Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for efficiently removing tissue using laser ablation. A first laser emits a first laser beam with a variable first integrated fluence sufficient to ablate tissue. The first laser beam is movably positioned over one or more surfaces of the tissue and the first integrated fluence varies over different levels with position, so different thicknesses of tissue are ablated at different surface positions in order to modify the contour of the surface of the tissue. Modifications include tissue smoothing, removing, feathering, sharpening, and roughening. In one preferred embodiment the tissue is eschar that is removed, unveiling viable tissue. In alternate preferred embodiments, one or more additional lasers beams with different wavelengths, with integrated fluence sufficient to ablate tissue, are moved over the surface of the tissue until a second ablation reaches a second self-termination point, e.g.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for resource management includes storing in a memory a set of resource consumers, resources for allocation to the resource consumers, and initial binary constraints applying to the allocation of the resources. Respective variables are associated with the resource consumers, and the resources are identified as values applicable to the variables. A non-binary scoring criterion is applied to generate scores on a graded scale for proposed assignments of one or more of the resources to respective ones of the resource consumers. One or more additional binary constraints are defined based on the graded scale of the scores. An assignment is found of the values to the variables that satisfies the initial and additional binary constraints using a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) solver running on a processor that is coupled to the memory. The resources are assigned to the resource consumers responsively to the assignment of the values to the variables.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for resource management includes storing in a memory a set of resource consumers, resources for allocation to the resource consumers, and initial binary constraints applying to the allocation of the resources. Respective variables are associated with the resource consumers, and the resources are identified as values applicable to the variables. A non-binary scoring criterion is applied to generate scores on a graded scale for proposed assignments of one or more of the resources to respective ones of the resource consumers. One or more additional binary constraints are defined based on the graded scale of the scores. An assignment is found of the values to the variables that satisfies the initial and additional binary constraints using a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) solver running on a processor that is coupled to the memory. The resources are assigned to the resource consumers responsively to the assignment of the values to the variables.

Abstract: Method and system for strategic global resource sourcing in one aspect incorporates concurrently a plurality of qualitative and quantitative attributes that influence performance of sourcing strategy with respect to one or more quantitative measures, quantifies an impact of said qualitative attributes using said one or more quantitative measures, and optimizes the sourcing strategy with respect to said one or more quantitative measures subject to one or more constraints.

Abstract: The substitution of employees in a service engagement is a computer based method designed to consider a set of attributes that describe the resource capabilities required for delivering a services engagement and identify the actual real-world human assets that can be substituted and/or matched to these attributes. The method will produce an allocation plan that provides the set of permissible substitutes for a given resource demand, given a set of allowable substitute resources for a particular resource attribute, and substitution and matching rules for the given resource demand. A set of metrics is created that identify which substitutions are best relative to the ideal match of resources to the demand.

Abstract: The present invention forecasts workforce demand by extracting a data set representing project requests that are recorded in a corporate workforce request database before work begins and using advance request data to forecast the future workforce demand. Thus, advance resource request data is accessed, and demand signals are extracted from the data. Forecast models are built for each skill category and forecasting lead time using the advance resource request data. Workforce demand forecasts are also generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for optimizing a sourcing strategy for potential services offerings of large, multinational services organizations. This optimization method considers existing capabilities, resource skills, locations of the resources, costs of the resources, desired profit margins and other strategic sourcing policies to produce an optimized service offering staffing plan.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for allocating human resources to tasks using constraint satisfaction programming, where fictitious persons are used to satisfy required constraints, to ensure that the solution process continues until a solution is found, and capability constraints and job constraints are relaxed until a solution is found. Tasks using fictitious persons are identified, and information about task capability requirements not met and capabilities of unallocated human resources are displayed so that constraints may be relaxed and fictitious persons removed. There is provision for handling multi-task jobs where if a fictitious person is assigned to any task then all tasks will be assigned a fictitious person.

Abstract: A method (and structure) for end-to-end workforce management, includes identifying sources of data that together reflect data of substantially the entirety of a workforce of an organization, identifying service components related to the workforce, and combining the data sources and service components into an integrated framework to support an end-to-end workforce management cycle.

Abstract: A workforce management tool includes an input section that receives data from one or more data sources that together reflect data of substantially an entirety of a workforce of an organization. A plurality of service modules receive and process the data in accordance with requirements of different segments of the organization. The plurality of service modules are interconnected so that a user in a segment of the organization can selectively view any data of the workforce tool that is related to that segment.

Abstract: The present invention forecasts workforce demand by extracting a data set representing project requests that are recorded in a corporate workforce request database before work begins and using advance request data to forecast the future workforce demand. Thus, advance resource request data is accessed, and demand signals are extracted from the data. Forecast models are built for each skill category and forecasting lead time using the advance resource request data. Workforce demand forecasts are also generated.

Abstract: A system restocking and repricing merchandise includes a shelf label holder having an illuminating function, and a hand-held unit which remotely causes the shelf label holder to illuminate under predetermined conditions. The system may also include a host controller for directing the operation of the hand held unit and shelf label holder.

Abstract: A decision-making method suitable for production planning in an uncertain demand environment. To this end, the method comprises combining an implosion technology with a scenario-based analysis, thus manifesting, a sui generis capability which preserves the advantages and benefits of each of its subsumed aspects.

Abstract: A decision-making method suitable for production planning in an uncertain demand environment. To this end, the method comprises combining an implosion technology with a scenario-based analysis, thus manifesting, a sui generis capability which preserves the advantages and benefits of each of its subsumed aspects.