Abstract: An automated self service method of and system for cashing checks, typically without human intervention. The system includes a check cashing database that contains customer records for registered customers. A plurality of administration modules are provided with which individuals may register themselves and their checks and communicate with customer service representatives. A check cashing server communicates with the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server receives check cashing requests from the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server processes check requests by comparing information in the request with criteria derived from the check cashing database. If the check request satisfies the criteria, the check cashing server, without human action or intervention, instructs the check cashing transaction module to dispense cash to the customer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the analysis and standardization of bills of resources to be used during the performance of a given procedure. Bills of resources to be analyzed are converted to models for manipulation. The models are manipulated according to a mathematical algorithm which highlights their relative similarities and dissimilarities. The manipulated models are then expressed in a manner in which the highlighted similarities and dissimilarities are perceptible. Based upon this expression the utilization, consumption, or other characteristic of the bills of resources or the resource listed therein may be analyzed. In one embodiment of the invention, the expression of the manipulated models is utilized to identify groups of similar bills of resources and a standard bill of resources for each group of similar bills of resources is calculated. This standard bill of resources is then substituted for the different bills resources in each defined group.

Abstract: Sensitivity information about average lost sales and inventory levels of a lost-sale (s,S) inventory system with respect to the two decision variables s and S is used for "what-if" analysis and optimization of the decision variables. Computer software implements an algorithm that provides sensitivity of average inventory levels as well as average lost sales with respect to changes in s and q(q=S-s) for a lost-sale inventory simulation for any specified demand distribution. The sensitivity information provided is exact when compared to a finite-difference simulation for the case of both discrete and continuous, stationary and non-stationary demands. A finite difference estimate of the sensitivity is obtained by running two simulations where the parameter in question (s or S) differ by a chosen small number, and then calculating the resulting difference in the performance measure of interest, in this case average inventory and lost sales.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an existing or putative portfolio having a plurality of assets. A mean-variance efficient portfolio is computed for a plurality of simulations of input data statistically consistent with an expected return and expected standard deviation of return, and each such portfolio is associated, by means of an index, with a specified portfolio on the mean variance efficient frontier. A statistical mean of the index-associated mean-variance efficient portfolios is used for evaluating a portfolio for consistency with a specified risk objective.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system which is capable of displaying price information in terms of a plurality of different currencies. The system includes an EPL and a computer. The EPL includes a display, and a control circuit which causes the display to display price information based upon a plurality of different currencies. The computer sends messages to the EPL instructing the EPL to display predetermined price information based upon a predetermined currency.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system including groups of electronic price labels and method of managing the groups which facilitate group definition, assignment of EPLs to groups, assignment of items to EPLs, and assignment of prices to items. The system includes a plurality of EPLs arranged in rows and columns within a sign to define a group. At least one of the rows includes a plurality of EPLs and at least one of the columns includes a plurality of EPLs. A computer coupled to the EPLs defines the group, assigns the EPLs to the group, and assigns item identification numbers and prices to the EPLs. A storage medium stores group definition information, EPL assignments to the group, and item assignments to the EPLs. The storage medium additionally stores a price identifier, which may be incorporated into the item identification numbers.

Abstract: A system and method that determines building occupancy at a selected site by using geographically based structures to identify potential clients and to analyze aggregate carrier exposure levels at the selected site. This is achieved by using geographically based structures that are formed by geocoding business addresses and by linking all similarly geocoded businesses. Geographically based structures identify building characteristics and occupant related information. Specifically, all business addresses are address standardized, interjected with public protection code information and then geocoded. The geocoding information is used to identify and determine the building's occupancy configuration. For each tenant or occupant of the building, the system will initially display basic information that includes for example, business name, address and whether the business is currently insured by the carrier.

Abstract: A computer implemented method provides decision support for how much of an inventory item to order and when to order where the review period is different from a basic time unit for demand realization and updates. For cases where the review period is greater than the basic time unit for describing the system, the (s,S) rule is replaced with an enhanced policy for deciding when to order and how much to order. This policy becomes necessary as in practice items are often reviewed at different frequencies, even though demand realization and inventory updates may be done every day. Given a periodic review inventory system and given a set of (s,S) values, the computer implemented method produces lower average inventory costs for the same achieved service level. Alternatively, for a given average investment in inventory, the method will result in higher service level than the corresponding (s,S) policy.