Abstract: A method and a system for dispensing samples and a computer readable recording medium are disclosed herein, the system can establish a feedback mechanism and recommend one or more suitable samples for a user on the basis of identification information that is inputted by the user.

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 safety stock amount calculation method includes calculating a probability Pb that a delivery time for a certain commodity required by a customer is shorter than its lead time L, calculating an average LL of a difference between the lead time L and the customer's required delivery time when the lead time L exceeds the customer's required delivery time, correcting an inventory adjustment period N by using the average value LL, and calculating a safety stock amount SS by the equations SS=Pb×k×(?N×F)×?, wherein ? is a standard deviation of demand for the commodity, N is a corrected inventory adjustment period, Pb is a probability, F is a shipment frequency, and k is a safety coefficient.

Abstract: A medicine management apparatus 100 includes: a medicine storage 148 which stores a plurality of medicines used at a site of medical care; a storage and retrieval detector 146 which, when a medicine handling personnel manipulates the apparatus to store or retrieve an accommodated medicine to be accommodated in the apparatus, physically detects the target accommodated medicine for which the apparatus is manipulated, differentiating it from the other accommodated medicines; and a counter 150 which counts each type of the plurality of accommodated medicines. An injection prescription receiver 152 receives injection prescription data from an external prescription analyzer 250. A retrieval determining unit 124 determines whether the accommodated medicine detected as being retrieved is the accommodated medicine directed by the injection prescription data to be retrieved.

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 system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving a request to display at least one product. A substitute product for the at least one product is selected from a plurality of substitute products. The selection may be based on, for example, expected revenue from display of the selected substitute product, expected revenue for purchase of the selected substitute product, or a substitution success rate. The selected substitute product is then displayed.

Abstract: An advanced food and/or drink organization and/or handling system that greatly facilitates food management and handling to help streamline household operations as relate to foods and related functions and events.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product are provided for displaying planned quantities of articles in a computerized allocation system. The method comprises displaying an allocation table having a listing of articles along one dimension and data regarding the articles along another dimension. The data regarding each article includes a total quantity of the article for all stores receiving the article. The method further includes receiving a command to switch to a distribution matrix view of the listing of articles displayed in the allocation table, and displaying the distribution matrix view including a listing of stores along one dimension and data regarding the stores along another dimension. The data regarding each store includes a quantity of each article for the store.

Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.

Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method for facilitating supply chain collaboration in a network environment, said supply chain including an enterprise and at least one supplier. The method includes generating and transmitting an unconstrained forecast to a supplier; receiving a supplier capability statement in response; and generating a constrained forecast utilizing the supplier capability statement. The constrained forecast is transmitted to the supplier which responds with a formal commitment to product a needed supply indicated in the constrained forecast. The method also comprises monitoring inventory levels at a replenishment service center by a supplier based upon a formal commitment; refilling inventory items at the replenishment service center; and facilitating delivery of the inventory items to the enterprise site by transmitting a pull signal to the replenishment service center whereby inventory items are delivered in response to the pull signal.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering information from an operator of an asset is provided. The system interfaces with a management computer to provide a list of questions for response by the operator. A wireless infrastructure operates to distribute the list of questions from the management computer to the operator. The wireless infrastructure includes an asset communicator having a wireless communication device for communicating the questions, a processing unit, a storage unit for storing the questions and responses thereto, a display unit for displaying the questions, and input unit for the operator to input such responses. The processing unit is operable to prompt the operator with a first question, receive a response from the operator to the first question, select another question based on the response, and prompt the operator with yet another question.

