Abstract: Proactive demand shaping of configurable products with uncertain demand computes a lower bound and an upper bound on optimal profit by considering future demand distribution of one or more products, supply outlook of one or more components and customer behavior. The upper bound and the lower bound solutions are used to generate one or more rationing heuristics. Simulation may be used to determine a rationing policy to implement in practice.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method involves facilitating interaction between members of a supply chain. A communication platform links to a plurality of hubs for electronic data transfer. The hubs are associated with the members of the supply chain. The method provides a standardized model for product decisions for each member of the supply chain. The method involves formulating a product plan by a first member of the supply chain. The product plan utilizes the standardized model and data available to the first member to generate a forecast under the product plan. The method transfers the product plan with shared data and forecast through a first hub associated with the first member and through the communication platform to a second hub associated with a second member of the supply chain. The communication platform controls the transfer of data so that the second member can evaluate the product plan and forecast under the standardized model.

Abstract: A system and methodology for communication between a service provider and a service recipient relating to services is described, such that for a particular task or project, interaction and feedback between the respective service provider and service recipient is provided by the system in a manner that enables service recipient satisfaction to be accurately communicated to the service provider and documented by the service recipient. The system is modifiable and customizable to facilitate communication between a service provider and a service recipient in various industries.

Abstract: A computerized method and a system for providing geographic demand distribution and forecast are provided. Example embodiments may include receiving a criterion to identify an item and searching a database for data associated with a geographic distribution of demand for the item identified by the criterion. The computerized method may also include presenting the geographic distribution of the demand for the item on a map. The map may display multiple geographic areas; each one of the multiple geographic areas may be displayed with a first and a second attribute. The first and the second attributes may be associated with the demand.

Abstract: A system to manage utilization of a plurality of types of assets by a plurality of independent entities is provided. The system comprises a controller including a processor operable to execute a plurality of program instructions generally representative of the steps of receiving a plurality of parameters from each of the plurality of independent entities; segmenting the plurality the independent entities into more than one cluster dependent on identified similarities in at least one of the plurality of parameters of the one or more of the plurality of entities; and generating a display of a comparison of the plurality of parameters of each of the independent entities relative to another in each of the plurality of clusters.

Abstract: Electronically creating an itinerary schedule in a calendar program. A geographic indicator and a calendar date are acquired and coordinated with each other to define an itinerary entry. The itinerary entry is included into a calendar program maintained by the machine. The step of acquiring the geographic indicator further comprises the step of updating a counter upon each selection of a geographic indicator. Another method electronically populates a calendar program with an event using an itinerary entry. Optionally, health care providers from within a geographic indicator are included in the itinerary entry. A geographic indicator and calendar date are obtained from an itinerary entry, and additional search criteria are input. A search of a database is executed to identify candidates matching the geographic indicator and search criteria. Candidate matches are assigned to a time slot, and each time slot is populated into the calendar program on the calendar date.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to analyze history information for each of a plurality of instances, and generate a time series pattern for each of a plurality of business processes. A time series pattern generating system analyzes the history information of an instance generated upon each execution of a class that defines a series of processes and is constituted by components having a defined order, and generates a time series pattern. The history information is generated upon each execution of the components, stored in chronological order, and includes a class identifier, a component identifier, an instance identifier, and component processing time information. Information relating to the processing order of the components that are executed in each instance is created, dependence relationships between the components are estimated, and a time series pattern including a component processing order is generated.

Abstract: Electronically creating a schedule plan of events which replicates one or more previously scheduled events. A source date range is acquired into a memory of a machine. A set of previously scheduled events within the source date range is identified. A target date range is received through a user interface. At least a portion of the previously scheduled events is assigned to a date within the received target date range to create the schedule plan. The schedule plan is posted to a calendar. Another method creates a schedule plan on the basis of one or more search criteria used for identifying any match from a database. At least a portion of any matches are assigned a time slot within a target date range of a calendar program.