U.S. patent application number 15/915410 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for system and method for perpetual inventory management.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to David B. Brightwell, Cristy C. Brooks, Greg A. Bryan, Jesse L. Eaton, Benjamin D. Enssle, Matthew A. Jones.
Application Number | 20180268356 15/915410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63520039 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180268356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bryan; Greg A. ; et
al. |
September 20, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERPETUAL INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Abstract
An analysis of the scans is performed to determine whether the
selected item was moved from the back room to the shelf, then
returned from the shelf to the back room. The analysis also
determines a re-bin time when the selected product was returned to
the back room. An adjustment to the PI is blocked when last PI
adjustment time is later than the re-bin time. An adjustment to the
PI is also blocked when an audit indicator is received at the
interface indicating that the retail store is under an audit. An
adjusted PI value is determined when the analysis indicates that
the selected item was moved from the back room to the shelf, then
returned from the shelf, the adjusted PI value being at least one
more than the shelf capacity value.
Inventors: |
Bryan; Greg A.; (Centerton,
AR) ; Brooks; Cristy C.; (Cassville, MO) ;
Brightwell; David B.; (Bentonville, AR) ; Enssle;
Benjamin D.; (Bella Vista, AR) ; Jones; Matthew
A.; (Bentonville, AR) ; Eaton; Jesse L.;
(Springdale, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63520039 |
Appl. No.: |
15/915410 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62471427 |
Mar 15, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/28 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A system that manages a perpetual inventory (PI) value of
products that are moved between a back room and a product display
unit of a retail store, the back room not being accessible to the
public, the system comprising: one or more sensors disposed in a
backroom of a retails store, the sensors configured to obtain scans
of the back room; a product display unit disposed in the retail
store; an automated vehicle that is configured to move a selected
product between the backroom and the product display unit; a
transceiver circuit disposed at the retail store and coupled to the
one or more sensors and the automated vehicle; a network coupled to
the transceiver circuit; an interface disposed at a central
processing center, coupled to the network, and configured to
receive from the retail store scans of the back room made by one or
more first sensors in the back room; a database disposed at a
central processing center and that is configured to store the
scans, a perpetual inventory (PI) value for a selected product, a
last PI adjustment time when the PI value was last adjusted, and a
product display capacity value, the product display capacity value
being an amount of the selected product capable of being stored on
the product display; a control circuit disposed at a central
processing center and that is coupled to the interface and the
database, the control circuit configured to: obtain the PI value,
the scans, and the product display capacity value from the
database; perform an analysis of the scans to determine whether the
selected item was moved from the back room to the product display
unit by the automated vehicle, then returned from the product
display unit by the automated vehicle, the analysis also
determining a re-bin time when the selected product was returned to
the back room; block an adjustment to the PI when last PI
adjustment time is later than the re-bin time; block an adjustment
to the PI when an audit indicator is received at the interface
indicating that the retail store is under an audit; determine an
adjusted PI value when the analysis indicates that the selected
item was moved from the back room to the product display unit by
the automated vehicle, then returned from the product display unit
by the automated vehicle, the adjusted PI value being at least one
more than the product display capacity value and based at least in
part upon adjusted PI values of the selected product in other
retail stores.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured
to transmit the adjusted PI value to the store via the network and
the interface.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface also receives
second scans from one or more second sensors disposed at the
product display unit.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control circuit also analyzes
the second scans to determine whether the selected item was moved
from the back room to the product display, then returned from the
product display.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the product display unit is a top
shelf that is not accessible to the public.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the re-bin time is confirmed with
a determination that no shipment of the item has been received at
the retail store.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit sends a
message to an employee of the retail store, the message advising
the removal of at least some of the selected product from the
retail store to another location.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit sends a
message to an employee of the retail store advising of the change
in the PI value.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the one or more
first sensors are cameras deployed on an automated vehicle.