Abstract: A network mobility server, which includes a target device inventory module, a data collection module, a data management module and a distribution module. The data management module, includes at least one data storage module, in which at least a portion of the data stored therein are identical data items stored in different selected formats suitable for use on mobile computing and telecommunication devices. The network also includes network agents, resident on numbers of the network members.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for processing remanufactured part cores. The method includes receiving manufactured part core inventory information. The inventory information can include an inventory forecast and an inventory level for a number of parts. The method further includes receiving a part number of a part to be processed. The part to be processed is a member of the number of parts. The method further includes receiving one or more business rules for processing the part to be processed. A part disposition for the part to be processed is determined based on the remanufactured part core inventory information, the one or more business rules and the part number.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, an apparatus determines a current price of a product for sale by the vending machine. It then determines, for the product, a price increment, a predetermined price, and a demand threshold, that are defined by data stored in at least one data table. A rate of units of the product that are sold are determined. The rate is compared with the demand threshold. Based on the comparison of the rate with the demand data, it is determined whether the new price should be greater than or less than the current price. The new price is set to the predetermined price if the new price should be greater than the current price. If the new price should be less than the current price, a price increment amount is subtracted from the current price to yield the new price. The determined new price is displayed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for releasing stock requests to a storage facility, such as a warehouse. Such systems, methods and computer-readable medium may generate a condition record reflecting a predetermined set of conditions to be met by the attributes of a stock request, receive the stock request including one or more attributes about a stock item, determine whether the attributes of the received stock request meet the conditions of the condition record, associate a wave template of the condition record with the stock request if a determination is made that the stock request does meet the condition record, and create a wave object based on each stock request associated with the wave template. The wave object may then be released to the warehouse for fulfillment of each stock request associated with the wave object.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a single, overall alarm for an entire set of shopping items will be used for any and all discrepancies. The metric used for creating an alarm for the overall set of shopping items can be based on any one of the following candidate policies: if at least one item generated an alarm; if some fixed number of items generated an alarm; if some threshold discrepancy metric got exceed; if basket size is larger than certain threshold cash value and the alarm exceeded certain threshold alarm rate; a randomly generated alarm (e.g., random audit); the customer's identity and track record (e.g., loyalty card); and/or any combination of the above. Regardless, if an overall alarm is generated one or more of the following actions can be taken: no action send the customer to customer service; appropriately record customer track record (e.g., loyalty card) when customer identity is available; audit the customer at the “shop exit; and/or any combination of thereof.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for facilitating supply chain processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment is provided. The method includes a customer focus team system providing logistical administrative services for a contract manufacturer on behalf of a manufacturing enterprise. The customer focus team is assigned to the contract manufacturer based upon geographic proximity. The logistical administrative services include facilitating transfer and replenishment of components needed during manufacture, ensuring ongoing inventory demand issues are addressed and resolved, and obtaining and providing metrics on outsourced supply chain parts and activities. The logistical administrative services also include assisting the contract manufacturer during shortfalls of supplies, collaborating with commodity team councils relating to acquisition of critical parts, and providing assistance on matters related to import, export, and tax issues.

Abstract: A time-phased reutilization of configured products is provided. Partially configured products are detected. Each partially configured product is analyzed to determine if the partially configured product is a valid partially configured product, suitable for being modified into other configurations. A time phased management process is applied to the valid partially configured product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for raising financing and/or revenue by artist for a project, where the project may be a creative work of the artist. The method including registering, by at least one artist, with a centralized database, at least one or more projects, offering, by the at least one artist, an entitlement related to the artist in exchange for capital for the project of the artist. The method and system may also include searching, by an interested party, the centralized database, for the least one artist, registering, by the interested party, with the centralized database and accepting the offer by the interested party for the entitlement related to the project. The capital may then be forwarded to the artist and the entitlement provided to the interested party.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering products-on-demand to individuals and, more particularly, to delivery via vending machines. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method of the instant invention is initiated when a customer makes an initial product selection. Based the customer's product choice, a determination is made as to whether or not that product qualifies for an alternate product offer. If it does not so qualify, the customer's original selection will be dispensed and the transaction ends. On the other hand, if the product does so qualify, the customer will be presented with an offer message that suggests that he or she should try an alternative product. Typically, the product that is offered as an alternative will be the one whose sale is most beneficial to the vending machine operator, e.g., the one yielding the greatest profit. If the customer accepts the alternate offer, the alternate product will be dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and associated database structure for tracking in production in a plant for liquid foods. Each production unit in the plant is allocated a unit identity which is registered in a database. Each production unit can be a source or a destination. Each material quantity which is included in the production is allocated a work identity which is registered in the database. A material quantity includes a given product of a given quantity. Each event in the plant is registered in the database. The registration takes place as a transport from a source to a destination, with references to the unit identities of both the source and the destination.

Abstract: A reservation and management system for recreational activities offered by a plurality of activity operators, comprises a database for storing information regarding a plurality of recreational activities, including inventory information and a financial record containing financial information, for reservation transactions carried out for said activity and profile information for a plurality of subscribers, including activity operators and resellers. The system includes a reservation information compiler for providing information for an activity, a transaction module for updating inventory information and financial record following a reservation transaction request. A plurality of purchase modules are also provided, allowing clients and resellers to access information and make reservation for activities. An operator inventory management module allows to receive and update activity information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing unauthorized use of a mobile asset are described. The method for providing access to the mobile asset can include providing a control device on the mobile asset. The control device is in communication with the mobile asset to selectively control whether the mobile asset is enabled for operation. The method also includes storing data in the control device that identifies a group of potential operators who are permitted to operate that mobile asset. This stored data includes unique password data for each potential operator in the permitted group. Further, the method includes receiving an identifier and password from an accessing operator and comparing by the control device of the received identifier to the stored data to order confirm that the accessing operator is a potential operator.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks is provided where orders are preloaded on mini-pallets, placed in a trailer and then offloaded by account location with a hand truck.

