Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for providing a dynamic multi-dimensional commodity modeling process. The system includes a data collection component operable for collecting raw data, a dynamic multi-dimensional commodity model component, and a commodity tree generated by the dynamic multi-dimensional commodity model component. The system also includes a closed loop/corrective action component operable for resolving nonconformance issues resulting from analysis of the raw data and commodity tree, and an analytic engine in communication with the data collection component, the multi-dimensional commodity model component, and the closed loop/corrective action component.

Abstract: A method and system makes date-time conversions and complex date-time calculations between dates of different calendaring systems. The conversion method herein allows embedded, real-time conversion in computer applications and systems between multiple calendaring systems. A date of a first date-time format is converted to any date of a second date-time format after a transformation to a temporal reference or epoch date. The conversion method can be embedded into any code space to enable full date-time conversion abilities. The real-time conversion of the conversion method requires no conversion tables and no post-processing manipulation thus eliminating the need for individual programmers to re-create the same date cross reference tables, or post processing algorithms. The conversion method supports conversion between any two date-time formats including the various existing Gregorian conventions.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for providing a dynamic multi-dimensional commodity modeling process. The system includes a data collection component operable for collecting raw data, a dynamic multi-dimensional commodity model component, and a commodity tree generated by the dynamic multi-dimensional commodity model component. The system also includes a closed loop/corrective action component operable for resolving nonconformance issues resulting from analysis of the raw data and commodity tree, and an analytic engine in communication with the data collection component, the multi-dimensional commodity model component, and the closed loop/corrective action component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for processing a database query that allows data values for attributes of a child database record to be inherited from an associated parent record. A hierarchical query function may automatically determine the inheritance of attribute values in queries of hierarchical data. In the case that a query does not retrieve values for all attributes specified in the query, the missing attribute values are determined from higher levels of the hierarchy.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus is an identification device (ID) tag that includes (1) a semiconductor chip; (2) an antenna coupled to the semiconductor chip; (3) a layer of material, coupled to the semiconductor chip, and adapted to provide a persistent visual or audible signal that is observable by a human being; and (4) a controller coupled to the layer of material and adapted to cause the material to provide the signal. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for providing a dynamic multi-dimensional commodity modeling process. The method comprises creating a commodity hierarchy data structure. The commodity hierarchy data structure includes at least one top level node and at least one leaf node dependent upon the top level node. The method further comprises assigning uniform attributes to nodes in the hierarchy and selectively assigning at least one dimensional attribute to a node for invoking an analysis based upon the dimensional attribute. The dependent nodes inherit dimensional attributes assigned to corresponding upper level nodes. Other embodiments include an apparatus, a system, and storage medium.