Abstract: A method of using a public communications network, such as the Internet, to manage returns of items purchased by a consumer from a remote direct merchandiser. The customer is permitted to return an item to a local returns site or by having a local shipper pick up the item. Either of these local entities is in communications with a returns manager, who provides return information, credits the consumer's account, and handles subsequent disposition of the item.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for supply chain management. An order for one or more products is received from a buyer or a seller. For each product in the received order, a buyer and a seller are determined. In some instances, multiple buyers and/or sellers may be determined. A product shipment configuration and a logistics plan are generated. A transporter is determined. The generated product shipment configuration is transmitted to a buyer, a seller, a transporter or combinations thereof. The generated logistics plan is transmitted to a buyer, a seller, a transporter or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, event data related to the generated logistics plan is received. In some such embodiment, exception reports are generated from the received event data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically managing a price of a product in a vending machine. The method and apparatus is disclosed for implementing dynamic price adjustments at various times including after stocking, after a sale of a product and at periodic intervals. The method generally includes the steps of updating inventory data, including a quantity of a product, accessing price management data associated with the product, and determining the price of the product. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, the determined price of the product is based on the price management data and the inventory data. The determined price is then stored in a memory of the apparatus and displayed for customers. The apparatus may be a vending machine, a processing module within the vending machine, or an external module remotely transmitting the dynamically adjusted price to a vending machine.

Abstract: A self-service shopper ordering guide system and method for use by retailers to customize product ordering promotions. An ordering guide database is synchronized with the retailer's product and inventory databases so that current product data is available to the system. The self-service ordering guide system comprises tools for developing and deploying screens to self-service terminals located throughout a store. A screen flow editor prompts a user to define screens for an order flow and to specify products from the ordering guide database to include on screens. The user's selections populate screen templates that comprise an order flow. Photographs and files for use in the screens and subscreens allow a retailer to create a customized look. A shopper using an in-store terminal is prompted to make selections from the screens to create an in-store order. The ordering guide system is further integrated with the retailer's fulfillment system for processing online orders.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) receiving method for use with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is provided. The method includes reading, at a receiving point, information from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN). An item arrival journal including item arrival lines is generated. By calling a mapping form, the item arrival lines are displayed along with RFID tag information indicative of delivered items. Then, mapping form logic is used to automatically map at least some of the delivered items corresponding to the RFID tags to item arrival lines to thereby match delivered items with ordered items.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a Radio Frequency (RF) transaction using a RF identification device (RFID) transaction device is provided. RFID transaction device includes a transactions counter for tallying the number of transactions attempted or completed with the RFID transactions device. Counter value is used to create a RFID device authentication tag for use in validating the RFID device. A RFID reader, interacting with the RFID device, provides a random number to the RFID device which may be used in the RFID device authentication tag creation and validation. RFID reader may also use counter value and random number to create a RFID reader authentication key useful for validating RFID reader. RFID transaction device may include an encryption key for creating RFID transaction device authentication tag. Likewise, RFID reader may include a RFID reader encryption key for creating RFID reader authentication tag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for processing phone-in prescription requests. The apparatus is in the form of a prescription processing network that includes a prescription processing system and a communication device remotely located from the prescription processing system. The communication device is used to establish a communication channel with the prescription processing system and submit a prescription request over the communication channel. A pharmacist, associated with the prescription processing system, prepares a completed prescription form based, at least in part, on the submitted prescription request. The prescription processing network also includes a pharmacy for receiving the completed prescription form, and filling the prescription request based on the completed prescription form.

Abstract: A computer-based method for controlling product quality is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether a quality of raw materials bought from at least one supplier are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of using materials used at a processing procedure are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of products being manufactured at the processing procedure are acceptable; receiving and storing a post-procedure report obtained by sampling the products after the processing procedure; repeating steps of detecting materials used at a processing procedure, detecting products being manufactured at the processing procedure, detecting the sampling products after the processing procedure, and completing the manufacturing if all the products are finished. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and transmitting a retail data comprising a barcode data of the products purchased over each transaction. The apparatus comprises a terminal device that has loaded onto it a retail information collection application that receives, stores, processes, and transmits the retail data. Financial data such as credit card numbers and personal identification numbers are removed from the retail data before it is encrypted and transmitted over a network to a retail database. Clients including but not limited to goods suppliers and goods manufacturers may view retail data, including sales history and sales performance, on one or more products.

Abstract: A document management apparatus and a document management system that selects the document which are best to digitize from among document being used in an office, and set the priority for digitization of each document are provided. The document management apparatus comprising: an accumulator apparatus that stores, the document ID, used place and used time for a document that is used; a computing part that analyzes information stored in accumulator apparatus, and for each document, computes the usability of the document data to be digitized; a specifying part that specifies document that correspond to document data for which the usability is relatively high by comparing it to the usability already computed for the data for each document; and output part that outputs the specified result to client.

Abstract: A computer network is managed by policies. This allows selections to be made from a range of control options and optionally to be based on locally available system information. Policy-based management is distributed across the system and is handled locally by management agents allowing control of a sub-network. As a result of a distributed policy-based management system is provided which allows additional flexibility of control.

Abstract: An inventory control system includes a storage module having a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit is engaged with the track for selective movement along the track. An inventory control unit is associated with the storage module and has a user interface, a processor, a memory, and a mechanism for inputting object information, including storage unit placement. The processor receives the object information from the inputting mechanism, and stores the object information in the memory for user access therefrom via the user interface.

Abstract: A store management system has a merchandise information management apparatus which transmits merchandise information, a merchandise tag which is provided with a first display, and receives the merchandise information which is transmitted from the merchandise information management apparatus to the merchandise tag itself and displays the merchandise information, and a display apparatus for display rack which is provided with a second display, and has a function of receiving the merchandise information which is transmitted from the merchandise information management apparatus to the display apparatus itself and displaying the merchandise information, and checking the merchandise information which is displayed on the display apparatus itself and the merchandise information which is displayed on the merchandise tag by communicating with the merchandise tag.

Abstract: An appliance supply distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing appliance supplies to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which facilitates dispensing or using one or more supplies from an appliance. The computerized system monitors the supply level(s) and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers additional supplies. In addition, the computerized system automatically detects dispensing, use or appliance problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: Telemetry data may be included in packet exchanges of authentication protocols. In one example, a tag, associated with shipped goods, authenticates with a local area network that is associated with a destination of the goods. An identification is received from the tag and the authentication and the identification are sent to a remote location as an indication of the goods being at the destination.

Abstract: A method for pricing menu items at a consumer establishment includes repeatedly receiving data with a tracking system, where the data relates to at least one of menu item supplies and patron orders for menu items available at the consumer establishment. The received data is repeatedly analyzed, and the analyzed data is used to set current prices for the menu items. The current prices are then displayed to a patron, and an order is received from the patron for one or more of the menu items based upon the current prices.

Abstract: Various methods and systems such as in a software application are presented which may include automated purchase recommendations based on amalgamated purchase constraints (4) for business inventory maintenance, notation of events through noted event entry portals (31) for business related observation recordation, automatic facilitation of regular debut of initial suggested industry tied information (50), presentation of business performance data (65) and disparate substantially redundant business performance data (67) in a business performance display (66) for a summary review of business operations, and easy selection of inventory items (83) from a recommended hierarchical categorization of inventory items which may be used to create buying reports, ad hoc reports, and the like.

Abstract: An inventory management system is provided that includes an RFID interrogator and corresponding RFID tags that are placed on items to be monitored. The tags can be used to monitor the storage time of food items stored in a refrigerator or pantry, the time in use of replaceable items such as toilet bowl cleaners, or the nature of laundry items being washed. The interrogator can be coupled to a display providing various reports on the status of such items. Also disclosed are devices for dispensing such RFID tags.

Abstract: A point-of-purchase (“POP”) display employing RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology for inventory control is provided. The POP is preferably fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard material, and incorporates one or more shelves and/or cover layers. An RF antenna structure is applied to the surfaces of, or built into, the one or more shelves and/or cover layers. Suitable RF transmitter/receiver circuitry may also be built into the POP, or the POP may simply have suitable connections built in, to permit such transceiver apparatus to be plugged into the POP. The transceiver circuitry is connected in any suitable manner to an inventory control computer, such as the retail store's computer. Each article that is to be displayed in the POP is provided with an RFID tag.

Abstract: An economical prescription order tracking system automatically monitors and tracks prescription orders through a conventional pharmacy. The system includes a tracking tag having a unique identifier associated with it secured near the prescription order such that it travels with the order through various locations within the pharmacy. Tag reading devices are positioned at key locations throughout the pharmacy to detect the location of each tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The detected locations are compiled via a computer system and associated with the customer, such that at any given time the location of the prescription order within the pharmacy can be determined, thereby facilitating the efficient operation of the pharmacy. Preferably, filled prescription orders are placed in a large bin having multiple cubbies within it.

Abstract: A method for delivering advertising information (AI) from a server site (S) to a client (C). The including steps of 1) maintaining an advertising data base (ADB) comprising advertising records, each advertising record being associated with at least one item and/or category; 2) generating an item list (PL) containing at least one item to be acquired by the client (C); 3) retrieving, from the advertising data base (ADB), at least one advertising record which is associated with at least one item contained in the item list (PL) or a category of the item; and 4) using the retrieved advertising record for delivering advertising information (AI) from the server site (S) to the client (C).

Abstract: In a consumables supply management system in which clinical test analysis devices (1) in medical institutions (A, B, . . . ) and a computer (2) of a consumables supplier (C) are connected via a communications line (10), operation status data including information on the status of consumption of the consumables in the clinical test analysis device (1) are transmitted to the computer (2) via the communications line (10). The computer (2) has previously stored data on the inventory of consumables in each medical institution, and determines the quantity of consumables consumed in each medical institution based on the operation status data that are received, updates the consumables inventory data, and if necessary, carries out the procedures for supplying an appropriate quantity of consumables.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing stock visibility in a storage facility, such as a warehouse. Such systems and methods may provide information identifying the location of stock while it is being transported to a new location, as well as may provide the ability to alter the destination of stock while it is in transit to a new location. Upon the removal of stock from a bin, a warehouse management system may be updated to indicate a resource that is being used to move the stock and, thus, provide visibility of the stock while it is in transit. In addition, through identification of the resource moving the stock to a new location, the resource can be rerouted to transfer the stock to an alternate location.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inventory of perishable goods. An advanced weighing scale serves as a portal to the output of a perishable goods inventory management software application and a perishable goods price optimization software application that receive and analyze inventory and sales data relating to perishable goods of interest. Inventory suggestions and/or price changes recommended by the software applications with respect to a particular perishable good of interest are viewable directly at a corresponding advanced weighing scale. Operation of the perishable goods inventory management software application and perishable goods price optimization software application may be controlled by the advanced weighing scale. An electronic pricing device may be included for displaying the price of a perishable good of interest.

Abstract: A distribution management device, a distribution management method, a program storage medium and a distribution management system are disclosed. The client order data of the merchandise 4 of the sales channel utilized the internet 3 and the store order data of the merchandise 4 for the quantity sold of the sales channels excluding the Internet 3 are received by the sales managing server 20 via the internet 3. The stock of merchandise 4 is controlled by the settlement/delivery instructing server 21 based on the client and store order data. The actual sales condition of merchandise in each sales channel is grasped by the shipment control server 55 based on the storage data and the delivery condition data obtained from the client and store order data and the storage data and delivery condition data obtained from the settlement/delivery instructing server 21, and the supply of merchandise 4 to the manufacturing factory will be instructed based on the actual sales condition.

Abstract: Computer implemented system for determining a distribution policy for a single period inventory system on the basis of the relative merit of allocating a draw unit of one of a multitude of different consumer items to one of a multitude of different locations in accordance with an allocation decision criterion subject to one or more constraints, an optimization application therefor, and method therefor, and including a Decision Support Tool for facilitating user determination of a distribution policy for a single period inventory system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to electronically tabulate items marked with a bar code. The system may optionally operate to manage, control and tabulate inventory, produce vendor-correct purchase orders, manage multiple locations, multiple buildings, multiple clients and multiple stores to facilitate efficiency for a wholesaler or retailer or alternatively for a distributor, broker or sales agent. The system may alternatively be used to manage inventory for a manufacturing environment or for tracking evidence or items in a chain of custody environment useful for governmental and scientific functions.

Abstract: In a safety stock control system, safety stock is changed in response to updating of a setting value so as to be continuously maintained as a proper value. The safety stock control system is comprised of a demand prediction means, an actual value calculating means, a predicted remainder calculating means, a parameter calculating means, and a safety stock calculating means for calculating safety stock based upon a parameter calculated by the parameter calculating means. In response to updating of the setting value, data of an area, which is different from such a data read when a plan is made, is temporarily read from a data storage means to the respective means, and then, various sorts of calculating process operations are carried out either one time or plural times.

Abstract: An exemplary system for delivering an item price notification to a mobile device can include a processor, an inventory database including a plurality of inventory items, and a memory that is in communication with the processor. The memory can be configured to store instructions that, when executed, perform the steps of an exemplary method. An exemplary method can include querying the inventory database to determine if an inventory item meets a price reduction threshold, generating the item price notification including a sale price for the inventory item, if the inventory item meets the price reduction threshold, and transmitting the item price notification to the mobile device. The query can be invoked by the mobile device being proximate the inventory item, such as the mobile device being located at a merchant premises.

Abstract: A commercially viable solution for providing an asset management system that provides for accessing assets, tracking location of assets, managing OSHA compliance of the assets, and monitoring impact of the assets. The asset management system may utilize system architecture having intelligent wireless devices associated with the individual assets. The use of intelligent wireless devices allows for the asset management system to operate and maintain functionality substantially without loss of data in the event of a loss of communication between the wireless devices and a management computing system via a network, including an out-of-range condition of the wireless devices with respect to a local monitor.

Abstract: An order commitment method and system are described. The method includes the steps of identifying services and data capable of supporting an order commitment, and mapping the services to enable synchronized on-demand queries. The mapping step includes determining relationships among the services and the data and maintaining the relationships, wherein links are established to create fulfillment information. The method also includes using the fulfillment information to generate the order commitment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. Typically, the consignee indicates a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.

Abstract: In a first general aspect, a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier is described. The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, perform operations for identifying a source or destination for stock. The operations include receiving an electronic request to determine a source or destination for stock, identifying, using a primary rule, a logistic area database object that represents a storage location at one of multiple levels of a hierarchy of storage locations. The logistic area database object is associated with a value that indicates an amount of stock that is associated with the storage location. The operations also include transmitting an identifier specifying the logistic area database object if the value indicates that associated storage location is available as a source or destination. The identifier is used to assign the storage location as the source or destination for the stock.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for managing returnable containers according to a manufacturer's production schedule. It provides capabilities to move and adjust container inventory throughout the entire parts supply chain. Movements of the containers are tracked to ensure each supplier has at all times a physical inventory of containers that is adequate to ship parts in a timely manner to the manufacturer's facilities. Container movement is controlled through the use of process flows and their relationship with physical locations called “inventory holding areas.” An inventory holding area reflects the quantity of containers that are held within that portion of the supply chain. Each of these portions is represented by an “inventory holding area type.” The system and method operate based on the function of the inventory holding area types and the relationships between each other.

Abstract: A control method of a vending machine which has a display module to display an image stored therein or inputted from the outside is provided. The control method includes: determining whether a door of the vending machine is open; changing an image mode displayed on the display module if it is determined that the door of the vending machine is open; and displaying a certification mode window to certify a user if the image mode is changed.

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for creating and for managing trouble tickets and work orders. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and receiving a request to create a work order. The work order is initiated and identified with a work order number. The work order number includes a telephone number experiencing the problem. The work order is then distributed to clients, and the work order is identified and tracked using a customer's telephone number. A trouble ticket is similarly managed, with the trouble ticket describing a problem in a communications system. Here the trouble ticket is initiated and the work item number is assigned. The trouble ticket is then distributed to clients, and the trouble ticket is identified and tracked using a customer's telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for handling errors that arise in communications between process agents on behalf of business objects. The system and method deal with the discovery and reconciliation of business-logic-level errors and conflicts. The system and method may operate at two levels: they may detect errors and conflicts from within a process agent based on the messages it receives or has access to, or they may detect the errors and conflicts from another object based on collection of inter-process agent messages. Errors and conflicts may be automatically reconciled. This may occur when the system or method determines potential causes of the error and the potential impact of each cause. This allows for automated error or conflict handling in many cases where the cause is trivial or where the cause and solution are definitely discernable.

Abstract: A method of analyzing participant activity includes providing an identification unit to a participant, receiving signals from the identification unit, determining location of the participant based on the received signals, storing the location information and the associated timestamp and analyzing the stored information.

Abstract: Inventory control with inventory item attributes wherein the attributes describe an inventory item, the inventory item has an RFID identification tag having an RFID identification tag code, and the inventory item attributes include an RFID identification tag code field, a control value, an acceptable control value range, and an out of range action. Detecting changes in the inventory item attributes, including reading, through an RFID reader, the RFID identification code from the RFID tag associated with the inventory item, recording detected changes in inventory item attributes, comparing the control value and the acceptable control value range, and taking action in dependence upon the result of the comparing and the out of range action.

Abstract: In a method for identifying manufactured concrete or masonry blocks and managing the sale thereof to a customer in a retail establishment, the retail establishment having a computer system configured to monitor inventory, a database operatively coupled to the computer system, and a plurality of point of sale (POS) terminals operatively coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the distribution of unused theater tickets. The system includes a central distribution processor to which theater patrons are provided access for determining the availability of theater tickets and purchasing available theater tickets at a discounted rate. The system further includes a plurality of remote ticket offices of distinct theaters linked to the central distribution processor, the remote ticket offices including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant ticket information to the central distribution processor. The interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote ticket offices selectively enter available theater ticket information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by theater patrons.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system to track and manage assets. Each asset to be tracked is tagged with an RFID tag, and tracked using RFID readers located throughout a facility. Based on the tracking information, the system allows users to manage assets and generate reports regarding the various tagged assets.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an electronic shopping service. The service enables a consumer to select line items from electronic receipts and group them as a review list. The consumer may create groups of people to have access to the review list and may assign access permissions to each of the review groups. A member of a review group may review the items in a review list and comment on the items. The comments may be directed to the consumer or to other members of the review group. The review may be off-line or on-line, as in a chat session or telephone or audiovisual conference. The consumer or a review-group member may order on-line any of the items listed in a review list. The consumer or a review-group member may add products from e-commerce sites to the review list (if so authorized). The shopping service handles the ordering. Where the items to be purchased are from multiple e-commercial sites, the shopping service places multiple orders as necessary, with shipping and payment as directed by the consumer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a golf reservation system. The golf reservation system may periodically poll tee-sheet systems to determine available inventory. The golf reservation system may use the results of these pollings for responding to a user request. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A commercial article information presenting system includes a shopping basket device and a shopping server communicating with the shopping basket device. The shopping basket device acquires a tag ID from an electronic tag attached to a commercial article put in a shopping basket and transmits the tag ID to a shop server. The shop server stores the tag ID received from the shopping basket device, generates screen data for an itemization screen for indicating a commercial article identifier and a unit price corresponding to the stored tag ID, a total of unit prices. The shop server transmits the screen data for the itemization screen to the shopping basket device.

Abstract: A measurement support system includes a measurement device and a management device connected to the measurement device via a communications network. When the measurement device uses consumable materials such as reagents, the management device manages the stock of consumable materials, supplies the consumable materials, and corrects measured data in accordance with the state of the consumable materials. Thus, the measurement support system can reduce the burden on users of the measurement device. The reagents that are used in measurement by a personal measuring instrument (3) located at each of patients' homes (B, C, . . . ) are assigned a reagent ID number beforehand. This reagent ID number and measured data are transmitted to a host computer (1) of a medical institution (A). The host computer (1) determines the stock of reagents based on the consumable material identifier received from the personal measuring instrument (3) and ships the reagents to the patient's home when the stock is running low.

Abstract: In a method for identifying manufactured concrete or masonry blocks and managing the sale thereof to a customer in a retail establishment, the retail establishment having a computer system configured to monitor inventory, a database operatively coupled to the computer system, and a plurality of point of sale (POS) terminals operatively coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for checking product availability for a listing on a network-based auction service using a separate auction application where an available quantity is determined from information received from a business information management system and the available quantity is displayed to the a user (i.e., seller) in the auction application. The seller may then select a quantity from the available quantity for the listing. In this manner, the available quantity may be used when a listing is generated. When a listing is published or communicated to the network-based auction service, the selected quantity of the product in the listing may be compared (verified) against the then available quantity of the product and the seller may be notified or the publication may be prevented if the selected quantity for the listing is not available.

Abstract: The patent discloses a system and related method for taking, receiving and reconciling physical inventory data against an asset management system from a remote location. In the disclosed system, assets as well as their locations are scanned using a hand held bar code scanner. Scanner information is uploaded to a particular location on a web server. Once transferred, the scanner files are converted to an intermediate database. Individual records of the intermediate database are then compared against their corresponding records, if any, in a main asset database by way of a web user interface. Records are modified, rejected or accepted by way of the web user interface, and then accepted records are written to the main asset database. In this way, multiple steps of the reconciliation process may take place at the same time, and reconciliation may be done quickly and efficiently, even from a remote location.

Abstract: In a physical distribution model of the circulation type, synchronization is established between a reuse plan and a delivery/fabrication plan to thereby reasonably reduce the excess and deficiency of inventory articles at a confluence point of regenerated reusable articles and newly delivered component parts. With regard to newly delivered lower-level items, predict a variation or fluctuation of stock quantity based on at least a delivery schedule of them and a present stock amount along with usage plans in manufacturing processes. As for lower-level items of regenerated articles, predict a delivery due date and an expected number of such regenerated lower-level items based on at least a stock quantity of recovered items collected for reuse purposes and a lead time for taking regenerated lower-level items out of the collected items, thereby controlling, based on the both prediction results, the stock quantity of the lower-level items in manufacturing processes.