Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to efficiently verify inventory includes a process for verifying inventory in sub-sets using trigger parameters whereby priority status triggers are defined which indicate that an inventory item is particularly susceptible to inaccuracies/discrepancies between physical inventory and inventory as calculated by a computing system implemented financial management system. In one embodiment, transactions and/or events associated with units of the inventory item, or inventory item class, are then monitored for occurrence of any of the priority status triggers. In one embodiment, if one or more priority status triggers occur associated with the given inventory item, or inventory item class, the inventory item, or inventory item class, is given priority verify status indicating that the inventory item, or inventory item class, should be physically inventoried on a priority basis.

Abstract: An ordering apparatus stores an order quantity, moreover, generates the order data for each ordered commodity by associating a plurality of the commodity identifiers which is accepted the input with the order quantities which is stored, during the period from the moment that the input of the commodity identifier is accepted to the moment that is determined that the input acceptation is terminated.

Abstract: A method of tracking trays through a delivery system. The method comprises: generating an enhanced label, the enhanced label comprising a routing code and a label unique identifier, the enhanced label being applied to the tray; associating a tray with a container, the container having a container unique identifier; and receiving a load container scan, the load container scan associating the container unique identifier with the enhanced label.

Abstract: A computer system may manage orders for goods from a plurality of purchasers. The computer system may receive the orders, calculate an approximate volume that the goods which are the subject of each order would collectively occupy during shipment, and compare each calculated approximate volume to a pre-determine maximum allowed volume that the purchaser of the order is permitted. The computer system may accept each order whose approximate volume does not exceed the maximum allowed volume for the purchaser of the order, or reject each order whose approximate volume exceeds this maximum allowed volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a service architecture design that provides enterprise services having logistics execution functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating delivery and adjustments of customer orders at a customer delivery site. A delivery courier is assigned a mobile field computing device for facilitating delivery and order adjustments of customer orders associated with that courier's delivery route. The mobile field computing device includes memory for storing customer order history data and delivery route data downloaded from a server system. The delivery route data stored in the mobile field computing device may be used by the delivery courier to facilitate delivery of the customer orders. Further, the delivery courier may use the mobile field computing device to process a variety of different order adjustment transactions at a customer delivery site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for calculating an optimal revenue total yield for both sleeping and function space in a hospitality establishment for a set of demand that includes both group and transient demands. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the revenue optimization problem is characterized as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem and solved using MILP techniques. Preferably, a small value is assigned to the “cost” of a room upgrade and the cost of room upgrades are included in the revenue function to be optimized. In some embodiments of the invention, the actual revenue yield is compared to the optimum revenue yield.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system including a data collection and transmission module and a data evaluation module. The data collection and transmission module receives data from an RFID tag and transmits the data to the data evaluation module to thereby enable the presence of a product to which the RFID tag is attached.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a transaction between at least one user, at least one merchant, at least one associate is provided. The method includes the steps of the associate processing device transferring into the user processing device a first merchant link for a first merchant Web site on a first merchant processing device. The first merchant link is framed with associate information. The user selects the first merchant link. The associate processing device transfers into the user processing device information regarding a first product from the first merchant Web site. The user selects the first product to purchase. The user provides purchase information for purchasing the first product. The user processing device transfers the purchase information to the associate processing device. The associate processing device adds promotional information to the purchase information responsive to the user identification value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention collect item information from RFID tags attached to items in an inventory, and uses the collected item information to perform various inventory management processes. In one aspect, the inventory management processes may include determining, reporting, and/or providing corrective actions for one or more events associated with at least one of depletions of items in the inventory, changes in the design of items in the inventory, defects with one or more items, misplaced items, the movement of an unusual umber of items within a short period of time (i.e., shrinkage), and malfunctions of one or more components included in the environment.

Abstract: Methods, software products, and systems for determining safety stock levels are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a method of determining safety stock levels includes the steps: determining aggregate top-level product demands; determining aggregate top-level product demand variations; determining aggregate top-level product target service levels; determining respective smoothing time frames for a plurality of mixed-product lines; and incorporating aggregate top-level product demands, aggregate top-level product demand variations, aggregate top-level product target service levels, and smoothing time frames into a material requirements planning system to determine safety stock levels.

