Abstract: A system and method is provided for sourcing agreement and performance analysis comprising the steps of identifying scenarios for material requirements, identifying scenarios for supply environments, identifying terms of existing and/or prospective sourcing agreements, identifying a set of sourcing agreement utilization policies, identifying inventory-related and shortage costs scenarios, and computing future sourcing performance based on the identified scenarios, existing or prospective sourcing agreements, and sourcing agreement utilization policies. Various cost/risk and other future performance measures (e.g., scenarios, metrics, etc.) are output from the stated computing step and business decisions.

Abstract: When uncertainty is present, operational activities and counterparty relationships related to such operational activities are evaluated and appropriate management actions determined by utilizing data records comprising Contingent Performance Deliverables (CPDs), where a CPD specifies a set of rights and obligations for two or more counterparties to the CPD with respect to operational activities of the counterparties, wherein the rights and obligations are defined over a set of uncertain potential future events (SPFE). Analysis is conducted to assess relevant sources of uncertainty, and to determine appropriate actions under the operational activities, counterparty relationships, and CPD rights and obligations across such sources of uncertainty. After the actions are determined, their impact on the operational activities and counterparty relationships, and on associated performance measures, is determined across the sources of uncertainty.

Abstract: Operational activities of an enterprise are managed by producing a data record comprising a contingent performance deliverable (CPD) that specifies a set of rights and obligations for two or more parties to the CPD with respect to operational activities of the parties to the CPD, wherein the rights and obligations are defined over a set of uncertain potential future events (SPFE). The CPD is processed to provide an evaluation of likely result of the specified rights and obligations of the parties to the CPD with respect to operational activities of at least one organizational entity comprising an analysis entity, and with respect to sources of uncertainty related to the operational activities of the analysis entity over the SPFE. An output report is generated in accordance with the evaluation.

Abstract: A check-out counter system includes a scanner, a bagging station, and a deck area. The bagging station is positioned adjacent the scanner and includes a first and a second support shelf. The first support shelf is positioned and configured to support a plurality of first bags. The second support shelf is positioned below the first support shelf and configured to support a plurality of second bags. The deck area is configured to support at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags after the at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags has been loaded with merchandise. The deck area is adjacent the bagging station and defines a top deck area surface that is generally coplanar with a top surface of the first support shelf. Other check-out counter systems and associated methods provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A medical device implanted within a lumen of a patient, such as the esophagus, stomach, or another portion of the gastrointestinal tract, includes a device housing and a lead that extends from the device housing. An anchor member is located at a distal portion of the lead, and the lead includes one or more electrodes located between the device housing and the anchor member. A delivery system for implanting the medical device within the lumen includes an elongated delivery device and a needle. The needle includes a bore to receive the anchor member of the medical device. The delivery system inserts the anchor member through a passageway from the lumen, through the tissue, and back into the lumen.

Abstract: A technique is provided for determining ownership interest allocation for a business, wherein transactions of contributors with the business are grouped into contributor transaction classes (CTCs), and a contribution value is calculated for the contributor transactions in each CTC to indicate the contribution of each transaction to the value of the business, using one or more performance metrics for each CTC, and lastly, at least one ownership interest award rule for a contributor is determined, based on the calculated contribution values for the CTCs. The technique can be performed with a digital computer and can provide real-time dynamic measures of ownership interest allocation.

Abstract: A bagging station within a check-out counter system and for use by a cashier positioned in a cashier location within the check-out counter system. The bagging station includes a lower bag rack and an upper bag rack. The lower bag rack is configured to hold at least one bag for loading with a first portion of merchandise and defines a first upper edge. The upper bag rack is configured to hold at least one bag for loading with a second portion of merchandise. The upper bag rack is positioned behind the lower bag rack relative to the cashier location, and the upper bag rack defines a second upper edge. The first upper edge and the second upper edge are arranged in a terraced configuration. Check-out counter systems and methods of processing merchandise provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A system and method for representing and incorporating available information into uncertainty-based forecasts is provided. The system comprises a new class of models able to efficiently and effectively represent uncertainty-based forecasts with a wide range of characteristics with greater accuracy. Further, methods provide for selection of a most appropriate model from the class of models and calibration of the selected model to all available data, including both directly relevant historical data and expert opinion and analysis. An output is a model that can be used to generate an uncertainty-based forecast for a variable or variables of interest accurately and efficiently. In addition, methods for refining input data and testing and refining the output representation of the uncertainty-based forecast are provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing relationships between sourcing variables. A condition is defined utilizing one or more sourcing variables. One or more sourcing performance scenarios that satisfy the condition are identified. At least one relationship between the one or more sourcing variables is defined. The at least one relationship is then analyzed utilizing the one or more identified sourcing performance scenarios. The results of the analysis may be refined with further conditions, relationships, and/or sourcing performance scenarios.

Abstract: A system and method for representing and incorporating available information into uncertainty-based forecasts is provided. The system comprises a new class of models able to efficiently and effectively represent uncertainty-based forecasts with a wide range of characteristics with greater accuracy. Further, methods provide for selection of a most appropriate model from the class of models and calibration of the selected model to all available data, including both directly relevant historical data and expert opinion and analysis. An output is a model that can be used to generate an uncertainty-based forecast for a variable or variables of interest accurately and efficiently. In addition, methods for refining input data and testing and refining the output representation of the uncertainty-based forecast are provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for optimizing sourcing opportunity utilization policies. A user provides at least one of a business objective and a business constraint. Next, an available set of sourcing opportunity utilization policies is determined. From this set, an “optimal” sourcing opportunity utilization policy is selected based on its ability to best meet the at least one business objective or constraint. Based on evaluation of the optimal sourcing opportunity utilization policy and/or associated business performance, the at least one business objective or constraint and/or available set of sourcing opportunity utilization policies may be revised, and the process repeated to determine the optimal sourcing utilization policy for this revised specification.

Abstract: A technique is provided for determining ownership interest allocation for a business, wherein transactions of contributors with the business are grouped into contributor transaction classes (CTCs), and a contribution value is calculated for the contributor transactions in each CTC to indicate the contribution of each transaction to the value of the business, using one or more performance metrics for each CTC, and lastly, at least one ownership interest award rule for a contributor is determined, based on the calculated contribution values for the CTCs. The technique can be performed with a digital computer and can provide real-time dynamic measures of ownership interest allocation.

Abstract: Grounding a PCB to an enclosure sub-assembly is accomplished using a specially designed spring. The spring contains a base portion, an inclined portion and a head portion. Holes are provided in the base portion of the spring to allow for soldering to make a much stronger bond, reducing the chance of separation. A tab is provided on the top portion to reduce snagging nearby objects during installation. Notches are placed between the head portion and flaps connected to he head portion in order to reduce tearing that may occur during manufacture. The spring may then be used with a specially designed enclosure sub-assembly having a drawn feature, the drawn feature engaging the spring and compressing it, allowing grounding to occur. The drawn feature allows for the single spring design to be used in a wide variety of products.