CN1427974A - Inventory control system and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web (''web'') and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

Description

Inventory control system and method

Priority and Copyright Claims

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/187,389, filed March 7, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application contains material that is protected by copyright. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, and further reserves all copyright rights.

field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of electronic inventory control. Specifically, the present invention relates to inventory control of healthcare materials.

Background of the invention

Traditionally, companies or organizations have used inventory items for inventory control. In small companies, inventory control is usually not a high priority and an order is made whenever an item is out of stock.

As a company grows and inventory management becomes more than necessary, it is important to monitor frequently used or critical items. There is usually someone responsible for monitoring inventory and changing orders when supplies run low. As the company grows further, more advanced inventory management techniques are available. For example, supply and consumption trends can be analyzed, minimum quantities on hand can be determined, and seasonal or other peak consumption can be identified.

Some larger companies have converted to automated or semi-automated inventory tracking systems. These automated systems use barcode scanners or other electronic identifiers to track incoming and outgoing inventory and can prepare purchase requests when supplies run low.

Contents of the invention

The present invention improves upon prior art by shifting the responsibility for inventory tracking to a 3rd party. This concept is called Vendor Managed Inventory, or VMI. When a 3rd party provides VMI services to multiple companies, it gains significant buying power that can be used to negotiate better deals, increase supplier responsiveness, and smooth the buying process.

The present invention enables third parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and the World Wide Web. In addition, the present invention enables small and mid-sized companies to take advantage of VMI by providing them with a cost-effective solution for their inventory tracking needs.

This invention utilizes the technology of the World Wide Web to revolutionize inventory management by tracking inventory and automatically contacting suppliers, manufacturers or distributors when additional supplies are needed. This can result in a reduction in labor compared to currently deployed labor intensive inventory maintenance systems.

In addition to reducing labor costs, the invention can also help companies cut other costs. The present invention helps reduce shipping costs by enabling scheduled orders based on forecasted demand without the need for expedited delivery. The present invention also enables the third party to take advantage of the manufacturer's or distributor's special price when quoting the product required by the customer, thereby further reducing the cost of the customer.

Although purchasing accounts for the majority of inventory maintenance work, the present invention can also facilitate other transactions. For example, the present invention enables customers to resell products or equipment to other companies for maximum utility. While some existing technologies, such as MEOFORMA.COM and Medibuy.com, have attempted to provide company-to-company resale of equipment through online auctions, the auctions provide no guarantee of equipment availability. The present invention provides an online chat where resellers and customers can interact, and the present invention acts as an intermediary to ensure that the purchased equipment is delivered and that the seller receives appropriate compensation.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main hardware components of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of the software components of the present invention.

3 is a process flow diagram illustrating example logic implemented when client software attempts to update data stored on a server.

4 is a process flow diagram illustrating example logic implemented when client software polls a data connection.

Figure 5 illustrates an example RFID portal and associated computer equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention implements an Internet-based Vendor Managed Inventory ("VMI") system. VMI systems enable customers to reduce costs by pushing the responsibility for inventory management to a 3rd party or manager. Managers serve multiple companies, enabling them to negotiate better deals, increase supplier responsiveness, and thus act as effective customer advocates.

The present invention allows managers to monitor customer inventory inexpensively via the Internet and the World Wide Web. This invention utilizes the technology of the World Wide Web to revolutionize inventory management by tracking inventory and automatically contacting suppliers, manufacturers or distributors when products are needed. This can result in a reduction in labor compared to currently deployed labor intensive inventory maintenance systems.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main hardware components of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the present invention utilizes the client/server architecture to form the communication between the customer inventory system and the manager. A client running on customer inventory system 130 may be used to track inventory, place special orders, and interact with other customers.

A client computer may comprise client software (such as an application program written in Visual Basic, JAVA, or C), business software (such as a web page accessible through a World Wide Web browser), or a combination of client software and business software (such as a browser-based plug-in). Examples of suitable commercial browsers include Internet Explorer developed by Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington) and Navigator developed by Netscape Corporation (Mountain View, California).

Customer inventory system 130 may allow for manual inventory tracking, semi-automated inventory tracking, or allocation of inventory with an automated system. This is by way of example only, and does not limit the invention, and preferred embodiments of the invention include handheld devices equipped with barcode scanning, such as the Palm VII from Palm Computing Corporation. The device allows barcodes or other identifications associated with individual inventory items to be scanned or entered into the system prior to or during distribution of the items. Each time an item is scanned, the count maintained by the invention can be adjusted to properly track inventory levels. A recipient-specific label containing product notes and other information can then be printed on each scanned item.

Other inventory distribution methods are contemplated including, but not limited to, interfacing the present invention with vending machines. Aside from periodic restocking of an item or group of items, vending machines require no human interaction to accurately track inventory. In a preferred embodiment, the vending machine may include security measures. In a preferred embodiment, the vending machine may include security measures to prevent distribution of illegal materials. Such security measures may include, but are not limited to, the use of identity cards, personal identification numbers ("PIN") and biometric systems. Vending machines equipped with security systems can restrict the use of specific supplies individually or group by group. Vending machines can also be equipped with label printers so that precautions or other information can be affixed to the packaging of the dispensed items.

Alternatively, a material locker or other storage area can be equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) access, as shown in Figure 5. The RFID portal (block 500) is similar in structure to airport security metal detectors, except that RFID tags can be detected or scanned as they pass through the portal. The present invention is capable of monitoring the identifier of an RFID tag containing an identifier assigned to an individual, allowing access to inventory areas to be monitored, and items removed by the individual to be tracked without direct user interaction.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is also capable of tracking the release of each product and may request additional information when a product is released. This is just an example and does not limit the invention. If a doctor dispenses medicine to a patient, the invention may also require a patient identifier, but the gauze bandage package may not require a patient identifier if it is taken out of inventory and restocked in an examination room. The present invention can use patient identifiers to generate dispensation history reports for various products, which can help suppliers and manufacturers better understand the income, ethnicity, race or other demographic information of typical recipients. The present invention limits the report to demographic information and may not include personal specific information in the report.