Abstract: A system and method for selling a rental media product having entertainment content therein via an automated vending machine are provided. The method receives a request from a user, the request identifying the rental media product, retrieves, from a database, product rental information relating to the rental media product, wherein the product rental information comprises a product release date, a last maximum out-of-rent value, a sold-out date value, and a current on-hand count, determines whether the product rental information satisfies a set of sales decision criteria, wherein the set of sales decision criteria includes a product release date threshold, a last maximum out-of-rent value threshold, a sold-out date requirement, and a current on-hand count threshold. The method further provides an offer to sell the rental media product if the plurality of sales decision criteria is satisfied, and vends the rental product from a vending apparatus to the user if the user accepts the offer for sale.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for managing parts shortages is disclosed. The computerized system and method analyzes inventory and production demand data over a period of time to whether the parts in inventory are sufficient to meet production demand. The projections allow a logistics provider to determine when parts shortages are likely to occur and the nature of the potential shortages. Information about the type and time of potential parts shortages allow the logistics provider to take action to prevent shortages entirely or minimize their impact on production. Some shortages may be covered by requesting delivery of parts from various locations within the site inventory or by locating parts within the site inventory. Other shortages may be covered by ordering more parts from suppliers. The ability to detect various types of shortages and take mitigating actions allow a logistics provider to maintain a flow of parts to production.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of evaluating an impact on inventory levels of migrating from a pre-processing environment to a dynamic processing environment may include identifying a plurality of form types to migrate from a pre-processing environment to a dynamic processing environment and identifying an inventory policy. For each identified form type, corresponding job demand information may be received. A computing device may determine a plurality of total inventory requirements for the identified form types based on the identified inventory policy. The computing device may determine a plurality of migrated inventory requirements for the dynamic processing environment based on the identified inventory policy. One or more statistics pertaining to one or more of the job demand information, the total inventory requirements and the migrated inventory requirements may be displayed to a user.

Abstract: A terminal for interacting with a signaling tag includes a controller capable of selecting a signaling tag and thereafter receiving a tag type from the signaling tag at least partially over an air interface. The controller is also capable of determining if the terminal is actively operating an application. In this regard, the controller is capable of performing a predefined action based upon the tag type, such as based upon a tag type of “Read Only,” “Read/Write” or “Transceiver in Show Mode.” And when the controller is actively operating an application, the controller is capable of performing the predefined action further based upon the application and a state of the application.

Abstract: A computerized automated demand-based parts delivery management system and method is disclosed. Parts for use in a production facility are received at a warehouse and housed in storage inventory areas such as trailers parked in a yard. Data about the parts in storage inventory areas and their locations as well as an inventory of parts in the warehouse are stored in a database. A “demand pegging” operation is performed by viewing current delivery inventory levels within the warehouse and applying them to production demand data to determine when parts will be depleted from delivery inventory areas. The operation further identifies storage inventory areas that have the needed parts. Process times for transporting parts between locations are considered in determining task times for transporting parts from storage inventory areas to delivery inventory areas so parts are replenished in advance of the deplete time determined by the demand pegging operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for shelf life expiration date management for smart refrigerators. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for shelf life expiration date management for smart refrigerators is provided. The method includes identifying a consumer during a point of sale transaction for purchasing different food items by a point of sale computer system, for example by scanning a bar code or reading a magnetic strip of a loyalty program card or reading a radio frequency identification (RFID) dongle. A list of the different food items can be provided to the smart refrigerator, for example from storage in the loyalty program card or RFID dongle, or as transmitted from the point of sale computer system to the smart refrigerator over a computer communications network. Finally, expiration dates can be determined for the food items in the list and stored in the smart refrigerator.

Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.

Abstract: A lottery sales method and related system utilizes a computing device interfaced to a printer. The device is configured to track inventory of activated instant tickets and access sales reporting data, the sales reporting data indicating total sales of at least one lottery product of interest. For each lottery product of interest, a machine-readable indicator is generated corresponding to the total sales of the lottery product of interest. A report is printed that includes each generated machine-readable indicator.

Abstract: The invention provides one or more signal line structures that produce an electromagnetic field having a magnitude of at least an interrogation threshold of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for a substantial portion of an interrogation region. The signal lines may be made from copper and laid across a shelf in a storage area. The electromagnetic field may cause the tag to backscatter radio frequency (RF) signals to an RFID reader via the signal line.

