Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, an electronic services marketplace. The technology involves establishing a first tier of service providers, establishing a second tier of service providers, routing a service order to the first tier of service providers, and routing the service order to the second tier of service providers if the service order is not accepted by one of the first tier service providers.

Abstract: An illustrative system and method according to the present invention monitors in-the-field meetings of representatives with customers, for example, marketing and sales activity. The system includes a central data system and a portable wireless device (e.g., tablet device, smartphone, etc) deployed with each representative. The portable wireless devices are equipped with a special software application (the “mobile application”) and also a communications device(s) for communicating with the central data system. The portable wireless device provides availability of the representative to the central data system and a guided meeting process, including collection of information, presentation of meeting content, and optional audio recording of the meeting. More particularly, the system can be used for monitoring in-the-field sales of regulated products, such as financial services, including insurance product sales.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for determining how mature an estimate is by assessing the basis of an estimate against a scale of criteria or categories of plural relative values of maturity of estimate. Confidence levels derived for two different estimating processes for a same estimate, can be reconciled; and an estimating process can be controlled by systematically reviewing the readiness of a planned estimating process by reviewing the basis of the estimate by assessment of determined maturity level values in a document register. An estimating process can also be controlled by controlling the iterative performance of different estimate assessment and/or preparation processes dependent upon a maturity of a basis of the estimate.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for obtaining a persistent design portion of an executable model is provided. The model includes on or more design details, a design detail specifying one or more aspects or elements of the model. The method also includes obtaining a design description of the model and a user selection specifying a design detail to be included in the design portion. The method further includes generating a selection specification from the user selection, obtaining the design portion by processing the design description according to the selection specification, and making the design portion persistent.

Abstract: Winrows is a specific process which executes in synergy with Fill-A-Box©™ and Stat-Medicament-Disposal(c)™ removal of food waste (bio-waste) from landfills and water systems. It quantifies data by address/location by weight of food waste (bio-waste) that is then converted under cap and trade to carbon off-set credits for address/location through Greenebank(c)™. It is a converted 13 gallon collapsible garbage holder that has been modified to hold extra bags and a carbon filter. The food waste (bio-waste) is used in vermiculture, and composting. The liquid by-product and final product is harvested and sold and any excess is converted to swill for pig feed. Curbside pickup by Fill-A-Box©™ scans and weighs the bags and transmits data to Winrows database by address/location.

Abstract: A authentication system to avoid the consumption of counterfeit products comprising a method using the World Wide Web to verify each individual merchandise using a unique identification number and verifying the unique number against a database online. Further the authentication system comprises a loyalty program in order to encourage customers to use and to denounce counterfeit product sellers.

Abstract: The system and method described herein may securely disseminate and manage postal rate information, including discount or custom postal rates established in contractual agreements negotiated between a postal service and certain mailers, among other postal rate types. For example, the postal service may upload postal rates to a server associated with a postage vendor and optionally associate the postal rates with particular mailers. The postal service and/or postage vendor may then validate whether the postal rates were correctly uploaded, and the postage vendor may then enable applicable mailers to utilize the postal rates in response to validating that the postal rates were correctly uploaded. Additionally, the postage vendor may maintain records relating to postage transactions, which a mailer can use to support a request to negotiate the custom postal rates with the postal service and subsequently prove compliance with any terms and conditions associated therewith.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for evaluating compliance with laws, regulations, and/or policies are presented. A metric definition for a metric may be received, the metric measuring an aspect of a business process. The measured aspect may represent a compliance concern. A first sigma score for the metric may be determined based on a number of opportunities and a number of defects. A second sigma score for the business process may be determined. A third sigma score for a business unit may be determined, the business unit implementing the business process. A fourth sigma score for a business segment may be determined, the business segment managing the business unit. A report may be generated, the report including the first sigma score, the second sigma score, the third sigma score, and the fourth sigma score.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving directive information including verification information to electronically verify issuance of the directive information by at least one authorized entity, living being identification associated with a particular individual living being, and reporting directions for electronically recording occurrence information to indicate at least one occurrence of at least partial preparation of a particular ingestible product designated by the reporting directions to be associated with an electronically inputted identification of the particular individual living being as verified using the living being identification electronically received with the directive information; and electronically transmitting the occurrence information to an electronic receiving device to be accessed by at least one recipient identified by the reporting directions as authorized to access the occurrence information subsequent to v

