Abstract: The present invention provides a digitally originated check (DOC) through an electronic payment system (EPS) which captures payor metadata instructions regarding the intended payment to a payee. The metadata is stored in a database or the like for further processing instead of printing a paper check. The EPS is operable to clear the DOC through either paper or electronic Check 21 mechanisms.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the relationship between a service provider and a client is disclosed. A first data set of feedback from employees of the service provider regarding service provided by the service provider to the client is received via machine interface. A second data set of feedback from a client regarding services provided by the service provider to the client also is received via machine interface. An analysis of the first and second data sets is implemented via a computer programmed to compare the first and second data sets and assess areas of similarity and areas of difference between the first and second data sets. A strategy is developed based on the analysis for the service provider to enhance areas of similarity and reduce differences between the first and second data sets. The strategy is implemented in the relationship between the service provider and the client.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically determining substitution chains that are valid during a rules-based ATP check for an order item. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes an interface for interfacing with a plurality of data storage devices in at least one of which a plurality of stock items are stored as data. The system also includes an execution memory storing software and a buffer for temporarily storing data. A processor coupled to the interface and the execution memory may carry out an availability check in which a replacement chain describing replacements is stored in the buffer. The replacement chain may be determined by one or more of rules defining substitutions.

Abstract: An improved location based authentication (LBA) system for detecting fraudulent transactions committed by means of misuse of payment cards is disclosed. The improved LBA system performs a series of transaction analysis and generates a fraud-score which provides an indication as whether to authorize an attempted transaction. The system is designed to increase profitability of credit card companies by reducing the accumulated losses due to fraud. In one embodiment, the system detects fraud by analyzing the behavior patterns of card holders and merchants.

Abstract: System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, for redemption transactions that occurred within one of the entities other than where the associated account was activated, the host computer system is configured to prepare a request to transfer a redemption amount to a central account from an entity account associated with where the account was activated, and to prepare a request to transfer less than the redemption amount from the central account to an entity account associated with where the redemption transaction occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for locating one or more dates. Specific embodiments include a dates locator that is operable to analyze a date request in the form of natural language words or phrases and determine that such words or phrases correspond to a specific date or range of dates. In one natural language example, a date request may be in the form of a specified holiday or specified period of time before and/or after such specified holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving week) and the corresponding date or range of dates are retrieved by the dates locator. That is, dates locator embodiments receive a date request that uses date contextual information as input to thereby retrieve a specific date or range of dates. The retrieved date or range of dates may then be displayed based in the date request's contextual information. Additionally, a dates locator may include a learning mechanism to learn new associations between particular contextual information and a specific date or range of dates.

Abstract: System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, the host computer periodically performs a net settlement analysis of the transactional data received from each entity's stores. A request is prepared to transfer funds from each entity's bank account having a positive net settlement amount into a central entity bank account. A request is also prepared to transfer funds into each entity's bank account having a negative net settlement amount from the central entity bank account.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide an indication of whether a mortgage loan is likely to involve property value fraud, such as a property involved in mortgage flipping. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information representative of the property, the information including foreclosure information on the property and a rate of foreclosures corresponding to a region in which the property is located; and determining an indication based on one or more rules and the received information, the indication representative of a likelihood that the mortgage loan application involves property value fraud.