Abstract: A global supply chain management system in an environment of multiple suppliers forming supply chains for one or more buyers connected over the Internet. The system includes a global processor with logic that maps “local” supply information for each buyer and each supplier, represented in one or more property tables having master information correlated to local information for each buyer and each supplier. The system manages processes from an input of lots to an output through supplier stages where clients each use fragmented different local information. A correlation means uses base lot indicators, one for each of the lots in common for all of said stages and executes supply chain management functions for tracking lots through the supplier stages and for dynamic creation of sets of purchase orders among groups of suppliers for processing the same lot through the supply chain.

Abstract: The method provides a planning system where production plans and safety stocks are determined simultaneously, thus resulting in coupled target stock calculation and production plan. The closer the manufacturing process gets to the next production event, the lower the safety stock needs to be. In this approach, assumptions on the average production lead time—which might be wrong—do not need to be made. Indeed, if the production plan and the safety stock are simultaneously computed, it is clear when the next production is going to occur. As a result, production variability only needs to be considered in relation to the probability of unexpected events in manufacturing (e.g. a machine breakdown) as opposed to taking provision for variability of the production cycle due to situations that can be anticipated at the planning step.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. A first user purchase request to purchase an item is received, and a second user purchase request to purchase the same item is received. A determination is made if there is sufficient stock of the item available to fulfill both user purchase requests. The first and second user purchase requests are prioritized, if there is insufficient stock of the item available to fulfill both purchase requests. A purchase order is generated for at least one of the first and second user purchase requests in accordance with the prioritizing. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Identifying one or more source units for one or more food items may include assigning a sequence of numbers to a plurality of source units received at a processing entity and assigning a sequence of numbers to a plurality of end product units processed from the plurality of source units at the processing entity. A production rate associated with the end product units may be determined from a bill of materials associated with the end product units. A probability distribution function may be generated using at least the production rate. The probability distribution function maps a range of the sequence numbers associated with the plurality of source units to a range of sequence numbers associated with the end product units. A conversion algorithm may be generated that uses the probability distribution function to determine a source unit associated with a selected end product unit.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device when the carrier is attached to an item of merchandise. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.

Abstract: Among other disclosure, a computer-implemented method for context-specific modeling of a collaborative business process includes receiving an identification of a collaborative business process to involve a communication between at least two entities. The identification is submitted by an entity seeking to model the collaborative business process for a specific context associated with the entity. The method includes selecting, in a repository and using the specific context, at least one modeling artifact that has been defined for use in the identified collaborative business process. The repository includes a plurality of stored modeling artifacts for at least one collaborative business process, each of the stored modeling artifacts associated with at least one context value. The method includes providing the selected modeling artifact to the entity in response to the received identification.

Abstract: In an intellectual scale and a method of using same, a plurality of chemical management modes is provided. The intellectual scale can be switched to operate under any one of these chemical management modes to detect and measure a chemical to obtain the type and the weight of the chemical under the current chemical management mode, and record the obtained type and weight of the chemical, so that a user is able to know the use state of the chemical.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for estimating, refining, and using the tare mass for an item to determine and monitor item depletion. In response to detecting an initial presence of an item in the storage unit, a controller collects data about the item. The controller then searches a database for a recorded item containing the same item identification. The tare mass of the item is set equal to the refined tare mass of the recorded item retrieved from the database. The tare mass is then used to calculate a depletion threshold for the item.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for a first business entity to provide a network-based supply chain framework for collaborative order management between at least a second and a third independent business entity, such as a service provider, vendor, reseller, manufacturer and the like. A request for an order is received over a network with an automated system, from at least a second business entity. The order is transmitted over a network, with an automated system, to at least the third business entity. Information is received from the third business entity relating to a status of completion of the order by the third business entity using a network. The progress in completing the order is tracked based on the information received from the third business entity. Progress reports from the tracking are generated periodically; and transmitted to the second business entity using the network.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the retrieval of object-associated information may include identifying data associated with an object identification. At least one optimization parameter for the retrieval of data associated with an object identification is also identified. An amount of the associated data for transmission is determined using the at least one optimization parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for generating replenishment orders for products sold to a multi-store retailer. Store trait data is mapped with planogram information and the mapped data is used to generate a fixture level safety stock for a particular product in a particular store. The fixture level safety stock triggers fixture level replenishment orders.