10. A method for managing a perpetual inventory (PI) value of
products that are moved between a back room and a product display
unit of a retail store, the back room not being accessible to the
public, the method comprising: receiving at a central processing
center and from a retail store scans of the back room made by one
or more first sensors in the back room; storing at a database at
the central processing center the scans, a perpetual inventory (PI)
value for a selected product, a last PI adjustment time when the PI
value was last adjusted by the retail store, and a product display
capacity value, the product display capacity value being an amount
of the selected product capable of being stored at the product
display unit; obtaining the PI value, the scans, and the product
display capacity value from the database; performing an analysis of
the scans to determine whether the selected item was moved from the
back room to the product display unit by an automated vehicle, then
returned from the product display unit by the automated vehicle,
the analysis also determining a re-bin time when the selected
product was returned to the back room; blocking an adjustment to
the PI when last PI adjustment time is later than the re-bin time;
blocking an adjustment to the PI when an audit indicator is
received at the interface indicating that the retail store is under
an audit; determining an adjusted PI value when the analysis
indicates that the selected item was moved from the back room to
the product display unit by the automated vehicle, then returned
from the product display unit by the automated vehicle, the
adjusted PI value being at least one more than the product display
capacity value, the adjusted PI value also be based at least in
part upon adjusted PI values for the selected product in other
retail stores.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting the
adjusted PI value to the store via the interface.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving second
scans from one or more second sensors disposed at the product
display unit.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising analyzing the second
scans to determine whether the selected item was moved from the
back room to the product display unit, then returned from the
product display unit.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the product display unit is a
top shelf that is not accessible to the public.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the re-bin time is confirmed
with a determination that no shipment of the item has been received
at the retail store.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting a
message to an employee of the retail store, the message advising
the removal of at least some of the selected product from the
retail store to another location.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting a
message to an employee of the retail store advising of the change
in the PI value.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein at least some of the one or
more first sensors are cameras deployed on an automated vehicle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/471,427 filed Mar. 15, 2017, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to the management of
perpetual inventory values, and more particularly, to the
management of perpetual inventory values based upon back room
activity.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Stores utilize various measures to keep track of and manage
products. One such measure is the perpetual inventory (PI) value
associated with a product. In aspects, the PI value represents the
quantity of product in the store. The PI value typically changes
over time so as to accurately reflect the number of actual products
in the store. For instance, products are purchased by customers and
removed from the store affecting the PI value. Shipments arrive at
the store and include additional products also affecting the PI
value.
[0004] Sometimes the PI value does not accurately reflect the
correct number of products in the store. This can happen for a
variety of reasons including the mis-scanning products as the
products leave or depart the store, or other forms of human error.
If the PI value is incorrect, then various problems can develop.
For instance, shipments can be ordered at the wrong times and for
the wrong quantity of products.
[0005] Maintaining accurate PI values is complicated by the various
locations a product can be located in the store. In addition to the
retail shelf (where the customer has access to the product), a back
room may exist where shipments are stored. Products are moved to
the retail shelf as the retail shelf empties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and
methods pertaining to adjusting PI values. This description
includes drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for adjusting PI values in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an approach for adjusting PI values
in accordance with some embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another approach for adjusting PI
values in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Generally speaking, systems, apparatuses and methods are
provided that adjust the PI value of a selected product based upon
the movements of products between the back room and a shelf located
in a customer-accessible area of the store. The confidence level of
the accuracy of any PI adjustment is maximized because adjustments
to the PI are blocked under certain circumstances.
[0012] In aspects, a PI adjustment is made when it is determined
that the shelf is full. The amount of the adjustment is sufficient
to increase the PI value to be at least one more than the shelf
capacity.
[0013] In some of these embodiments, a system manages a perpetual
inventory (PI) value of products that are moved between a back room
and a shelf of a retail store. The back room is a storage area that
is not accessible to the public. The system includes an interface,
a database, and a control circuit. The shelf is located in an area
of the store accessible to customers (where customers are
permitted), and may be a top shelf that is not accessible to the
customer or a retail shelf that is accessible to the customer.
[0014] The interface is configured to receive from the retail store
scans of the back room made by one or more first sensors in the
back room. The interface is further configured to receive from the
retail store a perpetual inventory (PI) value for a selected
product. The interface is additionally configured to receive from
the retail store a last PI adjustment time when the PI value was
last adjusted by the retail store.
[0015] The database is configured to store the scans, the PI value,
and a shelf capacity value. The shelf capacity value is an amount
of the selected product capable of being stored on the shelf.
