Abstract: The invention is a method and system for generating and deploying a research questionnaire in an integrated research program. The method begins with the initiation of a generation program for generating the questionnaire by defining its characteristics and associated reports. The generation program is interoperably linked with at least one database, for porting data to populate fields of the market research questionnaire. Upon completion, the system deploys the questionnaire in accordance with several options. The flexibility of the underlying system is demonstrated by its ability to let multiple respondents, in multiple locations, respond to the questionnaire while immediately capturing relevant data and generating reports based on those responses. The reporting module, can be merged with internal reports or can be transmitted to a remote location, downloaded for printing, or re-integrated.

Abstract: A carrier management system having the capability to compute discounted shipping charges. The carrier management system includes inputs for input of parcel weight, information for selecting a class of carrier service, a parcel identification number and operator input signals. A data processor responds to a first operator input signal to append a suffix to the parcel identification number and store the parcel information, and for succeeding parcels increments the suffix and stores the parcel information. Upon input of a second operator input signal the data processor determines the discounted shipping rate for the group of parcels. The data processor also compares the discounted and non-discounted costs and in response to other operator input signals adds or deletes parcels in the group.

Abstract: A register system such as a carrier management system has a scale for weighing parcels, and a computer for determining shipping costs of the parcels. The computer has a memory including one or more accounting registers. A user PROM having a unique identification number therein is insertable in the system, and an initialization program stores this number in the system memory. Transactions cannot be accounted unless the numbers in the PROM and memory compare. A further PROM is insertable in the system in order to enable the initialization program.

Abstract: A carrier management system includes a scale for weighing parcels to be shipped, a computer connected to receive data from the scale related to the weight of a parcel thereon, and first input keys enabling the input of information. The computer has a data base for storing shipping charge data for a plurality of carriers and/or shipping classes, based upon the weight of a parcel of the scale. The computer is responsive to the operation of the first keys for determining shipping charges for predetermined carriers and/or shipping classes represented by data in the data base. The input includes auto-rate selection key, and the computer is responsive to operation of the auto-rate selection key for determining shipping charges of the least costly carrier and/or shipping class of a predetermined subgroup of carriers and/or shipping classes represented by data in the data base. In one operating mode, the computer may determined the next least costly shipping charges.

Abstract: A carrier management system includes a scale for weighing parcels to be shipped, a computer connected to receive data from the scale related to the weight of a parcel thereon, and a keyboard enabling operator input to the computer. The keyboard has a plurality of keys including a plurality of selection keys corresponding to separate ones or groups of the carriers and/or classes. The computer stores shipping charge data for a plurality of carriers and/or shipping classes, on the basis of weight data from the scale. A second memory receives and stores discount data from the keyboard, corresponding to discounts allocable to any of the carriers and/or classes. The computer is responsive to operation of the selection keys for applying discounts stored in the second means to any carrier and/or class to which they are applicable.