MXPA06007980A - Process for monitoring production of compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a process for monitoring production of a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint and a monitoring device used therein. The process includes:(A) identifying one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of the target composition, the formula providing a required inventory for making a desired amount of the target composition;(B) generating a current inventory;(C) comparing the current inventory against the required inventory to match the current inventory with the required inventory;(D) generating a supplementary inventory if the current inventory partially matches with the required inventory;(E) dispensing required items listed in the required inventory from current items listed in the current inventory, supplementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition;and (F) generating an updated inventory. The process can be also used to control the inventory by shipping just in time any components required to produce target compositions, such as refinish tints used in automotive refinish paints.

Description

PROCESS TO MONITOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOSITIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to monitor the production of compositions and more particularly is directed to monitor cans of paint and paints contained in them during their life cycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION During the production of compositions, such as automotive paints, various components are mixed in a certain desired proportion to produce a composition. For example, paint shop users visually match the required color to a color reference plate from a color reference plate manual supplied by Du Pont Company, Wilmington, Delaware, which also provides the manufacturer's paint code . Alternatively, paint shops can use a software tool called Vindicator® locator software supplied by DuPont Company to locate the manufacturer's paint code / VIN number, and then move it to a DuPont formula code. However, these paint codes still need to be matched to a color formula. Once the formula that is matched to the paint code was found, the components in amounts listed Ref. 173500 in the formula are manually poured into a receiving container placed on an autonomous scale. Typically, none of the data is maintained for future use and no inventory of the distributed components is maintained. ' Some workshops use semi-auto-assisted distribution systems, such as a distributor connected to the ColorNet® PC distribution system supplied by YADA Systems, Roseville, Minnesota. The user manually weighs the component quantities in accordance with a formula. The quantities of the distributed components are registered in a database. If the distributed quantities are above an acceptable tolerance present, the distribution system can recalculate the component quantities to bring the batch back to an acceptable tolerance level. Records of the quantities of the distributed components can be stored or printed for future reference. Alternatively, some paint shops use X-PertlR Paint Mixing System supplied by YADA Systems, Roseville, Minnesota connected to the ColorNet® PC distribution system. The X-Pert ^ System suggests the user to load a receiver, such as a paint can, into a receiving device. The controller manipulates the device to distribute the correct amount of component. When this component has been distributed, the next component is loaded into the device. The process is then repeated until all the components listed in the formula are distributed. The resulting data is saved for later use. A major problem associated with the above systems is that these systems do not control the quality or types of components used in the production of an objective composition. When there is no monitoring of the distributed components used to make the objective composition, it is possible in current processes to use inferior quality component or a wrong component. As a result, it is not possible in current processes to produce objective compositions of predictable quality desired. The process of the present invention and the device used herein undertakes the above emission as well as providing means to monitor the life cycle of the components, from the day they are produced by their manufacturer to the day they are distributed by the user . An object tracking and control system described in U.S. Patent 6,600,418 B2 uses radio frequency identification (RFID) markings to identify and move objects during the manufacturing process. However, there is still a need to monitor the production of compositions of desired quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a monitoring device comprising: (A) a storage medium usable by a client computer located in a client computer, and a storage medium usable by a central computer located in a central computer in communication with the client computer; and (B) means for distributing the articles required to make a desired amount of the objective composition, the distribution means are in communication with the computer -client, the central computer, or the client and central computer, where the storage medium computer-usable client, means of storage usable by central computer, or storage media usable by computer client and storage media usable by central computer have means of computer-readable program code residing in this to monitor the production of a composition In the objective, the computer readable program code means comprise: (I) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or host computer to identify one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the computer. objective composition, Formula provides an inventory required to make the desired amount of the target composition; (II) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or central computer to generate a current inventory; (III) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or central computer to compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (IV) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or central computer to generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory; (V) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or central computer to distribute through the means of distribution the required items listed in the required inventory of current items listed in the current inventory, items complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the objective composition; and (VI) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or central computer to generate an updated inventory. The present invention is also directed to a process for monitoring the production of an objective composition comprising: (A) identifying one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the target composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the objective composition; (B) generate a current inventory; (C) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (D) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory; (E) distributing the required items listed in the inventory required of the current items listed in the current inventory, supplementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; and (F) generate an updated inventory. The present invention is further directed to a process for monitoring the production of an objective composition comprising: (A) introducing criteria for identifying the target composition in a client computer or in a central computer in communication with the client computer; (B) search for a first database that resides on the client computer or central computer to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria; (C) search for a second database that resides on the client computer or host computer for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) generate a current inventory; . (E) store the current inventory on the client computer or central computer; (F) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (G) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored on the client computer or on the central computer; (H) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplemental inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (I) generate an updated inventory; and (J) store the updated inventory on the client computer or central computer. The present invention is still further directed to a process for monitoring the production of an objective composition comprising: (A) receiving the criteria for identifying the target composition from a client computer in communication with a central computer; (B) search a first database to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria, the first database resides in the central computer; (C) search for a second database that resides in. the central computer for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) receive a current inventory from the client computer; (E) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (F) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored on the client computer or the central computer; (G) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (H) generate an updated inventory; and (I) store the updated inventory on the client computer or on the central computer. The present invention is further directed to a process for monitoring the production of an objective composition comprising: (A) receiving the criteria for identifying the target composition from a client computer in communication with a central computer; (B) search a first database to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria, the first database resides in the central computer; (C) search a second database residing in the central computer for one or more formulas associated with the characteristics, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired quantity of the