[0016] The control circuit is coupled to the interface and the
database and is configured to obtain the PI value, the scans, and
the shelf capacity value from the database. The control circuit is
also configured to perform an analysis of the scans to determine
whether the selected item was moved from the back room to the
shelf, then returned from the shelf. The analysis also determines a
re-bin time when the selected product was returned to the back room
from the shelf.
[0017] The control circuit is configured to block an adjustment to
the PI when last PI adjustment time is later than the re-bin time
and to block an adjustment to the PI when an audit indicator is
received at the interface indicating that the retail store is under
an audit.
[0018] The control circuit is configured to determine an adjusted
PI value when the analysis indicates that the selected item was
moved from the back room to the shelf, then returned from the
shelf. The adjusted PI value is at least one more than the shelf
capacity value.
[0019] In aspects, the control circuit is configured to transmit
the adjusted PI value to the store via the interface. In other
examples, the interface also receives second scans from one or more
second sensors disposed at the shelf. In other aspects, the control
circuit also analyzes the second scans to determine whether the
selected item was moved from the back room to the shelf, then
returned from the shelf.
[0020] In other examples, the re-bin time is confirmed. In aspects,
a determination that no shipment of the item has been received at
the retail store confirms that the item has been re-binned and the
re-bin time.
[0021] In some other examples, the control circuit sends a message
to an employee of the retail store, and the message advises the
removal of at least some of the selected product from the retail
store to another location. In other aspects, the control circuit
sends a message to an employee of the retail store advising of the
change in the PI value. In some examples, at least some of the
sensors are cameras deployed on an automated vehicle. In other
examples, the cameras are fixed in location.
[0022] In others of these embodiments, scans of the back room made
by one or more sensors in the back room are received from a retail
store. The back room is not accessible to the public. A perpetual
inventory (PI) value for a selected product is also received from
the retail store. Further, a last PI adjustment time when the PI
value was last adjusted by the retail store is received from the
retail store. The scans, the PI value, and a shelf capacity value
are stored in a database. The shelf capacity value is an amount of
the selected product capable of being stored on the shelf. The PI
value, the scans, and the shelf capacity value are obtained from
the database.
[0023] An analysis of the scans is performed to determine whether
the selected item was moved from the back room to the shelf, then
returned from the shelf to the back room. The analysis also
determines a re-bin time when the selected product was returned to
the back room. An adjustment to the PI is blocked when last PI
adjustment time is later than the re-bin time. An adjustment to the
PI is also blocked when an audit indicator is received at the
interface indicating that the retail store is under an audit. An
adjusted PI value is determined when the analysis indicates that
the selected item was moved from the back room to the shelf, then
returned from the shelf, the adjusted PI value being at least one
more than the shelf capacity value.
[0024] In still others of these embodiments a system manages a
perpetual inventory (PI) value of products that are moved between a
back room and a product display unit of a retail store. The back
room is an area that is not accessible to the public. The system
includes one or more sensors, a product display unit, an automated
vehicle, a transceiver circuit, a network, an interface, a
database, and a control circuit.
[0025] The one or more sensors are disposed in a backroom of a
retail store. The sensors are configured to obtain scans of the
back room. The product display unit is disposed in the retail
store.
[0026] The automated vehicle is configured to move a selected
product between the backroom and the product display unit. The
transceiver circuit is disposed at the retail store and coupled to
the one or more sensors and the automated vehicle. The network is
coupled to the transceiver circuit.
[0027] The interface is disposed at a central processing center, is
coupled to the network, and is configured to receive from the
retail store scans of the back room made by one or more first
sensors in the back room. The database is disposed at a central
processing center and is configured to store the scans, a perpetual
inventory (PI) value for a selected product, a last PI adjustment
time when the PI value was last adjusted, and a product display
capacity value, the product display capacity value being an amount
of the selected product capable of being stored on the product
display.
[0028] The control circuit is disposed at a central processing
center and is coupled to the interface and the database. The
control circuit is configured to obtain the PI value, the scans,
and the product display capacity value from the database. The
control circuit is further configured to perform an analysis of the
scans to determine whether the selected item was moved from the
back room to the product display unit by the automated vehicle,
then returned from the product display unit by the automated
vehicle. The analysis also determines a re-bin time when the
selected product was returned to the back room.