Abstract: Example systems, methods, processes, and apparatus for determining expected base sales for a product include obtaining sales data for a product sold at a point of sale location. The sales data can be organized in a time series according to a predetermined time period. The method further includes identifying a promotional event for at least one of the product and the point of sale location and excluding sales data corresponding to the promotional event. The remaining sales data is processed using a smoothed moving average model involving a plurality of passes through the remaining sales data. Expected base data for the product is generated based on the smoothed moving average model and output to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing order fulfillment by considering multiple supply modes in one aspect, plans supply of inventory by forecasting demand, estimating accuracy of said forecasted demand, and establishing reorder point policy based at least on said accuracy of said forecasted demand, a plurality of supply transportation modes, cost of carbon emissions and limit on carbon emission credits. Current inventory position is monitored and if the current inventory position is below the reorder point policy, orders are placed according to a selected shipping method. The selected shipping method may be based at least on customer order priority, transportation budget, and carbon emission limit.

Abstract: A computer system and method of facilitating a sale which permits inventory information to be used in connection with a technology enabled selling (TES) system to facilitate a sale. The inventory information may be used during configuration of an item to be sold to a customer in a manner which allows the sales representative to more easily sell items from inventory if desired.

Abstract: A novel method of optimizing an inventory lot size at least includes: a) determining fixed and variable costs associated with a given lot size; b) determining a sale price associated with the given lot size; c) determining a profit margin (PM) based on the results in a) and b); d) determining an average inventory level (AIL); e) determining a cost of carrying inventory (CCI) associated with the given lot size; f) determining a net present value (NPV) based on a predetermined mathematical relationship between the determined PM, AIL and CCI; g) determining NPV changes (?NPV) with incremental changes in lot size; and h) determining an optimal lot size based on the results in g).

Abstract: Custom food product methods and apparatus are provided that allow customers to participate in the preparation of food products as a part of the dining experience. A method of preparing a custom food product under the direction of a customer includes placing a customer-selected substrate on a scale of custom food product preparation table, placing customer-selected ingredients on the substrate in customer-selected amounts and customer-selected areas, and calculating and displaying the cost of the custom food product to the customer as the customer-selected ingredients are placed on the substrate. Each ingredient is assigned a cost per unit of weight and, as the ingredients are utilized, the cost of the food product is calculated and displayed via a display associated with the table. A customer may be provided with a record of the ingredients of the custom food product and may include an image and/or name of the custom food product.

Abstract: A load balancing system for a merchandise fulfillment network is described. The load balancing system employs PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) load balancing functionality or other kind of closed loop control functionality to select, on an order-by-order basis, which fulfillment resources (such as fulfillment centers) are to handle customer orders.

Abstract: Third party certification using enhanced claim validation, in which identification information uniquely identifying an item that has moved through a node in a supply chain is received and event data associated with the uniquely identified item is received from the node based on receiving the identification information. The process also includes performing a third party validation of an associated characteristic of the uniquely identified item based on the received event data, and providing a third party certification of the associated characteristic based on performing the third party validation.