Another example of the invention is to allow a doctor or other person to carry a handheld device and use it to write a prescription while talking to a patient. The handheld device can be connected wirelessly or by wire to a local inventory management system, and when appropriate, the vending machine will automatically dispense prescription drugs. Alternatively, a message can be displayed on the nurse's workstation indicating the medicines being taken from inventory. Inventory counts are properly decremented as medicines are dispensed from vending machines or taken from stock, and new orders can be placed as needed.

When distributing inventory, the customer inventory system 130 can track material utilization habits to determine the minimum allowable quantity on hand. Consumption information can be studied for different periods, and the present invention can establish an inventory consumption model according to the collected data. As the model is built and refined, the invention can modify the minimum inventory threshold to reflect expected utilization. The customer inventory system 130 may automatically request new supplies from the server 100 when inventory approaches a calculated or specified threshold. Material requests can include a variety of information, including, but not limited to; for example, urgency of the request, customer willingness to accept other brands or sizes, billing information, and shipping information.

When server 100 receives a supply request, it may request a quote from a number of manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors 120 ("distributors 120"). The dealer 120 responds with information on availability, price, estimated delivery time, and the like. The server 100 can then automatically evaluate the responses of each dealership 120 to find the best values for various factors associated with the customer request. Upon selection of an appropriate dealer's 120 response, the server 100 can automatically arrange for payment and shipment of the customer inventory system 130 requested items.

Communication between customer inventory system 130, server 100, and dealer 120 can be accomplished by various methods, including hypertext transfer protocol ("HTTP"), file transfer protocol "FTP"), short letter transfer protocol ( "SMTP") or other related methods, but this is by way of inclusion, not limitation.

Although purchasing accounts for the bulk of maintaining inventory, the preferred embodiment of the present invention also facilitates communication between customers, provides a source of information dissemination, and encourages customer interaction. The present invention facilitates customers to resell products, equipment or excess inventory to other stores, and promotes communication with customers. The present invention enables information to be disseminated by providing an up-to-date catalog of existing equipment and other inventory that customers can order. The present invention can facilitate customer communication by allowing managers and customers to author and publish information describing new rules, regulations, procedures, revenue generating prospects, or other customer concerns.

The customer inventory system 130 may serve as the primary source of customer interaction with the present invention. Clients can store terms, catalogs, inventory information, etc. at server 100, and the system can communicate with server 100 to obtain requested information.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the server 100, illustrating the relationship between the data store, the web server and the application services provided by the server 100. As shown in FIG. All client communications may pass through firewall 210 first. Firewall 210 represents a combination of software and hardware used to prevent unauthorized access to data stored in web server 220 , database server 230 and application server 240 .

As noted above, clients can communicate with the present invention via a variety of protocols, including HTTP. Web server 220 represents software capable of sending and receiving information using HTTP or other protocols. Examples of this software include the Internet Information Server developed by Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington), the Enterprise Server developed by Netscape Corporation (Mountain View, California), and the Appache server developed by Apache Software Creation Company (Forest Hill, Maryland).

When a client requests information, the web server 220 determines whether the client request requires preprocessing or simply requires data to satisfy the request. In the former case, the request is passed to the application server 240; in the latter case, the web server 220 can directly communicate with the database server 230.

Database server 230 represents commercially available database software such as Microsoft SQL Server developed by Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington), Oradle 8i developed by Oracle Corporation (Redwood Snores, California), or other similar software. Database server 230 may store raw data such as customer inventory information, customer addresses, seller names, seller product levels, and other similar information. The information can be sent by the web server 220 to the client, or the application server 240 can interpret the information stored by the database server 230 before sending.

The application server 240 may contain transaction rules associated with the present invention, which may be used to interpret data from the database server 230 before sending the data to the client. In addition to interpreting the information stored in the database 230 for the client, the application server 240 can also monitor the inventory level reflected by the database server 230, contact the seller according to the information from the database server 230, adjust the inventory information when receiving new inventory, and provide Services required to facilitate store-to-store resale of equipment or products stored on data server 230 .

Web server 220, database server 230, and application server 240 each represent software that may run on the same computer or on multiple computers. Additionally, application server 240 may be implemented within database server 230 as a set of transaction rules.

Another description of the present invention is to illustrate the present invention through a series of functional specifications. This information contains what can be achieved and describes the best mode considered at the time of filing this specification. Although the following functional specification sets forth the preferred embodiment of the invention, the description in the functional specification should not be taken as limiting the invention.

To avoid confusion, this functional specification uses the following language.

Customer - refers to a product seller through the present invention. Customers can have an "open account" relationship to avoid credit card and COD shipping issues.

Linked Vendors - Payables are known to be made in the joint account payable system, so a distinction is made to avoid confusion with other sellers transacting with the present invention. Distributors, manufacturers or other sellers (collectively referred to as "suppliers") by whether or not they employ the inventory tracking and billing software of the present invention, and thus whether their databases have online Internet links for inquiries, order processing and billing make a difference.

Human Supplier - If a supplier provides goods or services through the present invention, but tracks inventory through a human interface, the supplier is termed a "human supplier". Maintain open account relationships with linked or labor suppliers to avoid payment complexities.

Non-Linked Suppliers - Suppliers that are not linked to this invention.

Product - an item sold via the invention.

Customer Product List - List of goods to be maintained at a given customer site.

In addition to the general definitions above, this functional specification specifies some system functions. These system functions can be one of the following general subsystem categories.

Interactive—Manual interface and related functions for tracking inventory counts, inventory consumption rates, key order products, etc. Interactive processing is based on the World Wide Web or PC (client-server).

Nightly Processing - Periodic processing that generates orders and performs invoicing and related processing, including interaction with distribution systems at dealer warehouses.

Consolidation - Processing performed within the collective office that updates the database. This includes computing, client data management, and other such processing.

Resellers - Link Providers integrated with the present invention. Industry standard enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be bundled with business financial software to provide a complete transactional system for linked suppliers.

Database Design - The database scheme that can be used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The invention in general, while the functional specification specifically defines the style and functionality to be used for inclusion in system-wide detailed web pages and other user interface elements. Web pages, application windows, program screens and transaction processing in the present invention must abide by common rules. These rules include, but are not limited to, the following.

• A client cannot view, query, update or use any method to change another client's data. The transaction can use the IP address or other unique identifier as a cross-check against the customer ID that comes in with the page being sent to ensure that rules are enforced. For this security procedure, changes to customer IP addresses or other private identifiers are only possible through functions accessible to company personnel.

• A link provider cannot see data belonging to another link provider.

• Ability to set system parameters for customer options through account creation and editing processes. Only persons with authorized identifiers have access to the process. Initial stage identifiers are only available to company personnel.

• Data changes are generally reflected by transaction records or transaction history, which can be accessed by customers or dealers, as well as company personnel with appropriate security levels.

Functions that involve changing data can be performed as server-side scripts rather than through client-side logic. Generally speaking, the script on the server side can adopt a logic flow similar to that shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3, client software running on a client device may generate a page containing data updated by the web and send the page to the web server (block 300).

When a web server receives a page from a client device, the invention attempts to process the requested changes to the page. If the change is successful (block 320), the present invention may send back a confirmed page to the client device or generate a confirmation message to be displayed, and the appropriate transaction recording occurs.

If the change is unsuccessful, the present invention increments the retry count by one (block 340). If the retry count is less than or equal to 3, the present invention resends the client's changes to block 310 (block 370), in an effort to make the appropriate changes. The retry count exceeds 3 (block 350), and the present invention causes a page containing an error code or other feedback information to be displayed on the client device. This page may also contain original customer data changes and means for re-submitting said changes (block 360).

Client software may also periodically verify that a data connection exists between said client software and a server that is part of the present invention. The software follows the logic shown in Figure 4 to obtain accurate data connection monitoring. As shown in block 400, the client software may send one or more TCP/IP commands or other network test commands to verify that the server functioning as part of the present invention still has a high speed connection.

If a high-speed network connection is detected, the invention may continue with normal operation (block 410). If a high-speed network connection is not detected, the invention attempts to re-establish the connection (block 420). If a high-speed network connection can be re-established (block 430), the invention continues with normal operation (block 410). If the connection cannot be established, the invention establishes a lower speed network connection, such as a dial-up network connection (block 440). If a lower speed network connection can be established, the invention continues with normal operation, including periodically attempting to re-establish a high speed network connection (block 410).

If a lower speed network connection cannot be established, the client software displays the application or page with an alternate user interface and alternate functionality (block 460). This replacement function may include local product consumption information storage, local inventory tracking, and limited reordering with known suppliers via dial-up or other temporary connections (block 470). A client function without a data connection may periodically attempt to re-establish a high-speed or low-speed network connection (block 480). When the connection is re-established (block 490), the client may send product consumption scan information to the server functioning as part of the present invention.

In addition to inventory tracking applications, the present invention can utilize a high speed network connection to send new product offers or special promotions to the client for display to the user. The present invention enables a new product to appear on the client computer as it is entered into a product table or similar structure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention allows the customer to select the products they are interested in, and the invention only displays products that match the customer's selection of their interest, and the invention only displays new products or special deals that meet the customer's previous criteria. The criteria may include, but is not limited to, the classification of the manufacturer, the trade name of the product, the specific product model, the general product class and the quantity available or per shipping unit.

A client that displays this information allows the customer to indicate product interest by typing in a command, clicking a button or other graphical interface element, or interacting with the client. If a customer expresses interest in a featured product, the client enables the customer to create a one-time order or configure recurring orders.

In addition to allowing customers to record product utilization and place orders for new stock or products, the client software can also cycle through advertisements for other purposes. Typical client software screens also contain additional information and product SKU segments, user ID segments, physician ID segments, and sales consultant contact segments without limitation.

When the customer does not directly interact with the customer software, the customer software can set the cursor in the product SKU section by agreement. Setting the cursor in the Product SKU field prepares the client software to accept automatic or human input of product identifiers, such as barcode indicia scanned by a wedge barcode scanner.

When entering product identifiers, the client software may request a user ID for each product identifier or group of product identifiers. A user ID is a unique identifier established for each employee or group of employees in the organization. may be through an active user interface (such as, but not limited to, a keypad, touch screen, or dial), or through a passive user interface (such as, but not limited to, a biometric identification device, a barcode reader worn by the relevant employee), or This identifier is entered via an RFID tag worn by the employee. User IDs and passwords can be combined to create a more secure inventory tracking system.

Persons taking items from inventory can be tracked using the user ID, but additional tracking or other controls can also be performed. For example, additional authorization may be required when an employee removes expensive or controlled items from inventory. The invention can identify when this inventory is taken, the client software will ask for an additional identifier (called Doctor ID) for authorization. The client software even allows any user to enter a Physician ID for some inventories, while others require a Physician ID and associated password. Some applications may use biometric or other unambiguous identifiers in place of a physician ID or physician ID encryption code.

When the client software has entered the appropriate inventory tracking data, the invention can send that data to the server. Upon receipt of this data, the server sends an acknowledgment to the client. If the confirmation message is not received within a predetermined time, the present invention will resend the inventory tracking data. If the retransmission of the connection attempt is unsuccessful, the present invention follows a process similar to that shown in FIG. 3 . The client software allows additional inventory scans to occur while awaiting confirmation from the client.

In addition to recording inventory scan information, the client software provides the client with access to various options. This option may include, but is not limited to, an admin page, an inventory status inquiry page, and an inventory receipt page. The administration page enables authorized customers to create, edit or remove user IDs, physician IDs, their account groups and account specific information. The Inventory Status Inquiry page retrieves and displays pages containing customer product inventory records, order status, and more.

Inventory status inquiries can be initiated through client software by sending a page containing client-specific information and site-specific identifying information stored on the client device. In a preferred embodiment, the server receiving the request can select a record of the appropriate site-specific and user-specific information from the client product inventory record table. The server may generate a page or screen with customer product list information, containing information from several tables. Table 1 below provides examples of the columns displayed on a typical inventory inquiry screen and the table examples and section names from which data can be extracted. column title source table source segment illustrate product illustrate product Customer product list product inventory Customer product list in hand order point Customer product list ROP reorder quantity Customer product list ROQ Active status Customer product list state

Table 1

An advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the ability to simplify adding new items to the inventory or restocking the inventory. The linked supplier who ships the goods to the customer can provide a specially coded packing list, and the customer can automatically or manually enter the code into the customer software. The client software is able to identify the packing slip number that belongs to the client and ensure that the slip is not credited to the client's system more than once. Entry of an invalid or previously valid packing slip will cause the client software to display an error message.

If a valid packing slip is entered, customer software can retrieve shipment contents from a centralized or supplier database and automatically update customer product inventory information to reflect receipt of inventory. The client software then displays a message confirming the successful inventory change and returns the client to the home page.

The product finder page can also be accessed through the client software. The product search page enables the user to select a search type and, if appropriate, search parameters and search parameter values (collectively, the "Search Criteria"). As an example, without limiting the invention, a product search page allows customers to search by a particular manufacturer and a category of products. When the client selects the appropriate search criteria, the client software can pass the search criteria to the server. The server queries the database of products and product descriptions and returns products that meet or come close to the criteria the client is looking for.

If the user has selected a descriptive lookup, the server can select records from a product table or other similar table with data that matches or approximates the descriptive text entered by the user. The user has selected a parameter lookup, then the server selects product table records whose segment matches or approximates the user's lookup request. To expedite these selections, the server may index descriptions, manufacturers, product grades, product names, and other frequently looked-up segments.

When appropriate records are selected, the server can send these records to the client software for display. Client software may provide this record in a variety of formats, including but not limited to column or table format. Table 2 lists the sample column name, sample source table name, source segment name and additional function client software that can be provided when displaying the record. column title source table source segment illustrate product short description Product ID product Product ID manufacturer product manufacturer Manufacturer item number product Manufacturer item number product type product product type product level Production product level check availability none window action segment Add to stock plan none window action segment

Table 2

As shown in Table 2, the client software enables the client to verify product availability and add products to the inventory plan. In a preferred embodiment, the client software enables this functionality for each record displayed. In another embodiment, a record may have a check column or other selection control, allowing a customer to check the availability of various items and add various items to the inventory plan.

When the customer checks the available quantity of the product, the present invention searches and links the supplier's inventory to determine the available quantity, actual occupancy, estimated delivery time, etc. Customer software enables customers to order products when they are in stock.

When the customer chooses to add products to the inventory plan, the client software can request restocking parameters and other parameters from the customer, and then send appropriate information to the server. The server can add the appropriate entries to a customer product list or similar table to enable inventory tracking through the present invention.

Client software also enables clients to receive telephone calls, e-mails or other contacts from sales consultants. In a preferred embodiment, the customer can select a product or supplier, and the client software can query the server to determine sales advisors for the selected product or supplier. The user may then be provided with a dialog box or other interactive interface to query the customer to confirm the contact request. Once the contact request is confirmed, the client software causes the server to store the requested information in a contact log or other similar table.

In a preferred embodiment, the server periodically scans the contact list entries. When a new request or unanswered request is found, the server sends a notification to the supplier to remind the supplier of the request, and the notification includes the customer's e-mail address, telephone number, fax number or other contact information, and other relevant information. Customer and product information.

While the present invention monitors the use of available inventory and automatically orders new inventory as needed, customers can also anticipate the need for additional inventory based on parameters outside of the present invention. As an example, without limiting the present invention, if the present invention is used in a hospital, and the Olympic Games are held in or near the city where the hospital is located, the hospital administrator can foresee the need to order additional quantities of common supplies. The customer software enables the customer to make this order quickly.

The customer can initiate the order by clicking a button or interacting with a graphical or physical interface. In a preferred embodiment, customers can select from products or groups of products already included in the inventory plan, or customers can look up products through an interface similar to that described above. As noted above, a customer may specify a standard restocking quantity, and the client software may contract to use that quantity when the client requests additional inventory. Client software can also provide the quantity at hand to help clients make smarter purchasing decisions. Based on this information, the customer can modify the order quantity before placing the order.

The client software can send the customer's order to the server, and upon receipt of the customer's order, the server can initiate the order fulfillment process.

The server can also automatically order according to customer requirements. The server periodically scans the customer product inventory table to monitor inventory depletion. When inventory is low, the server can predict commonly used items and order the appropriate amount. The server first orders a limited amount to limit customer costs. The server can increase the order quantity of frequently ordered products according to the customer's consumption habits. The server can also build historical utilization profiles to automatically account for seasonal or other phased consumption patterns.

When placing an order, the server can query the inventory of the linked suppliers to determine the ability of each supplier to fulfill the contract. As each order is processed, the server can calculate shipping costs and select one or more suppliers that will most cost-effectively meet the customer's needs. When qualified suppliers are identified, an order is placed, either as specified by the customer or as determined by the server, including expedited shipping and other options.

The server can also record supplier invoices into the account payable system, generate customer invoices based on supplier invoices, and record customer invoices into the account receivable system. Servers can also be further integrated with automated payment systems, limiting invoicing and other overhead.

In addition to functions related to customer ordering, the server also provides management functions. As an example, without limiting the invention, a user who is not a client may register as a client by providing an interface to the server. This interface allows the user to specify a transaction name, transaction type, executive manager or general manager, physical address, mailing address, private address, one or more telephone numbers, employee name and credit information, and the like.

When the user submits this information, the server confirms that the address, phone number, and zip code are each valid and that all required fields are filled. If validation fails, the server provides a data entry page with invalid data, thereby simplifying correction of data.

The server and client software also allow customers and suppliers to change various information, as examples, without limiting the invention, suppliers can change prices, add or remove sellers and products, add or remove contacts, view account status and open invoices, and perform other such functions. Customers can adjust inventory counts to reflect audit results, add or remove employees and employee information, update payment and contact information, view account balances and payments made, and perform other such functions.

Link providers can also take advantage of many of the above elements. Linked suppliers implementing the present invention can track inventory, provide real-time inventory information to prospective customers, accept electronic orders, generate pick/pack lists, track order fulfillment processing (including tracking which containers each item in an order is loaded into), generate barcode distribution Table and shipping marks for each container, and an invoice is generated.

The present invention also provides link providers with other advantages over the prior art. As an example, without limiting the present invention, according to the previous order history, previous order interval, safety stock, etc., the link supplier's inventory requirements can be predicted, thereby reducing the total inventory investment. The present invention also enables linked suppliers to track the processing and shipment status of each product in an order, thereby providing a higher level of customer service. The present invention also enables an administrator or other authorized person to electronically sign a purchase order, invoice, other billing or ordering document and electronically transmit the document to the appropriate recipient.

In order to achieve the above functions, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the following table structure. The following table structures are included for the best possible and best way and should not be taken as limiting the invention.

Table Name—Client Controlled

Description and Function of the Form—The Form may reside locally on the client computer. It stores one or more records containing the control data needed to remotely manage online and offline functions. These records can be updated via an update applet passed from the web server's SQL database to the control. Its purpose is to provide control over the processing running on the local computer even when offline, and to enable automatic reconnection. Column (segment) name illustrate customer ID Customer ID - corresponds to the customer ID of the customer data in the web server SQL database IP address This is the IP address of the machine DSL port The connection path or port (such as COM2) when there is a DSL connection, zero when the machine has no DSL line dial-up port The connection path or port (such as COm3) when there is a dial-up connection, and it is zero when there is no dial-up connection on the machine dial-up phone The telephone number dialed by the software to establish a dial-up connection to the World Wide Web server system. Zero if there is no dial-up connection. dial back Dial up the telephone number of the subscriber line so that the World Wide Web server can be recycled.

TABLE NAME - CLIENT ERROR RECORD

Table Description and Function—This table contains the history of error occurrences for transactions initiated on the client. It provides an audit trail to observe how well the process is functioning, and provides a place to log critical error conditions and error conditions that do not need to be displayed to the client. Its data may not be processed, but may be stored for observation by system administrators and administrators. Column (segment) name illustrate Segment Characteristics and Indexes error date Error log entry date Index—Joint with Error Time error time The time of the error log entry index - with error date caller The name of the program that generated the error log input item error message Error message generated by the calling program user visible Yes if the information is also displayed on the user watch page, No if only internal information. data offload Data that caused the error (if any)

Table Name—System Error Record

Table description and function—This table can contain a history of errors that occurred when the client side started this process. This table provides an audit trail to see how well the process is functioning, and provides a place to log critical and non-fatal errors. This data enables system administrators, programmers and managers to monitor automated walk-away processing. The system error record can use a data lexicon/segment structure similar to the customer error record table. Column (segment) name illustrate Segment Characteristics and Indexes error date Error log entry date Index—Joint with Error Time error time The time of the error log entry index - with error date caller The name of the program that generated the error log input item error message Error message generated by the calling program user visible Yes if the information is also displayed on the user watch page, No if only internal information. data offload Data that caused the error (if any)

Table name—system parameter

Table Descriptions and Functions—Store system-wide parameters in common tables. Column (segment) name illustrate Segment Characteristics and Indexes PARAM_ID identifier parameter main index VAR1 1st variable VAR2 2nd variable VAR3 3rd variable

Table Name - Client Application

Table Description and Function - This table can have a data thesaurus similar to the client table and can be used to temporarily store unapproved and unprocessed application data that the client/client application pages can request. Appropriate records may be deleted from this table when the application is processed. Column (segment) name illustrate Segment Characteristics and Indexes see customer table

tablename - member application

Table Description and Functions—This table can be used as a data lexicon similar to the opening member table, and can temporarily store unapproved and unprocessed application data that can be requested by the client/client application page. Appropriate records may be deleted from this table while processing the application. Column (segment) name illustrate Segment Characteristics and Indexes See opening member list

table name - customer

Table Description and Function—Ability to store unique identifiers for each customer in a permanent table. Activities are recorded in the customer maintenance history sheet. 3rd party applications can be linked for credit terms, billing to addresses and shipments, phone calls and other financial data. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes client identify customers Unique identifier (account number); conforms to customer table in A/R system main index name Business name opened See practice member table doctor data index sales consultant Identify sales consultants assigned to accounts index IP address 1 Internet address used to link to and identify the computer at the customer's office Larger offices can have multiple computers IP address 2 Internet address used to link to and identify the computer at the customer's office Larger offices can have multiple computers IP address 3 for linking and identifying Larger offices can have The Internet address of the customer's office computer multiple computers IP address 4 Internet address used to link to and identify the computer at the customer's office Larger offices can have multiple computers discount code Identify which discount code was used to charge this customer Required codes in the discount code table index physical address street address of opening actual country country of operation actual zip code The postal code of the physical location of the business Shipment to address Shipment to address Country of shipment to Country of shipment to Shipping Arrival Postal Code Shipping Arrival Postal Code mail address Mailing address (except shipping) For printed matter and documents only (may be UPS and FedEx undeliverable mailboxes) Recipient country Country of mailing address mail zip code Zip code of mailing address administrator Customer administrators, administrators, etc.

Table name - opening member

Table Description and Function—This table can link records from the Clients table and can hold data belonging to each doctor or other health care professional who works or practices. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes client Clients associated with opening members must already be in the customer table index—concatenated with member name member name The name of the health care professional or doctor who linked the client form Together with the customer field form a unique record key use customer column member street member's street (e.g. executive manager) Member Correspondence Address Individual mailing addresses for members Country of Member Correspondence Country of Member's Correspondence Address Member Correspondence Zip Code Encoding of Member Correspondence Mail Member license number Member license number Member license deadline Member license deadline Membership Level 1 first class member Membership Level 2 second level member Membership Level 3 third level member Membership Level 4 4th grade member member notes Text/Memo Section new date The date this member was added to the table last date Last activity date

Table Name—Discount Code

Table Description and Function—Can contain decimal values representing unique prices charged or discounted for each customer. Any number of customers can use one discount code. When changing the decimal extremum associated with a given code, it will result in a change in all prices for all customers using that code. If the specified discount value for a customer's discount code for a given product is greater than the allowable value, the present invention may limit the maximum discounted price. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes discount code discount code Identify specific discounts, numbered 10, 20, 30, etc., allowing for future insertions, eg 14 main index discount value the discounted decimal value note Annotate a text segment of a discount code

Table Name—Customer Product List

Description and function of the table—Store inventory data at the customer's office. There is one record for each customer/SKU combination, including all data that has been used in the past or will be used for the next order cycle. permanent table. Activities are recorded in the customer product list transaction table. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes client identify customers Index—juxtaposed with the product column product Identify products at customer sites Indexing with customer column Stock Items on hand for this customer ROP reorder point quantity When the stock on hand falls to or below this amount, initiate a new order for the product ROQ Quantity to order This quantity is used for order processing when the product is "started up" state item activity status Value: active (default, normal setting); no order (continue to use stock, no further order; no (do not accept product consumption) index with scan) The table name—description and function of the product table—specifies the products available for sale at any point in time. Includes products that are no longer active. There is one record for each product/SKU/item number. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes Product ID Identify the product, SKU, and also the "item number" main index short description Most printouts and short instructions that appear on screen index long description Long description for additional clarification Each word is indexed separately manufacturer The company that manufactured the product, must be in the manufacturer table index Manufacturer's article number Manufacturer's product identifier index state item status Values: Active (default, regular consumption); Not Ordered (consumption scans are accepted, no orders are placed); Not Used (consumption scans are not accepted, inactive, obsolete, or deactivated) product level Product Sales Level index Product Group Similar products index Product Series Product Financial Reporting Class index Sales start date can handle this product new Not before this date date of order Order (thus no new products yet) sale end date The last date on which new orders for this product cannot be processed No orders will be made on or after this date (deactivated products) Product Image Bitmap image of product image JPEG or GIF

Table Name—Manufacturer

Table Description and Function—This table holds all manufacturers of the products listed in the product table and is used as a reference verification table for the products. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes Manufacturer ID manufacturer abbreviation main index manufacturer name Manufacturer's official business name index join date Manufacturer's entry date

Table name - order

Table Description and Function - Store orders generated by overnight processing and/or rush order processing and then download them to dealerships. Used as the "header" of the order form. Links to the Ordering Detail Sheet for Storage Series items. No maintenance history sheet. There is one record for each order generated and downloaded. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes order number Order number, the unique identifier for the order Generated by order processing, the system parameter column is incremented for the order number main index order date The date the order was placed index order time time to order Order source how to place an order Sources are: Automatic - Manual Overnight Processing - Manual at customer office terminal Entered order client ordering customer index link provider Link Suppliers to Download Order Sheets index order status Order status, most recent status shown only, order is assumed Values: GEN - Generated PLACD - Download to Supplier S_BILIED_ Supplier to Med-e-Track Invoice C_BILLED_ System converts supplier invoice to customer invoice index status date date of status change Shipment to address The address to which the shipment is to be made, appears in the downloaded order data ORDER_PRODUCT_TOTAL Total product order value only, excluding taxes, shipping, etc.

Table Name—Ordering Details

Table Description and Function - Holds the series item details of the order table. There is one record for each series of items ordered. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes ordering details order unit The order unit to which this detail record belongs Index - juxtaposed with ordering serial number column Order serial number Order serial number Form a unique identifier by ordering detail order unit number column product Product identifier of the item ordered index order amount Ordered product quantity Shipment volume Shipment Item Quantity, reflected in upload processing Supplier Invoice/Packing List Customer unit price The price to be charged to the customer Customer Unit Sales Tax Sales tax when billing customers Product Order Subtotal Value = order quantity * customer unit price Product Shipment Subtotal Value = Shipment Quantity * Customer Unit Price Link Supplier Unit Fee The price the link provider will pay for this item Link Supplier Product Shipment Subtotal Value = Shipment Quantity * Link Supplier Unit Fee

Table Name - Link Supplier

Description and function of the table - storage and setting of each linked supplier, ie distributor, accessing the website. Now linked, each linked provider has a record when entered into Med-e-Track. Activity is recorded in the linked supplier's resume. Link accounts to vendor tables in SOLOMAN Accounts Payable. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark supplier Supplier ID unique identifier Supplier IP address IP address where link processing occurred open date The date the relationship was established and initiated

Table Name—Supplier Invoice

Table Description and Function - Holds invoices/packing lists uploaded from linked suppliers. Used as the record header for invoices. There can be multiple invoices for a given order. Link to Vendor Invoice Details table with series item details. Invoices uploaded from resellers reflect orders that have been shipped and used to generate customer invoices. Uploaded invoice data is also passed to the Accounts Payable module of the Solomon IV software for joint payment/tracking. Customer invoices generated and recorded in this table are also passed to the Accounts Receivable module. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes Internal Invoice ID System generated internal invoice identifier Ensure unique invoice identification when supplier invoice designs/numbers are similar order Order Number for Shipping/Billing Invoice supplier invoice Invoice identifier from supplier Uploaded invoice data Supplier Invoice Date Uploaded supplier invoice date Supplier invoice time Uploaded supplier invoice time Invoice time may not appear in supplier database AP date The date the supplier invoice data was posted to the AP table AP time When the supplier invoice data is recorded in the AP table customer invoice Invoice ID from overnight processing to bill customer for shipment Now refers to the nightly processing that has been run, resulting in this separate invoice number Customer Invoice Date Customer invoice date resulting from overnight processing customer invoice time Customer invoice generation processing time AR date time to ship Shipping Document Number Derivable from invoice number Packing list data retrieval The index used in this paragraph Shipping method Shipping method, e.g., Ground UPS

Table Name - Internal Invoice Shipment Details

Table Description and Function—This table contains shipment information for the shipment to which the internal invoice belongs. There is one record for each carton that contains the shipping note to which the invoice belongs. Link internal invoice tables. Column (segment) name Remark Internal Invoice ID Shipping carton ID Together with the invoice ID, it contains the unique record ID tracker number

Table Name - Vendor Invoice Details

Table Description and Functions - This comes with class details for series items and is used to upload invoices from linked suppliers/resellers. Class details for some serial items are used to update ordering data to support quick order status inquiries and backtracking ordered items. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Internal Invoice ID Internal invoice number identifier Internal invoice serial number Serial number for internal invoices Together with the internal invoice identifier, it forms a unique key Shipping products products shipped Shipment volume Shipment volume unit price Supplier's unit price unit tax Sales tax (if applicable) Extended price Value = shipment volume * unit price Product subtotal only Series Tax Total Value = Shipment Quantity * Unit Tax Series total Expansion price + total series tax

Table Name—Supplier Fees

Description and function of the table—stores prices for each linked supplier in the payment system. There is one record per linked supplier and SKU permanent table. Activity is recorded in the Vendor Expenses Maintenance History Sheet. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes

Table Name—Supplier Fee Maintenance History

Table Description and Function—Records changes made to supplier expense records. There is one record for each variation group segment when a given record is updated. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes

Table Name—Product Maintenance History

Table Descriptions and Functions—Documents changes made to product tables. When updating a given record, there is one record for each changed segment. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes

Table Name—Product Level

Table Description and Function—Describes the class of active products and is used as a reference table. Column (segment) name illustrate product class code The code used to describe the product class illustrate Text/description name for product level code

Table Name—Product Group

Table Description and Function—Specifies valid product groups to use as a reference table. Column (segment) name illustrate product group code The code used to describe the product group illustrate Text/description name of the product group code

Table Name—Product Series

Table Description and Function—Specifies the valid product family and is used as a reference table. Column (segment) name illustrate Product Family Code The code used to describe the product family illustrate Text/Description Name for Product Family Code

Table Name—Customer Product List Transaction Processing

Description and function of the table - used to change the transaction history table of data activities in the customer product list table, each change record has a record, the main purpose is to record inventory activities, although transactions are generated, used to change status, ROP, ROQ and comment values, that is, values that are not stock on hand. Each transaction affects only one data segment. The transaction code specifies what update/change activity was performed and thus which data segment is updated. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark transaction number A unique identifier for each transaction, not a significant number Function similar to check number transaction date Date the transaction was processed transaction time transaction processing time Transaction ID Transaction ID Value: TBD product Product identifier of the affected item quantity client Inventory data updates/changes for customers User ID User completes the transaction BEFORE_VALUE Update the value of the data segment before the action AFTER_VALUE Data segment value after update action

Table Name - Contact Record

Table Description and Function - This table accepts, enters and tracks transactions from the Consultant Request function for tracking and management. Column (segment) name illustrate Sales Consultant ID ID in sales consultant table request date Date the client made the request request time The time the client made the request

Table Name - Customer's User

Table Description and Function—This table holds information about each user at the customer site. There are two types of users: supervisors and employees. Only users with supervisor rights can add new users. This client's web page is hardwired so that the client's users remain associated with the correct client. Column (segment) name illustrate Remark Segment Characteristics and Indexes Table Name—Description and Function of the Sales Consultant Table—This table holds data about each sales consultant and is basically a reference table. Column (segment) name illustrate Sales Consultant ID unique identifier * record keycode consultant for short Abbreviation, call sign, initials for screens, reports Consultant's full name Consultant's name Consultant's last name Consultant's last name

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention enables inventory tracking and management through a combination of manual, semi-automatic and automatic methods. The present invention also allows managers to buy in bulk and take advantage of sales and other specials, thereby reducing inventory costs. Additionally, the present invention reduces the amount of inventory that must be kept in stock by accurately simulating and predicting inventory requirements. The present invention further provides customers with the ability to view new equipment, communicate with each other, buy and sell excess inventory, refurbished equipment, and the like.

While preferred embodiments of the invention and various alternative embodiments have been disclosed and described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes in form and details can be made, including uses of the invention in fields other than healthcare. , without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (29)

1. An inventory management system, characterized in that it comprises: one or more computers; one or more databases resident on said computer, containing product listings and customer information; client software, providing an interface to said database and performing administrative functions; Subscriber identification subsystem; A subsystem capable of adding new products to said product list database, which is capable of correctly billing products restocked in said product list database; A subsystem that bills a product in the database when it is removed from the product list. 2. The inventory management system of claim 1, wherein one or more of said subsystems includes an optical reader capable of reading uniquely encoded information on items or persons. 3. The inventory management system of claim 1, wherein one or more of said subsystems includes electronic means for scanning a wirelessly accessible identifier associated with an item or person. 4. The inventory management system of claim 1, wherein the user identification subsystem comprises a biometric identification device. 5. The inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the client software allows registration and cancellation of individual users, and modification of user information. 6. The inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the client software classifies users into groups and sets permissions or functions for the groups. 7. Inventory management system according to claim 1, characterized in that said client software enables the grouping of products into classes, imposes restrictions on the distribution of the products, records patient information when releasing products belonging to the prescribed groups, And the product-specific or group-specific marks or information to be included in each product removed from the product list may be printed. 8. The inventory management system of claim 1 wherein said client software monitors inventory levels and reports anticipated shortages. 9. The inventory management system of claim 1 wherein said client software monitors inventory levels and generates orders that include anticipated shortages. 10. The inventory management system of claim 1, wherein said client software allows a user to order new products or replenish inventory as needed. 11. The inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein said client software allows a user to specify a sale price of goods in a product list. 12. A seller management inventory system, characterized in that it comprises: One or more suppliers maintaining inventory using an inventory management system; One or more customers who utilize an inventory management system to maintain inventory; a central server to facilitate communication and inventory management between customers and said suppliers; The rest of the data connection between the provider, the customer and the central server. 13. The vendor management inventory management system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said central server receives inventory information from customers and suppliers, predicts inventory shortage, generates an order containing the shortage, and selects the supply of the order and products, place an order with the selected supplier, and monitor the order status. 14. An inventory distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: vending machine; a computer connected to said vending machine; software running on said computer; printer; Subscriber Identification Subsystem; and Data entry subsystem. 15. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, wherein said user identification subsystem comprises a biometric scanner, an RFID reader, a barcode scanner, a keyboard, a tactile display, or a combination thereof, by means of which, The user can correctly identify himself to the computer via the software. 16. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, wherein said data entry subsystem includes an active or passive user interface through which a user can request release of certain products. 17. The inventory distribution system according to claim 14, wherein the printer, when requested, prints product information as required, so as to meet the requirements on the available range. 18. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, further comprising a central server and redundant data connections connected between the vending machines and the server. 19. The inventory distribution system of claim 18, wherein said computer monitors the distribution of products contained in said vending machine and sends the distribution status to said server via said redundant data connection, whereby , the server can notify the service provider of the vending machine of the shortage of stock. 20. An automatic inventory management method, characterized in that comprising the following steps: Billing for products received in stock; Monitor the product as it is taken out of stock; Calculate the trend of the product according to its frequency of use; Decide the optimal product quantity for each order to reduce shipping costs, and consider the price points of different quantities to reduce expenses; Order additional inventory as needed; track said order; Calculate order fulfillment trends based on delivery times by supplier and by product; A better supplier is determined based on this order fulfillment trend. 21. The automated inventory management method of claim 20, wherein the step of billing for products received in inventory includes electronically reading documentation provided with each package and automatically updating inventory information to Reflects the package contents. 22. The automated inventory management method of claim 20, wherein the step of monitoring a product as it is removed from inventory includes electronically reading a product identifier associated with a product or group of products. 23. The automated inventory management method of claim 20, further comprising the step of identifying the user by electronically retrieving the identifier of the user who removed the product from the inventory. 24. An automatic order fulfillment method, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: receive customer requests for availability and quotations for one or more products; Based on customer preferences, determine qualified substitutes for the products described; Determining availability, quotations, quantities required for markdowns, and estimated delivery times from one or more suppliers to comply with said request, including any acceptable substitutes; Select products, product volumes and suppliers who provide the maximum while still meeting customer inventory requirements; Generate product selection and packing lists for each supplier; Documenting a product when it is "picked" from the supplier's inventory; When the product is packaged into a shipping package, record the product; Generate package packing slips and shipping marks; correlating shipping information with packaging information; Ship the package; Track said shipment. 25. The automated order fulfillment method of claim 24, wherein the selected product is recorded by electronically scanning an identifier associated with the product. 26. The automated order fulfillment method of claim 25, wherein the selected product is recorded by electronically scanning an identifier associated with the product with a handheld computing device having a barcode scanner. 27. The automated order fulfillment method of claim 24, wherein the step of recording the product as it is packaged further comprises the step of scanning the shipping package prior to scanning each item packaged into the shipping package The associated identifier. 28. The automated order fulfillment method of claim 24, wherein the packaging and shipping indicia include machine readable identifiers. 29. A seller management library and integrated purchasing system, characterized in that it comprises: one or more servers; one or more databases running on said server; Client software running on one or more computers at the Client's site, capable of monitoring the Client's inventory and reporting that information to said Service via a redundant communication data link; Client software running on one or more computers at the supplier's site, capable of monitoring product on hand, supporting multiple product prices based on order quantities, and sending this information to said server via a redundant communications data link; The software running on the server sorts the customer's order and reduces the customer's cost by leveraging the quantity of the sorted order.

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