[0029] The control circuit is still further configured to block an
adjustment to the PI when last PI adjustment time is later than the
re-bin time. The control circuit is further configured to block an
adjustment to the PI when an audit indicator is received at the
interface indicating that the retail store is under an audit. The
control circuit is still further configured to determine an
adjusted PI value when the analysis indicates that the selected
item was moved from the back room to the product display unit by
the automated vehicle, then returned from the product display unit
by the automated vehicle. The adjusted PI value is at least one
more than the product display capacity value and based at least in
part upon adjusted PI values of the selected product in other
retail stores.
[0030] In aspects, the present approaches reduce the amount of
products being ordered by retail stores. For example, the amount of
particular products was reduced by around 60% over a 52 week
period.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, one example of a system 100 for
adjusting the PI value of a selected product in a retail store 102
is described. The retail store 102 may be any type of retail store,
for example, a discount center, a grocery store, a department
store, or a hardware store to mention a few examples. The retail
store 102 includes a back room 150. The back room 150 stores
product and is not accessible to the public.
[0032] The retail store includes a database 152 that stores for
each product a PI value 122, a last PI adjustment time 120, and a
shelf capacity value 126. The PI value 122 for the selected product
indicates the amount of a selected product in the retail store. The
last PI adjustment time 120 represents the time at which the store
last adjusted the PI value 122. The shelf capacity value 126
indicates an amount of a selected product that can be placed on a
shelf 170. The shelf 170 may be any product display unit. The shelf
capacity (or product display capacity) value 126 may be fixed or
variable, and can be manually entered into the database 152 by a
user utilizing any appropriate data entry device. The shelf
capacity value 126 may indicate the value for a top shelf in the
store (a shelf that is not accessible to the public), a retail
shelf (a shelf that is accessible to the public), or the summation
of the capacity for both of these shelves. The top shelf and the
retail shelf are in an area of the retail store where access by the
public is permitted.
[0033] One or more sensors 151 obtain scans 124 of the selected
product in the back room 150. Sensors 151 are any type of scanning
device (e.g., a camera that obtains visual images or an RFID sensor
that senses RFID tags) that are configured to detect the presence
of a product. Other examples of sensors are possible. In some
examples, at least some sensors 151 are cameras deployed on an
automated vehicle (e.g., an automated ground vehicle or an aerial
drone). The scans 124 may be stored in the database 152.
[0034] A communication device 154 allows the retail store 102 to
communicate with devices and entities that are external to the
store. The communication device 154 may include any combination of
hardware or software that allows communications to be received at
the retail store 102, and makes transmissions from the retail store
102. In one example, the communication device 154 may be a
transceiver circuit. The communication device 154 may be deployed
within or at another device (e.g., a modem, a smart phone, or a
personal computer, to mention a few examples).
[0035] Cloud network 104 is coupled to the communication device 154
(e.g., a transceiver) at the retail store 102. The cloud network
104 may be any type of computer or communication network and may
include routers, gateways, and servers to mention a few examples of
devices that can form or be utilized in the network 104. The cloud
network 104 may also be combinations of various types of
networks.
[0036] The apparatus 106 includes an interface 130, a control
circuit 132, and a database 134. The interface 130 is configured to
receive from the retail store 102 the last PI adjustment time 120
(or information from which the last PI adjustment time can be
derived), the perpetual inventory (PI) value 122 (or information
from which the PI value can be derived) associated with the
selected product, the scans 124, and the shelf capacity value 126.
These items are stored in the database 134. In aspects, the
apparatus 106 may be disposed at a central processing center or
location such as a business headquarters. In other examples, the
apparatus 106 is disposed at one or more remote locations (e.g.,
retail stores). Advantageously, disposing the apparatus at a
central processing center reduces data storage cost, since all data
can be stored at a single location instead of at multiple
locations.
[0037] It will be appreciated that as used herein the term "control
circuit" refers broadly to any microcontroller, computer, or
processor-based device with processor, memory, and programmable
input/output peripherals, which is generally designed to govern the
operation of other components and devices. It is further understood
to include common accompanying accessory devices, including memory,
transceivers for communication with other components and devices,
etc. These architectural options are well known and understood in
the art and require no further description here. The control
circuit 132 may be configured (for example, by using corresponding
programming stored in a memory as will be well understood by those
skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions,
and/or functions described herein.
