Inventory management method and apparatus
USH1743H · kind H · statutory invention registration
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | — |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | — |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
Method and apparatus for inventory monitoring a supply consumed in the manufacturing of a finished product. An inventory management system monitors the quantity of supplies in a storage facility. Based upon historical data related to the rate of usage of the supplies, the inventory management system determines the period of time until the stored supplies are depleted. If the supplies are depleted prior to a next scheduled delivery of replacement supplies, the inventory management system communicates with the supplier to move ahead the delivery date. Conversely, if the inventory management system determines that the supplies are being consumed at a rate lower than projected, the inventory management system will instruct the supplier to delay a shipment date. Supervisory personnel may access the system from a local location or a remote location. In addition, an alarm is activated when there is a sudden change in the rate of usage of the stored supplies. Provisions are included for remotely accessed the inventory management system, and for detecting the receipt of replacement supplies in order to authorize the payment for the replacement supplies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.