objective composition; (D) receive a current inventory from the client computer; (E) send the formulas to the client computer; (F) receive an updated inventory from the client computer; and (G) store the updated inventory in the central computer. The present invention is also directed to a monitoring device comprising: (A) a computer-usable storage medium located on a computer; and (B) means for distributing the articles required to make a desired amount of the objective composition, the distribution means are in communication with the computer; wherein the computer-usable storage means has computer-readable program code means residing thereon to monitor the production of an objective composition, the computer-readable program code means comprise: (I) means for configuring the devices of computer readable program code to cause the computer to identify one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the target composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make the desired amount of the target composition; (II) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to generate a current inventory; (III) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to compare the current inventory against the required inventory to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (IV) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory; (V) means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to distribute through the distribution means the required items listed in the required inventory of current items listed in the current inventory, supplementary items listed in the complementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; and (VI) means for configuring the readable program code devices by computer to cause the computer to generate an updated inventory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 broadly illustrates one of the embodiments of the device of the present invention, Figure 2 broadly illustrates the distribution means used in the device of Figure 1. Figures 3A and 3B depict a flow chart which broadly illustrates the computer readable program code means used in the device of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 provides additional details of means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause a computer , client or a central computer generates a current inventory shown in Figure 3A Figure 5 provides additional details of means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer or the central computer to generate an updated inventory shown in Figure 3B, Figure 6 represents a day flow chart further illustrating computer readable program code means used in the device of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 7 broadly illustrates other embodiments of the device of the present invention. Figures 8A and 8B depict a flow chart that broadly illustrates the computer readable program code means used in the device of the present invention illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 9 provides additional details of means for configuring the code devices of computer readable program to cause a standalone computer to generate a current inventory shown in the figure 8A. Figure 10 provides additional details of means for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to generate an updated inventory shown in Figure 8B. Figure 11 depicts a flow chart further illustrating computer readable program code means used in the device of the present invention illustrated in Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Compositions, such as paints, automotive used in OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or repainted application, are typically prepared by mixing required articles in quantities listed in one or more formulas. The required items are distributed from current items in current inventory, such as one or more parent compositions that equal an objective composition, the objective components listed in the formulas, or a combination thereof. Sometimes, the current inventory may not have enough of the master compositions required to make a desired amount of the objective composition, or an objective component listed in the formula may disappear in the current inventory, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, complementary items of complementary inventory may be required to augment the current inventory so that the required items can be distributed to make the desired amount of the target composition. It should be understood that the term "composition" as used herein refers to compositions that include liquid components; solid components, such as powders, granules, or pellets that can be transported through conventional transportation means, such as pneumatic conveyors; or a mixture of liquid and solid components. Typical objective compositions that can be produced by a device and the process of the present invention include automotive OEM paints, automotive refinish paints, architectural paints, industrial coating compositions, fragrances, dyes, printing inks, jet inks, ink, lubricants, - cements, nail varnishes, flavors, food dyes, eye shadows, deodorants, shampoos, hair conditioners, adhesives, perfumes, waterproofing, manicure wall repair kits, catalyst mixtures, pharmaceutical drugs, food additives, polymer blends, reagent mixtures; mixtures of food products, such as ready-to-use soups, cake mixes, spice mixtures, coffee blends, ice cream mixes; or some products to the point of sale consumer. The present invention provides a device and a process used herein to monitor the production of such compositions and more particularly address the monitoring of paint cans and paints contained therein during their life cycle. The Figure 1 illustrates the broader aspects of the preferred embodiment of a monitoring device 1 of the present invention. The device 1 includes a client computer 10 and a central computer 12 in communication with the client computer 10 via a conventional communication link 14, such as a modem, internet, local area network, or a wireless communication system. A storage medium usable by conventional client computer 16 is located in and is in communication with the client computer 10 and a storage medium usable by conventional central computer 18 is located and is in communication with the central computer 12. If desired, the means 16 and 18 may be outside the client computer 10 and host 12, respectively. The client computer 10 is preferably provided with a conventional keyboard / monitor 20 and a conventional printer 22. The client computer 10 and host 12 can be any known computer / processor such as those supplied by Dell Computer Corporation, Round Rock, Texas or IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York that can be configured to execute conventional computer program codes. It should be understood that the client computer 10 and central computer 12 can be located anywhere, such as for example the computer 10 can be located in a country, such as the United States, or another state and the central computer 12 can be located in another country, such as Canada, or another state. Alternatively, the central computer 12 can be located in a country, such as the United States, or another state and the client computer 10 can be located in another country, such as Canada, or another state. It should be further understood that the central computer 12 may be in communication with the plurality of client computers 10. - - The device 1 additionally includes distribution means 24, "the details of which are provided in Figure 2. The storage means 34, such as shelves, can be used to store the current stock 26, indicated by a box of dotted lines, which typically contain one or more containers of mother composition 26A and one or more containers of mother component 26B. it may be increased with a complementary existence 28, indicated by dotted line, which typically contains additional quantities of stock compositions stored in additional mother composition containers 28A and any of the missing parent components contained in the containers of missing parent component 28B. than the mother compositions, additional amounts of the mother compositions, mother components or any of the missing mother components may also be conducted to the device 1, when required, from a storage area. It should be understood that the various containers described above may be arranged in any other way, if desired, when the physical positioning of such containers is not critical. The existence information in the containers can be provided through trademarks. of identification such as, information of mother composition in identification marks of mother composition 30A fixed to containers of composition .Mother 26A, information of mother component in identification marks of mother components 30B fixed to containers of mother component 26B, composition information additional mother in additional mother composition identification marks 34A affixed to containers of additional mother composition 28A and missing parent component information in missing mother component identification marks 34B attached to vessels of missing mother component 28B. The marks described above can be bar code marks, conventional RFID tags, or a combination thereof where the bar code can be printed on top of the RFID tags so that the information contained in the tag can be read either with the barcode reader or conventional RFID interrogator. The RFID brand system is preferred. A basic RFID system typically includes an interrogator that includes a coil or interrogator antenna, and a transceiver (with decoder); and 'a transponder provided with a coil or transponder antenna (RFID mark), wherein the transponder is electronically programmed with unique information. The interrogator antenna emits radio signals to activate the mark and read and write data to it. The antennas are the conduits between the brand and the