Abstract: Generating an optimized pricing plan includes accessing a hierarchy comprising a sequence of levels, where each level includes an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function. A mathematical programming model representing a pricing plan problem is determined for an item group comprising items. The following is repeated for each level of the sequence of levels: selecting a level comprising an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function, determining an optimized boundary for the objective function, and adding a constraint generated from the optimized boundary to the set of constraints of a next level. An objective function of a last level of the sequence is optimized subject to the set of constraints associated with the objective function to yield an optimized result. An optimized pricing plan is generated in accordance with the optimized result.

Abstract: A system of rendering content according to availability data for at least one item includes a server to receive a content request from a user and, in response, to retrieve requested content. A rendering engine coupled to the server identifies at least one rule associated with the content and concerning the item. A rules engine coupled to the rendering engine generates at least one availability request corresponding to the rule and concerning the item. The rules engine receives the availability data for the item, retrieves additional content according to the availability data for the item, the additional content selected from among one or more stored content elements that concern the item, and communicates the additional content to the rendering engine for incorporation into the requested content. The rendering engine renders the requested content, including the additional content concerning the item.

Abstract: Generating an optimized pricing plan includes accessing a hierarchy comprising a sequence of levels, where each level includes an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function. A mathematical programming model representing a pricing plan problem is determined for an item group comprising items. The following is repeated for each level of the sequence of levels: selecting a level comprising an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function, determining an optimized boundary for the objective function, and adding a constraint generated from the optimized boundary to the set of constraints of a next level. An objective function of a last level of the sequence is optimized subject to the set of constraints associated with the objective function to yield an optimized result. An optimized pricing plan is generated in accordance with the optimized result.

Abstract: A system for rendering content according to availability data for at least one item includes a server to receive a content request from a user and, in response, to retrieve requested content. A rendering engine coupled to the server identifies at least one rule associated with the content and concerning the item. A rules engine coupled to the rendering engine generates at least one availability request corresponding to the rule and concerning the item. The rules engine receives the availability data for the item, retrieves additional content according to the availability data for the item, and communicates the additional content to the rendering engine for incorporation into the requested content. The rendering engine renders the requested content, including the additional content concerning the item. The server communicates the rendered content to the user to satisfy the content request.

Abstract: Generating an optimized pricing plan includes accessing a hierarchy comprising a sequence of levels, where each level includes an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function. A mathematical programming model representing a pricing plan problem is determined for an item group comprising items. The following is repeated for each level of the sequence of levels: selecting a level comprising an objective function and a set of constraints associated with the objective function, determining an optimized boundary for the objective function, and adding a constraint generated from the optimized boundary to the set of constraints of a next level. An objective function of a last level of the sequence is optimized subject to the set of constraints associated with the objective function to yield an optimized result. An optimized pricing plan is generated in accordance with the optimized result.

Abstract: A planning coordination system (30) and method are provided that automatically coordinate a planning system (32) associated with a first factory (28) with separate planning systems (16, 24, 40) of a plurality of factories (12, 20, 36) in a manufacturing chain. The planning coordination system (30) communicates with the planning system (32) of the first factory (28) and communicates with separate planning coordination systems (14, 38) of the other factories (12, 36) with which the first factory (28) has demand and supply part relationships. The planning coordination system (30) receives and processes demands and responses communicated by the planning coordination systems (14, 38) of the other factories (12, 36). The planning coordination system (30) provides planning information to the planning system (32) of the first factory (28) and obtains information about products to be produced and parts needed from an output plan (34) of that planning system (32).

Abstract: A computer software system (10) is provided. The computer software system (10) includes a compiler (12) operable to receive a worksheet definition (20) and to access a plurality of model interface functions (16). The worksheet definition (20) is named and parameterized and comprises a plurality of cell definitions (24) each defining a model-independent expression (26). The compiler (12) is further operable to generate a worksheet template (32) comprising a plurality of cell templates (36) each defining a model-dependent expression (38). An evaluator (40) is operable to receive the worksheet template (32) and a parameter expression. The evaluator (40) is further operable to access the plurality of model interface functions (16) and a user model (60). The evaluator (40) is operable to evaluate the model-dependent expressions (38) in the worksheet template (32) and is operable to generate a worksheet instance (48) containing a plurality of cell instances (52) defining model-specific values (54).

Abstract: A computer software system is provided. The computer software system includes a compiler operable to receive a worksheet definition and to access a plurality of model interface functions. The worksheet definition is named and parameterized and comprises a plurality of cell definitions each defining a model-independent expression. The compiler is further operable to generate a worksheet template comprising a plurality of cell templates each defining a model-dependent expression. An evaluator is operable to receive the worksheet template. The evaluator is further operable to access the plurality of model interface functions and a user model. The evaluator is operable to evaluate the model-dependent expressions in the worksheet template and is operable to generate a worksheet instance containing a plurality of cell instances defining model-specific values (54).