Abstract: A sparse data system is provided for verifying operational compliance of a plurality of environmental systems. To reduce operational costs to a minimum, the quantity of data transmitted is minimized and the data is only transmitted at certain times. If systems are compliant, then information is preferably not sent. If systems are non-compliant, then notices are sent to parties of interest at effectively the same time as the noncompliance occurs. Subsequent alarm detection level may also be sent after detection of an operational threshold to provide notice for continued ongoing or severe noncompliance.

Abstract: A system for the coordinated collection of information related to a potentially hazardous condition, within a specific venue, from a community of interested entities, the comparison of such information against a set of generally accepted criteria for control and containment of a potentially hazardous condition, and the rating of the specific environment, as to safety and as to the risk associated with the potentially hazardous condition via-a-vis the specific structural environment within which it exists. This system can also do prediction analysis and therefore extrapolate solutions to impending problems. This can lead to systems of mitigation and or apply methods and means of life safety such as evacuation plans, preparation plans, etc., since understanding structural integrity is related to how much time a first responder or occupant may have before a building collapse based on specific conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to generate leads for an organization that comply with the organizations rules and regulations. Leads originate from a network of marketing partners of a leads generating service. The web assets of the marketing partners are periodically, or continuously, monitored to insure that such web assets have required content and/or do not contain objectionable content. Over time, marketing partners who are consistently comply with an organizations rules and regulations earn the status of trusted marketing partners and leads originating from such partners are highly valued.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of electronic management of organic production including cluster formation of farmers, training of farmers according to organic farming standards, providing organic compliance manual, farm diary, organic bulletin to the farmers, on-farm input management, collection and analysis of soil, providing identity card, soil health card and in ‘in soil culture’, providing NADEP and Cow Pat Pit and demonstrations on on-farm management. Further disclosed is a process of implementation of e-traceability. The information about the day to day activities taken up by all the registered farmers in the fields is collected as per the prescribed format of e-traceability by the cluster in charge on monthly basis and further uploaded in the website. Furthermore provided is a process for setting up an Internal Control System (ICS) for internal inspection of assessment of risk and its management is followed by the approval of decision from an approval committee.

Abstract: Managing application governance data may include receiving application governance data from multiple data servers, storing the received application governance data, and consolidating the received application governance data into a common format by executing a predefined rule set. Governance data may include one or more risk assessments for various applications within an enterprise and each of the risk assessments may be organized in one or more native formats. Managing application governance data may also include receiving a request for the consolidated application governance data from a user, filtering the consolidated application governance data according to the user's role, comparing the filtered application governance data against a configurable metric, and transmitting the filtered application governance data and the comparison to the user.

Abstract: An electronic commerce system and method for processing auxiliary order information in an on-line open market are provided. The system includes an on-line market server for brokering the on-line transaction on the Internet, wherein the on-line market server, when entrusted with partial or full processing of acquisition of auxiliary order documents for an object for sale requested for purchase from the buyer, acquires the auxiliary order documents from an issuing authority and requests the seller to deliver the object for sale, based on the auxiliary order documents; and at least one database for storing information related to the buyer and the seller.

