GB2419973A

GB2419973A - A stocktaking system

Info

Publication number: GB2419973A
Application number: GB0424430A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Davies
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-05
Filing date: 2004-11-05
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Also published as: GB0424430D0

Abstract

Apparatus for use in a stocktaking procedure comprising a computer processor, computer memory a set of weighing scales, input means, and in a stocktaking procedure using this apparatus, containers are weighed using the scales and the weights stored in the computer memory and the containers are identified using the input means, preferably a barcode reader, and for each weighed container consulting a database to determine the full or empty bottle weight and price and using these data in association with the current weight to estimate a value for the container, wherein preferably the database is downloaded to the computer memory from a central computer server via the Internet.

Description

M&C P53285GB 24 1 9973 Stocktaking Method and Apparatus The present

invention relates to a stocktaking method and apparatus and in particular, though not necessarily, to a method and apparatus suitable for performing stocktaking in a bar, restaurant, or similar location where drinks are dispensed as measures taken from a bottle or container.

En most premises where drinks are dispensed as measures taken from a bottle, regular stocktaking must be performed in order to monitor current stock levels (and therefore prompt re-orders from suppliers if necessary), to monitor profitability, and to prevent fraud. Stocktaking involves estimating the value of stock currently held on the premises and comparing this to the stock value measured at the previous stocktaking, taking into account the financial takings and the stock purchased since that previous stocktaking. For drinks which are sold as whole bottles or cans, stocktaking is relatively easy to perform and merely involves counting the number of full bottles held.

However, for drinks which are dispensed as measures from a bottle, e.g. wines, spirits, and liqueurs, stocktaking involves a relatively laborious process of estimating the value of the contents remaining in each bottle. Not only is this operation prone to error, it is also open to abuse as an employee performing the stocktaking is able to enter into the stocktaking records an incorrect entry (typically an overestimate of the value of the contents) and, if confronted, can argue that the error was due to a genuine mistake.

There is a desire in the drinks industry to reduce the effort involved in performing a stocktaking operation whilst at the same time maintaining or increasing the accuracy with which the operation is performed.

There is described in WO 01/57480 a number of methods and apparatus for measuring the volume of contents in bottles of "liquor". In particular, this document describes an electronic scale with a weight sensor which is arranged to calculate the volume of liquid in a bottle based on a formula which uses as an input the weight of the empty bottle. The document describe the use of pre-calculated charts and tables for various brands of liquor bottles and which are stored in a memory of the scale.

M&C P53285GB WO 99/36751 describes a method of inventorying liquor stock using a weigh scale and a computer. The method requires the separation of the inventory into liquor bottles of different categories. Bottles within the same category are weighed, and an approximate value determined by multiplying the weight of the bottles in a given category by an approximate cost per unit weight.

The known semi-automated methods for performing stocktaking suffer from a number of disadvantages. Not least among these is an inability to maintain up-to-date lists of basic data required to perform the stocktaking operations.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a stocktaking system comprising a computer processor with associated memory and a set of weigh scales, the method comprising: coupling the computer processor to a central computer server via the Internet; downloading from said computer server to the electronic processor a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights; storing the downloaded database in said computer memory; storing a stock cost list in said computer memory; measuring and recording the weights of containers placed on the scales, and receiving and storing respective container identities input by a user; and for each container, determining the empty or full bottle weight and price from the stored data, and estimating from this information a value for the contents of the container.

The method of the invention is not limited by the order in which the method steps are listed, and these steps may be carried out in any appropriate order.

The stock cost list may be input into the computer memory by a user, using a user interface coupled to the computer processor. Alternatively, the cost list may be downloaded from the central computer server.

The computer processor and memory may be provided by a client computer or PC which is coupled to the Internet, and having an interface for coupling to said scales.

M&C P53285GB The method may comprise collecting container weights and identities using the scales, and then uploading this data to the computer or PC where the data is processed to generate a stock list and stock value.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the computer processor and memory are integrated into the scales. Said database may be downloaded directly to the scales from the Internet via an appropriate interface, or via an intermediate computer.

Preferably, the method comprises storing in said database or in a separate data table, a dispenser or "optics" weight for each container. In said step of estimating a value for the contents of a container, the dispenser weight is subtracted from the measured container weight. The dispenser weights may be input into the computer memory by a user via a user interface to the computer processor or scales.

Alternatively, these may be downloaded from the Internet.

Said step of receiving and storing respective container identities may comprise using a barcode reader, coupled to the scales and/or the computer processor, to read a barcode label provided on a container. The barcode comprises an identifier which uniquely identifies the container and its contents, and which provides a look-up index to said database.

