determine the user's clothing needs and find clothing offered for sale at one or more web sites. The user is then allowed to purchase the clothing.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a method and system for the detection and location of unauthorized or otherwise targeted network devices on a network. According to aspects of the invention, the method disclosed herein consists of gathering a logical mapping of the devices on a computer network (which can be faked, spoofed or easily hidden) by mining data from the routers and switches on the network, and matching the logical mapping of the devices to the physical reality of the network environment which can't be easily hidden or spoofed. Based on the physical information acquired about the devices on the network, it is possible to identify devices that are either unauthorized or are otherwise targeted.

Abstract: A method of creating a plan of projects to invest in for an investment program. The investment program is for a period of time, for example 5 years. A plurality of investment projects are defined. Each investment project has at least one resource requirement (e.g. a project cost and/or an effort requirement). At least one project benefit score is determined for each investment project. The project benefit score for an investment project indicates the benefit of performing the investment project. Resource constraints are defined for the investment program. The resource constraints comprise for each of a plurality of sub-periods of time (e.g. particular years) within the period of time of the investment program, at least one resource constraint which constrains the resource available for investing in projects for the sub-period. The resource requirements, project benefit scores and resource constraints are provided as inputs to a risk reduction procedure which determines a plan for the investment program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for providing a secured virtual marketplace. In general, in one aspect, the technique includes maintaining a list of virtual objects as well as data format information for each of a plurality of virtual environment systems. Each virtual object is represented by data. The data format information for a virtual environment system specifies a format that data must have to be processable by the virtual environment system. The techniques includes receiving a request to distribute one or more virtual objects from the list of virtual objects, the request identifying the virtual objects to be distributed and the virtual environment system with which the virtual objects are to interact. The technique includes formatting, in accordance with the data format information and the request, data representing the one or more virtual objects to be distributed and further includes distributing the one or more virtual objects.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a data acquisition and transfer device comprising a sensor responsive to change of predetermined nature, and a transmitter for transmitting over the mobile phone network data concerning the occurrence of such a change to a receiver station. Such devices can be used in monitoring patients compliance when undergoing drug trials and can form part of a system which polls the device for changes and keeps a record of all transmissions.

Abstract: A method and computer system are provided for navigating an electronic methodology tool for a merger integration of businesses. The methodology tool is configured to display to a user various activities for accomplishing an integration of businesses. Each of the activities has associated tasks for completing the activity. A first indicia is received from the user that signifies a desired merger integration role, merger integration phase, or merger integration industry. Responsive to receipt of the first indicia, a subset of the activities is displayed to the user. The subset of the activities is selected from the activities based on the first indicia received from the user. A second indicia is received from the user that signifies a desired activity, which is selected by the user from among the displayed subset of activities. Responsive to receipt of the second indicia, various tasks for completing the desired activity are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A mobile provisioning tool system including a software provisioning tool application. The mobile provisioning tool system includes mobile devices capable of conducting wireless communication with wireless access points. A carrier network is connected with the wireless access points and a customer network that includes at least one business application. A provisioning tool application is located on a provisioning server. The provisioning tool application includes a CRM Rep component and an IT Admin component. A software provisioning tool application allows the provisioning workstation to automatically install mobile business services and configure network configuration settings on the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing and transmitting pedigree information. The methods and systems allow a user to access a pedigree information portal to submit and transmit pedigree data to a recipient of the physical drug product. The method provides security and reliability in relaying the drug history and data. In addition, methods and systems are provided for associating the electronically transmitted pedigree information to the physical drug product. A user may thus retrieve and review pedigree information using, for example, one or more barcodes representing a sender identifier and recipient identifier.