Abstract: A credentials record system that captures personnel background data, such as license information, education and training, work experience, performance data and electronic signature at the time of entry using graphical user interfaces through a network, wherein it permits instant, sophisticated analysis of background data to identify relationships among the data, including archived data and includes the capability to access reference databases for consultation regarding verification of data for accuracy on a continuous basis. The system also provides for an automated auditing process to ensure data integrity and includes the capability to incorporate legacy data, such as paper files and mainframe data, for each personnel record.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring compliance with jurisdictional regulations. In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring compliance with jurisdictional regulations. In one embodiment, the system includes a server including a reporting program; a database in communication with the server; and a client device in communication with the server and comprising an input device. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of monitoring compliance with jurisdictional regulations. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: inspecting a location for compliance; entering inspection compliance information using a client input device in communication with a server, the server comprising a database and a reporting program and the database comprising reporting data and location data; executing on the server the reporting program; and automatically communicating compliance reports to a jurisdictional authority in response to reporting data and location data in the database.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, licenses for various industries are applied for and managed. Embodiments of the present invention provide for centralizing and standardizing the obtainment, completion, and submission of various license forms for applicants (e.g., any entity/person applying for, renewing, or otherwise requesting some type of license, renewal, extension, or other license related item) across plural jurisdictions. The license forms and other materials are collected from various sources. Embodiments of the present invention provide and maintain all relevant existing licenses or license applications, and further provide project management and calendar functions for licenses and license renewals. Users may be alerted when licenses require renewal, and/or license renewal date information may be integrated with user calendars.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking assigned random code strings are provided. Random code strings are grouped and each group is assigned a consecutive identifier. The assignment of the groups of random code strings to the consecutive identifier can be stored in a database, printed on a tag and/or printed directly on instantiations of products. The unique code strings themselves can be used to identify a group to which they are assigned and an amount of unique code strings in the identified group.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for modeling contractual terms as structured data for license compliance analysis is provided. A set of electronically-stored expressions is defined. Each expression includes parseable contract terminology and a meaning associated with the contract terminology. A license for a product is converted into structured data. Terms of use included in the license are parsed. The parsed terms of use are matched against the parseable contract terminology in the set of expressions. For each expression whose parseable contract terminology was matched to a parsed term of use, the associated meaning is assembled into a schematized data structure that represents the product license. Compliance of an installed base of the product is evaluated against each meaning in the schematized data structure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for evaluating eco-functional properties of a product, comprising: providing four inputs including raw materials, process of manufacture, functional properties and ecological properties of the product; providing five outputs including Quality, Functionality, Human Impact, 3R's (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse), and Environmental Impact; connecting the inputs and outputs using predetermined rules to generate an eco-functional model; and wherein the eco-functional properties of the product are evaluated using the eco-functional model to derive an Eco-Functional Index which is computed by the equation: ?ESI+HTI+EII+FI+Eco-I, where ESI is an Ecological Sustainability Index, EII is an Environmental Impact Index, HTI is a Human Toxicity Index, FI is a Functionality Index and Eco-I is an Ecological Index.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable computing device to retrieve agricultural certification information. In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a hand-held device including a display and one or more input devices to sense product identification indicia associated with or affixed to a food product that is grown or raised in an agricultural operation, the product identification indicia comprising at least a universal product code for the food product. The hand-held device includes at least one processor to determine a machine-readable identification code from the product identification indicia; send the identification code to at least one remote server; receive, from the at least one remote server, agricultural certification information that is associated with the product, the certification information being associated with the product using the machine-readable identification code; and display the certification information on the display in human readable form.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatus for automatic certification of food products. In an example embodiment, apparatus comprises a hand-held device including a display and one or more input devices to sense product identification indicia associated with or affixed to a food product that is grown or raised in an agricultural operation. The hand-held device includes at least one processor to determine a machine-readable identification code from the product identification indicia and send the identification code to at least one remote server. The device also receives, from the at least one remote server, agricultural certification information that is associated with the product, the certification information indicating compliance of the product with at least one agricultural certification established by a certification authority and having one or more requirements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system and a method. In one embodiment, the system includes an emergency preparedness system having a dynamic checklist tool configured to use a master checklist to produce a plant-specific checklist based on a selection of at least one emergency event, and to produce actionable articles having at least one emergency preparedness recommendation for a plant.

Abstract: A facility safety and compliance information system is provided as a Web-based application for managing information about deficiencies and repairs to facilities, that are subject to health and safety codes, security measures, and production and maintenance standards. The facility safety and compliance information system can maintain facility quality and keep maintenance costs in line, while also reducing liability and satisfying other regulatory constraints. The facility safety and compliance information system leverages computer information system, network, and communication technologies for automating the collection of data and the generation of regulatory and compliance documentation, while also improving the timeliness and accuracy of a facilities reporting, preparedness, and adherence to safety and compliance codes.

Abstract: A method and system for enforcing a return policy by determining whether an article of merchandise has been used, or not used, within a predetermined time after the purchase of the merchandise. The system including sensor means associated with the article for recording data related to ambient conditions post-purchase, data acquisition means for receiving the recorded data, a comparator for comparing the recorded data to a predefined data set representative of acceptable data values, output means for outputting an outcome from the comparator, the outcome being indicative of whether the article has been used, or not used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting information, verifying authenticity of such information, processing, maintaining, and managing such information are described. The system can be a standalone unit or can comprise a combination of various units configured to function together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to product and associate product materials, and maintaining compliance with rules and regulations to support interstate and international commerce. As rules and regulations change associated with products and/or raw materials that comprise the product, those changes or messages are monitored and communicated in real-time in order to support continued compliance in the stream of commerce.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for providing operational business service verification in a telecommunication network. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving information which relates to transactions from a plurality of information sources, wherein the transactions are associated with one or more pre-defined applications; (ii) based upon the information received, determining whether that at least one pre-defined transaction criterion has been met; and (iii) if the at least one pre-defined transaction criterion has been met, providing verification of the legitimacy of the respective transaction that relate to that pre-defined application.

Abstract: A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The device is registered by associating the purchaser information and the device identifier via the transaction code.

Abstract: A system for verifying the authenticity of an item. At least one cellular telephone has an image recorder, a receiver and a transmitter. A cellular telephone network receives a recorded image transmitted by the cellular telephone and forwards the recorded image to at least one remote server. An image-recognition device is accessible to the remote server, the image recognition device being configured to decode a latent image embedded within the recorded image and to generate a dataset corresponding to the latent image. A processor accessible to the remote server generates a response corresponding to the dataset and indicating the authenticity status of the item, the response being forwarded from the remote server to the receiver of the cellular telephone by means of the cellular telephone network.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting method associates the first code with an article to be authenticated to identify the article, and associates a second code with the first code as a verification code to verify the first code. Both the first code and the second code are reproduced on the article. The reproduced first code is machine-readable (e.g., contained in a RFID tag), while the reproduced second code is covert and concealed from normal viewing by a concealment means such as a scratch-off material. An authorized person (e.g., a consumer) is allowed to conditionally remove the concealment to reveal the covert code. The first code and the revealed second code are used to verify the authenticity of the product with a verification center. During the verification, the first code identifies the article, while the second code verifies the first code and thus the authenticity of the associated article.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining a plurality of event types where each event type being stored in association with event metadata. One or more events are received and an event type in the plurality of event types for each received event is determined. The method determines event metadata for each determined event type and event data from the event based on the event metadata. One or more control data objects are determined stored in association with the determined event type; one or more rules stored in associated with each of the control data objects is determined where the rule comprises one or more criteria being evaluated against one of the data values of said event; and evaluating the event data with the criterion to determine if each of the events is non-compliant or compliant with a low-level system requirement of said rule.

Abstract: A system and method validates design of an electronic product using a computing device. The method establishes design failure data and product failure data of the electronic product in a database. When the design of the electronic product is finished, the method determines whether the design is eligible by examining design modules of the design according to the design failure data in the database. When the design is eligible, the method determines whether the validation of actual samples of the electronic device is successful by validating actual samples of the electronic product according to the product failure data in the database. If the validation of the actual samples is successful, the method acquires abnormal data of executing the actual samples, and updates failure data converted from the abnormal data into the database, if the abnormal data has been acquired.

Abstract: An electricity supply and purchase system includes an electricity transmission deciding section for deciding an electricity transmission content including an electricity amount of the electricity transmission to be transmitted from the electricity transmission sender; an electricity reception deciding section for deciding an electricity reception content including an electricity amount of electricity reception at the electricity transmission receiver; a communication section for communication between the electricity transmission sender and the electricity transmission receiver; an electricity transmission flow control section for performing the electricity transmission from the electricity transmission sender to the electricity line based on the electricity transmission content for which the consistency is confirmed by the communication; and an electricity reception flow control section for performing the electricity reception at the electricity transmission receiver from the electricity line based on the ele

Abstract: A system and a method provide a lead verification service. A lead generator contacts a verification server when a visitor lands on a hosting site of the lead generator to enter lead information into a form. The verification server issues a reference key (token) to the lead generator and collects information about the visitor and the hosting site of the lead generator, using the reference key to identify the collected information. When the visitor submits the form, the lead generator sends the form data, which includes the entered lead information and the reference key received from the verification server, to at least one interested party. When the verification server receives a request for the collected information from the interested party, the collected information is retrieved based on the reference key included in the request and sent to the requesting interested party.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for determining zoning code compliance are disclosed. Such methods and systems seek to overcome frustrations and alleviate other impediments that affect efficient use of zoning codes, particularly form-based zoning codes. In a first aspect, a computer-implemented system for determining zoning code compliance includes at least one input interface for receiving property information; a computer program for calculating zoning code criteria and assessing zoning code compliance, using the property information; and at least one output interface for displaying assessment of zoning code compliance.

Abstract: A product certification code is provided. The product certification code is associated with a target product and comprises a uniform resource identifier (URI). The URI is configured to identify certification information at a certification data provider, which is configured to maintain the certification information about the target product. A method for retrieving the certification information from the certification data provider is also provided. Further, the certification data provider and a method for providing the certification information from the certification data provider are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a fraud detection system that stores fraud detection rules and merchant profiles. The fraud detection system allows a user to designate fraud detection rules as core fraud detection rules, and the fraud detection system can automatically populate new merchant profiles with the user's core fraud detection rules.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding end-users with respect to payment card data security standards. The system uses guidance questions that are worded simply and intelligibly so that end-users, regardless of their technical background or expertise, can understand the underlying issues and provide the proper answer. The guidance questions are generated from the PCI DSS SAQ and related guidance documents, to generate a list of positive, negative or non-applicable SAQ answers at the end of the process. The system generates action items with applicable policy statements for negative answers, if necessary, such that a completed questionnaire can be generated with all positive answers and sent to the authoritative entity. The system also generates vulnerability level reports based on the end-user's answers to assist the end-user and the host in assessing PCI DSS compliance readiness. The host can process the generated information, for example, to do risk analysis or risk management.

Abstract: Systems and methods issue a certificate for an animal. A request to generate the certificate is received and required information for the certificate is determined based upon rules and regulations, stored within a database, that define information requirements for the certificate. The method interacts with one or more of an owner of the animal, a certified veterinarian, and a laboratory to collect the required information. The certificate is generated with a unique identifier when the required information is complete, and the certificate is stored within the database.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting a trust factor from trust factors that are included in a trust index repository. A trust metaphor is associated with the selected trust factor. The trust metaphor includes various context values. Range values are received and the trust metaphor, context values, and range values are associated with the selected trust factor. A request is received from a data consumer, the request corresponding to a trust factor metadata score that is associated with the selected trust factor. The trust factor metadata score is retrieved and matched with the range values. The matching results in one of the context values being selected based on the retrieved trust factor metadata score. The selected context value is then provided to the data consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for managing sponsorships by a sponsor, in which the party requesting the sponsorship requests to use content owned and protected by the sponsor, such as trademarks, logos, and copyrighted material. An embodiment of the method involves receiving, at a computer network site, a request for sponsorship from a requester and responding to the request by sending either an approval or a rejection. If an approval is sent, the method further involves providing the requestor with access to content of the sponsor through the site. As part of providing this access, the method can involve requiring the requestor to accept an agreement posted on the site. The method can also include monitoring the requestor's actual use of the content.

Abstract: A method of compliance checking includes defining a set of rules related to shipping alcohol to a region. Compliance checking is performed by determining if a shipping client associated with a plurality of shipping orders is compliant with each of the set of rules when executing a plurality of shipping orders to the region. Further, an indication is given indicating whether the client is compliant with the set of rules in relation to execution of the plurality of shipping orders.

Abstract: A system and method for managing regulatory security compliance at facilities regulated by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). In one embodiment, a method includes storing security records related to the facility in a security documentation storage system. Compliance fields of the security records are identified. The compliance fields contain information related to compliance with a security standard applied to the facility. The information is compared to predetermined values indicative of compliance with the security standard. An indicator signifying whether the facility is in compliance with the security standard is generated. The state of the indicator is based on a result of the comparing.

Abstract: A method of accumulating accreditation includes locating evaluations from different sources relating to at least one entity and accumulating evaluations associated with the at least one entity to create an accreditation associated with the at least one entity also comprising systems of supervision and/or compensation.

Abstract: An enterprise licensing system is provided that includes a licensing agent 172 operable to (a) provide a customer with a first set of enterprise licensable features and/or capacities and a second set of non-enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, with the enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, but not non-enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, being allocable freely by the customer among first and second computational components; (b) receive a first allocation of the members of the first set between the first and second computational components; and (c) generate first and second licenses reflecting the first allocation. The first license is for the first computational component and the second license is for the second computational component.

Abstract: A digital tachograph installed in a vehicle of a transportation company having a duty to install the tachograph. The tachograph comprises a body, a work state calculation device capable of calculating work state data connected to the body, a compliance determination device connected to the work state calculation device for determining whether a labor condition of a driver of the vehicle fulfills a condition provided by law based on the work state data, a storage for recording determination results determined by the compliance determination device and the work state data, and a display connected to the body capable of displaying and informing the driver of at least one determination result determined by the compliance determination device before breaching the law. The at least one determination result relates to, for example, on-duty time, residual on-duty time, rest period, residual rest period, driving time, residual driving time, or continuous driving time, etc.

Abstract: A foodborne illness risk model determines a relationship between health department inspection data and various factors known to contribute to the risk of foodborne illness. The model may identify a comparative risk value for foodborne illness outbreaks for one or more pathogens at a food establishment based on the food establishment's inspection data. The model may also identify a set of indicative violations more likely to be recorded at outbreak restaurants than non-outbreak restaurants. The model may also develop an outbreak profile continuum based on the number of indicative violations. The model may further determine a position on an outbreak profile continuum for a particular food establishment based on the food establishment's inspection data.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying eligible and approved governance lifecycle actions on information assets, and for enforcing (and carrying out) these actions (in a universal way) on information assets while they remain in-place in their repositories. The system and method includes three integrated modules. First, an Information Governance Policy Module (IGPM) for creating a Master Classification (MC) of Record Classes (RC) for the entity and corresponding governance rules for each. Second, an Information Governance Control Module (IGCM) allowing administrators in the sub-entities to create and manage file plans using the RC definitions in IGPM, associate these file plans with jurisdictions, and manage sub-entity's records within them. Third, a Governance Policy Enforcement Layer (GPEL) comprising one or multiple software connectors.