The method may also comprise storing the number of full bottles into the computer memory with respecting identifiers, and determining a value for each container using the stored cost list.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for performing a stocktaking procedure on a collection of partially full containers, the apparatus comprising: a computer processor having an interface for coupling the processor to the Internet; first memory means associated with the processor; a set of weigh scales; M&C P53285GB second memory means associated with the processor and having stored thereon a program or programs for causing the processor to download from the Internet a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights, to store the database in said first memory together with a container price list, to upload from the scales, measured container weights and identities, and, for each weighed container, to estimate from this uploaded information and the other stored data a value for the contents of the container.

The computer processor and first an second memories may be integrated into the weigh scales, or provided in a standalone computer or PC. In the latter case, both the scales and the computer will comprise respective communication interfaces to allow communication between them. These may be for example USB, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc interfaces.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a stocktaking system comprising a computer processor with associated memory and a set of weigh scales, the method comprising: storing in said computer memory a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights; storing a stock cost list in said computer memory; measuring and recording the weights of containers placed on the scales, and receiving and storing respective container identities read from the containers using a barcode reader; and for each container, using the read identity to determine the empty or full bottle weight and price from the stored data, and estimating from this information a value for the contents of the container.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for performing a stocktaking procedure on a collection of partially full containers, the apparatus comprising: a computer processor; first memory means associated with the processor; a set of weigh scales; M&C P53285GB a barcode reader coupled to the scales or to the computer processor; and second memory means associated with the processor and having stored thereon a program or programs for causing the processor to store in said first memory a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights, to upload from the scales, measured container weights and identities read using said barcode reader, and, for each weighed container, to estimate from this uploaded information and the other stored data a value for the contents of the container.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of maintaining stocktaking apparatus provided at a plurality of remote locations, the method comprising: providing at each remote location a computer storage medium and a set of weigh scales: providing at a central location a computer server having a memory storing thereon a database containing container identities and respective empty and/or full container weights; and periodically downloading said database from the computer server to each said computer storage medium via the Internet.

In one embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, operators of premises at each remote location purchase subscriptions to the centrally stored database, to allow them to access the database.

For a better understanding of the present invention and in order to show how the same may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a stocktaking system including a set of electronic weigh scales and a personal computer; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of the system of Figure l;and Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of a modified stocktaking system featuring additional functionality.

M&C P53285GB A typical premises at which a stocktaking operation is performed may comprise several different points of sale and storage for beverage containers from which liquids including wines and spirits are dispensed. Any stocktaking system must therefore have a degree of portability to allow the necessary apparatus to be carried from one location to another. It is necessary that any portable equipment be relatively sturdy as it is likely to experience relatively rough handling.

Figure 1 illustrates a stocktaking system comprising a set of portable electronic scales which can be carried between locations at which stocktaking operations are to be performed. A suitable electronic scale is that marketed by MetIer Toledo under the brand name "XP". Such scales have a means for interfacing the scales to computer equipment, e.g. via a USB, RS232, or BluetoothTM interface. The scales have a control panel for the input of user data and instructions, and an internal memory for storing data, as well as a display for displaying measured weights and user prompts. The scales also have attached to them a barcode scanner which is able to scan barcode labels on containers. The barcode scanner is activated by the user pressing a trigger on the scanner, and the read barcode data is sent to a processor of the scales. A memory of the scales is used to store read identity data as well as container weights as will be described below.

The system comprises a personal computer which may be standard computer.

However, a special software application is run on the computer as will be described below. The computer has an interface for coupling it to the Internet, e.g. a cable modem or dial-up modem. This computer is provided at the premises at which the stocktaking is to be performed, so that it can be easily coupled to the weigh scales. Via the Internet, the computer is able to access a web server which is operated and maintained by a stocktaking system service provider.

The web server comprises a memory on which is stored a container database.

This contains an entry for every possible item which a bar or restaurant may stock, the data being collected from manufacturers, wholesalers, and/or distributors. Each database entry comprises at least: M&C P53285GB * A unique product identity (in terms of product type, volume, and container).

These identities are also printed in barcode form on containers or container labels.

* An empty container weight (excluding a lid).

* A liquid content density (weight per unit volume).

* A product name, e.g. "Smiths: whisky: 1 litre".

* A quantity of full (unopened) containers.

* Dispenser type.