transceiver, which controls the acquisition and communication of system data. Antennas, which are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be constructed in a structure to receive brand data from articles that pass or are placed near the structure. Frequently, the interrogator (also known as the reader), which is packaged with the interrogator antenna and the transceiver / decoder can be configured as either a portable device or a fixed mount. The interrogator emits radio waves at intervals anywhere from a few millimeters to 30 meters or more, depending on its power output and the radio frequency used. When an RFID tag passes through or near the electromagnetic zone, it detects the interrogator activation signal. The interrogator decodes the encoded data in the integrated circuit of the mark (silicon plate) and the data is passed to the central computer for processing. RFID brands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are classified as either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery 'typically read / written, that is, brand data can be rewritten and / or modified. A brand memory size. active varies according to the application requirements; some systems operate with up to 1 MB of memory. In a typical read / write RFID work process system, a brand can transmit a set of instructions to a machine, and the machine could then report its operation to the brand. This coded data could then become part of the history of the marked part. The energy-supplied by battery of an active brand generally produces a longer reading interval. The transaction is larger, higher cost, and limited operational life (which can produce a maximum of 10 years, depending on operating temperatures and battery type). Typical RFID tags and method of producing them are described in U.S. Patent RE37,956E, which is incorporated herein by reference. In contrast, passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source and obtain the operating power generated from the interrogator. Passive marks are therefore much lighter than active brands, less expensive, and offer a virtually unlimited lifetime of operational life. The transaction is the one that has shorter reading intervals than active brands and requires a higher power interrogator. RFID systems suitable for use in the present intention preferably operate at frequencies ranging from 125 KHz to 2.45 GHz. The significant advantage of all types of RFID systems is the contactless, non-visual nature of the technology. The marks can be read through a variety of substances such as dust, embedded dirt and other visually and environmentally challenging conditions, where bar codes or other optically-reading technologies could be useless. RFID tags can also be read in challenging circumstances at remarkable speeds, in most cases responding in less than 100 milliseconds. The read / write capability of an active RFID system is also a significant advantage in interactive applications of the process of the present invention. One or more conventional interrogators 32A and 32B can be used to read the master composition information, mother component information, additional master composition information, and missing mother component information.

Some of the typical bar code readers include Maxiscan 2210 supplied by Intermec Technologies Corporation of Everett, Washington or. MC9000-G supplied by Symbol Technologies of Holtsville, New York and some of the typical RFID interrogators include Model 915 or 2450 supplied by Alien Technology Corporation of Morgan Hill, California; Fasttrack LRP or HMS models supplied by Escort Memory Systems of Scotts Valley, California; and Models MP9111, MP9112, MP9210, MP9320, and 13.56 all supplied by Samsys Technologies, Inc. of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Some of the typical combinations of bar code reader / RFID integrators include Model 1555 supplied by Intermec Technologies Corporation of Everett, Washington; o Model HHR supplied by Matrics, Inc. of Columbia, Maryland. When the containers described above are made of metal or metal alloy, such as steel, the RFID marks are preferably placed on an insulated substrate, such as paper, plastic film, or a resinous coating, such as a painted surface, for Isolate the RFID marks from metal containers. It is contemplated that RFID tags, including branded antennas, may be directly printed on the above-described containers using conductive inkjet ink printing process or conductive ink developed, for example, by Carclo PLC of Wakefield, UK.

The composition information in mother composition identification marks 30A fixed to containers of mother composition 26A, information of mother component in identification marks of mother components 30B fixed to containers of mother component 26B, information of additional mother composition in identification marks of additional mother composition 34A fixed to vessels of additional mother composition 28A and missing mother component information on missing mother component identification marks 34B attached to vessels of missing mother component 28B. One or more conventional interrogators 32A and 32B can be used to read the master composition information, mother component information, additional master composition information, and missing mother component information. The information of mother composition in mother composition identification marks 30A can include identity of the mother composition, compositional structure of the mother composition, amount of the mother composition contained in the mother composition container, price of the mother composition contained in the container of mother composition, serial number of the mother composition vessel, place of manufacture of the mother composition, location of the mother composition vessel, date of manufacture of the mother composition, expiration date of the mother composition, information on the toxicity of the composition mother, MSDS of the mother composition, manufacturer of the mother composition and contact information thereof; or a combination thereof. The mother component information in mother component identification marks 30B may include the identity of the mother component, compositional composition of the mother component, quantity of the mother component contained in the mother component container, - price of the mother component contained in the mother component container. mother component, place of manufacture of the mother component, location of the mother component container, date of manufacture of the mother component, serial number of the mother component container, expiration date of the mother component, toxicity information of the mother component, MSDS of the component mother, manufacturer of the mother component and contact information; or a combination thereof. The additional mother composition information in additional mother composition identification marks 34A may include - the identity of the additional mother composition, compositional structure of the additional mother composition, amount of the additional stock composition contained in the additional stock container, price of the additional stock composition contained in the additional stock container, place of manufacture of the additional stock, location of the additional stock container, manufacture of the additional master composition, serial number of the additional masterbatch, expiration date of the additional master composition, toxicity information of the additional mother composition, MSDS of the composition - additional mother, manufacturer of the additional mother composition and contact information of the same; or a combination thereof. If it is contemplated that the additional master compositions may be the same as the master compositions or may be one or more additional master compositions that are matched on the basis of the present criteria. The mother component information absent in absent mother component identification marks 34B may include the identity of the missing mother component, compositional composition of the missing mother component, quantity of the missing mother component contained in the missing mother component container, price of the missing mother component. contained in the absent mother component container, place of manufacture of the missing mother component, location of the absent mother component container, serial number of the missing mother component container, date of manufacture of the missing mother component, expiration date of the missing mother component , information of toxicity of the missing mother component, MSDS of the missing mother component, manufacturer, of the missing mother component and contact information of the same; or a combination thereof. The present invention contemplates adding one or more missing parent components to any of the mother compositions that do not match the formulas associated with the identified features so that such modified master compositions may then be used-as objective compositions. - • - I ", In one of the embodiments," the distribution means 24 additionally include conventional means of transportation, such as tubes or pipes, to transport the contents of the containers 26A, 26B, 28A and 28B via conventional distributor nozzles respective 26AA, 26BB, 28AA and 28BB to a target composition receiver 38 identified, which is provided with an objective composition identification mark 39, which can be read or written by an identification interrogator 41, which is similar to some described before. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a single dispensing nozzle, instead of the plurality of nozzles mentioned above, may be employed to transport the contents from the various containers described above to the receiver 38. A type of dispensing apparatus suitable for use herein invention is described in the PCT application having the International Publication Number WO 03/084653A1.