Abstract: A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed.

Abstract: A method of sensing dispensation of a product from a storage device having an antenna is provided. The method comprises providing a product with a wireless tag within a service area of the antenna, establishing wireless communication between the wireless tag and the antenna, monitoring the wireless communication, and determining, responsive to the monitoring, when the wireless communication has ceased to establish when the product has been dispensed from the storage device. A dispensation-sensing system is also provided. The system comprises a securable storage area, an antenna operable to receive and transmit signals within the securable storage area, and a processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that allow a user to track packages throughout the course of delivery without requiring the user to completely reenter tracking information such as an 18 character tracking number and also allow the user to use a wide variety of communication devices to track and retrack a package without requiring the user to reenter the entire tracking number.

Abstract: A method of filling an order in a warehouse or store. An order is received at a product moving device, and is filled with items in the warehouse. The order is displayed as a picklist that includes data about each item, including the number of the item desired, and any special loading considerations. As items are placed on the device, an RF reader on the device detects the item, and removes the item from the picklist. If an item not on the list is loaded on the device, the system detects the item, and notifies the operator. The item must be removed, or allowed to remain, before any other items are loaded.

Abstract: A system for predicting a trajectory of an item tagged with an RFID tag. The system includes a network of communicatively coupled RFID readers, each having tag cache memory, and a search engine communicatively coupled with the tag caches in each of the readers. When a tag is within operating range of one of the readers, the tag is interrogated for its data and path information comprising timestamps of reader-tag interactions and related event data, and updated path information is stored in the tag cache memory. The search engine performs a search the tag cache memory in one of one of the readers to locate information corresponding to search criteria including characteristics of the tagged item sought.

Abstract: Various embodiments of object tracking systems and related methods and devices are disclosed. One enclosure for object tracking comprises an interior space that is designed to contain radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The enclosure further includes top, bottom and side walls that form the interior space. The walls are designed to prevent very little or no radio frequency (RF) signals leakage outside of the enclosure. The side walls include a front wall that includes at least one slot to facilitate accessing the interior space. The enclosure further includes at least one access member that is designed to move in and out of the enclosure via the at least one slot. The access member includes extending members that are designed to cover the openings between the access member and slot, thus preventing very little or no RF signals leakage outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: In a method for controlling material flow in production, or a consumable or replacement part maintenance, of a product comprised of a plurality of individual parts, the individual parts are delivered to a goods receipt of a logistic system, a transponder being associated with the individual parts. In the transponder are stored production and delivery data regarding the individual part. The data of the transponder are read at the goods receipt and used for controlling further material flow such that the individual parts are transported in a controlled manner to subsequent process stations.

Abstract: This application teaches a disposal chain and a supply chain system for sealing and unsealing a vacuum draw path embodying a thrust handle capable of imparting assembly and disassembly thrust forces said system conferring the potential of reducing the amount solid waste mass contributed to the waste stream.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for supporting supply chain facility performance analysis. Methods include maintaining supply chain facility configuration information for a plurality of supply chain facilities. The method also includes identifying variables that are attributed to performance of the supply chain facilities. Data corresponding to one or more of the variables for selected supply chain facilities in the plurality of supply chain facilities is collected. Performance analysis is performed for the selected supply chain facilities using the data as input. The performance analysis includes executing a data envelope analysis (DEA) based three-stage performance analysis model, executing a statistical analysis and executing a sensitivity analysis. The results of the performance analysis are output. The results include a performance ranking of the selected supply chain facilities, a prescription for performance improvement, a correlation analysis, and a sensitivity analysis.

Abstract: A fulfillment services provider may offer export services to merchants, including generation of required export documentation; calculation, collection, and remittance of customs duties; and transportation via an international carrier. Such export services may be offered through a registration service, and may be integrated with other fulfillment services provided to registered merchants (e.g., domestic order fulfillment and/or warehousing of inventory), or may be offered to merchants that do not receive other fulfillment services from the provider. Export services may be provided to merchants who certify that all registered or specified items may be legally exported to all (or specified) international destinations, or the provider may verify compliance to export regulations on behalf of registered merchants. The provider may assume the role of Principal Party in Interest for registered merchants or the merchants may retain this role.