In order to initialise the stocktaking system prior to first use, a user at the premises at which a stocktaking is to be performed must first implement a set up procedure. The user powers-up the scales and presses a set up button on the scales to enter this mode. The display on the scales requests that the user enter dispenser (i.e. pourer or optics) details. This involves the user placing each container dispenser used at the premises, in turn on the scales, accepting a displayed weight, and entering a unique identifier for the dispenser. Once this task is completed the scales holds a dispenser list including dispenser weights. The user is then requested to scan a sample container of a first product held in stock. Once this has been done, the scales request that the user enter the identity of the dispenser used for this product. The process is repeated for a sample of the next product, and so on until samples of all products in stock have been scanned and their dispensers identified. At the end of this process, the memory of the scales holds a stock list and respective dispenser identities, as well as a dispenser list with respective dispenser weights.

The user then connects the scales to the personal computer, and opens a proprietary stocktaking application on the computer. The application uploads the data stored in the scales' memory to a memory of the computer, and initiates a database download procedure from the web server via the Internet. The personal computer sends to the web server the stock list, and the web server extracts from its database the entry for each product in the list. The extracted data is then downloaded to the personal computer where it is stored in memory. For each entry, the downloaded data is supplemented with the identity of the dispenser used for that product. The user is then prompted to enter a unit volume cost for each product. This might be for example 1.50 M&C P53285GB per 25m1. The cost is stored together with the database entry. This completes the set up procedure.

When a stocktaking operation is to be performed, the user carries the scales to a first location at which the operation is to be performed. He initiates the scales via the user interface and selects a stocktaking mode. This may involve entering the first stocktaking location (e.g. upstairs bar, downstairs bar, stockroom, etc). The user is requested by a message on the display to scan the barcode of a first partially filled container, and then to place the container on the scales. The user accepts the displayed weight, and is requested to scan and weigh the next container. The user may then scan a full container, and enter the number of full units (to avoid repetition). This process is repeated for each container, and for each location. The user then carries the scales to the personal computer, and connects the two together. Using the proprietary application running on the computer, the user causes the recorded data to be uploaded from the scales to a memory of the computer. The application then requests that the user enter for each stocked product a number of unopened containers held in stock. The computer then automatically implements a valuation routine. This involves: 1. for each weighed container, using the read identity as a look-up to the stock list database stored at the computer; 2. determining from the database the empty bottle weight for that container, the dispenser weight, the density, and cost per unit volume; 3. applying the formula container value = (measured weight empty bottle weight - dispenser weight)/weight per unit volume x cost per unit volume.

For each stocked product, the application then calculates a total product value using the combined opened container values and combined unopened container values (the value of a full container having been previously recorded by the application or being calculated on the basis of a knowledge of the total number of units in a full container). The user is then able to inspect a stock list with a value for each product. A total stock value may also be computed and displayed.

M&C P53285GB The functionality of this system may be extended in many ways. For example, rather than creating the stock list by scanning a sample of each product stocked, the stock list may be created by importing data from some inventorying application. Data stored on the two systems can be regularly synchronised to keep the stock list up to date (with downloads from the web server being carried out as and when appropriate).

Alternatively, the stock list may be created by the user manually inputting product data.

The stock taking application may incorporate product ordering functionality. This may be particularly desirable where the web server is operated by a product distributor, in which case orders may be sent to the web server via the Internet.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating certain key steps in the stocktaking procedure, whilst Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment which assumes that additional processing functionality is incorporated into the scales.

The stock list determined during the set up procedure is downloaded into a memory of the scales prior to performing a stocktaking. The user is then prompted to scan the opened containers for each product category. The user is able to add and delete stock as appropriate using the user interface of the scales. Password security is utilised to control access to this and certain other functionality.

The owner or operator of a premises is likely to add new products to and discontinue old products from his stock at fairly regular intervals. In order to update the locally held database in the case of added products, the user merely re-enters the set up routine on the scales, and scans the barcode of a container and selects the dispenser type. The application on the computer is opened, and the new data uploaded. The computer then connects to the web server, and downloads the database entry for the new product. The locally held database is updated accordingly. The application gives the user the option to delete products no longer stocked.

In a particularly preferred implementation of the invention, the stock taking system described above may be arranged to interface with an Electronic Point Of Sale (EPOS) application running of the PC. An example of such an EPOS application is that supplied by UniwellTM. The PC is attached to a local area network within the premises, with each sales till also being attached to the network. Financial transaction data is M&C P53285GB collected by the EPOS application from the various sales tills. The EPOS application maintains a current stock list database. Each product entry comprises at least the

following fields:

* product identity (corresponding to the barcoded identity on product containers); * cost per unit volume/per container; * current quantity (number of full containers and unit measures); * product value; and * total till takings for product (since last stock taking).

Conventional EPOS systems allow proprietors to enter for each product the result of a manual stock taking procedure. The proprietor may enter for example data into the quantity field for each product, with the system then evaluating the total value for that product. For each product, the value can be reconciled with the previously determined value minus the takings for that product. The calculation must of course take into account recently purchased stock.

The stock taking application running on the PC feeds stock quantity results (uploaded from the scales) directly into the EPOS database using the read barcode identities. For each product, the stock taking application identifies the relevant product field in the EPOS database, and updates the current quantity field. In this implementations, the value calculations are performed entirely by the EPOS application.

It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in view of the relatively large memory storage capacities of modern computers and the high bandwidth Internet connections available, users may download the entire product database from the web server, rather than extracts therefrom. A local stock list can be built at the personal computer.

Claims

M&C P53285GB CLAIMS: I. A method of operating a stocktaking system

comprising a computer processor with associated memory and a set of weigh scales, the method comprising: coupling the computer processor to a central computer server via the Internet; downloading from said computer server to the electronic processor a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights; storing downloaded data in said computer memory; storing a stock cost list in said computer memory; measuring and recording the weights of containers placed on the scales, and receiving and storing respective container identities input by a user; and for each container, determining the empty or full bottle weight and price from the stored data, and estimating from this information and the recorded weights a value for the contents of the container.
2. A method according to claim 1, and comprising enabling user input of the cost list into the computer memory, using a user interface coupled to the computer processor.
3. A method according to claim 2 and comprising downloading the cost list from the central computer server.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer processor and memory are provided by a client computer which is coupled to the Internet, and having an interface for coupling to said scales.
5. A method according to claim 4 and comprising collecting container weights and identities using the scales, and then uploading this data to the computer where the data is processed to generate a stock list and stock value.
6. A method according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the computer processor and memory are integrated into the scales, and said database is downloaded directly to the scales from the Internet via an appropriate interface, or via an intermediate computer.

II

M&C P53285GB
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising storing in said database or in a separate data table, a dispenser or "optics" weight for each Container.
8. A method according to claim 7, said step of estimating a value for the contents of a container comprising subtracting the dispenser weight from the measured container weight.
9. A method according to claim 8, the dispenser weights being input into the computer memory by a user via a user interface to the computer processor or scales.
10. A method according to claim 8 and comprising downloading the dispenser weights from the web server via the Internet.
11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, said step of receiving and storing respective container identities comprising using a barcode reader, coupled to the scales and/or the computer processor, to read a barcode label provided on a container, the barcode comprising an identifier which uniquely identifies the product type of the container, and which provides a look-up index to said database.
12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising storing the number of full bottles into the computer memory with respecting identifiers, and determining a value for each container using the stored cost list.
13. Apparatus for performing a stocktaking procedure on a collection of partially full containers, the apparatus comprising: a computer processor having an interface for coupling the processor to the Internet; first memory means associated with the processor; a set of weigh scales; second memory means associated with the processor and having stored thereon a program or programs for causing the processor to download from the Internet a database M&C P53285GB comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights, to store downloaded data in said first memory together with a container price list, to upload from the scales, measured container weights and identities, and, for each weighed container, to estimate from this uploaded information and the other stored data a value for the contents of the container.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, the computer processor and first an second memories being integrated into the weigh scales, or provided in a standalone computer or PC.
15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, said second memory having stored thereon a program for implementing an Electronic Point Of Sale application which is arranged to communicate with one or more sales tills to collect financial transaction data therefrom.
16. A method of operating a stocktaking system comprising a computer processor with associated memory and a set of weigh scales, the method comprising: storing in said computer memory a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights; storing a stock cost list in said computer memory; measuring and recording the weights of containers placed on the scales, and receiving and storing respective container identities read from the containers using a barcode reader; and for each container, using the read identity to determine the empty or full bottle weight and price from the stored data, and estimating from this information a value for the contents of the container.
17. Apparatus for performing a stocktaking procedure on a collection of partially full containers, the apparatus comprising: a computer processor; first memory means associated with the processor; a set of weigh scales; a barcode reader coupled to the scales or to the computer processor; and M&C P53285GB second memory means associated with the processor and having stored thereon a program for causing the processor to store in said first memory a database comprising container identifiers and respective empty or full container weights, to upload from the scales, measured container weights and identities read using said barcode reader, and, for each weighed container, to estimate from this uploaded information and the other stored data a value for the contents of the container.
18. A method of maintaining stocktaking apparatus provided at a plurality of remote locations, the method comprising: providing at each remote location a computer storage medium and a set of weigh scales: providing at a central location a computer server having a memory storing thereon a database containing container identities and respective empty and/or full container weights; and periodically downloading said database from the computer server to each said computer storage medium via the Internet.
19. A method according to claim 18, operators of premises at each remote location purchasing subscriptions to the centrally stored database, to allow them to access the database.