Abstract: A system of inventory variance detection modeling is described. The system comprises a server computer, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a report associating electronic serial numbers of devices with a plurality of instances of inventory shrinkage. The system also assembles a list of electronic serial numbers of devices associated with instances of a first type of inventory shrinkage. The system also receives a report of the processing history of the devices associated with the electronic serial numbers contained in the list in a plurality of non-logistics and non-warehousing systems. The system also determines the statistical correlation of electronic serial numbers contained in the list with each of a plurality of exceptions processed by at least one of the non-logistics and non-warehousing systems.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented system for incorporating a repair vendor into repair planning for a supply chain. The system accesses a logical representation of the supply chain and identify one or more controlling locations and one or more staging locations in the supply chain. The system accesses information indicating a replenishment requirement at a particular identified controlling location resulting from safety stock at the particular identified controlling location dropping below a predetermined threshold. In response to the information indicating the replenishment requirement at the particular identified controlling location, the system identifies every primary network in the supply chain connecting the particular identified controlling location to one or more identified staging locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting a pharmacist to verify a refill of a filled prescription stored on a host system. A prescription refill screen is provided by the host system to a pharmacy system associated with the pharmacist. The prescription refill screen is associated with the filled prescription. Refill request information is received from the pharmacy system. The refill request information identifying a requested refill of the filled prescription. The refill request information is transmitted through the host system to a health care provider system associated with a health care provider identified by the filled prescription stored on the host system. The host system receives an authorization from the health care provider system authorizing the requested refill of the filled prescription. The host system transmits the authorization to the pharmacy system whereby the pharmacist associated with the pharmacy system is authorized to provide the refill of the filled prescription to the patient.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system that enables unique item-level tracking from an initial point-of-sale (POS) transaction involving a post-paid service/subscription and related device or product, to any cancellations in service and returns to the store or service provider. Certain exemplary embodiments thus advantageously “close the gap” between retailers and service providers, e.g., in connection with subscriptions/post-paid service agreements and related devices or products. In certain exemplary embodiments, an “interest” may be taken and charged in the event that the customer does not return the device when or after an associated service has been cancelled.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for providing a variety of end product build plans based on multiple business scenarios for exhausting excess inventory. Raw financial data and variable scaling factors are input into a scenario engine component along with a business objective that contains logic. The scaling factor may be embedded within the logic of the business objective, or it may be selected by a user to indicate the user's preferences. The scenario engine then applies the financial data and variable scaling factor inputs to the business objective logic to generate modified financial data. The logic of the business objective may also be manipulated to provide modified logic. The modified financial data, and optionally the modified logic, are then input into an optimizer component for determining multiple portfolios for end products that, if built, would consume excess inventory.

Abstract: The adaptive product conditioning is a computer-implemented method for identifying product configurations that can be provided to customers in reaction to supply imbalances. The methodology uses data mining techniques to collect and analyze business level meta data to coordinate supply and sales goals in terms of optimizing profits or managing product and technology transitions.

Abstract: A system and method of using motion or spatial identification technology with a mobile RFID reader to detect whether an RFID tag is part of a forklift load or other ambulatory space includes determining if a tag is within a defined space or if a tag is in motion relative to a mobile RFID reader. The system and method determines whether a particular RFID tag is part of a forklift load/space, has been added to or removed, is an extraneous tag, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for managing inventory information by a host company forming an inventory based information network having multiple tiers of access with at least one host server and at least one remote company user. The host server has an interactive inventory listing, manages remote company user access to the inventory listings, and enables remote access to the host server for the remote company user to create and manage inventory listings. The interactive inventory listing builder creates a new inventory listing, generates an associated unique listing code, and adds a photo file and text data. The method generates interactive advertisements and websites. The interactive advertisement builder creates a new advertisement, chooses a target media outlet, inserts the inventory listing, and generates and saves advertisement. The interactive website builder allows a user to select a template, add object files, choose domain names, and save the website.

Abstract: A computer program product for managing a supply chain process to maintain equipment is described. The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer-readable program code includes a first executable portion for identifying and capturing data relevant to one or more sets of equipment maintenance requirements, a second executable portion for providing access to the capabilities of a plurality of inventory management, supply chain management, and equipment maintenance applications for preprocessing of the identified and captured data, a third executable portion for receiving the preprocessed data from the plurality of applications, and a fourth executable portion for integrating the preprocessed data into a solution to the one or more sets of equipment maintenance requirements.

Abstract: In a term catering system, a management device held by a delivery agent and a manufacturer of cooking appliances outputs reservation sequence information including sequence identification data corresponding to a reserved cooking menu for each customer and obtains feedback information from the customer. The cooking appliance lent to the customer for a certain term controls cooking of a food material delivered by the delivery agent, according to cooking sequence data specified by the output reservation sequence information, among a plurality of cooking sequence data stored beforehand.

Abstract: A computer-implemented framework and method for maintaining product allocation data objects comprising a plurality of product allocation data objects, a plurality of software modules, an interface for the software modules, and a plurality of computer-applications, wherein the product allocation data objects are representative of product allocations for several participants within an e-business system, wherein a product allocation data object is processed by at least one of the plurality of computer-applications, the software modules providing access to the product allocation data objects, and the interface provides concurrent access to the software modules for online collaboration, wherein a collaborative planning process of the product allocation data objects is executed by the software modules and controlled by the applications.