The distributor nozzles 26AA, 26BB, 28AA and 28BB are in communication with the client computer 10 ', so that the opening and closing of the distributor nozzles 26AA, 26BB, 28AA and 28BB can be controlled by the client computer 10' in accordance with the formula. It should be noted that the amount of distributed contents of the current existence 26 and / or complementary existence 28 can be controlled on a volumetric or preferably gravity basis. To control the content distributed in the volumetric base, the distributor nozzles 26AA, 26BB, 28AA and 28BB may be provided with conventional means for determining the volume of items distributed. Alternatively, or in conjunction therewith, the distribution means 24 can be provided with means 40 for weighing the required articles distributed in the identified target composition receiver 38. The means 40 typically includes a conventional scale 40, such as Model KB60sx supplied by Mettler-Toledo Incorporated of Columbus, Ohio or Model SC2CCE-SX supplied by Sartorius AG of Göettingen, Germany, in which receiver 38 can be placed. Typically, the means 40 includes means 42 for generating a signal at the completion of the distribution of the required items in accordance with the required inventory and then transmitting the signal to the client computer 10 t via means 43 for transmitting the signal to the client. The means 43 can be configured to transmit the signal to the central computer 12 (shown in Figure 1), or to the client computer 10 'and central computer 12. Alternatively or in combination thereof, it is contemplated that one will be able to manually read the quantities of the distributed items displayed on a scale and then manually entering the data on the client computer 10 '. It is further contemplated that once the distribution process is completed, one can, using identification interrogator 41, write and / or print to the target composition identification mark 39 a target composition information that includes the identity of the composition target, compositional structure of the target composition, amount of the target composition contained in the target composition content receiver 38, price of the target composition contained in the target composition content receiver 38, place of manufacture of the target composition, location of the target composition content receptor 38, date of manufacture of the target composition, receiver composition target content number 38, expiration date of the target composition, toxicity information of the target composition, MSDS of the target composition , manufacturer of the target composition and inform contacting the same; or a combination thereof. The interrogator 41 can be a bar code label printer / RFID writer, such as Easycoder F2 or F4 supplied by Inter ec Technologies Corporation if Everett, Washington or Model R-140 or R-402 supplied by Vernon Zebra Technologies International Hills, Illinois. To allow the user to produce the target composition closest to the client's place of business, it is contemplated that the device 1 may be constructed as a transportable device in which the relevant portions of the device 1 are installed in a van or trailer that may be be driven to the customer's business location where the target composition can then be produced. In the device 1 the storage medium usable by client computer 16, means of storage usable by central computer 18, or both have computer readable program code means 15 loaded in these to monitor the production of an objective composition, which they can write using conventional programming software, such as C ++ Builder, Version 5 or Delphi, Version 6, both supplied by Borland Corporation located in Scotts Valley, California. The details of the computer readable program code 15, shown in Figures 3A and 3B, include: Means 50 for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer 10 or host 12 to identify one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of. For the objective composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make the desired amount of the target composition. For example, the 'criteria for identifying the target composition in the form of an automotive paint may include one or more of a manufacturer's name, make, model, year of production, color name, paint code, reference information cross, proposed use, VIN number, or spectrophotometric data of a vehicle or its color. The identification criteria can be manually entered by the user into the client computer 10 or they can reside in an identifying mark of identification criteria, such as RFID mark or bar code mark placed on a vehicle or a reference plate color 'supplied by a manufacturer, in this case the user can then use a conventional identification interrogator to read and enter the identification criteria directly from the mark on the client computer 10. It is understood that for some other uses, such as compositions of architectural cladding, other types of identification criteria, such as a name of manufacturer, year of production, color name, paint code, cross reference information, proposed use, or spectrophotometric data of a wall or its color, may be employees-. The characteristics associated with the identification criteria typically include, for example, color characteristics, such as conventional color data L, a, b or spectral data; the volatile organic content (VOC); pH of aqueous compositions; appearance characteristics, such as changing tone of metallic paint compositions; coefficient of friction; and viscosity. The required inventory, which is based on the formula, includes information on the required articles such as (a) one or more compositions that match the characteristics and amounts thereof required to make the desired amount of the objective composition; (b) target components and amounts thereof listed in the formula that are required to make the desired amount of the objective composition; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Means 52 for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer 10 or host computer 12 to generate a current inventory, which includes information about current items, such as (a) one or more mother compositions that match the characteristics and amounts thereof required to make the desired amount of the objective composition; (b) parent target components and amounts thereof listed in the formula that are required to make the desired amount of the target composition; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Current inventory typically refers to items that can be easily distributed by device 1 prior to the distribution of the required items listed in the required inventory, and could include current existence 26 and complementary existence 28. Current inventory is then entered on the client computer 10 before the required items are distributed by distribution means 24. If there were no changes, such as recharging - any of the mother components or stock compositions emptied or removal of such articles from the storage means 34, it may not be necessary to rent the current inventory since there was no change during the previous distribution cycle. As shown in Figure 4, the means 52 also includes means 53 configured to cause the client computer 10 or host 12 to receive (a) the 'parent composition information in 30A mother composition identification marks read by one or more Identification Mark Interrogators 32?, (b) the mother component information in identification marks of mother components 30B read by identification mark interrogators 32A, (c) the additional mother composition information in additional mother composition identification marks 34A read by brand interrogators of identification 32B, and (d) missing mother component information in missing mother component identification marks 34B read by 32B identification mark interrogators. Means 54 for configuring the readable program code devices by computer to cause the client computer 10 or central computer 12 to compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory. Accordingly, if one or more components listed in the formula are absent or if less than the desired amount of the master compositions is available in the current inventory it could be clear that the current inventory fails to satisfy the required inventory. Means 56 for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer 10 or host 12 to generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory. The supplementary inventory includes information on (a) additional amounts of the master compositions required to produce the desired amount of the objective composition, (b) any of the missing parent components that match the objective components listed in the formula in sufficient quantities required to produce the desired amount of the target composition, or (c) a combination of "(a) and (b) As a result, the manufacturer or supplier of the parent composition, or parent components has inventory in real time up to the date of these items and then you can easily re-supply these items based on the up-to-date available information of the stored inventory, which the manufacturer or supplier can obtain by entering the current and complementary inventories that reside on the client computer 10 or central computer 12. - Media 58 for configuring the readable program code devices by com computer to cause the client computer 10 or central computer 12 to distribute through distribution means the required items listed in the required inventory of current items listed in the current inventory, supplementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination of them to make the desired amount of the target composition. Means 60 for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer 10 or central computer 12 to generate an updated inventory. As shown in Figure 5, the means 60 comprises means 62 for configuring the computer readable program code devices "" to cause the client computer 10 or central computer 12 (a) to deduce from the current inventory the distributed quantities of the mother composition, the mother components, or a combination thereof to generate an adjusted current inventory; (b) deduct from the supplementary inventory the additional distributed amounts of the parent composition, distributed amounts of the parent or missing components, or a combination thereof, to generate an adjusted complementary inventory; and (c) add the adjusted current inventory and the adjusted complementary inventory. The aforementioned sum then becomes the updated inventory. It should be noted that the updated inventory 5 could then become the inventory stored in the subsequent distribution cycle. The computer readable program code 15, shown in FIG. 6, additionally includes: means 64 for configuring the devices of 0 computer readable program code to cause the client computer 10 or host computer 12 to search for a first database for identify one or more features associated with the criteria for identifying the target composition; and 5 means 66 for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the client computer 10 or host computer 12 to search for a second database to identify one or more of the formulas associated with the features. The first database can be stored in the client computer 10 and the second database can be stored in the central computer 12. Alternatively, the first and the second database can both be stored in the central computer 12 in communication with the client computer 10, or the first and the second database can both be stored, on the computer, client 10. The present invention also addresses a process for monitoring the production of the target composition. All the terms described in the following process are the same as those described above. In its broadest aspect the process includes: (A) identifying one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the target composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (B) generate a current inventory; (C) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to match the current inventory with the required inventory; (D) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially equals the required inventory; (E) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; and (F) generate an updated inventory. The above step (E) is performed by means of distribution 24 of the device 1. The above process also includes: (a) searching a first database to identify one or more features associated with the identification criteria of the target composition; and (b) search a second database to identify one or more of the formulas associated with the characteristics. The formula is preferably a color formula. Step (D) in the above process includes: (a) reading with one or more identification mark interrogators 32B: (i) additional mother composition information on additional mother composition identification marks 34A fixed to the mother composition containers additional 28A containing the parent composition, (ii) absent mother component information in missing mother component identification markings 34B attached to the missing mother component 28B containers, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); And (b) store the complementary inventory. Step (F) in the above process includes: (a) deducting from the current inventory the distributed amounts of the parent composition, the parent components, or a combination thereof to generate an adjusted current inventory; (b) deduct from the supplementary inventory the additional amounts distributed from the mother composition-, distributed amounts of the missing mother components, or a combination thereof, to generate an adjusted complementary inventory; and (c) add the adjusted current inventory and the adjusted complementary inventory. In the above process, the updated inventory can be stored in the client computer, in the central computer, or in the client computer and the central computer and the items required in the required inventory are distributed in the identified target composition receiver 38. The The above process may additionally include supplying some or all of the required items required to increase the updated inventory. As a result, most or all of all items may be made available during subsequent use. It is further contemplated that the updated inventory may be stored in a storage identification mark 34A attached to the storage means 34, which may be updated each time the device 1 distributes the required items required to make the target composition. It is understood that the storage identification mark 3 A may be the conventional RFID mark described above, bar code mark or a combination thereof. Another embodiment of the process of the present invention includes: (A) entering criteria for identifying the target composition in the client computer 10 or in the central computer 12 in communication with the client computer 10; (B) searching for a first database that resides on the client computer 10 or on the host computer 12 to identify one or more features associated with the identification criteria; (C) searching for a second database residing on the client computer 10 or on the central computer 12 for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) generate a current inventory; (E) storing the current inventory in the client computer 10 or in the central computer 12; (F) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (G) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored on the client computer or the central computer; (H) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplemental inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (I) generate an updated inventory; and (J) store the updated inventory on the client computer or central computer. In the above process the second database, the stored inventory and the updated inventory can be stored in the central computer 12. The previous stage (H) is performed by means of distribution 24 of the device 1. Another mode of the present process invention includes: (A) receiving the identification criteria of the target composition from the client computer 10 in communication with the central computer 12; (B) search a first database to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria the first database resides in the central computer 12; (C) searching a second database residing on the client computer 12 for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) receiving a current inventory from the client computer 10; (E) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (F) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored in the client computer 10 or in the central computer 12; (G) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (H) generate an updated inventory; and (I) storing