Abstract: A system for assigning human resources to service tasks. A long term forecasting module enables one or more users simultaneously working on that module to assign tasks that should be fulfilled in the each specific region, based on analysis of past demand and actual service operations. A mid-term planning module enables one or more users simultaneously working on that module to roughly allocate resources to fulfill actual future tasks and expected task demands. A short-term scheduling module enables one or more users simultaneously working on that module to roughly allocate specific human resources to fulfill actual tasks. A coordination module immediately propagates any change in the parameters of the human resource assignments resulting at any one of the forecasting, planning or scheduling modules to effect the other two modules.

Abstract: A process for providing a printed insurance adjustment estimate includes a wireless LAN. Each portable computer is connected by a wireless system, including radio transceivers, to a file server and printer. Each portable computer includes the insurance adjusting software application. The database is stored on the server. Each of the portable computers is unable to communicate with the remainder of the portable computers. The portable computer is transported to near a vehicle which has been damaged. The names of the damaged parts are input and the estimate is printed and delivered to a customer.

Abstract: The architecture of a multimedia customer care center (100) is divided into three separate application layers: a contact layer (104), a communications layer (106) and a business layer (108). The contact layer comprises media-specific handlers (200–212) that manage their media-specific resources, connect customer contacts to resources (220) and report events, including status to the communications layer. The communication includes media-independent software (106) that manages shared resources, that tracks, accumulates, and reports events reported by the contact layer, and that directs handling of events by the contact layer according to business information. The business layer includes software (108) that provides an interface to the customer contact center for the business that is served by the center.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated system solutions includes a set of process descriptions; a set of work product descriptions; and engagement models collecting the process descriptions and work product descriptions into a models for implementing typical projects addressing marketplace requirements. A systems integration method includes the steps of defining an engagement model which will be used to address a market place requirement; utilizing the engagement model to create an engagement template which specifically addresses client requirements within the market place; and measuring, monitoring and controlling client engagements based upon the engagement model.

Abstract: A conversion path for converting between two different currencies is defined as a series of simple exchange rate objects and is encapsulated within a compound exchange rate object. The intelligence regarding the specific rules for making the conversion are encapsulated in a policy class, which governs how the path of exchange rates contained in the compound exchange rate is built. When a client requests conversion between two currencies, the compound exchange rate is constructed according to the policy to contain a path of exchange rate objects that may be used to make the requested conversion, and the compound exchange rate is then returned to the client. When the client then instructs the compound exchange rate to make a conversion of a known currency value in the source currency, the compound exchange rate object uses the exchange rate object or objects in the exchange rate path to perform the currency conversion.

Abstract: A financial transaction processing system is disclosed, wherein substantial processing efficiencies are provided with, additionally, a substantial decrease in the size of the executable code. Each transaction processed by the transaction processing system is described by a transaction data descriptor that includes a series of subtransaction data descriptions of actions that can be performed independently of one another. Thus, complex transaction processing logic is substantially removed from the executable code, and instead such transaction data descriptors are processed interpretatively. Moreover, the independence of the subtransactions allows the subtransactions of a transaction to be processed in parallel when performed on a multiprocessor computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for implementing an off shore/off site activity in an organization, with most optimal skills transfer process. The said process includes the steps of assessing the suitability of outsourcing and whether the activity should be carried out on-site, locally or remotely, based on pre-determined parameters and decision ratios, planning the process including the minimum groundwork required before the actual process can begin, identifying the various milestones in the process and the deliverables in each milestones monitoring the progress of the migration process and the ways and means to take corrective action, and, evaluating the results of the development.

Abstract: A method and system for purchasing assets on behalf of customers who use financial transaction media such as credit cards, ATM/CAT cards, and electronic commerce managed by a financial institution. As the customer uses his financial transaction medium to purchase goods and services, he generates a sum of purchases. This sum is converted into incentive points that are added to incentive points previously earned. When the customer has enough incentive points, the method or system purchases an asset, such as a stock, on the customer's behalf, using the incentive points. The utilization of this method or system may be over a short-time promotional period, or it may commemorate a special occasion, or it may be used as part of a compensation package for an employee of a corporation.

Abstract: A logistics method is disclosed that provides logistics computer programming for controlling a plurality of transports to supply a plurality of delivery locations from one or more bases. Each of the bases and delivery locations are in communication with a central database, preferably an Internet server database, that contains updated logistics information. The central database is preferably automatically updated at selectable intervals as to transport location, destination, fuel level, speed, and heading. Manifests may be originated at the respective delivery location or at an associated base and are stored in the central database. Each material on the manifest is associated with information such as the authorized vendor, a description, storage preferences, units, hazardous designations and additional information if the material is hazardous.

Abstract: A computer display for analyzing and comparing financial investments. The display includes an investment display section containing an investment table. The investment table includes a plurality of investment cells configured to represent a group of investment parameters. The investment cells may contain at least one cell bar having a size proportional to one of the investment parameters. The investment cells may contain a dynamic indicator color, wherein the indicator color changes according to the value of one of the investment parameters. The investment cells may further contain a text descriptive of at least one of the investment parameters.