Abstract: A computer system and method manages the disbursement and replacement of medication units to patients. Medication units disbursed to qualified patients under qualified discount plans are replaced by replenishment. Computer systems implementing traditional replenishment, cached replenishment, and prepurchased replenishment are disclosed. The computer system and method monitors medication units disbursed to patients by a pharmacy and tracks the amount of medication units disbursed to qualified patients of health care providers qualified under a discount program. When the amount of disbursed medication units reaches a threshold, replacement medication units are ordered. The medication units disbursed to non-qualified patients are replaced through restocking and the medication units disbursed under a qualified discount program are replaced through traditional replenishment, cached replenishment, and/or prepurchased replenishment.

Abstract: A system and method are described for increasing advance orders for goods or services. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving advance orders for a product with a specified release date from a plurality of buyers and moving up the release date if a goal is met, wherein the goal is based at least in part on the number of advance orders received.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an order pertaining to one or more items available at multiple inventory locations associated with an organization is received, and a preference order fulfillment list is created for the multiple inventory locations based on one or more criteria configurable by the organization.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-based bar code reading cash register Systems having integrated Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals.

Abstract: A method for tracking status of an inventory shipment sent to a recipient includes monitoring whether the recipient has transmitted an electronic acknowledgment of the status of the shipment; and automatically transmitting a message to the recipient requesting acknowledgment of receipt of inventory if the electronic acknowledgment is not transmitted by the recipient within a first predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Operations to manage statements relating to a computer system state include obtaining, in a computer system and from any of several sources, statements that relate to a current state of the computer system. Each statement comprises several elements. The operations comprise assigning focus values to the elements of each statement, each focus value indicating a relevance of the element to the current state of the computer system. The operations comprise identifying a subset of the statements based on the focus values. The operations comprise making a first output to a user, the first output being selected from several predefined outputs using the subset of the statements. The output may represent the current state to the user or it may present at least one of several predefined goals to the user for selection, the at least one goal being identified as being possible to accomplish based on the current state.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for calculating a safety stock quantity for several warehouses within an availability check during a delivery process of goods, wherein the safety stock quantity is representative of a quantity of products which is protected by the availability check, wherein the safety stock quantity is a combination of a predetermined safety stock quantity and a calculated safety stock quantity and the calculated safety stock quantity being a combination of the predetermined safety stock quantity, a percentage of the predetermined safety stock quantity, an expected demand quantity and a percentage of the expected demand quantity and wherein the safety stock quantity is calculated within the availability check using the predetermined safety stock quantity, the percentage of the predetermined safety stock quantity, the expected demand quantity and the percentage of the expected demand quantity for the respective delivery process of goods.

Abstract: In a build-to-order (BTO) management system, domestic production orders are incorporated into a production plan before overseas production orders. When incorporating the production orders into the production plan, an ideal number of products is set for various equalizing factors, and several kinds of the production plans are made on the basis of an achievement ratio of the number of products for the equalizing factors actually incorporated into the production plan to the ideal production number of products and the dates of receiving the production orders. The resulting production plans are compared to choose an optimal production plan.

Abstract: An RFID edge server using an application server allows for improvements in an RFID system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving from a customer a selection of a product category. At least one product is determined that is associated with the selected product category. A substitute product for the determined product is selected. In one embodiment, a signal is transmitted to display the selected substitute product.

Abstract: Systems, methods and program products for monitoring a purchase order are disclosed. The method includes developing one or more timelines for a purchase order. Each timeline includes events in delivery of one or more items in the purchase order from a supplier to a store. The method also includes determining if an event in a timeline has occurred or will occur on schedule, and generating an activity based on the determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for verifying customer addresses before using those addresses in an asset tracking system. More specifically, the enhanced asset tracking system can accept multiple characteristics of the location. An operator or GIS system can check that these descriptors are identifying the same location. If descriptors do identify a same location, then the operator or GIS system can allow the location information to pass to the assets.

Abstract: An online marketplace management system includes software for managing sales by a user on one or more online marketplaces that are operated by entities other than the user. Online marketplaces are online e-commerce sales (e.g., retail) outlets that act as aggregators where third-party sellers (e.g., retailers) can sell items through branded web portals of the online marketplaces for a fee or a percentage of the sales prices. The software of the online marketplace management system includes an inventory management tool for managing inventory that is offered for sale on the one or more online marketplaces, and a pricing tool that provides automatic pricing of inventory that is offered for sale on the one or more online marketplaces, the automatic pricing being based upon real-time pricing of like inventory available on at least one online marketplace from one or more third parties other than the user.

Abstract: A computer system (10) is provided which includes an electronic cash registers (11) electronically coupled to a cooking station monitor (12) and input (13), and a manager's station monitor (15), input (16), and printer (17). The system instructs the cook to initiate a cooking process in response to the number of items on hand and items currently being cooked in view of the number of items typically desired to have on hand at a particular time of the day.