the updated inventory in the client computer 10 or in the central computer 12. The previous stage (G) is performed by means of distribution 24 of the device 1. Still another embodiment of the process of the present invention includes: (A) ) receiving the criteria for identifying the target composition from the client computer 10 in communication with the central computer 12; (B) search a first database to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria, the first database resides in the central computer 12; (C) searching a second database residing in the central computer 12 for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) receiving a current inventory from the client computer 10; (E) sending the formulas to the client computer 10; (G) "receiving from the client computer 10 an updated inventory, and (H) storing the updated inventory at the central computer 12. The above embodiments of the process may also include supplying some or all of the required items required to increase the updated inventory. As a result, most or all of the items may be made available during subsequent use.The present invention is also directed to a storage medium usable by portable computer, such as a CD-Ro having the program code means. computer-readable described above 15 stored therein Applicants also contemplate another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 7 illustrating the broader aspects of a monitoring device 2 of the present invention, which includes a stand-alone computer 10"that has usable 16 'storage medium located in this. The computer 10"can be provided with a conventional keyboard / monitor 20 'and a conventional printer 22' The client computer 10" can be any conventional computer / processor such as those supplied by Dell Computer Corporation, Round Rock, Texas or IBM - Corporation, Armonk, New York that can be configured to read conventional computer program codes. The device 2 includes distribution means 24 ', which are the same as the means 24 described above in Figure 2. The computer programmable code 15' could be similar to the computer programmable code 15 described above, except that all the information generated during the process is stored in the stand-alone computer 10. "The relevant aspects of the device 2, as shown in figures 7, 8A and 8B include: (A) a storage medium usable by computer 16 'located in a computer 10"; and (B) means 24 'for distributing the items required to make a desired amount of the target composition, the distribution means 24' are in communication with the computer; wherein the computer-usable storage medium 16 'has computer readable program code means 15' residing thereon to monitor the production of an objective composition, the computer readable program code means 15 'comprises: (I ) Means 50 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to identify one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the target composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make the desired amount of the composition objective. (II) Means 52 'for configuring the readable program code devices, by computer to originate that - the computer generates a current inventory. As shown in Figure 8A and Figure 9, means 15 'of code means 15' includes means 53 'for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause computer 10"to receive composition information. mother in identification marks of • 30A mother composition read by one or more identification mark interrogators 32A, (b) mother component information on 30B mother component identification marks read by 32A identification mark interrogators, (c) additional mother composition information on brands additional mother composition identification 34B read by identification mark interrogators 32B, and (d) missing mother component information in missing mother component identification marks 34B read by the identification mark interrogators 32B. (III) Means 54 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to compare the current inventory against the required inventory to find out if the current inventory satisfies the inventory required. (IV) Means 56 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory. (V) Means 58 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to distribute through the distribution means the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition. (VI) Finally, means 60 'for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause the computer to generate an updated inventory. As shown in Figure 8B and Figure 10, the media means 60 'of code 15' includes means 62 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer 10"(a) to deduce from the current inventory the distributed quantities of the mother composition, the mother components, or a combination thereof to generate a current adjusted inventory; (b) deduct from the supplementary inventory the additional distributed amounts of the parent composition, distributed amounts of the missing parent components, or a combination thereof, to generate an adjusted complementary inventory; and (c) add the adjusted current inventory and the adjusted complementary inventory. As shown in Figure 11, the computer readable program code means 15 'of the device 2 also includes: (a) means 64' for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer 10 to "search" a first database for identifying one or more features associated with the identification criteria of the target composition, and (b) means 66 'for configuring the computer readable program code devices to cause the computer 10 to "search for a Second database to identify one or more formulas associated with the characteristics. The process and device of the present invention aids in the elimination of the poor quality substitution distribution of components listed in the formula, thereby preventing the production of sub-standard compositions. The integrity of the quality of the composition can be maintained by identifying each container of mother composition or mother component with a unique identification number, which can be stored by a component manufacturer as soon as the contents in those containers are produced (arrives). to be part of the stored inventory). As a result, the manufacturer can generate and maintain the complete information, including the amount contained in the containers. When the contents in the container are consumed, an updated inventory can be transmitted to the manufacturer allowing the manufacturer to enter the client computer 10 or central computer 12, which can be alternatively operated by the manufacturer. The updated inventory then becomes the current inventory in the subsequent distribution cycle as long as the user, such as a collision repair shop, does not make unauthorized additions or deletions to the current inventory. Accordingly, the process of the present invention helps in ensuring the product quality of the composition. Additionally, since the manufacturer is aware of which component has been used, the manufacturer can automatically increase the user with those components emptied without any formal request from the user, thereby reducing the time required to supply the components consumed by the user. In addition, the manufacturer can also help the user in reducing their inventory by supplying the components, almost on time when they are used. In addition, the manufacturer can also bill the customer on a "basis when used" for the cost of only the components or composition currently consumed. As a result, the user's ordinary cost can be reduced. Finally, by using a transportable mode of the device of the present invention, the manufacturer will be able to produce the S at the user's place of business, thereby further reducing the user's need to maintain an extensive and expensive inventory. In relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (45)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following claims are claimed as property: 1. Process for monitoring the production of an objective composition, characterized in that it comprises: (A) identifying one or more formulas associated with the identification criteria of the objective composition, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired quantity of the objective composition; (B) generate a current inventory; (C) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (D) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory; (E) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; and (F) generate an updated inventory. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: (a) searching a first database to identify one or more features associated with the identification criteria of the target composition; and (b) searching for a second data base to identify one or more of the formulas associated with the features 3. Process according to claim 2, characterized in that the formula is a color formula. claim 3, characterized in that the first database resides in a client computer and the second database resides in a central computer in communication with the client computer, the first and second database reside in the central computer in communication with the client computer. the client computer, or the first and second databases reside in the client computer 5. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the identification criteria comprise one or more of a name of the manufacturer, make, model, year of production, color name, paint code, cross-reference information, proposed use, VIN number, or spectrophotometric data of a vehicle oo its color 6. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the items required in the required inventory comprise: (a) one or more compositions that match the characteristics and amounts thereof required to make the desired amount of composition ob ective; (b) target components and amounts thereof listed in the formula that are required to make the desired amount of the objective composition; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the current items in the current inventory comprise: (a) one or more master compositions that match the characteristics and amounts thereof required to make the desired amount of the target composition; (b) parent target components and amounts thereof listed in the formula that are required to make the desired amount of the target composition; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 8. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that step (B) comprises: (a) reading with one or more identification mark interrogators: (i) information of mother composition in identification marks of mother composition fixed to the containers of mother composition containing the parent composition, (ii) mother component information in identification marks of mother components affixed to the mother component containers that match the target components, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b) store the current inventory. 9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the current inventory is stored in a client computer, in a central computer in communication. - with the client computer, or in the client computer and the central computer. 10. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the stored inventory is stored in a client computer, in a central computer in communication with the client computer, or in the client computer and the central computer. Process according to claim 10, characterized in that the complementary items in the complementary inventory comprise: (a) additional quantities of the master compositions required to produce the desired amount of the objective composition, (b) any of the missing parent components that equals the objective components listed in the formula in sufficient quantities required to produce the desired amount of the objective composition, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b) .__ 12. Process in accordance with the claim 11, characterized in that step (D) comprises: (a) reading with one or more identification mark interrogators: (i) additional mother composition information in identification marks of additional mother composition fixed to the containers of additional mother composition which contain the parent composition, (ii) mother component information absent in absent mother component identification markings affixed to the missing mother component containers, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b). store the complementary inventory. 13. Process in accordance with the claim 12, characterized in that the complementary inventory is stored in the client computer, in the central computer, or in the client computer and the central computer. 14. Process in accordance with the claim 13, characterized in that stage (F) comprises: (a) deducting from the current inventory the distributed quantities of the parent composition, the parent components, or a "combination thereof to generate an adjusted current inventory; (b) deduct from the inventory complementary the distributed additional quantities of the mother composition, distributed quantities of the missing mother components, or a combination thereof, to generate an adjusted complementary inventory, and (c) add the adjusted current inventory and the adjusted complementary inventory. according to claim 14, characterized in that the updated inventory is stored in the client computer, in the central computer, or in the client computer and the central computer 16. Process according to claim 1 or 15, characterized in that The items required from the inventory are distributed in a receiver of identified objective composition. Process in accordance with the claim 16, characterized in that it comprises supplying some or all of the articles required to increase the updated inventory. 18. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the information of mother composition comprises: (a) identity of the mother composition, compositional structure of the mother composition, amount of the mother composition contained in the composition vessel 5 mother, price of the - mother composition contained in the mother composition vessel, serial number of the mother composition vessel, place of manufacture of the mother composition, location of the mother composition vessel, date of manufacture of the mother composition, date 10 expiration of the mother composition, toxicity information of the mother composition, MSDS of the mother composition, _ - manufacturer of the mother composition and contact information thereof; or a combination thereof; and where the mother component information 15 comprises: (b) identity of the mother component, compositional structure of the mother component, quantity of the mother component contained in the mother component container, price of the mother component contained in the mother component container, place of manufacture of the mother component, location of the mother component container, date of manufacture of the mother component, serial number of the mother component container, expiration date of the mother component, toxicity information of the mother component, MSDS of the mother component, manufacturer of the mother component and contact information of the same; or a combination thereof. 19. Process according to claim 12, characterized in that the additional mother composition information comprises: (a) identity of the additional mother composition, compositional structure of the additional mother composition, amount of the additional mother composition contained in the container -of additional mother composition, price of the additional mother composition contained in the additional mother composition vessel, place of manufacture of the additional mother composition, location of the additional mother composition vessel, date of manufacture of the additional mother composition, number of Additional mother composition vessel series, expiration date of the additional mother composition, toxicity information of the additional mother composition, MSDS of the additional mother composition, manufacturer of the additional mother composition and contact information thereof; or a combination thereof; and 'where the missing mother component information comprises: (b) identity of the missing mother component, co-positional structure of the missing mother component, quantity of the missing mother component contained in the missing mother component container, price of the missing mother component contained in the absent mother component container, place of manufacture of the missing mother component, location of the absent mother component container, serial number of the missing mother component container, date of manufacture of the missing mother component, expiration date of the missing mother component, information of toxicity- of the missing mother component, MSDS of the missing mother component, manufacturer of the missing mother component and contact information of the same; or a combination thereof. Process according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the identification mark is an RFID mark, "a bar code mark or a combination thereof." 