Abstract: A method for recruiting personnel for a business entity including a plurality of distinct business units each having individual hiring requirements, wherein at least some of the distinct business units' hiring requirements compete for common applicants, the method including the steps of: entering information related to a plurality of hiring needs, each of the plurality of hiring needs being respectively associated with one of the plurality of distinct business units, and information related to a plurality of candidates into a database, respectively; automatically cross-referencing the information related to the plurality of hiring needs with the information related to the plurality of candidates to identify candidates selected the plurality of candidates who satisfy entered information indicative of hiring needs; and, determining which of the identified candidates should be offered a job associated with the hiring needs; wherein, when it is determined that one of the identified candidates should be offered mo

Abstract: A self-checkout terminal system includes a self-checkout core application module for controlling a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout core application module controlling peripheral input and output devices at the self-checkout terminal for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a retail customer. An emulator module connected to the self-checkout core application module emulates, independent from the self-checkout core application, a native vendor software application in a network of cashier-operated checkout terminals administered by a vendor server computer, the emulator module passing commands and data to, and receiving commands and data from, the vendor server. The self-checkout core application converts inputs received at the peripheral input devices into inputs expected by the emulated native vendor software application, and converts device update outputs from the emulated native vendor software application into updates to the peripheral output devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for auditing drug usage within a medical care facility. The system comprises an automated drug delivery system for dispensing a plurality of drugs to medical care providers or users, which delivery system has a plurality of drug dispensing stations located throughout the medical care facility and a centralized archive for storing data. Each drug dispensing station includes a console for inputting information about each transaction involving at least one of the drugs and a link for transferring the inputted information to the centralized archive. The system further comprises a processing unit for receiving the transactional information from the centralized archive and for processing it so as to generate at least one report for a defined period of time which detects patterns and abnormalities in distribution and usage of selected ones of the drugs.

Abstract: A system for correcting the rating and payment of mail pieces scanned and weighed by the post. The foregoing is accomplished by: uniquely identifying mail pieces during the metering process; maintaining a record of the postage that has been applied to the mail pieces and the characteristics of the mail pieces; scanning the mail pieces to determine if the correct postage has been paid; comparing the scanned and weighed mail pieces to the maintained record; and correcting any underpayments or overpayments.

Abstract: A train building planning method is utilized to determine a state of a train yard and a status of resources within the yard. When a resource becomes available, a determination is made regarding possible options for the available resource. The affect of each option on the schedule of outbound trains is then evaluated. Specifically, a sum of the cost of late departures of outbound trains is determined and the option that provides a low, or no, cost of late departure is chosen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for electronically managing the assignment of tasks to be completed. Preferred embodiments incorporate a computer network to gather and disseminate information for the processes of embodiments of the present invention. Task information is gathered until a task is sufficiently defined to be assigned. At this point the task is assigned to a service provider who is requested to respond to the assignment. The response is monitored and if unacceptable or not received the task will be transferred to another service provider until a satisfactory response is received. An estimate of the cost of task completion may then be requested and authorization to complete the task may be contingent upon an acceptable estimate. Once a service provider is authorized to complete a task, the provider's progress is monitored and reported to interested parties. Provider quality ratings may be incorporated into some embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein comprising: a) a storage and distribution means; b) an inventory upload means; c) a product information download means; d) an order upload means; and e) a delivery download means. A method is disclosed herein comprising the steps of: (a) digitally transferring the goods and product information pertaining thereto from a provider of the goods to a storage and distribution means; (b) storing the goods, product information pertaining thereto, order information, and possibly sales information and marketing information on the storage and distribution means; (c) digitally transferring the product information to a shopper; (d) digitally transferring order information from a buyer of the goods to the storage and distribution means; and (e) digitally transferring the goods to the buyer. The storage and distribution means may be used to store digitally transferable goods, product information pertaining thereto, marketing information, and sales information.

Abstract: An improved transportation scheduling method for scheduling trips using multiple vehicles, with each of the vehicles having a trip manifest. The method comprises the steps of first generating a usability matrix that determines which of the vehicles is usable with each of the trips. Next, a determination is made as to a best trip of the trips to be scheduled next. A determination is next made as to the best vehicle from the set of vehicles for accommodating the best trip. Then, a determination is made as to the best insertion pair for the trip manifest for the best vehicle for the best trip and updating the trip manifest to include the best insertion pair. Finally, the usability matrix is updated to reflect the scheduling of the best trip to the best vehicle. The steps are repeated until all of the trips have been scheduled.

Abstract: A centralized full-service research bureau and test center method and apparatus is provided, which assists a customer, typically a Web product manager, in designing a usability test for typical tasks faced by a visitor to the customer's site. The centralized full-service research bureau and test center method and apparatus provides proprietary software to administer the usability test to a pre-qualified pool of testers meeting desired demographic constraints. The usability test measures not only the visitor's success in achieving objectives, but also prompts a tester for context-specific feedback ranging from aesthetics to behavior. Statistics are aggregated across the testing population and presented not just as data, but with recommended actions backed up by analysis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system, the method comprising receiving a request indication representing a request for an item, receiving a provided indication representing providing said item, and signalling an operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication. The apparatus includes a request indication receiver for receiving the request indication, a provided indication receiver for receiving the provided indication, a processing circuit for determining when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication, and a signal device in communication with the processing circuit for signalling the operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication.