Abstract: A quantity of an item referenced within a multilevel bill of material (BOM) is determined. A price bid for the item is received into an application framework from a supplier. The price bid is associated with the item. The cost of the multilevel BOM is determined based on the quantity of the item and the price bid.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a tangible computer usable medium, and a data processing system allocate materials to an automated purchase assembly conversion process to support a dynamic configure-to-order production operation. A configure-to-order backlog order is analyzed to determine demand for a particular purchase assembly. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, the on-hand purchase assembly in inventory is allocated to fill the demand. If the demand for the particular purchase assembly can not be filled with an on-hand purchase assembly in inventory, a determination is made as to whether the demand for the particular purchase assembly can be filled by reallocating other similar on-hand purchase assembly in inventory and on-hand individual parts.

Abstract: An envelope for conveying an item from a sender to a recipient and back with a window and unique identifying indicia. The envelope comprises a base panel with a window, a sender address panel, and a recipient address panel. The sender address panel is affixed to the base panel by an adhesive region, which defines a pocket sized to accept an item. The adhesive region extends laterally on the base panel to ensure that a postal cancellation is not applied to an area overlying the item. The recipient address panel is joined to the base panel by a detachable joint. A fragile item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient and back without damage to the item. The base panel includes indicia that uniquely identify the envelope among a plurality of envelopes. Reading the indicia assists in resolving inventory problems, for example, when unknown items are returned.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent dynamic barcodes in systems including a mail delivery system for manipulating delivery charges and/or sorting and delivery processing preferences are described.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating a restriction object with a material object is provided. A reference is generated between a material object and a restriction object. A restriction note is received from a supplier having a material restriction for a material in the material object. A material position is searched in the material object using a material number of the material. A selection condition is determined based on which the material is chosen from the material position. A restriction condition is generated in the restriction object based on the material restriction and the selection condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent markings in systems including a mail delivery system for utilizing time-limited business reply mail are described. A business reply mail authorization permit is applied to a business reply mail piece using a time-dependent marking such as time-dependent ink. After the time-dependent ink changes state, the mail piece is no longer marked as an authorized business reply mail piece.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, when an output image generator generates an output image in which an individual image of each part of a product model is arranged around a parts assembly image of the entire product model with a specific part highlighted, a boundary information calculator calculates boundary information for each part highlighted. An individual image arrangement calculator obtains a center position of the highlighted part on the parts assembly image based on the boundary information, obtains a straight line dividing the parts assembly image to equally distribute the parts into respective areas, and calculates a position of arrangement of the individual image of each part corresponding to the highlighted part distributed in each of the areas. The output image generated by the output image generator includes a leading line extending from the individual image of each part to the corresponding part on the parts assembly image.

Abstract: Real-time assembly and part validation (or “containment”) and auto-disposition in a manufacturing environment. Validation and auto-disposition are performed in a real-time, proactive manner where the validation and auto-disposition processing are not coupled to the installation process. Validation problems or issues may therefore be identified and resolved before an assembly or part is needed for installation.

Abstract: A system for automatically replacing loaner parts within a loaner system to prevent loaner system callback. In response to selecting a loaner system within loaner inventory data, it is determined whether the selected loaner system is required to be returned based on a target return date for the selected loaner system. In response to determining that the selected loaner system is not required to be returned, a notification is automatically generated and sent to a customer to return expiring loaner parts within the selected loaner system based on loaner part rules. A part replacement order is automatically generated for replacement loaner parts for each of the expiring loaner parts. Then, the replacement loaner parts are automatically shipped to the customer to replace the expiring loaner parts to prevent callback of the selected loaner system.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory that stores a plurality of usage values. A usage value may be based at least in part on usage of a utility resource measured by a utility meter having a meter identifier. The memory may store a plurality of service point identifiers and a plurality of account identifiers associated with one or more utility accounts. A particular service point identifier may represent a physical location of at least one utility meter. Each service point identifier may be stored in association with one or more usage values. The system may comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. In response to a request comprising a particular service point identifier, the processor may retrieve one or more usage values from the memory based at least in part on the particular service point identifier in the request. The processor may generate a graphical user interface that displays the one or more retrieved usage values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for routing goods from a source location to a final destination through an intermediate location. An intermediate warehouse task or transfer order is generated with reference to the movement of the goods to the intermediate location rather than movement to the final destination. A routing table can provide information for generating the intermediate warehouse task. A routing path that indicates the intermediate location can correspond to a location determined by a layout-oriented routing path or a process-oriented routing path.

Abstract: A logistics management system and method for organizing and managing the operations of an oil rig or other offshore location. The logistics management system can organize and track boat and helicopter manifests, inventory for onshore and offshore locations, floating stock, and bulk materials. Additionally, the logistics management system can create lists of contact information for personnel, personnel on board particular offshore locations and particular helicopters or boats, items to be transferred from one location to another, operations schedules and timelines, and rental information.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of receiving transportation documentation and producing advance loading manifests therefrom to optimize load planning and dynamic product shipment and delivery control. Methods provide for receipt of the transportation documentation, initial preparation, and transmission of the documentation from on board a vehicle or while the vehicle is in transit.

Abstract: An information provision intermediation apparatus is disclosed. An information provision intermediation definition table has stored therein, in correspondence with each other, an address of the information providing site of an information providing unit and an information provision condition required for the traceability data at the time of providing the information of the information providing site. A CPU acquires a traceability data group corresponding to the individual commodity ID acquired from a terminal. Based on the acquired traceability data group and the information provision condition, the CPU acquires the address of the information providing site of the information-available information providing unit, and using the acquired address, acquires the information from the information providing site and transmits it to the terminal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for storing and maintaining a plurality of field orders and a corresponding plurality of invoices. This system allows a supplier and a buyer to easily view and obtain copies of one or more of the field orders and their corresponding invoices when proper security constraints are satisfied. The system includes a computer server adapted to receive input data comprising a plurality of field orders and a corresponding plurality of invoices, the field orders and the invoices being stored in a memory of the server. A processor of the server will execute a software package stored in a memory of the server called a report generation software. When the report generation software is executed by the processor of the server, a ‘special report’ is available for display on the server's recorder or display device, that ‘special report’ being adapted to be viewed by either the buyer or the supplier. On that ‘special report’, there are three columns.

Abstract: A system for automatically replacing loaner parts within a loaner system to prevent loaner system callback. In response to selecting a loaner system within loaner inventory data, it is determined whether the selected loaner system is required to be returned based on a target return date for the selected loaner system. In response to determining that the selected loaner system is not required to be returned, a notification is automatically generated and sent to a customer to return expiring loaner parts within the selected loaner system based on loaner part rules. A part replacement order is automatically generated for replacement loaner parts for each of the expiring loaner parts. Then, the replacement loaner parts are automatically shipped to the customer to replace the expiring loaner parts to prevent callback of the selected loaner system.

Abstract: An eyebolt assembly is provided in which a skirt member is reinforced by radially projecting diametrically extending ribs. A fixed lifting eye projects from one side of the skirt, and a mounting stud projects from the opposite side. The mounting stud is double threaded with one thread being adapted to mate with a threaded bore in the body of the eyebolt assembly, and the other thread being matched to a threaded bore in a load. The same eyebolt body can be employed with a plurality of different mounting studs, which simplifies inventorying eyebolt assemblies to meet all of the different threaded bores that may occur in different loads. Only the mounting studs need to be threaded to match the loads. The skirts are provided with striking faces so that they can be tightened and loosened by striking them with a hammer.

Abstract: Said store for spare parts comprises a plurality of compartments which each contain a kit of spare parts and a plurality of kits are each composed of different types of spare parts. Application to the automotive industry.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part.

Abstract: A software management database contains data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.

Abstract: A system by which a central hub and transport means, listing means, matching engine, and operating method will capture overstock and understock information from participating retailer or distributor nodes and create congruent matches, with subsequent shipments of one to the other to improve the inventory of both nodes.

Abstract: A market-demand-forecasting-value calculation section acquires order entry actual achievement data from an order-entry-actual-achievement-data storing unit of an order receiving system, and calculates a market demand forecasting value using the order entry actual achievement data. A correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates an error rate, which becomes negative when an ordering required-quantity becomes large, based on a number of ordered parts and a past ordering required-quantity. Subsequently, the correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates a correction safety inventory quantity using the error rate and the market demand forecasting value and a money-amount-zone index value.

Abstract: A method of storing and managing BOMs of different owners in the same environment. One or more BOMs have an owner. An owner's BOM may include confidential information such that unrestricted access to the confidential information is limited to the owner and any designates of the owner. In particular, one embodiment of the invention maintains a list of items that include the items in the BOMs of the different owners. A unique identifier is used for each item of the list. The item identifiers thus form one namespace. BOMs of different owners share data including confidential data within the same namespace.

Abstract: In the case of supporting the purchase and the inventory management of actual foods by a user with respect to necessary foods, a function to support the purchase and the inventory management by which input operations are reduced, and a burden on the user is reduced, is realized. By providing a management method suitable for a food for cooking, the problem regarding the difference which occurs between the inventory information managed by the cooking support system and the purchased food can be solved. Further, a function to support the purchase and the inventory management of necessary foods in a management period type purchase style and in an everyday type purchase style is provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the comprehensive provision of maintenance related information and products to a client. By one approach, item information is received from a client regarding at least one of a plurality of disparate items. The method also includes receiving manufacturer information regarding the plurality of disparate items from information from manufacturers of the items. A selectively accessible database is created that includes at least in part the item information, the manufacturer information, and maintenance information derived at least in part from the manufacturer information relating to servicing at least one of the disparate items and/or to a product relating to at least one of the disparate items. The client is provided with access to the maintenance information stored on the selectively accessible database. The maintenance information can be accessed from brick and mortar hardware stores as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for identifying replacement parts. Replacement parts may be identified although they do not correlate to obsolete parts on a one-to-one basis. Both replaced parts and their substitutes may be tracked by, for example, associating an identifier with the part. Each identifier may be a string of characters that uniquely refers to the part. The identifier of the replaced part may be linked to an array of identifiers, each corresponding to a replacement part. A user may enter the identifier of the replaced part and retrieve data corresponding to each of the substitutes. During the lifecycle of the product, replacement parts may be replaced. Data may be retrieved showing a hierarchy describing a history of multiple replacements. The user need not know that a part has been replaced to retrieve re-designed or remanufactured part information.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing damage to a package to process a damage claim is disclosed. Each package contains one or more pieces of merchandise, internal packaging surrounding the merchandise, such as bubble sheets, and external packaging, such as an envelope or box. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the system is configured to determine the type of merchandise within a package, associate a fragility class with the merchandise, and determine the minimum packaging requirements for the merchandise by referencing one or more minimum packaging requirements matrices. Depending on the comparison of the package with the minimum packaging requirements, the present invention either approves or denies a damage claim for the package.

Abstract: Inventory may be managed by affixing to material batches respective documentary batch numbers that are associated with the material batches in a computer system. The material batches may be placed as inventory in a warehouse. The documentary batch number of any of the material batches that is removed from the warehouse may be registered, wherein the documentary batch numbers are not used in managing the inventory. A material batch may be managed by affixing to the material batch a documentary batch number that is associated with the material batch in a computer system. Upon a predetermined action being taken with regard to the material batch, the documentary batch number may be received in the computer system. The documentary batch number may be read from the material batch, wherein any action taken with regard to the material batch before receiving the documentary batch number upon the predetermined action is not tracked.

Abstract: A print shop includes at least one printing device adapted to print a print job. A central computer is in communication with the printing device. An offline finishing device includes a reader device, adapted to read a job identifier carried on the print job, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the reader device and a central computer wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for automatically implementing item substitutions for unavailable items in a customer order. According to one embodiment, line item orders from selected customer orders may be aggregated and processed for substitution analysis. Substitutions for unavailable items of selected customer orders may then be automatically implemented based upon substitution instructions, business rules, and/or other predefined criteria.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for generating a delivery bill of materials (BOM) for use at a production facility. Input includes parts data identifying the parts used in the production process, delivery/process location data identifying areas on the production line where parts are delivered, and packaging data related to containers in which parts are delivered. Each delivery BOM has a code for an associated product and data that defines a relationship between a trailer loaded with case packs of parts, a delivery process code, and a tugger for delivering the packs to line locations. Each trailer holds multiple packs assigned to different delivery process codes. The delivery process code ties the case packs on the trailer to the tuggers and is associated with one or more assembly processes. Each delivery process code is assigned to an associate that coordinates case pack and tugger staging according to supported production processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a goods tag, a production bill of material hierarchy, and/or a release order template business object.

Abstract: According to the present invention, first, the first biometric information “a” is divided equally and biometric information “a” and biometric information “a?” are generated, the second biometric information “b” is divided equally and biometric information “b?” and biometric information “b?” are similarly generated. Then the biometric information “a?” that is the first half of the first biometric information “a” and the biometric information “b?” that is the first half of the second biometric information “b” are combined to generate one piece of biometric information 1 for a person. The biometric information “a?” that is the second half of the first biometric information “a”, and the biometric information “b?” that is the second half of the second biometric information “b”, are similarly combined to generate the other piece of biometric information 2 for the person. The biometric information 1 and 2 are stored and used for matching later.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for automatically managing information relating to a customs agency's import regulations. The methods disclosed include procedures for maintaining import data according to the regulations as they become updated or changed. Also disclosed are procedures for interfacing with a plurality of software applications utilized for performing various steps of a method for managing import data according to the regulations.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of receiving transportation documentation and producing advance loading manifests therefrom to optimize load planning and dynamic product shipment and delivery control. Methods provide for receipt of the transportation documentation, initial preparation, and transmission of the documentation from on board a vehicle or while the vehicle is in transit.

Abstract: Inventory control and monitoring system uses an RFID reader to read tags on multiple lights passing through a portal. A light turns green after all the tags have been read. Information from those tags is added to an inventory database, which keeps track of which lights, and how many of each kind of light, is in stock. Locations of the lights can also be added to the inventory system.

Abstract: A software management database contains data structures supporting computer software provisioning for a range of CTO/BTO variations, language variations, region variations, and operating system variations.

Abstract: An accounting method can insert changes that affect average cost calculations after the initial average cost calculations. The method can go back in time and add in transactions that affect average cost and re-calculate average cost based on the added entry to all entries after the added entry.

Abstract: A service provider management system (SPMS) that connects to storage resources in a datacenter controlled by a service provider and a database that stores information about the datacenter and customers that receive the storage resources as a service. The SPMS enables the service provider to allocate storage resources to a customer and to assign ownership to billable devices, such as disks, volumes, ports, and so forth, as well as to generate billing information based on hardware configuration and customer usage. The SPSM is supported on a server architecture, which includes a Web server that exports a first interface to the service provider to enable the service provider to manage the data storage resources to which the SPMS is connected, and a second interface to the customer to enable the customer to manage the allocated data storage resources directly.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for determining a quantity mismatch report so that a plurality of configured quantities for a plurality of product variants can be compared. The method includes transforming a plurality of logical expressions. The method also includes detecting a quantity mismatch report from said transformed logical expressions. The method further includes determining at least one product variant from the quantity mismatch report.

Abstract: A method of payment for multi-vendor gift cards, comprising maintaining a merchandise database comprising records for merchandise and services for a plurality of merchants, enabling a gift card giver to interactively purchase a gift card for a gift card recipient, entitling the gift card recipient to redeem the gift card for items up to a specified spending limit, electronically transferring the money used to purchase the gift card into a card funding account that is used to pay for purchases by the gift card recipient, enabling the gift card recipient to interactively select one or more items from the merchandise database, thereby generating an aggregated selection of items for each merchant issuing orders to each merchant in accordance with the aggregated selected items corresponding to each merchant and paying each merchant the amount of their respective order from the card funding account.

Abstract: A receiving section receives a supply request for product from a terminal set up at a shop or a terminal used by a client. A first determination processing section determines whether a product in stock can be reserved for an order. A first reserve processing section reserves the product in stock for the order when the first determination processing section determines that the product can be reserved. A second determination processing section determines whether a semifinished product necessary for manufacturing a final product can be reserved when the first determination processing section determines that the product reserve is inadequate. A second reserve processing section reserves the semifinished product for the order when the second determination processing section determines that the semifinished product can be reserved.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for tracking medical products in which the product (11, 12) and/or its packaging (16) is marked and identified with a first reference (18) that is stored in a first file (20) and the packaged product is shipped (7) to the client for storage for subsequent use for a patient listed in a second file (31). The references of the product are detected (27) automatically and remotely when it is shipped and stored in a third, or stock control, file (28) of the client at the time of an operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for managing purchasing orders for a plurality of items to be purchased is shown. The system includes a computer implemented purchase order management interface, the purchase order management interface configured to display data associated with a plurality of purchase orders, a purchase order generation application configured to allow a user to generate a new purchase order or modify an existing purchase order, a purchase order procurement application configured to allow a user to obtain financing for purchase order that has failed a budget check, and an event-driven purchase order controlling application configured to allow a user to review existing purchase orders for event-driven information related to the purchase order.

Abstract: A method of managing manufacturing production includes determining a plurality of products for manufacture using a production line is disclosed. Each product is specified by composition and production line steps and criteria. Production orders for products are analyzed to determine whether products should be grouped into product-types, and whether product (type) should be made-to-stock or made to order. Queuing theory based analytic methods and optimization based heuristics are used to determine the priority for each product in the production line, taking product substitution opportunities in batch-production into account. Preselected points along the production line are determined for gathering an amount of inventory for each product. This decision is made considering product-differentiation down the line.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a computer system for tracking inventory values. Multiple physical storage locations, within a plant, are defined where inventory items can be stored. An indication that an inventory item is being physically moved from a first storage location to a second storage location is received. In response to the receipt of the indication, a financial value of the inventory item is determined and an indication is provided that the financial value was transferred from the first physical storage location to the second physical storage location, wherein the financial value of the inventory item is tracked as the inventory item is physically moved within the plant.

Abstract: A method of managing work-in-process (WIP) inventory includes receiving inputs, via a user interface of a computer processing device. The inputs correspond to variables defined for modules. Each of the modules includes a set of instructions for determining and quantifying a corresponding WIP inventory driver. The method also includes executing instructions on the inputs by one or more of the modules. The inputs are applied to corresponding modules based on respective variables defined for the modules. The method further includes deriving a quantified WIP inventory resulting from execution of the instructions categorized by corresponding WIP inventory drivers.

Abstract: Revision of a part specification document, such as a drawing, a part specification, or a bill of materials, prompts execution of an automated notification process. A unique part number associated with the revised part specification document is employed in searching open purchasing documents for purchase orders or request for quotes containing the part number. Electronic mail addresses for outside supplier contacts are kept in the database and linked to the supplier master of the open purchasing documents containing the part number. An electronic mail notification of the part specification document revision is generated and transmitted to each electronic mail address identified as being associated with an open purchasing document containing the subject part number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated bill of materials refactoring includes a computing system implemented process for automated bill of materials refactoring whereby historical bill of materials, inventory and sales data is scanned/searched to identify potential refactored sub-assemblies.