Abstract: A method of automated handheld tool task verification is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one operating parameter for performing a task is received at a handheld tool. It is then verified at the handheld tool that it is configured with the at least one operating parameter. The handheld tool then generates data verifying that the task was performed in accordance with the at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: A method for comparison of product information based on product codes to determine the cost per unit weight per product and hereby determine the cheapest product per unit weight is disclosed herein. The method further comprises of displaying the location information of the cheapest product within the retail store and providing navigational information for enabling the consumer to access the product easily.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for managing a queue of one or more service requests. In accordance with the system and the method, a queue of one or more service requests pertaining to one or more services delivered through a service location is created. Further, a queue registration request is received from a user device in order to register a service request associated with a user in the queue. Further, the queue registration request is processed to register the service request in the queue thereby recording a position of the service request in the queue. Further, the status of the queue is monitored in order to track change in the position of the service request of the user in the queue. Furthermore, the status of the queue is updated to the user on the user device thereby indicating the change in position of the service request to the user.

Abstract: A personal scheduler is proposed. The scheduler is used to define tasks, each one consisting of an activity to be performed by a defined deadline at a specific location, and appointments, each one consisting of an activity to be performed at a precise time at a specific location. The scheduler warns the user whenever s/he passes close to the location of each task. Moreover, at the morning the scheduler reminds all the tasks that might be performed during the day, according to an expected traveling path of the user based on the appointments to be attended.

Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods, in which first ticket information relating to a locate request ticket is received, and second ticket information derived from the first ticket information is displayed on a display device of the marking apparatus. A field technician may provide some input to generate an electronic record or log of technician activity during a marking operation. In one example, a checklist may be generated (e.g., based at least in part on the first ticket information) and displayed locally to the technician as a guide to perform and verify various aspects of the operation. In another example, a set of instructions or “workflow” may be generated to guide the technician through a sequence of steps to perform the marking operation. Performance via a process guide (e.g.

Abstract: A system for data sharing. The system comprises a ticket management application comprising a link to an asset bridging data structure, where the asset bridging data structure is stored in an asset data store, a ticket data store coupled to the ticket management application and comprising data structures associated with tickets and data structures associated with a current view of asset information stored in the asset data store, an asset management application for managing information about assets, where the asset management application is separate from the ticket management application, the asset data store comprising the asset bridging data structure, a mirrored asset bridging data structure, and data structures comprising asset information, a script that copies changes in the asset bridging data structure to the mirrored asset bridging data structure, and a script that writes attributes in the mirrored bridging data structure into the plurality of data structures comprising asset information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems including a computer comprising at least one hardware processor, at least one tangible storage medium (memory), and at least one input/output (I/O) interface for evaluating a quality of a locate and/or marking operation. First information relating to the marking operation (e.g., marking information) is compared to second information relating to the locate operation (e.g., locate information). In some examples, one or both of the marking information and the locate information may be filtered to improve data integrity in some manner. One or more indications of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation is automatically generated based on such a comparison, and the one or more indications of the quality assessment are electronically stored on the at least one tangible storage medium, and/or electronically transmitted via the at least one I/O interface, so as to provide an electronic record of the quality assessment.

Abstract: Scheduling of activities for field service technicians may be improved by modifying availability constraints associated with appointment windows for activities. Activities may be scheduled based on a performance deadline and relevant shift times of the resources to whom the activity may be allocated, as well as a variety of parameters relating to activities, resources and/or relevant environmental conditions (e.g., weather, traffic). An activity may be moved from one calendar day to another, a location constraint at the beginning and/or the end of a technician's shift may be removed or modified, and/or information updates may be provided in real time or near real time (e.g., every five minutes or less) throughout a work day to facilitate scheduling.

Abstract: A method for continuous production planning includes identifying a forbidden transition associated with production of first and second end products. The forbidden transition indicates that a manufacturer should not produce the first and second end products consecutively. The method also includes identifying a bridge product associated with the forbidden transition. The bridge product represents a product that the manufacturer could produce between production of the first and second end products. The method further includes determining a quantity of the bridge product that could be produced by the manufacturer. In addition, the method includes scheduling production of the first and second end products and the bridge product. At least a portion of the quantity of the bridge product is scheduled for production between the production of the first and second end products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is in responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning customers to steps in marketing campaigns. An assignment module assigns and reassigns the customers to the marketing activities. An evaluation module determines a predicted goal value of the marketing campaign for each assignment. The assignment module does not reassign a customer to a marketing activity that the customer has previously been assigned to. An execution module may execute campaign steps by performing marketing activities, and a response detection module may detect responses from the customers. The responses may be used in determining subsequent steps of the campaign. Creating sample target groups representative of the customers that are predicted to respond to a prior campaign step. The sample target group(s) may be used for predicting the outcome of subsequent campaign steps directed at the sample target group.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to satisfaction metrics, their methods of administration, and computer programmable products loaded with the satisfaction metrics. The satisfaction metrics of the subject invention allow the participant to assess his or her satisfaction with general and specific attributes of any organization and to assign a relative value to the attribute relative to the other attributes. A weighted satisfaction score can be computed from the relative values and raw satisfaction scores of the general and specific attributes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a computer-implemented method for automatically generating a weighted average forecast model that includes receiving a plurality of forecasting models and time series data. At least one parameter of each of the received forecasting models is optimized utilizing the received time series data. A weighting factor is generated for each of the plurality of optimized forecasting models utilizing an information criteria value indicating fit quality of each of the optimized forecasting models, and the generated weighting factors are stored.

Abstract: A high-performance capability assessment model helps a health and life sciences business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the health and life sciences business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high-performance capability assessment model helps the health and life sciences business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made, to understand how to make said improvements, and to establish levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for monitoring service tickets for information technology (IT) service providers to ensure that levels of service regarding resolving problems identified by a customer are met is provided. In one embodiment, a monitoring server inspects a service ticket in a database to determine a deadline for when a problem associated with the service ticket must be resolved. The server then determines a deadline approaching alert time. This deadline approaching alert time is a time at which a help desk user must be notified that the deadline for resolving the problem must be met is approaching. The server then alerts the help desk user that the deadline for resolving the problem is approaching when the deadline approaching alert time is reached.

Abstract: A resource management system includes a work plan builder module configured to build work plans for workers. The work plan builder module is configured to allow each worker to specify, for each of a plurality of different time periods, one of a plurality of different activities that the worker plans to perform during that time period. The work plans built by the work plan builder module are stored in a computer-accessible memory.

Abstract: In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for using consumer purchaser behavior for targeting delivery of content to consumers through television and other media. An advertising measurement system, which may be accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program, may be used to process and analyze data. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. Data may be collected from a variety of people identification tools for analyzing the identities of one or more people viewing content delivered on a program delivery source. Data may also be collected from various types of metering devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a human capital development framework which allows organizations to assess the business impact of human capital initiatives and guide their implementation. The invention further provides a four-tier tool for arriving at an assessment of an organization's human capital practices. The first tier includes a measurement of business results, the second tier involves key performance drivers which contribute to business results, the third tier involves human capital capabilities and the fourth tier involves human capital processes. Surveys are provided to collect data for each tier and a detailed report is generated based upon survey results.

Abstract: In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing and accessing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing and accessing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed.