KR20060058663A - Hand-held inventory tracking and automated order transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dynamic inventory tracking and management system and methodology therefore that streamlines the inventory level tracking process of contact lens products for prescriptive and diagnostic purposes maintained at various locations having eye care practitioners responsible for dispensing lenses to patients. The system inventory tracking system seamlessly interfaces with order entry infrastructure to automatically initiate replenishment of stock and diagnostic lens inventory levels maintained at various eye care practitioner locations, and/or provide low inventory warning messages for receipt by the ECP.

Description

Hand-held inventory tracking and automated order transmission system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to inventory tracking systems and methods for products, and in particular, to optical lens products, in particular revenge and diagnostic optical lenses, which are kept in stock in the office of an eye care professional (ECP). It relates to a method and system that simplifies tracking and control and automates the lens product ordering process for ECP's offices and their customers.

The advent of new manufacturing techniques has enabled manufacturers to offer new contact lens designs and materials. For example, current manufacturers can provide contact lenses of designs that provide myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia correction as well as vision enhancement features such as UV protection, tinted lenses, and the like. The proliferation of these designs and features grows exponentially growing stock keeping units (SKUs). For example, in spherical lenses (myopia correction), a single design parameter is specified. For two focal contact lenses (presbyopia) two design parameters are specified. Each of these parameters may vary from user to user. Accordingly, myopia patients may have a-2.5 diopter correction and another patient may need a-9 diopter correction. The diopters may be incremented by half diopters or quarter diopters. If there are 9 diopters in quarter increments, there are 36 SKUs to keep in stock. With the advent of astigmatism correction (a toric lens), there are three design parameters specified. These are spherical magnification correction, cylindrical magnification correction, and axis correction. The combinations of spherical magnification, cylinder and axis degrees for toric lenses exponentially increase the SKUs to thousands. Once tinted lenses are added to the SKU, it can be seen that the SKU surges and the associated supply to maintain inventory surges. At present, thousands of lens products are available and provided to their customers by ECP for diagnostic purposes (hereinafter referred to as "diagnostic" lens products) and for prescription purposes (hereinafter referred to as "revenge" lens products). It is becoming.

For example, ECPs think they will fit their patients with diagnostic lenses to ensure a very successful fit. These diagnostic lenses are stored in the ECP office or wherever ECP's lens products are in stock. Typically, diagnostic lens products are in a single package or in the form of a package strip containing three or more primary packages connected by leadstock. Other diagnostic lenses are stored in their Avenue package but are prepared for diagnostic purposes.

Meanwhile, Avenue lens products are only filled by prescription. Typically, lens lenses are ordered by telephone from an optometrist or from an ECP's office that is licensed to perform eye examinations and patient alignment. Most ECPs expect specific product SKUs to be placed on these products whenever a patient needs them. Some offices may choose to maintain a small inventory of high demand SKUs, or stock inventory, and replenish them periodically by placing stock orders.

The current practice provides only a fraction of the total number of SKUs for diagnostic purposes. Depending on whether it is diagnostic or avenue, the lenses are typically packaged in primary packages, ie blisters, and then in plural secondary packages, ie cardboard cartons. Each carton contains 6, 12, 30 or 90 plurality of lenses, for example individually packaged in their primary packages. Depending on whether it is diagnostic or avenue, the primary packages are labeled with their printed lens parameters, product name, expiration date, and lot number and lens brand. This printed information can be found per blister or over any number of blisters. Similarly, the secondary package contains not only the above information but also FDA regulatory statements, international symbols for recycling and UV protection, and a product code (UPC-A type) and lot number. Currently, only secondary packages contain barcodes for product codes and barcodes for lot numbers. Some primary packages may contain bar codes, but this is not a common practice across all products. The lens parameters cover any combination of spherical, cylindrical and magnification and axis may be added depending on the product prescribed.

Currently, the ECP office will maintain inventory of the lens lenses for SKUs used by ECP's customers, and will periodically receive and manage a quantity of diagnostic lenses in stock. However, there is no systematic or efficient way to control the amount of lenses that are currently in stock, and to track much less the use of rev or diagnostic lenses in inventory. For example, inventory management tasks are typically performed by an ECP or contact lens technician, who access inventory levels across products, brands, and companies, based on the ad hawk. Inventory level requirements for new products are determined with the assistance of a sales representative at the time of the first order, but levels of use are determined based on the judgment of contact lens technicians or ECP staff. That is, the ECP staff may count the packages and / or blister packs for specific SKUs kept in stock for data processing and internal tracking purposes. However, inventory logs are not maintained regularly. The tracking and management of avenues and diagnostic lens product inventories and any associated data is a difficult task, especially with the proliferation of new lens SKUs. Vistakon, a subsidiary of Johnson & johnson and the current assignee of the present invention, is assisted by Doctor Controlled Patient Delivery (DCPD) in the event that stocks run out in the ECP office, minimizing inventory and delivering products to fulfill patient orders. Provide a customer service program that balances the conflicting objectives of ensuring availability. The technician is estimated to spend at least four to six hours a week for inventory management and ordering.

Regarding ordering in particular, when reordering a lens of a lens from a manufacturer by an ECP for a particular customer, the order must be made by verbally describing the lens product to be ordered or by filling out patient information including the lens product ordering information. This process is tedious and error-prone. The proliferation of SKUs specifies more parameters, which lengthens the ordering process. This information must be filled in to be sent to the manufacturer's order entry system, increasing the likelihood of error as the number of parameters per SKU increases. In addition, since diagnostic lenses are provided to the ECP free of charge to accommodate new patients, their quantity is limited by the accumulated Avenue lenses ordered by the ECP account.

Presently, lens acquisition for patients to be prepared by enabling manufacturers to efficiently track contact lens products distributed to ECPs and to simplify the inventory control processes of ECPs for countless diagnostic and Avenue lenses. There is a need for a uniform system that allows for easy determination of sex. There is also a need for a uniform system that allows ECPs to efficiently order lens products and reduce the occurrence of errors caused by order entry processes.

As such, it would be highly desirable to provide an efficient inventory tracking system of avenues and diagnostic lens products for ECPs.

Allows manufacturers to track contact lens products dispensed to ECPs, simplifies inventory control processes for the myriad of diagnostic and renovated lens products that ECPs maintain inventory and are available for the preparation of patients It would be highly desirable to provide an inventory tracking system that enables this.

It also provides an efficient lens product order entry system that simplifies and streamlines customer service order entry by automatically generating orders for diagnostic lenses, and gives users the option to alert or alert them that the lens stock is low. It would be highly desirable to provide automatic order creation based on the patient use function of a patient.

It would also be desirable to provide an efficient lens product order entry system that simplifies the customer service order entry process to streamline and enable lens product ordering so that inventory levels of lens products are automatically maintained and optimized.

It would also be highly desirable to provide ECPs with intelligent portable PDA devices capable of scanning unique barcode identifiers provided in lens packages for use in the preferred inventory tracking system and lens product order entry system.

It would also be highly desirable to provide ECPs with the preferred inventory tracking system and automated lens product order entry system, utilizing an intelligent portable barcode scanning system with a modem transmission device that interfaces with existing telephone and network communication infrastructure.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic and automated inventory tracking system of avenues and diagnostic contact lenses designed to streamline the inventory tracking process.

It is yet another object of the present invention to simplify and streamline the customer service order entry process by automatically generating orders for the revised and diagnostic lenses so that the stock levels of the lens products maintained by the local ECP are automatically maintained and optimized. To provide an efficient lens product order entry system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to advance the initiation of a product reordering process by automatically alerting ECPs that inventory levels are low and providing the user with the ability to cancel or approve an order based on low inventory levels. It is to provide a system and method for dynamic inventory tracking of avenue product inventory levels, including.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for dynamic inventory tracking of diagnostic product inventory that provides customer service features that automatically distribute / deliver new diagnostic products within the local ECP and effectively control unauthorized use elsewhere; To provide a way.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a web-enabled, dynamic and automated inventory tracking system of Avenue and Diagnostic Contact Lenses that streamlines the inventory tracking and inventory product ordering process.

Another object of the present invention is to 1) warn when inventory lens products are below a predetermined threshold in inventory, and / or 2) automatically replenish patient orders based on lens usage, and / or 3) by ECP. Simplify the customer service order entry process by providing users with the option to accept pre-formatted orders for low inventory SKUs that can be approved or canceled by customers so that inventory levels of retained lens products are automatically maintained and optimized. It is to provide an efficient lens product order entry system to streamline.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency and improvement in the tracking and documentation of product information (post-production), for example, through a distribution and delivery dissemination cycle, for example, for delivery to the ECP, or for the preparation of lenses and diagnostic lenses from the time of lens manufacture. It provides an inventory tracking system that makes it possible.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an automated order transfer system and method that can assist a customer in placing refill orders for lens products, and to provide an automatic reorder system to disseminate diagnostic products, Low inventory warnings for Avenue lens products and / or 2) Automatic replenishment of patient orders based on lens usage, and / or 3) Order previously set up for low inventory SKUs that may be subject to customer approval or cancellation by the ECP. It is to provide a feature to receive.

Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a server device that enables access to a database for storing lens product information, wherein the lens product information is maintained in inventory at various locations responsible for lens preparation to customers. Includes inventory data including types of products (diagnostics or avenues) and quantities, wherein the manufactured lens products are readable to directly display lens product information or to reference associated lens product information contained in a database. The server device comprising packages with indications;

A device provided at each location, comprising: scanning an indication provided on packages of lens products dispensed to customers at each location, including a lens product type identifier and quantity dispensed for each lens product type associated with the location The device for obtaining inventory tracking information;

A mechanism for allowing the scanned inventory tracking information obtained at the respective locations to communicate directly with the database server via a communication network;

A mechanism for tracking each inventory maintained at the various locations based on the scanned inventory tracking information, wherein the tracking mechanism is configured to calculate the quantity of lens products dispensed at each location for each lens product type at each location. A dynamic inventory tracking and management system is provided that includes the tracking mechanism that updates to a quantity maintained at inventory levels and reports inventory level information of updated stock lens products for use at each location.

A mechanism is also implemented to authenticate the location before receiving inventory tracking information delivered directly from the device at each location. In addition, a mechanism for identifying inventory received or delivered at various locations based on the scanned inventory tracking information is implemented, wherein the tracking mechanism calculates quantities of lens products from or at each location for each lens product type. Updates to quantities maintained at the stock levels of each location, and reports updated stock lens product stock level information for use at each location.

Preferably, contact lens products include avenues for diagnostic and diagnostic lenses provided in packages of types of primary package, blister pack, vial, secondary package, carton, tray, or plastic bag. The readable indication provided on the package may include a unique barcode identifier representing the lens product and referenced electronically in the database, its lens parameters, quantity of packets, lot number and SKU and product code. Preferably, the device provided at each location for scanning an indication provided on a package of avenues and diagnostic lens products prepared in the system is achieved by a PDA device with a portable PC or scanner. In addition to obtaining inventory tracking information including the lens product type and the quantity dispensed for each lens product type, the PDA device can be made to track the information including the reason for dispensing the product.

Advantageously, the automated order transfer system reduces the customer's ECP office task and provides better order accuracy than the current process of orally explaining the lens product SKU and its parameters to the manufacturer's customer service representative. In addition, automated systems and methods for dynamic inventory tracking of inventory count and track product quantities, optimize human operations to align physical and logical inventory of inventory, and streamline product documentation with one-time input. This minimizes human error in electronic documentation of inventory, lens information, and FDA regulatory information.

The details of the invention disclosed herein are described below using the figures enumerated below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a system structure of a dynamic inventory tracking and management system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the order entry processing component including reorder processing steps in response to selection of a “new order” button shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c) in accordance with the present invention.

3 (a) -3 (d) include a process flow for an ECP office to prepare lenses and a system algorithm for inventory update, inventory management, processing of ECP's order preferences, and processing of orders and order fulfillment. Illustrating process steps for inventory tracking and management in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

4 illustrates initial system setup and product storage performed after lens product manufacture.

FIG. 5 (a) shows a GUI interface provided by a PDA with a barcode scanner that allows an ECP employee to select a reason for preparing diagnostic or Avenue lenses.

5 (b) shows a GUI interface provided by a PDA with a barcode scanner that displays tracked inventory levels for product types and allows an ECP employee to review low inventory alert levels.

5 (c) shows a GUI interface provided by a PDA with a barcode scanner that displays tracked inventory levels for product types and allows an ECP employee to initiate a reorder or place a new order.

6 is an example process for inventory tracking and automated order entry in accordance with the principles of the present invention after a user selects the "New Order" button shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c) in accordance with the present invention. Detailed block diagram depiction 160.

7 (a) to 7 (d) illustrate various message formats, and FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show the respective stock order entry transactions (Fig. 7 (a)) and DCPD order entry transactions ( Example stock order entry records for FIG. 7 (b)), FIG. 7 (c) illustrates an example inventory usage reporting transaction, and FIG. 7 (d) illustrates an example for an invoice summary request message. Figure showing the format.

FIG. 8 illustrates a dynamic inventory tracking process 300 in accordance with the present invention that alerts a user to orders placed automatically by the system and low inventory as shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d). Block diagram shown.

9 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a dynamic inventory tracking process.

The present invention is a dynamic inventory tracking system and method that allows ECPs to manage their diagnostic and Avenue lens product inventories. The system is combined with an electronic order entry system that allows ECPs to efficiently order lens products for their customers and to order lenses for inventory maintenance so that the appropriate level of diagnostic and revised lenses can be maintained in the ECP inventory. do. The system can automatically generate supply orders and automatically initiate processing and fulfillment of the generated diagnostics and avenues (if desired) from the lens product manufacturer, for example Vistakon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the assignee. It provides an automated order generation feature. To achieve this, in a preferred embodiment, the inventory management system has a barcode scanning capability to read and store unique product identification information, such as those provided as barcodes on lens package labels, such as UPC, SKU, lot numbers, etc. It is implemented with a portable computer or PDA. The information collected by the PDA is advantageously transferred efficiently to existing ordering systems, such as wired telephone networks, directly to the lens product manufacturer's order entry system, where they can be handled by way. According to the present invention, a dynamic inventory tracking and management system dynamically tracks lens product usage, i.e. a PDA with a barcode scanner that digitally corroborates each time a lens product is prepared for reasons of 1) diagnostic or 2) renovation. Implement

1 is an exemplary system structure diagram of a dynamic inventory and tracking and management system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory tracking and management system 10 of the present invention comprises three components: 1) on primary or secondary lens package labels, for example for the purpose of dynamic inventory tracking and order entry. A lens tracking infrastructure 20 in a local ECP office 12 that includes an implementation of a personal digital assistant (PDA) or computer with a portable barcode scanner capable of reading and storing information associated with unique barcodes in the system; 2) a lens dynamic tracking and inventory management system 30 comprising at least a master engine server 26 and a data server 27 implementing software to enable logical inventory management and lens reordering functions as described below; And 3) receive, maintain, and receive all information for reordering lens products from a distribution system 51, such as implemented by the assignee Vistakon, currently maintaining a product distribution tracking infrastructure comprising a distribution database server element 57; Enterprise customer service order entry and web server infrastructure 50 including one or more enterprise servers, which may be existing enterprise order entry servers 58 and web-order servers 59 that process. As shown in FIG. 1, lens tracking infrastructure 20 may read and store information associated with unique barcodes on primary or secondary lens package labels, for example for purposes of dynamic inventory tracking and order entry. Computer component with portable barcode scanner or product manufacturer side 13 with PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). In accordance with the present invention, existing web ordering, order entry 50 and distribution tracking infrastructure systems are capable of communication of network entry 25, for example order-entry and account information among various enterprise servers, such as an intranet or Includes communication infrastructure represented by the Internet. As shown, in addition to the lens tracking infrastructure 20 at the local ECP office 12 and the manufacturing site 13, the components of the dynamic inventory tracking system 30 are likewise used for communication by the network element 25. Interfaced.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to enable lens tracking functionality in accordance with the present invention, the lens tracking infrastructure 20 of each ECP office 12 and manufacturer side 13 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) ( It is desirable to implement a portable PC or PDA with a barcode scanner device 16 that can be implemented in conjunction with 14). Preferably, a PDA with a barcode scanner device 16 comprises an operating system, a touch screen interface or a GUI display, which enables data entry, storage and communication to / from the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. Custom software may be provided. For example, handheld scanners such as the Denso BHT-600 series or the equivalent SPT 1500 manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Inc. have software and full scanner applications that ensure FTP functionality for communication with manufacturer / enterprise routers. Including, TCP / IP and FTP stack firmware may be provided. According to conventional techniques, the portable barcode scanner 16 communicates with server devices in the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 in one of two ways, namely 1) a communication network such as the Internet ( 25) an access point near the office, including, for example, a server connected by wire via a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (if LAN connection is available), or an analog telephone line (public switched telephone network). 2) A batch-mode cradle in a modem (not shown) that interfaces to a telecommunications network 25, such as a wired telephone system, for example via a RJ-11 standard telephone line connection. You will see that through the connection, you can do it. Communication between the portable units 16 and the dynamic inventory tracking and management system infrastructure servers 26, 27 can be made by direct dialing with a modem or via a communication network 25 application, wired or wireless data transmission.

Figure 2 illustrates the structure of the enterprise order input processing and inventory tracking infrastructure 50 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, enterprise order entry and inventory tracking infrastructure 50 is initially sent from ECP clients 12 via a PDA with a barcode scanner device through a dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. A first File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server device 56 that accepts lens product order inputs, and then formats the order entry requests for receipt by an enterprise order entry server device 58, such as an IBM AS / 400. To send requests. Preferably, secure communications to the proxy and order entry servers may be through a secure communications protocol. Security servers 56 and 58 are designed as a set of dedicated computers that put rules and procedures into a dedicated internet accessible database system and provide firewall, application serving, and database management functions. Client parts of the system (PDAs, desktop PCs, or laptops) can communicate equally with the dynamic inventory tracking and management system server via Hypertext Transmission Protocol (HTTP) and Open Secure Socket Layer (OpenSSL) over WWW or TCP / IP. will be.

As shown in FIG. 2, central to the enterprise order entry and order processing interface infrastructure 50 is a business document processing and electronic data exchange (EDI) processing facilitator 35. Preferably, the EDI processing facilitator includes an EXTOL integrator device 35 that provides faster data exchanges and transactions at higher speeds, and communicates with and converts to and from EDI driven platforms, such as IBM AS / 400. Implement software to enable translation and document management facilities. The integrator device 35 provides considerable flexibility in data organization and retrieval, seamlessly integrates with any EDI user application software regardless of platform, and can take data from any system with any standard and automatically Process in real time. The EXTOL integrator interfaces specifically with the enterprise order processing facility 45 which includes server / database systems 47 and 49 that store orders, generate orders and invoices, and provide EDI order processing. As described in detail, the order entry system includes dynamic inventory tracking and server / database systems 27 for updating and tracking inventory usage for specific ECPs and manufacturers and maintaining master inventory for the ECP office. It also interfaces with the management system 30.

3 (a) to 3 (d) are conceptual block diagrams illustrating a process for inventory tracking and management in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 (a) illustrates a process flow 100 for an ECP, and a system algorithm for inventory update, inventory management, processing of ECP's order preferences, processing an order, and fulfilling an order. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), first step 101 represents an ECP agent scanning each product received from a manufacturing distribution center, for example, for order fulfillment for stock lens products, and in step 102, Store products in inventory maintained by the local office. In particular, as shown in Fig. 3 (a), in step 101a, an employee of an ECP office scans a product into a dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 using a PDA with a barcode scanner 16 to insert the ECP. Update the logical inventory for. In response to the scanning, at step 105, an algorithm 115 is executed on the servers 26, 27 of the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 to update and track the logical inventory of the ECP. In particular, an algorithm 115 as shown in FIG. 3 (a) is executed to increase the current quantity of products of a particular SKU associated with the inventory of the local ECP to the quantity of products scanned by the ECP.

Subsequently, as shown in step 103 in FIG. 3 (a), the ECP office 12 may, for example, be used for diagnosis purposes, e.g. tailored to a particular patient, as shown in step 104a, and 2) in step 104b. As shown, the product will be formulated in one of three ways, either for avenue purposes, ie for filling a patient prescription with a particular SKU (lens product). In each of the three ECP product preparation scenarios, the ECP office updates the logical inventory of the ECP by scanning a product package to be dispensed using a PDA with a barcode scanner 16 so that the product information can be dynamically tracked and managed. To be used by Figure 5 (a) is in particular a display with a bar code scanner and a lens preparation option 152 which can be selected by the ECP staff that allows the ECP to select lenses, i.e., to select a diagnostic or avenue objective. An example of the use of PDA 16 to provide 150 is shown. For illustrative purposes, diagnostic lenses will be prepared as shown by the highlighted radio button 154. Again in FIG. 3 (a), in response to scanning the prepared diagnostic lenses, in step 104a, an algorithm 116 is executed on the servers 26, 27 of the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 to diagnose the ECP. Update and track logical inventory of lens products. In particular, an algorithm 116 as shown in FIG. 3 (a) is executed to reduce the current amount to the amount of formulated product scanned by the ECP for the diagnostic lens product of a particular SKU kept in stock of the local ECP. . Similarly, in response to scanning the prepared lens lenses, in step 104b, an algorithm 117 is executed on the servers 26, 27 of the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 to log the logical lens products of the ECP. Update and track inventory. In particular, an algorithm 117 as shown in FIG. 3 (a) is executed to reduce the current amount of the renovated lens product of a particular SKU kept in inventory of the local ECP to the amount of prepared product scanned by the ECP. Let's do it.

Preferably, as described below, from the perspective of inventory tracking enabled by EDI inventory management and order entry functionality, it is limited to a record indicating a transaction start, a header record, one or more inventory management detail records, and a transaction end record. However, a "flat file" format has been defined that includes record formats or multiple non-segmented segments that include them. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), more specifically, the inventory use of the example EDI format, which illustrates the minimum data supplied to the dynamic inventory tracking and management system server 26 for inventory management / update purposes. Transaction report record 275 is shown, which includes: (ED) Interchange start segment identifier @VKS, for example EDI message ID ("VKN852"), data source including sender ID or unique ID of PDA, optional message serial number (sequentially assigned control number) and (EDI) Interchange Initiation Segment 277, including a transaction date that represents, for example, an inventory control transfer date in YYYYMMDD format. The text 'HDR' to indicate the beginning of the header record, the 'V' to indicate the type of transaction, for example, vendor inventory, an optional PO number, a Ship-to account number, and an account number and inventory control submitted. Inventory management header segment 279, comprising a location representing a location associated with the information. Each one, one or more management detail records 280. Each record 280 contains a 'PRD' field indicating the start of a detailed line item, an optional commerce counterpart number, transaction date, manufactured lens UPC, transaction volume, mutual transfer / sales / receipt / account position, unit of measure, activity code, Data representing the unique identification code of the manufactured lens, for example the product identifier code 281. The inventory management transaction end record or exchange end segment 285 includes an @VKE wrapper indication that indicates the total number of exchange end and detailed records provided.

3 (b) illustrates the management and lens product reordering functionality provided by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 of the present invention. In particular, the inventory levels are updated at the servers 26, 27 of the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 for any one of the respective types of lenses prepared in the local ECP office 12 according to FIG. 3 (a). Afterwards, step 106 is further executed to manage and optimize the physical inventory for the logical inventory maintained for each lens type. For example, after an algorithm 115 for updating received stock lens products has been executed, another algorithm 125 may be executed to reduce the number of lenses in inventory that has been reduced by the amount of lenses to be dispensed above the threshold stock inventory level limit. Determine if it is low. If the amount of lens to be prepared is lower than the critical stock inventory level, the corresponding process is taken in step 107. In the case of stock lenses, a new order for stock lenses can be generated as shown in step 135. Similarly, after executing algorithm 116 to update the amount of diagnostic lens products in stock after preparation of the diagnostic lenses, another algorithm 126 is executed to reduce the number of diagnostic lenses in stock reduced by the amount of diagnostic lenses to be prepared. Determine if it is below the inventory threshold level limit. If the amount of lens to be prepared is lower than the diagnostic lens stock threshold level, then a corresponding process is taken in step 107, in which case an order for the diagnostic lens is automatically generated as shown in step 136. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), after the algorithm 117 is executed to update the amount of the lens lenses in inventory after the preparation of the lens, the other algorithm 127 is executed to execute the prepared Levi. It is determined whether the number of in-vehicle lens lenses reduced by the amount of nu is lower than the lens lens inventory threshold level. If the amount of lens to be prepared is lower than the Avenue lens stock threshold level, then a corresponding process is taken in step 107, in which case by the ECP office as shown in step 137 as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3 (c). The treatment is taken according to the preferences shown previously.

3 (c) illustrates in more detail how orders are processed in response to steps 135-137 taken in response to the management and optimization of the inventory via the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. For example, in response to creating a new order for the stock lens as shown in step 135, the ECP PDA device 16 receives from the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 for the stock lens as shown in step 145. You will receive a confirmation that your order has been placed. Similarly, in response to the automatic creation of a new order for the diagnostic lens as shown in step 136, the ECP's PDA device confirms that the order for the diagnostic lens has been placed as shown in step 146. Will receive from As mentioned above, the processing taken by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 with respect to new Avenue lenses depends on the preference previously conveyed by the ECP. As shown in Fig. 3 (c), these preferences are determined by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 to inform the ECP PDA that the processing shown in step 108, i.e., the inventory for the lenses of the lens, is below a threshold limit. Option 137a for generating a warning message; The dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 generates a low stock warning message to inform the ECP PDA that the inventory for the lenses for the lenses is below a threshold limit and also approves, disapproves or specifies a new specification, such as the quantity ordered by the ECP. Option 137b to automatically initiate setup of the order; Or the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 generates a low inventory warning message to notify the ECP PDA that the inventory for the lenses for the lenses is below a threshold limit, and that the Levi will be fulfilled by manufacturing and shipping without involving the ECP. Processes that include an option 137c to automatically generate a new lens reorder. In response to the processing taken by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 in accordance with options 137a-137c, the ECPs each receive a low inventory alert that is only displayed on the PDA device of the ECP as shown in step 1147a. Or 2) receive a low stock alert displayed on the PDA device of the ECP and prompting the user to review the order setup for approval or cancellation as shown in step 147b, or 3) a low stock alert for display on the PDA device of the ECP. Will also receive confirmation that the order for the new lens lenses has been made as shown in step 147c.

3 (d) illustrates order fulfillment processes and functions provided by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 (d), step 109 represents the order processing function performed by the master engine server 26 of the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. Accordingly, for stock SKUs, diagnostic SKUs, and these Avenue lens reorders that are automatically generated in accordance with ECP preferences in step 147c, the master engine server 26 is electronically (e.g. via the network) in accordance with the ECPs. The order fulfillment is initiated by sending all records (received by the ECPs) in batches and they are sent to the web order server 59 where the fulfill order process step 110 is performed. In order to fulfill lens orders for these types of lenses, a batch of lens orders sent by the web order server 59 is received by the web order server 59 and is currently ordered by an order entry server 58 for accepting lens orders received via telephone, for example. Is sent). All of these lens orders are shipped in batches according to the ordering ECP, and a "pick" ticket is generated covering all orders. The peak ticket is processed by the distribution server 57, which identifies the type of products and finds in the inventory maintained at the distribution center 60 how to process the order in the actual stock racks. For example, the peak ticket identifies certain lens orders, for example a lens of gray tint magnification-9.0 diopters, which is a special order that must be taken out manually, while other more common prescription lenses, for example magnification- 2.5 The lens can be automatically removed to pre-box for easy dispensing. Finally, these lenses are collected and shipped for a particular order, as shown in step 112, and they are again received by the ECP agent in step 101 (see FIG. 3 (a)) to determine the inventory levels that are scanned in the system and maintained for the ECP office. Increase. Again in FIG. 3 (c), in accordance with the ECP preferences in steps 147a and 147b, the master engine server 26 generates a “low inventory” warning message for receipt by the PDA 16 in the ECP office. Will run

4 shows a process 200 for setting up a system and storing lens products in a distribution center 60 after manufacture. As shown in FIG. 4, a first step 201 involves actually entering initial order information, including lens type and parameters, quantity, and the like into the inventory tracking system. These products may be manufactured in anticipation of receipt of orders generated for any of the purposes described herein. After the information is entered into the system, the products are manufactured as shown in step 202. The lenses are then packaged in step 203 by attaching a barcode 64 or other identification mark to the package as shown in step 204. Subsequently, in step 205, before storing the inventory held in the distribution center 60, a PDA equipped with a barcode scanner is used to update the data associated with the product to the servers of the inventory tracking system 30. Finally, in step 206, the package containing the newly manufactured lenses is physically transferred to inventory racks in the distribution center 60.

Another function provided by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 includes automatically processing invoice summary from ECPs. The dynamic inventory management and order entry system of the present invention has the ability to allow an ECP to request an invoice summary using a portable PDA. In particular, as described herein, a PDA operator may be instructed to enter an invoice start date. In response, the system will create a file in a predefined EDI file format called "VKNISR". Using the default current date, the operator may quickly request confirmation of the most recently sent orders of the day. The verification will start from the current date and continue until either the specified current date (transfer current date) or one entered by the operator (eg up to 30 days) is reached.

7 (d) shows an example of a format for an invoice summary request message 290 generated by a PDA. In general, a typical invoice summary request message format includes: (EDI) exchange start segment identifier @VKS, EDI message ID ("VKNISR"), data source including sender ID or unique ID of PDA, optional (EDI) Interchange Initiation Segment 277 including a message serial number (or sequentially assigned control number) and a transaction date indicating, for example, an inventory control transfer date in YYYYMMDD format. Text that indicates the start of a header record, such as a transaction type that indicates a facsimile invoice request, an optional PO number, a Ship-to account number, and a location that indicates the account number and location associated with the requested invoice, And invoice summary request head segment 294 including text representing text " PDA " representing the requesting side. One or more management detail records 280. Each record 280 contains a fax field indicating the start of the detail line item, a "start date" indicating the start date of the request and an ending date indicating the end date of the request, a region code of the ECP location and an ECP fax number to which the request is sent. It includes. Invoice summary request transaction end record or interchange end segment 298 includes an @VKE wrapper indication indicating the total number of interchange end and detail records provided.

An automatic order entry process 160 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 shows an example of menu selections presented to the user via the screen display of the PDA 16 of the ECP. These menu selections include an option 162 for inputting to read and store order data; An option 164 for sending the stored order and / or inventory management data to the manufacturer order entry system; An option 166 for requesting a fax confirmation of received orders; Utility option 167 or system setup option 168 for setting up a user; And I.D. Information option 169. Regarding option 162 for reading and entering order data, FIG. 6 shows a first step 170 instructing the ECP or operator to scan a barcode of a particular lens product to order. PDA users are their agents performing ophthalmic tasks within the ECP or ECP area; It will be appreciated that it includes external ECPs that require a Avenue product or a diagnostic product. In general, when ordering lens lenses in accordance with the present invention, it is desirable for the ECP or office staff to scan UPC barcodes on packages or carcons, or scan them from a product barcode book. It will be appreciated that the lens products are arranged in different quantities when packaged and differ in their packaged properties. Preferably, the system can be used for boxes, secondary packages ('cartons' or 'packs'), primary packages (single 'blisters', 'vials'), or for diagnostic purposes, for example. When provided, it may be possible to track products packaged in plastic bags. Also, barcodes can be of one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional types. In short, all lens order and prescription data entered during the day is stored on the PDA, and periodically, for example daily or upon request to the user, all order data is stored in the manufacturer / corporate dynamic inventory tracking and management system infrastructure (30). (FIG. 1). When ordering a diagnostic lens for a particular customer, a peelable label may be provided on the primary package with a barcode indicating the SKU. The ECP may remove the label, attach it to the patient document and collect the patient documents to scan each of the bar code labels. As in the case of the Avenue lenses, all diagnostic lens ordering and preparation data entered during the day is stored in the PDA, and periodically, for example, on a daily basis or upon request by the user, all ordering data is sent to the manufacturer for fulfillment. It is delivered to the corporate order entry infrastructure. In addition to using a PDA with a barcode scanner as a vehicle for creating lens product "stock" orders to maintain inventory levels, a PDA with a barcode scanner can also be used to reorder lens products for specific customers. It will be appreciated that it may be possible to create so-called delivery to a patient or DCPD orders managed by a physician. For example, there may be a barcode identifier associated with a particular patient or customer, which barcode creates an order that initiates orders that customers deliver directly to the order entry infrastructure 50 in the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. May also be scanned. As a result of such order processing, lens products can be distributed to specific customers or patients.

5 (c) includes, in particular, an option 453 for specifying the type of lens product to order, and an option 456 for specifying a specific SKU of the lens product to order, and includes functionality for placing a product order. An example of the use of a PDA 16 with a barcode scanner to provide a display 450 is shown. After entering this information, the user may select the order option 458 or edit the current order stored on the PDA device as indicated by option 460. The user may also select option 465 to view a summary of inventory levels having an amount below the warning threshold determined by the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30. Once the stock level is determined to be low according to the low stock count sheet, the user may select option 462 to initiate reordering these lenses.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in step 172, a determination is made via the customer's selectable screen 150 as to whether the scanned barcode is diagnostic or revised as shown in FIG. 5 (a). In addition, the user may input a quantity by using a one-dimensional barcode. If the barcode is two-dimensional, the quantity is assumed to be included in the scanned data. In addition, step 172 is for a diagnostic product table (not shown) that includes data such as sub-pack ID, sub-pack UOM, sub-pack description (eg, 00033P TA 8.7 0.00-0.75 +70 D). Validating the scanned (if two-dimensional) code, and if there is no such data, display of an error message will be initiated. Otherwise, the scanned code is also ratified against a Avenue product table (not shown) that contains data such as product SKU, product code UOM, and product code description (eg, 73390550790 12P TA 8.7 0.00-0.75 +10). Can be. If there is no such data, an error message is preferably displayed. Next, in step 176, it is determined whether the scanned barcode is UPC-A. In particular, to identify valid manufacturers, the manufacturer ID table is checked. If the UPC-A is from an invalid manufacturer, the PDA will indicate, for example, "Invalid manufacturer; otherwise, a PDA with a barcode scanner will confirm that the UPC-A is from a valid manufacturer. As a result of the manufacturer's ratification, a data file is created in a format detailing the order specification, prompting the user to enter the quantity of the lenses of the lens that he wishes to order, as shown in step 180. Before the operator sends the order It will be appreciated that the quantity can be changed at any time The scanned barcodes, descriptions, and associated order quantities described above will be displayed in a scrolling list format on a screen (not shown) instructing the operator to scan the barcode. The user may delete all records from the list and set the order quantity with UPC-A scanned barcodes. It will be appreciated that you can change it.

As shown by option 164 in FIG. 6, the options available to the ECP in sending order and inventory tracking data using a portable PDA are described. Preferably, the PDA device first instructs the operator to place the PDA device 16 in the base unit and press enter to start the transmission. This will start a series of events like this: First, the PDA automatically dials the lens manufacturer's location as shown in step 174 and sends verification information, including the account number and password, for verification by the manufacturer. If the account information is valid, the manufacturer will send "Transfer OK" information. If not, the manufacturer will send the account invalid. It will be appreciated that the PDA may display a message indicating to the user "invalid account information". If the PDA receives a Send OK information message from the manufacturer, i.e., if the connection was successful, the PDA will send all the data in the scanned barcode list. In one embodiment, the data is transferred by FTP from the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 30 to the FTP server 56 (FIG. 2). If the transmission is successful, the manufacturer will send a "successful delivery confirmation number: xxxxxx" message, where xxxxxx is the delivery confirmation number. That is, if each transmitted file contains a unique name and a unique message serial number, this file will be used as the confirmation number displayed to the user. After the PDA displays the successful transfer message, the transfer confirmation number and the command to press "Enter" are returned to the main menu. At this time, the transmission number will be deleted from the PDA. Possible errors that may be encountered during transmission include authentication failures on the dial-up router / PPP-in this case a user message "Failed to contact Comm.server"-authentication failure on the FTP server-in this case " You will see a "User failed to connect to FTP server" message. If the connection is successful, the PDA FTPs data to the FTP server (s) with detailed data for each type of file format in which the appropriate start, header, and end segments are combined as described in detail herein. If FTP fails, you will see a user message that says "Data was not sent successfully." Preferably, a serial number is generated for each segment sent. Also, as described below, each document (eg, all segments) is packaged with @VKS and @VKE wrappers in transmission. If the transfer fails, the generated "package" will remain as a unique "package" with its own serial number and subsequent scans will not be added to the failed "package". The next time a transfer is attempted a new "package" will be created. These two "packages" can be sent together. The scrolled list of scanned barcodes will be deleted from the list after successful transmission. Invoice summary request dates will also be cleared. Packaged files will also be removed. In one embodiment, a PDA equipped with a barcode scanner stores information associated with each package, whether for inventory tracking or ordering purposes, and sends all information for later transfer as a single file to the order entry / stock tracking infrastructure. Will accumulate and limit. Preferably, the transmission is performed periodically, for example several times a day or at the end of a business day as specified by the ECP office, or upon user request.

Returning to FIG. 6, an option 166 that ECP can use to request confirmation of orders by fax using a portable PDA is described in connection with step 186. In this step, the PDA device instructs the operator to enter a date to start confirmation. Preferably, the current date may be used internally so that the operator can quickly request confirmation of the orders most recently sent on that day. Normally, the verification will start from the current date and continue until the current date (transmissions of the current date) or one of the dates entered by the operator (eg, up to 30 days) is reached by default. In response, the PDA device will display a message asking the user to place the portable PDA in the cradle and press "Enter" to request confirmation by fax. In response to entering the usage request, the following sequence will be performed for transmission. The PDA automatically dials the lens manufacturer's location and sends verification of the information, including the account number and password, for verification by the manufacturer. If the account information is valid, the manufacturer will send "Transfer OK" information. If not, the manufacturer will send the account invalid. It will be appreciated that the PDA may display a message indicating to the user "invalid account information". If the PDA receives a Send OK information message from the manufacturer, i.e., if the connection was successful, the PDA will send a request for fax confirmation on the date entered. If the transfer was successful, the manufacturer / company sends a transfer confirmation number and displays a "Transfer successful" message with the transfer confirmation number and instructs the operator to press "Enter" to return to the main menu. At this time, the transmission number will be deleted from the PDA.

The inventory tracking and order entry system of the present invention has the ability to automatically upgrade the operating system and application software. In particular, the PDA device can be checked for new applications or operating system software. These files are located at a remote location in the corporate network and, if so, will be downloaded accordingly. Accordingly, in FIG. 6, an option 168 that allows the ECP to set up a system using a PDA with a barcode scanner is described with reference to step 187. In step 187, the menu selection allows the user to view the current version of the software loaded on the PDA and also allow the operator to upgrade to the latest software version. If the operator requests an upgrade, the following sequence will be done. First, the PDA instructs the operator to place the PDA in the cradle and press "Enter" to begin the upgrade. The PDA automatically dials the lens manufacturer's location and sends verification of the information, including the account number and password, for verification by the manufacturer. If the account information is valid, the manufacturer will send the information "Transfer OK". If not, the manufacturer will send the account invalid. It will be appreciated that the PDA may display a message indicating to the user "invalid account information". If the PDA receives a message from the manufacturer saying OK to the manufacturer, ie if the connection was successful, the PDA will send a request for a software version upgrade. In response, the manufacturer / company will send the latest software version. After the PDA receives the upgrade, it will inform the manufacturer / company that the upgrade was successful. If the transfer of the upgrade is not successful, the PDA will have to go back to the previous version of the software and display to the operator that the upgrade was not successful. In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturer includes the ability to automatically upgrade the software during the electronic ordering process.

Returning to FIG. 6, the ECP is set to I.D. using a PDA equipped with a barcode scanner. An option 169 that enables system entry of information is described in connection with step 189. In step 189, a menu item is provided that requires the user to enter a password or provide a PDA key sequence to initiate entry of the ECP identification to enable the PDA to access the manufacturer order entry system. It will be appreciated that the information placed in this area may be changed via a modem from a remote location, for example, to change the account number of the ECP at the time of order transfer. In step 190, the identification information to be entered is a unique ID number or account number of the manufacturer; A password that allows access to the AS / 400; And a telephone number for calling the manufacturer.

In accordance with the present invention, in terms of automated order entry functionality, a “flat file” format for electronic stock and doctor controlled patient delivery (DCPD) orders may be defined, which is not limited to the following, indicating the start of a transaction. record; Header record; An optional order comment (COM) record; Patient information (PAT) segment, optional for stock orders but only for DCPD orders; An optional address information segment (ADD) including city and postal code, which is optional for stock orders but only for DCPD orders; One or more order entry detail line item segments (DET); And a plurality of non-compartment segments or record formats including a transaction end record. It will be appreciated that there is only one patient per DCPD order. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show the minimum data supplied for each stock order entry transaction 250 (Fig. 7 (a)) and DCPD order entry transaction 260 (Fig. 7 (b)). One example inventory order entry records 250, 260, respectively, illustrated, which include: EDI Interchange Start Identifier @VKS, for example EDI Message ID ("VKN850"), Sender ID ( For example, "PDA" or a data source that contains the unique id of a barcode PDA, an optional message serial number (sequentially assigned control numbers (254, 264)) and the date of the stock control transfer, for example in YYYYMMDD format. Each (EDI) interchange start segment (252, 262), including the transaction date represented. Text 'HDR' indicating the beginning of a header record, e.g., 'S' indicating a stock spread order as shown in segment 255 (FIG. 7 (a)), or segment 265 (FIG. 7 (b)). D) indicating the DCPD order type as shown in Figure 6), a shipping type number indicating a transaction type, an optional purchase order number ("PO"), an account number associated with the order information being submitted, and a location indicating a location, and "PDA /" indicating that the order was placed with "PDA" or with a fax order confirmation request (as shown in Figure 7 (a)) or without a fax order confirmation request (as shown in Figure 7 (b)). Each order header segment (255), including optional fields specifying a FAX "field, and information including credit card number, diagnostic lens account number, diagnostic lens account location, requested delivery method, and requested future delivery date. , 265). A PRD field indicating the start of a detailed line item, an optional commerce counterpart number, a transaction date, a manufactured lens UPC or uniquely manufactured lens identification code (product identifier codes 257, 267), trade volume, mutual transfer / sales / receipt / Each one or more inventory management detail record segments 256, 266, including account position, unit of measure, and activity code.

As shown in Figure 7 (b), the DCPD order (Figure 7 (b)) transaction includes the following. "PAT" to indicate the start of the patient record, optional field to indicate the number of days of wear, e.g. 1-7 days (not shown), code "A" to initiate the generation of a message to contact the ECP office to reorder, or An optional postal message id comprising "B" for initiating generation of a message for dialing an office to set up an appointment; Code “A” to generate a message indicating the importance of contacting the office at least one week before the lenses run out so that user wear is not interrupted, wear lenses ordered only according to the wear area prescribed to the user but exceed one day Code "B" for generating a message indicating that it should not be used, Code "C" for generating a message indicating that compliance with the prescribed wearing area is essential for maintaining the proper eye health of the user, the lenses are only disposable for daily wear Code "D" to generate a message indicating that it should never be reused, code "E" to generate a message to remind the user that they wear lenses for one day and these lenses are only to be discarded after one day of use. "And a code to generate an advertising message indicating the health benefits of the daily lenses" Optional packing sleep message id including codes for initiating generation of one or more messages comprising F ″. It also includes a patient segment 267 that includes the patient id of the current patient, or the new Vistakon patient ID, and the new patient's name.

As also shown in Fig. 7 (b), a DCPD order (Fig. 7 (b)) transaction also includes an address segment (ADD) that includes an “ADD” field indicating the start of a patient address record and one or more fields for address information. 268), and a "CSZ" field indicating the start of a city / postal code / state record, city, state, 5-digit postal code and optional 4-digit extended postal code, area code, and 7-digit phone number, and optional It also includes a city / postal code / state segment 269 that includes one or more fields representing a five digit extended phone number.

Each of the example order entry records 250, 260, illustrating the minimum data supplied for each stock order entry transaction (FIG. 7 (a)) and a DCPD order (FIG. 7 (b)), is a detailed line item. A DET field indicating start; A PO line number field for indicating a sequential line item number; Quantity, i.e. order quantity; Unit of measure; Product identifier code; For products containing R (right) or L (left) lenses required for DCPF orders; And a detail line item segment that includes an optional order detail line. Each of the stock order entry transactions (FIG. 7 (a)) and the DCPD order (FIG. 7 (b)) transactions each have a respective stock 259 or DCPD order 270 transaction end record (interchange end segment). Each of which contains an EDI interchange termination identifier @VKE and the total number of detailed records (DET) provided.

8 is a block diagram illustrating a method 300 as an example of providing dynamic inventory management and tracking of avenues and / or diagnostic lenses in the system 10 of the present invention. With regard to inventory usage and inventory updates, as illustrated with respect to FIG. 2 and detailed in the block diagram of FIG. 8, a first step 302 includes receiving data transmitted from the PDA device 16 over a communications network. As mentioned above, the data sent from the PDA may include inventory usage data or order request data. In particular, the data is sent from the PDA via FTP to the first FTP server 56 (eg, Sun 2000) in the dynamic inventory tracking and management system 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The FTP Sun 2000 server responds by sending the TFP to the ASA / 400 system 58 as shown in FIG. 2, which predetermines PDA data with certain orders from lens products obtained via the Internet or telephone. Run the script to bundle the file format. A program for processing EDF013 using Extol EDI translator 35 (FIG. 2) is executed. In response to importing the file EDF013 into the Extol converter as shown in step 304 in FIG. 8, data is entered into an unwrapped connection and the data is converted by the message class. That is, in step 306 as shown in FIG. 8, the data provided in the VKN852 message of the message format previously specified as described herein with respect to FIG. 7 (a) is converted, i.e., EDF001, EDF001 file formats (FIG. 2). Is mapped to EDI order detail formats. Similarly, using the Extol converter, the data contained in the VKN852 message format described herein with respect to FIG. 7 (c) is referred to as VMF001 470 as described with respect to one embodiment of the dynamic inventory tracking process described with respect to FIG. The data is mapped to the inventory update file formats and the data contained in the VKN852 message format described herein is mapped to an invoice request file format called VMF004 (as shown in FIG. 2). Going back to FIG. 8, next step 308 indicates that the fields of the converted EDFOOLA, EDF002A, VMF001, VMF004 formats have valid data, that is, EDF001, EDF002 contain the correct order header fields, and VMF001 contain the correct inventory usage fields. And / or verify that VMF004 contains the correct invoice request fields. For illustrative purposes, assuming that stock update data has been received, the next step is to update the inventory associated with the ECP with the usage values. That is, as shown in step 309, reading the usage data provided in the VMF001 inventory update file reported by the PDA and inputting, and in step 310, the inventory master file VMF002 that tracks the inventory count values of the individual ECP accounts is updated. The program is called. The called algorithm is described herein with reference to FIG. 3 (b) in steps 115-118. To map to the VMF002 master inventory file, VMF001 includes a four byte sub-pack identifier used to chain to the product usage database GBF 472 (shown in FIG. 9) to obtain a UPC. Using the account number, location, UPC, and unit of measure as the key, the data can be chained to the VMF002 master stock file. First, all individual ECP user inventory counts kept in inventory master file VMF002 476 (as shown in FIG. 9) for tracking are defined by one quantity of lenses "on-hand" inventory level = XX lenses, " Use "amount = YY, and" reorder time "threshold (e.g., lower limit threshold = XX lenses for each lens product (diagnostic or rev)). When information is received from ECP PDAs, these accounts are updated for lens product use as reported from file VMF001. In particular, activity accounts from VMF001 will have on-hands reduced by the amount reported as used from VMF001, and the "Used" quantity will be increased by the amount reported as used. For example, the usage amount provided in the VMF001 file is subtracted from the on-hand quantity in database VMF002 476. If on-hand <0, the on-hand value is set to zero. Once the verification is complete and no errors are reported, the process continues to evaluate the inventory and generate an alert or order for accounts with on-hand inventory levels below the reorder point, ie XX = ZZ, according to ECP preference. Or call the program VMR002, which automatically generates a reorder for diagnostic lenses, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, program VMR002 478 is executed to analyze the tracked inventory levels for VMF002 and each ECP. As a result of this process, an automatic order creation process is performed, which generates one or more files EDF001A, which is an order header maintenance file for ordering with each PDA by PDA, as shown in FIG. 2 and on-hand inventory. Verifying that the level was correctly written only for ECP accounts that were below the reorder time threshold (ie, XX <= XX); Generate file EDF002A, an order detail maintenance file for ordering with a PDA, and verify that the EDF002A detail is correctly written only for accounts with an on-hand inventory level <= reorder point threshold.

In particular, in FIG. 9, program VRM002 478 reads VMF002 until the end of file (EOF) and determines if on-hand inventory level < = reorder time threshold as shown in step 312 in FIG. If this criterion is met, the process chains to the EDF00LA file (Figure 2) by account number and location. If the EDF001A file does not exist, the account number, location, EDI serial number (= 0), order type (= 'S'), order origin (= 'P'), and who ordered (for example = 'PDA' / 'FAX) An EDF001A file header file containing ') is created. Once the EDF001A fields are filled in, the fields of EDF002A are filled out, including the ECP account number, location, EDI serial number = 0, unit of measure, and order quantity (eg, minimum quantity). Finally, as another result of this processing, the next inventory tracking values are also updated in the master inventory file VMF002 as described herein with respect to steps 125-127 of FIG. 3 (b) for each ECP account. As part of this VMR002 process 478, if the on-hand inventory level is not below the reorder point threshold, the on-hand inventory level for the ECP indicates that some inventory levels are low and that the customer or ECP initiates the reorder. It may be compared against a second "warning" threshold "WW" to inform the desire. That is, as shown in step 314 of FIG. 8, program VMR002 478 also reads VMF002 and determines if on-hand inventory level <= warning threshold level (i.e., XX <= WW) and if so, FIG. Initiate a warning message to the ECP user as indicated at step 320 of 9. If not, the process continues to step 302 to wait for the next order.

5 (b) shows an example of a PDA screen display 400 of a local ECP showing a snapshot of the on-hand inventory levels of the ECP for avenues and diagnostic lenses. As shown, when PDA 16 selects an inventory tracking function that implements the provided software for ECP use, menu option 403 for reviewing inventory by product family; An option 406 for reviewing inventory by SKU number; An option 410 for reviewing inventory by product type; And menu options including option 412 to review the entire inventory. Preferably, when viewing a snapshot of the entire inventory as shown in FIG. 5 (b), for each type of lens, bar chart markers 415 representing the physical quantity on hand; Markers 420 indicating the dispensed quantity; And markers 425 are provided that represent logical quantities required to meet expected demand or use. As shown in FIG. 5B, an indication 430 is shown indicating that an order has been placed for the diagnostic lenses. In addition, as a result of the warning threshold comparisons, the low inventory warning indication 435 has markers 440 indicating the lenses and possible quantities to reorder for lens products remaining in stock as an example shown in the display.

In another embodiment, triggers may be implemented that automatically order lens products for individual customers. For example, after providing a lens supply, for example a 90-day supply to a particular customer, the number of days by the ECP and / or order entry system so that an order for a new supply can be automatically generated for this particular patient. It may be tracked. Thus, rather than the ECP having to enter an order, a trigger may be built into the ECP PDA software that tracks the number of days that have elapsed since the customer has made a particular supply. After the preset time has elapsed, the ECP may automatically be notified that the patient's inventory may be depleted to the point where a new lens order must be created, or to allow a specific patient to automatically receive a new lens shipment. Orders are created and fulfilled automatically in the manner described.

Returning back to Figures 5 (b) and 8, another portion of the dynamic inventory tracking process is the first order request as a result of the determination that the stock level is low in step 312, or as dashed line 319 in Figure 8. As a result of receiving, step 318 automatically generates orders from the order maintenance file into EDI order interface files. Accordingly, in a next step 318, process VMR003 (as shown in FIG. 2) is executed to generate orders from EDF001A and EDF002A. Preferably, at the specified time, for example daily, program VMR003 executes to generate orders with the activity of the day. In particular, the VMR003 reads the EDF001A file until it reaches EOF and chains it by account number, location and EDI serial number to the EDF001 file. If not present, fields from the order header generated EDF001A are moved to EDF001 and written to EDF001. The program then sets up and reads EDF001A about them until no account number, location, and EDI serial number are found. If found, fields from EDF002A are moved to EDF002 and the EDF002 file is written. This is a loop process and continues until it reaches EOF in EDF001A. Upon successful program completion, EDF001A and EDF002A are cleared. As also shown in FIG. 2, in step 49, a program VMR004 is executed to generate an invoice summary request using the VMF004 EDI file format in which a request is generated and put into a fax queue. This request is a confirmation by the ECP to inform the ECP of the quantity ordered and the date of delivery.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the details disclosed, on the contrary, alternatives and modifications that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. And equivalents.

Claims (34)

In a dynamic inventory tracking and management system, A server device that provides access to a database for storing lens product information, the lens product information comprising inventory containing types and quantities of lens products kept in stock at various locations responsible for lens preparation to customers. The server device comprising data, the manufactured lens products including packages having a readable display for directly indicating lens product information or for referring to associated lens product information contained in a database; A device provided at each location, comprising: scanning indicia provided on packages of lens products dispensed to customers at each location, the lens product type identifier and quantity dispensed for each lens product type associated with the location; The device for obtaining inventory tracking information; A mechanism for allowing the scanned inventory tracking information obtained at the respective locations to communicate directly with the database server via a communication network; A mechanism for tracking each inventory maintained at the various locations based on the scanned inventory tracking information, wherein the tracking mechanism is configured to calculate the quantity of lens products dispensed at each location for each lens product type at each location. And a tracking mechanism that updates to a quantity maintained at inventory levels and reports inventory level information of the updated stock lens product for use at each location. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for directly communicating with the database server to enter information includes a wired connection to the communication network. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises one in a group comprising a public switched telephone network, a public internet, and a dedicated internet. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an order entry infrastructure that provides lens product ordering and fulfillment functions at the various locations, wherein the scanning device provided at each location is placed in the updated stock lens product inventory reported at the location. Enable entry of lens product order information based on the order information, which can be communicated directly to the order entry infrastructure via the communication network. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a mechanism to authenticate the location before receiving inventory tracking information delivered directly from the device at one location. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the tracking mechanism includes a mechanism for comparing an updated inventory level maintained at one location against a pre-selected lens order threshold for specified lens product types, wherein the mechanism is at one location. And automatically initiates order creation for delivery to the order entry infrastructure for automatic lens supply dissemination for specific lens products of the system. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the tracking mechanism includes a mechanism for comparing an updated inventory level maintained at one location against a pre-selected lens order threshold for specified lens product types, the mechanism being located at the location. And automatically generate a communication message for said location indicating a low inventory of said particular lens products. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the scanning device provided at each location enables entry of lens product reorder information for specific customers, wherein the customer reorder information can be communicated directly to the order entry infrastructure via the communications network. , Dynamic inventory tracking and management system. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the provided scanning indications further comprise an indication associated with reordering information for a particular customer, wherein the scanning device provided at each location also provides for transmission of associated reordering information when reordering lenses for the customers. A dynamic inventory tracking and management system for scanning the marks. The method of claim 4, wherein the lens product types to be traced comprise one or more of the group comprising diagnostic lenses for trial wear of a particular patient that leave the test patient's identity anonymous but trackable via the test patient identification code. Dynamic inventory tracking and management system. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the lens product types to be tracked are one or more of a group comprising of lens lenses kept in stock and doctor controlled patient delivery Avenue (DCPD) lenses administered by a doctor and delivered to a patient. Including, dynamic inventory tracking and management system. The device of claim 4, wherein the device provided at each location for scanning indicia provided on packages of lens products dispensed to customers comprises a mechanism for storing the scanned lens product information for ordering and inventory tracking purposes; The system periodically notifies the database server of the stored information at the respective locations via the communication network. The system of claim 1, wherein the lens product information stored in the database server comprises one or more of a group comprising a lens product code, lot number, stock keeping unit (SKU), and quantity and lens parameters. system. The dynamic inventory tracking and management system of claim 1, wherein the scanning device is a portable unit. In a method for dynamically tracking inventory of lens products, a) storing lens product information in memory including inventory data including types and quantities of lens products held in stock at various locations responsible for lens preparation to customers, wherein the manufactured lens products are lenses Said storage step comprising packages with a readable indication directly indicating product information; b) scanning indicia provided on packages of lens products dispensed to customers at each location to obtain inventory tracking information, including lens product type identifiers and quantities for each packaged lens associated with the location; step; c) forwarding the scanned inventory tracking information obtained at the respective locations directly to the database server via a communication network; d) tracking each inventory maintained at the various locations based on the scanned inventory tracking information by updating the quantity of lens products being formulated to the quantity maintained at the inventory levels for each lens product type; Reporting inventory level information of the updated stock lens product for use at each location. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said directing step b) further comprises enabling wired data transfer to enter information directly into the database. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein lens order information is input based on inventory of the updated stock lens product reported at the location, and the order is provided to provide lens product ordering and fulfillment functionality at the various locations. Delivering information directly to the order entry infrastructure via the communication network. 18. The method according to claim 17, comprising prior to step c) authenticating said location before receiving inventory tracking information delivered directly from said device at a location. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the inventory tracking step d) comprises: comparing the updated inventory level maintained at one location against a first predetermined lens order threshold for specified lens product types; And automatically initiating the creation of an order to enable automatic lens supply dissemination for specific lens products at one location. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of tracking inventory comprises: comparing the updated inventory level maintained in one location against a second predetermined lens order threshold for specified lens product types; And automatically generating a communication message for the location indicating a low inventory for specific lens products at a location. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the lens product types to be tracked comprise one or more of the group comprising diagnostic lenses for trial wear of a particular patient, the method based on customizable business rules set up at each location. Automatically replenishing the diagnostic lenses, whereby a predetermined number of diagnostic lenses are automatically delivered to the location when a low level threshold meets the business rule criteria of the location. How to track inventory of dynamic lens products. 18. The dynamic lens product inventory of claim 17, further comprising inputting lens product reorder information for specific customers, and directly transmitting the customer reorder information to the order entry infrastructure via the communications network. Tracking method. The method of claim 22, wherein the provided scanning indication further comprises an indication associated with reordering information for a particular customer, wherein the scanning step scans the indication for transmission of associated reordering information when reordering lenses for the customers. Further comprising the step of: dynamic lens product inventory tracking method. 24. The dynamic lens product inventory of claim 23, wherein scanned lens product information is stored for ordering and inventory tracking purposes, and periodically notifying the database server via the communication network of the scanned information obtained at each of the locations. Tracking method. A machine-readable device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions that can be executed by a machine to perform method steps for dynamically tracking inventory of lens products, wherein the steps of the method are: a) storing lens product information in memory including inventory data including types and quantities of lens products held in stock at various locations responsible for lens preparation to customers, wherein the manufactured lens products are lenses Said storage step comprising packages with a readable indication directly indicating product information; b) scanning the indicia provided on the packages of lens products dispensed to customers at each location to obtain inventory tracking information including each lens product type identifier and quantity associated with and dispensed with the location; c) forwarding the scanned inventory tracking information obtained at the respective locations directly to the database server via a communication network; And d) tracking each inventory maintained at the various locations based on the scanned inventory tracking information by updating the quantity of lens products being formulated to the quantity maintained at the inventory levels for each lens product type; Reporting stock level information of an updated stock lens product for use at each location. 27. The machine readable device of claim 25, wherein b) directly transferring further comprises enabling wired data transfer to directly enter information into the database. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein lens product ordering information can be entered based on inventory of the updated stock lens product reported at the location and the order to provide lens product ordering and fulfillment functionality at the various locations. Delivering information directly to the order entry infrastructure via the communication network. 26. The machine readable device of claim 25 comprising prior to step c) authenticating the location prior to receiving inventory tracking information delivered directly from the device at a location. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the inventory tracking step d) comprises: comparing the updated inventory level maintained at one location against a first predetermined lens order threshold for specified lens product types; And automatically initiating the creation of an order to enable automatic lens supply dissemination for specific lens products at a location. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein inventory tracking step d) comprises: comparing the updated inventory level maintained at one location against a second predetermined lens order threshold for specified lens product types; And automatically generating a communication message for the location indicating a low inventory for specific lens products at a location. 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the lens product types to be tracked comprise one or more of a group comprising diagnostic lenses for trial wear of a particular patient, the method based on the customizable business rules set up at each location. And automatically replenishing the diagnostic lenses, whereby when the low level threshold meets the business rule criteria of the location, a predetermined number of diagnostic lenses are automatically delivered to the location. Readable device. 28. The machine readable device of claim 27, further comprising inputting lens product reorder information for specific customers, and communicating the customer reorder information directly to the order entry infrastructure via the communications network. . 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the provided scanning indication further comprises an indication associated with reordering information for a particular customer, wherein the scanning step scans the indication for transmission of associated reordering information when reordering lenses for the customers. The machine readable device further comprising the step of: 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising storing scanned lens product information for order or inventory tracking purposes, And periodically notify the database server of the scanned information obtained at the respective locations via the communication network.

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