21. Process according to the claim 20, characterized in that the identification mark interrogator is an RFID mark interrogator. 22. Process in accordance with the claim 21, characterized in that the identification mark is a passive or active RFID mark. 23. Process in accordance with the claim 22, characterized in that the passive or active RFID tag is placed on an isolated substrate. 24. Process according to claim 5, characterized in that the identification criteria reside in an identifying mark of identification criteria placed on the vehicle or a color reference plate. Process according to claim 24, characterized in that the identifying mark of identification criteria is an RFID mark, a bar code mark or a combination thereof. Process according to claim 16, characterized in that the identified target composition receptor is provided with a target composition identification mark. 27. Process according to claim 26, characterized in that the target composition identification mark is an RFID mark, a bar code mark or a combination thereof. 28. Process in accordance with the claim 27, characterized in that it comprises writing to the target composition identification mark an objective composition information comprising the identity of the objective composition, compositional structure of the objective composition, amount of the objective composition contained in the content content receptor -objective , price of the target composition contained in the target composition content receptor, place of manufacture of the target composition, location of the target composition content recipient, date of manufacture of the target composition, serial number of the composition content recipient target, expiration date of the target composition, toxicity information of the target composition, MSDS of the target composition, manufacturer of the target composition and contact information thereof; or a combination thereof. 29. Process in accordance with the claim 28, characterized in that the target composition information is written to the target composition identification mark with the identification mark interrogator. 30. Process in accordance with the claim 29, characterized in that the identification mark interrogator is an RFID interrogator or a bar code interrogator. 31. Process according to claim 14, characterized in that the updated inventory is stored in a storage identification mark. 32. Process according to claim 31, characterized in that the storage identification mark is an RFID mark, a bar code mark or a combination thereof. 33. Process according to claim 32, characterized in that it comprises writing the updated inventory to the storage identification mark. 34. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the containers of mother composition, the containers of mother component, or a combination thereof are placed in one or more shelves of existence of a device to monitor the production of the objective composition. 35. Process according to claim 12, characterized in that the containers of additional mother composition, the containers of missing mother component, or a combination thereof are placed in one or more shelves of stock of a device to monitor the production of the objective composition. 36. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the target composition is an OEM automotive paint, automotive refinish paint, architectural paint, industrial coating composition, fragrance, dye, printing ink, inkjet ink, lubricant , cement, nail varnish, flavor, food coloring, eye shadow, deodorant, shampoo, hair conditioner, adhesive, perfume, waterproofing, manicure wall repair kit, catalyst mix, pharmaceutical drug, food additive, mix polymers, mixture of reagents; mixtures of food products; or a product to the point-of-sale consumer. 37. Process for monitoring the production of an objective composition, characterized in that it comprises: (A) introducing criteria for identifying the target composition in a client computer or in a central computer in communication with the client computer; (B) search for a first database that resides on the client computer or central computer to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria; (C) searching for a second database that resides on the client computer or host computer for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) generate a current inventory; (E) store the current inventory on the client computer or central computer; (F) compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory meets the required inventory; (G) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored on the client computer or the central computer; (H) distributing the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplemental inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (I) generate an updated inventory; and (J) store the updated inventory on the client computer or central computer. 38. Process according to claim 37, characterized in that the second database is stored in the central computer. 39. Process in accordance with the claim 38, characterized in that the stored inventory is stored in the central computer. 40. Process in accordance with the claim 39, characterized in that the updated inventory is stored in the central computer. 41. Process according to claim 37 or 40, characterized in that it additionally comprises supplying some or all of the articles required to increase the updated inventory. 42. Process for monitoring the production of an objective composition, characterized in that it comprises: (A) receiving the criteria for identifying the target composition from a client computer in communication with a central computer; (B) search for a first data base to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria, the first database resides in the central computer; (C) search for a second database that resides on the client computer for one or more formulas associated with the features, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired amount of the target composition; (D) receive a current inventory from the client computer; (E) _ compare the current inventory against the inventory required to find out if the current inventory satisfies the required inventory; (F) generate a complementary inventory if the current inventory partially satisfies the required inventory where the complementary inventory is stored on the client computer or the central computer, (G) distribute the required items listed in the required inventory of the current items listed in the current inventory, complementary items listed in the supplementary inventory, or a combination thereof to make the desired amount of the target composition; (H) generate an updated inventory; and (I) store the updated inventory on the client computer or central computer 43. Process according to claim 42 , characterized in that it additionally comprises supplying some or all of the art asses required in inventory required to increase the updated inventory. 44. Process for monitoring the production of an objective composition, characterized in that it comprises: (A) receiving the identification criteria of the objective composition from a client computer in communication -with a central computer; (B) search a first database to identify one or more characteristics associated with the identification criteria, the first database resides in the central computer; (C) search a second database residing in the central computer for one or more formulas associated with the characteristics, the formula provides an inventory required to make a desired quantity of the objective composition; (D) receive a current inventory from the client computer; (E) send the formulas to the client computer; (F) receive an updated inventory from the client computer; and (G) store the updated inventory in the central computer. 45. Process according to claim 44, characterized in that it additionally comprises supplying some or all of the items required in the inventory required to increase the updated inventory.