Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for planning a to-be-planned project are described herein. A project planning framework is provided for planning a to-be-planned project. The project planning framework includes an enterprise applications module storing projects corresponding to a plurality of organizational functions. The project planning framework also includes a data storage module in communication with the enterprise applications module to store identification information of the project objects. The project planning framework may also include a planning model, in communication with the data storage module, to retrieve the identification information of project objects included in the to-be-planned project. The planning model receiving the plan data for the to-be-planned project based on the identification information of the project objects included in the to-be-planned project.

Abstract: Apparatus and articles of manufacture for quantifying the quality of trend lines include defining a collection of reference data sets derived from multiple historical projects in a similar subject area as the target project, defining one or more indicators of data set applicability to a target project estimation, said defining based on multiple characteristics of the target project, evaluating applicability of each of the reference data sets based on the one or more indicators, and identifying one or more of the reference data sets as applicable for use in the target project estimation.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and articles of manufacture for quantifying the quality of trend lines. A method includes defining a collection of reference data sets derived from multiple historical projects in a similar subject area as the target project, defining one or more indicators of data set applicability to a target project estimation, said defining based on multiple characteristics of the target project, evaluating applicability of each of the reference data sets based on the one or more indicators, and identifying one or more of the reference data sets as applicable for use in the target project estimation.

Abstract: A method and associated systems for automatically identifying critical resources in an organization. An organization creates a model of the dependencies between pairs of resource types, wherein that model describes how the organization's projects and services are affected when a resource type becomes unavailable. This model may include a system of directed graphs. This model may be used to automatically identify a resource type as critical if unacceptable cost is incurred by resuming projects and services rendered infeasible when the resource type is disrupted. The model may also be used to automatically identify a first resource type as critical for a second resource type when disruption of the first resource type forces the available capacity of the second resource type to fall below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving process-related information describing a hierarchical process for production of a product. The process may include segments each of at least some of which include segment components. The method also includes determining an instance in which the segment components are total-ordered, which may include determining an instance in which the segments are total-ordered. For the total-ordered segments, the segment components may be partitioned by disjoint collections based upon earliest availability to produce earliest-available partitions, and separately based upon latest availability to produce latest-available partitions. Order flexibility may be identified for each segment component based upon membership in both earliest-available and latest-available partitions, and an instance in which each partition in both the earliest-available and latest-available partitions contains only one order-inflexible segment component may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are computer-implemented methods, computing systems, and related technologies that may be used for determining the optimal number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that should be engaged by a service provider in order to provide a service to an insurance company. Multiple service level agreements (SLAs) exists between the service provider and the insurance company, each of which indicates that the service provider must complete a given percentage of assigned tasks for the service within a given time period. A resource optimization application (ROA) determines how many FTEs the service provider should employ, in order to complete assigned tasks as required by the SLAs. The ROA determines the number of FTEs based on factors such as an average handling time (AHT) for the tasks, the capacity of the service provider, historical data that describes tasks previously assigned to the service provider, and other factors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a cost for moving fuel. A group of vehicles for moving the fuel from a starting location to a destination location is formed using user input. Operations for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location are identified using the user input. A set of additional vehicles for the group of vehicles is identified to form a current group of vehicles. Personnel for the current group of vehicles are identified. The cost for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location is identified using the current group of vehicles and the personnel.

Abstract: A computer-executed method for allocating resources is described. Data representative of target percentages of time for a plurality of project activities is received where the target percentages add to 100%. For each target percentage of each project activity, data representative of an amount of the target percentage that at least one of a plurality of individuals performs the corresponding project activity is received. Data representative of a plurality of projects is then received. Data representative of availability of the at least one of the plurality of individuals is received and a predicted need of the at least one of the plurality of individuals during the duration of the project is determined. Data representative of an adjustment to the determined predicted need is received and data representative of the adjustment to the determined predicted need is outputted.

Abstract: An integrated system assists sales professionals in preparing for and presenting sales demonstrations and in capturing project-specific data for use in quoting projects in real-time. A central server-side computer-based system is used with remote client-side applications. A Sales “Walk About” Tool (“SWAT”) includes visualization functionality and data capture routine(s) implemented using a mobile user-client device as an effective mobile sales tool. The SWAT system assigns projects, tracks sales efforts, captures data, schedules sales calls and coordinates installation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for analyzing a route using a geographic information system (GIS) are disclosed. Such systems, methods, and devices may include rendering a map, plotting a route on such a map. GIS software identifies route features and land parcels along the route. Further, aspects of the present disclosure describe performing cost analysis, route impact, analysis and environment analysis for the route using GIS software and processing route feature and land parcel information stored across different database modules and information repositories.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for establishing, maintaining, distributing, and modifying an employee schedule. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a scheduling system programmed in software and configured to run on a scheduling computer. One or more remotely located overhead displays and one or more remotely located employee interfaces or kiosks communicate with the scheduling computer to disseminate schedule data to employees. The kiosks are additionally configured to provide an interactive interface for employees to utilize system features. One exemplary system feature comprises computerized posting of sheets requesting worker sign-up for additional or reduced work hours based on projected workload. Another exemplary system feature comprises a shift pool wherein employees may post one or more of their work shifts to an employee accessible pool. Other employees may then accept the posted shift via an employee interface thereby facilitating automated work shift changes.

Abstract: Yield management techniques are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for managing one or more computing resources comprises the following steps/operations. Data associated with at least one potential demand for use of the one or more computing resources is obtained. Then, a management model (e.g., a yield management model or a revenue management model) is generated in accordance with at least a portion of the obtained data, wherein the management model is operative to determine an allocation of the one or more computing resources based on combinations of price levels and service levels that may be offered to one or more users of the one or more computing resources so as to attempt to satisfy at least one management goal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for generating a BIM geometry breakdown structure. The system includes a geometry breakdown system (GBS) range setting module, a GBS geometric object coding module, and a GBS geometric object coding module. The GBS range setting module sets the range of a GBS based on BIM framework variables. The GBS element definition module generates “standard information breakdown property information” that is used to manage work-type breakdown and location breakdown, “project numbering system (PNS) property information” that is used to manage a work breakdown system (WBS), a cost breakdown structure (CBS), and a standard-method-of-measurement (SMM) breakdown structure (MBS), and “GBS property information” that is used to define geometric information.

Abstract: Multiple pieces of information can be arranged into a single construct that allows the employee to ascertain information quickly while at her workstation. Selection of information for placement into the construct can employ various statistical models and the like. Selective pieces of information can be masked for a user's construct based upon access rights of the user. Constructs can be configured by a user based on personal preferences as well as by an administrator. Population of metadata upon the construct can be performed automatically through an instruction of the administrator or be overridden by a user request. In addition, various types of synchronization can be implemented between constructs, such that identical or near-identical information is populated upon multiple constructs.

Abstract: Techniques for project management instantiation and configuration are provided. A master project includes policy directives that drive the dynamic instantiation and configuration of resources for a project. The resources are instantiated and configured on demand and when resources are actually requested, in response to the policy directives.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and techniques for collecting task status information. During operation, the system can receive a status update for a task from a task manager through a GUI. Next, the system can determine whether the first status update for the task indicates that the task is delayed. If the status update indicates that the task is delayed, the system can request the task manager to indicate the help needed to resolve the task delay. Next, the system can receive a help needed descriptor from the task manager. Subsequently, the system can receive another status update for the task from the task manager, wherein the status update indicates that the help specified in the help needed descriptor is no longer required. Next, the system can determine an amount of delay associated with the help needed descriptor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and techniques for determining a start delay and an execution delay for a task. During operation, the system can receive a status update for the task which indicates that the task has started execution. Next, the system can receive a second status update for the task which indicates that the task has completed execution. The system can then determine the start delay for the task by: determining an actual start time using the first status update; and determining a difference between the actual start time and the task's suggested start time. Next, the system can determine the execution delay for the task by: determining an actual execution duration using the first status update and the second status update; and determining a difference between the actual execution duration and the task's planned execution duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a computer implemented system, method, and apparatus for a geographically distributed, advanced cell-based manufacturing system, method, and apparatus that utilizes modular work benches and moveable parts racks. Also included are integrated computer hardware/software components, such as, machine code scanners, touch screens, barcode printers, PCs, tablets, communications capabilities, network gear, etc., in order to provide maximum flexibility, throughput, and profitability for various types of product mixes. This system increases profit margins by increasing inventory turns, reducing capitalization costs, and reducing hourly per square foot burden rates for production areas, and reducing non-productive management personnel, and by having the ability to place production equipment in near proximity to the end-user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and tools for managing requirements, solutions, and deployments of a project. The invention provides for the creation of a portfolio of data pertaining to requirements, solutions, and deployments for the project. The relationships and dependencies between the data are mapped, and the portfolio of data and the mapping of the data are displayed in a graphical format. The portfolio of data can be queried to determine the relationships and dependencies between the data.

Abstract: A system for determining asset configuration in a service delivery environment, comprises a simulation module developing a simulation model reflecting features of the service delivery environment, a search module using the simulation model and constraint data to determine a plurality of asset configurations for evaluation, a first evaluation module determining a value of each of the asset configurations, and determining the asset configuration of the plurality of asset configurations that yields a value meeting a predetermined objective, and a second evaluation module determining a deviation from a current configuration that would be caused by each of the asset configurations, and determining the asset configuration that yields a lowest deviation of the plurality of asset configurations, wherein the second evaluation module uses the value meeting the predetermined objective from the first evaluation module as a constraint when determining the asset configuration that yields the lowest deviation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polymer includes the steps of: (1) deciding an upper limit of a budget; (2) deciding an amount of a non-fossil resource-derived monomer and an amount of a fossil resource-derived monomer such that utility is optimized in a range where a cost does not exceed the upper limit, by using a function that includes a total monomer amount and a utility index of the non-fossil resource-derived monomer as constants and includes the amount of the non-fossil resource-derived monomer and the amount of the fossil resource-derived monomer as variables; and (3) polymerizing the non-fossil resource-derived monomer and the fossil resource-derived monomer.

Abstract: The method for developing an actionable IT service catalog at large organizations is disclosed. IT Service catalog helps IT organizations showcase the value of IT services they deliver to their business customers. Service catalogs are made actionable by incorporating Service Request and Service portfolio functions for the in scope services. The method focuses on articulating and documenting these services, facilitating service request and fulfillment and modeling/modifying service portfolios The method is comprising of service domains for services to move through various lifecycle stages within the IT service catalog from their point of inception to it's decommission; and domain components for each service domain to fulfill certain objectives during the services' journey through the IT Service Catalog. The proposed method is a process oriented framework to the development of IT Service Catalog at large organizations.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a project portfolio includes receiving initial objectives and constraints from a user. A portfolio optimization model is constructed based on the received initial objectives and constraints. The constructed portfolio optimization model is solved using an optimization engine executing on a computer system. A constraint optimization model is constructed based on the solved portfolio optimization model. The constraint optimization model is solved using the optimization engine. The portfolio optimization model is modified based on the solution to the constraint optimization model. The modified portfolio optimization model is solved. The solution to the modified portfolio optimization model is provided to the user.

Abstract: An approach that manages a service oriented architecture (SOA) lifecycle organization change is provided. In one embodiment, there is a change management tool, including a retrieval component configured to retrieve a proposed change; a lifecycle defining component configured to define an SOA lifecycle based on the proposed change; a services portfolio component configured to identify a plurality of SOA shared services in services portfolio that addresses the proposed change; a stakeholder component configured to identify stakeholders having an interest in the proposed change; an impact component configured to determine impacts of the proposed change on the stakeholders; a deployment planning component configured to develop a service deployment plan and communication plan related to the proposed change; and an implementation component configured to implement the plurality of SOA shared services that addresses the proposed change.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for managing execution of processes on a data processing system The data processing system comprises process instances that are each an execution of a corresponding process. Each process instance comprises activity instances. Business impacts are determined for the process instances, the activity instances, or both. Order of execution of the activity instances is managed by allocating resources to activity instances in order to achieve an objective defined in terms of the business impacts. In another embodiment, requests are received for the execution of the processes. For a given request, one or more of the operations of assigning, updating, aggregating, and weighting of first business impacts associated with the given request are performed to create second business impacts associated with the given request. Additionally, requests can be modified.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for acquiring output activity, utilization capacity and/or effluent data from an facility on a facility-by-facility and/or an industry-by-industry basis. The system is designed to generate a plant and/or industry output activity database that is updated on a continuous, near continuous, periodic and/or intermittent basis so that subscribers are apprised of changes in plant or overall industry output. A clearing house is also disclosed for distributing the acquired data to subscribers to aid in analyzing, predicting trends, pricing, maintaining, adjusting, minimizing, and/or maximizing individual plant or overall industry output.

Abstract: A method and system for using a structured analytical process to model, analyze, plan and improve anticipated flows of information across agencies, department, companies etc. and across different disciplines and jurisdictions. The method includes a structured process for improving the flow of information through need-based communication planning. The method identifies the need for information, describes its availability and specifies the restrictions on its dissemination. It then uncovers information sharing opportunities, generates communication plans, discovers preventable communication breakdowns and prioritizes their remediations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing selling standardized services. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include a Customer Quote Processing process component; a Sales Order Processing process component; a Service Confirmation Processing process component; a Financial Accounting Master Data Management processing component; a Customer Invoice Processing process component; an Accounting process component; a Balance of Foreign Payment Management process component; a Due Item Processing process component; and a Payment Processing process component.

Abstract: PLM IN A BOX is a proprietary Process in the development and implementation a Product Lifecycle Management Solution for product manufacturers developing products based on a customer specification. This process establishes a process framework to linking customer project to a product design originated for a specific customer project, links to the design exchanges with suppliers on those designs and the linkage engineering change notices that originate for those product designs. FIG. 0 illustrates the core theme of the business problem solved by this invention. Lack of a central interconnected PLM system inhibits an organization's ability to quickly understand impact of a change and coordinate the change activities in an efficient manner. This problem is compounded with increased customers, suppliers, product complexity, product volume, etc.

Abstract: A migration system and method. The migration method comprises receiving a request to generate a migration plan for an entity and generating a strategic plan comprising procedures for transferring knowledge required for performing job functions comprised by a first set of individuals to a second set of individuals and defining a set of temporary individuals to perform a transition management process. Additionally, an allocation plan and a ramping down plan are generated. The allocation plan is for allocating the set of temporary resources to the entity for the transition management process and allocating the second set of individuals for the transferring. The ramping down plan is for ramping down to close out the set of temporary individuals based on external data. The resource migration plan is for supporting the entity.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to IT, and more particularly, to a method and system to achieve project-based diffusion of IT innovations. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the system comprises three integrated components. The first component is directed to the project management stages taken by an organization to deploy new technology innovations. This in turn consists of four stages: visioning, matching vision, deployment, and evaluation and improvement. The second component is directed to knowledge barriers to IT innovation diffusion. The third component is directed to critical success factors (CSF) of IT innovation implementations. In one embodiment the system includes of a Program Management Module (PMM) to implement corporate strategy for project management and to transform the organization into a learning one. In further embodiments, system is explained in detail using an example of ERP implementation.

Abstract: A method, system and program product are disclosed for filling job orders, the method comprising: creating electronically a respective commitment reservation for each of a plurality of workers, with each respective commitment reservation comprising a commitment for the respective worker to work on a prospective job not yet created, with the prospective job having one or more job parameters; receiving electronically a job order subsequent to the creation of one of the commitment reservations, the job order specifying a job with one or more job parameters; matching the job parameters of the job in the job order to the job parameters in one or more of the commitment reservations to obtain a reservation-job match; and, securing automatically based on the results of the matching step the job in the job order to one of the workers with a commitment reservation.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of developing a cost estimate for a requirement applicable to one or more acquisition programs. The method may include receiving an indication of a requirement time frame, one or more applicable acquisition programs, and one or more work locations; documenting a source of the requirement; documenting a funding source for the requirement; generating one or more plans based on the time frame, applicable acquisition programs, and work locations, each plan requesting a non-cost estimate and information to support the estimate; receiving input into each of the generated plans; generating a plurality of cost entry sheets based on the time frame, applicable acquisition programs, and the received plan input; receiving cost estimates from the cost entry sheets; and generating an estimate of expenses applied to the funding source during the time frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing field project management. A user enters a request on a terminal device to initiate an automated field management process. In response to the request, a field management resource is generated and displayed to the user on the terminal device. The user is then directed to perform a plurality of tasks associated with the automated field management process in a specific order. Data associated with the field management resource is received from the user through the terminal device and analyzed. A field management report is then generated electronically based on the analyzed data and the field management resource. Data and reports are synchronized between a central server system and one or more terminal devices used by field users.

Abstract: A method is provided for the smart packaging initiative (SPI) scoring system, with particular relevance for the toy industry. The SPI scoring system may include at least four indicators, including carbon footprint of packaging on a life-cycle basis, materials health on a life-cycle basis, waste-to-landfill measurement, and cube utilization. By using a SPI classification system, products can be placed in classes with very similar functional packaging requirements, regardless of the specific toy genre or traditional retail classification of the product. Accordingly, by utilizing data available for existing products in the industry, a baseline environmental norm for packaging categories can be established, providing a useful reference point for improvement. Further, the SPI scoring system can also support comparisons of multiple packaging scenarios for the same product, allowing users to refine their package designs towards environmentally preferable design changes.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods, and computer-readable media for reducing operational costs relating to fuel burn of aircraft include receiving trip data including a plurality of airports, receiving operational data including a fuel price corresponding to each airport in the plurality of airports, and determining an amount of fuel to upload at each of the airports in the plurality of airports based at least in part on the operational data.

Abstract: A business-to-business relationship portal (e.g., a web site or the like interface to a network or web-based computer system) facilitates the communications and activities of individuals and entities in collaborative business environments. Preferably, a network-based portal is provided that supports large-scale, e.g., global, needs. The portal preferably provides a community of stakeholders with a set of core capabilities beneficial to support business objectives. The most preferred embodiments of the invention are employed in an exemplary environment pertaining to launch centers for new business, companies or entities, which can be particularly advantageous to a launch center community of stakeholders such as: launch centers; venture capitalists; consulting companies; market units; prospects; marketing and public relations; and/or service providers.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving monitoring information related to one or more farming related production factors involved with farming related production of one or more ingestible materials; and electronically associating at least a portion of said monitoring information one or more farming related production factors involved with farming related production of one or more ingestible materials with one or more identifiers accessible through one or more tracers, said one or more tracers logged as being at least momentarily in physical proximity with said one or more ingestible materials. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system for internet-based procurement of non-cataloged goods and services based upon qualified resumes includes a human resources procurement server, an associate vendor terminal, and a hiring manager terminal. The associate vendor terminal is connected to the human resources procurement server. The hiring manager terminal is connected to the human resources procurement server. The human resources procurement server receives at least one job request from the hiring manager terminal. The human resources procurement server also receives at least one qualified resume from the associate vendor terminal and forwards the qualified resume to the hiring manager terminal for review.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating automated arrival and departure events at a facility. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to receive an indication identifying one or more loads of a vehicle in response to the vehicle arriving at a facility. The processor is further configured to automatically assign the loads of the vehicle to one or more respective storage locations of the facility in response to receipt of the indication. The processor is further configured to enable provision of another indication to a communication device associated with the vehicle indicating the respective storage locations to place the corresponding loads. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of reservoir management linking. The method includes receiving a reservoir volume from a submitter, the reservoir volume modeling hydrocarbons in a reservoir, and determining that the submitter is authorized to submit the reservoir volume and sending notification of the reservoir volume to a first approver. The method further includes storing the reservoir volume on a storage device, receiving approval of the reservoir volume from the first approver, determining that the first approver is authorized to approve the reservoir volume, generating a standardized report associated with the reservoir volume, and displaying the standardized report.

Abstract: A system for project categorization and assessment that can employ multivariate analysis techniques to classify a current project by using attributes of the current project to identify project objects representing completed projects similar to the current project. Project data sets of points in a project lifetime can be represented as pictures, having attribute pixels. Pattern recognition techniques can be used on the project pictures. The system can generate eigenprojects for large project object groups or for classification across multiple groups. Aspects of a classified current project can be assessed to suggest project management actions.

Abstract: A project management system is provided. The project management system includes an information access module, a performance management module, a performance index determination module, and a performance result output module. The project management system is configured to manage at least one project and is adapted for integrating a plurality of projects, so as to control and manage the project management performance of a department or inter-department and multiple levels. The project management system can use non-monetary units, such as working hours, number of work package, or number of activity, to evaluate performance.

Abstract: A method of determining energy performance of a film component is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product predicts trouble during a transition phase of a current project. Past operational data and past trouble data for past healthy projects and past troubled projects before transition phases is collected. A trouble correlation between the past operational data and the past trouble data is then determined. A set of key metrics that describes a current health of a current project before transitioning from a current phase to a future phase is defined, and values of the set of key metrics for the current project are identified. Identified values of the set of key metrics for the current project are compared to the past operational data for past healthy and troubled projects in order to generate a pattern comparison. This pattern comparison, along with the trouble correlation, is used to generate a predicted quality of transition for the current project.

Abstract: A transportation problem solving device for solving a transportation problem to optimize the end-to-end physical distribution consisting of a regional transportation and an inter-depot transportation, comprising a transformation section for adding a regional representative node representing a plurality of collection and delivery spots belonging to a depot to a model of inter-depot transportation, and incorporating the regional transportation between each of the plurality of collection and delivery spots belonging to the depot and the depot into a part of the model of inter-depot transportation as the inter-depot transportation between the depot and the regional representative node, an inter-depot transportation computing section for solving the transportation problem, based on a transformation model in which the regional transportation is incorporated into the inter-depot transportation, and computing a transportation plan for each delivery order in an inter-depot transportation portion, when a plurality of t

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing time recording. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service interface operations, each being implemented for a respective process component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a graphical interface and application for managing assets and products in and between shipper/receiver facilities such as a plant, a port, a warehouse, or a lot. Embodiments of the invention provide a shipper/receiver management software application configured to manage assets and products pro-actively by maximizing visibility of the shipper/receiver facility and by providing selectable options to a user to improve operations across the shipper/receiver facility and between shipper/receiver facilities. Aspects can be directed toward fleet and individual asset management to facilitate tracking, observance, and reporting of use and/or lease terms for both shippers and receivers.

Abstract: A frozen precipitation treatment system may include a vehicle, a frozen precipitation treatment device, such as a snow plow or spreader, and an electronic mobile device that that controls the frozen precipitation treatment device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a graphical interface and application for managing assets and products in and between shipper/receiver facilities such as a plant, a port, a warehouse, or a lot. Embodiments of the invention provide a shipper/receiver management software application configured to manage assets and products pro-actively by maximizing visibility of the shipper/receiver facility and by providing selectable options to a user to improve operations across the shipper/receiver facility and between shipper/receiver facilities.