[0038] The control circuit 132 is coupled to the interface 130 and
the database 134 and is configured to obtain the PI value 122, the
scans 124, and the shelf capacity value 126 from the database 134.
The control circuit 132 is also configured to perform an analysis
of the scans 124 to determine whether the selected item was moved
from the back room 150 to the shelf 170, then returned from the
shelf 170. The analysis also determines a re-bin time when the
selected product was returned to the back room 150 from the shelf
170. The control circuit 132 may also analyze information to derive
the last PI adjustment time and the PI value 122 (when these values
are not directly sent from the retail store).
[0039] In aspects, the control circuit 132 analyzes the scans and
determines a location for the product. For example, visual images
obtained by one or more cameras (located in the back room 150) may
be analyzed utilizing standard image processing approaches to
determine if the product is in the image. If the product is
detected in the image, then the product is determined to be located
in the back room 150. When the product no longer is located in the
images, then the product is determined not to be located in the
back room 150. Then, the images are analyzed to determine when the
product is returned to the back room 150. The time when the product
returns is considered the re-bin time (i.e., the time the product
returns to the back room 150 after being away from the back room
150).
[0040] The control circuit 132 is configured to block an adjustment
to the PI value 122 when last PI adjustment time 120 is later than
the re-bin time and to block an adjustment to the PI when an audit
indicator is received at the interface 130 indicating that the
retail store is under an audit. By "audit," it is meant an
inspection or verification of the accounts, inventory, and/or
records of the retail store. The indicator may be received from the
retail store or from some other source (e.g., company
headquarters).
[0041] The control circuit 132 is configured to determine an
adjusted PI value when the analysis indicates that the selected
item was moved from the back room 150 to the shelf 170, then
returned from the shelf 170. The adjusted PI value is at least one
more than the shelf capacity value 126. In some aspects, the
adjusted PI value is exactly one more than the shelf capacity value
126. However, if other information indicates additional product
exists in the store 102, then the adjusted PI value is set to be
any integer value that is greater than the shelf capacity value 126
and depends upon the additional amount (more than one more) of
product that has been determined to exist.
[0042] In still other examples, the adjustments to the PI value
made by the control circuit 132 may be based at least in part upon
adjusted PI values of the selected product in other retail stores.
For example, if all other retail stores are adding one to the PI
value, then this information may be considered. In this way, the
experience of and information concerning the adjusting of PI values
in other stores can be used to produce a more accurate PI
adjustments at the present store. The database 134 may store
results of adjustments made to PI values associated with other
stores.
[0043] In aspects, the control circuit 132 is configured to
transmit the adjusted PI value to the store via the interface 130.
In other examples, the interface also receives second scans from
one or more second sensors disposed at the shelf. In other aspects,
the control circuit 132 also analyzes the second scans to determine
whether the selected item was moved from the back room 150 to the
shelf 170, then returned from the shelf 170.
[0044] In some examples, the shelf 170 is a top shelf that is not
accessible to the public. In some aspects, retail shelves
(accessible to customers) store products, and the top shelf is
another shelf (or storage unit, display unit, or other type of
structure) that is disposed physically above the retail shelves. In
aspects, the top shelf is configured to be at such a height (or is
configured with some barrier or restraint) so that products on the
top shelf are inaccessible and cannot be retrieved by the
public.
[0045] In other examples, the re-bin time is confirmed with a
determination that no shipment of the item has been received at the
retail store 102. Confirmation may be obtained by analyzing
information received from the store (e.g., records of
shipments).
[0046] In some examples, the control circuit 132 sends a message to
an employee of the retail store 102, and the message advises the
employee to remove at least some of the selected product from the
retail store 102 to another location. In other aspects, the control
circuit 132 sends a message to an employee of the retail store 102
advising the employee of the change in the PI value.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, one example of an approach for
adjusting a PI value of a selected product is described. The PI
value 202 of a product at the retail store and back room data 204
are transmitted over a network 206 and stored in a database 207. In
aspects, the approach described in FIG. 2 may be performed at a
central processing center. In other aspects, the approach may be
performed at a retail store.
[0048] At step 208, item information is obtained from the database
207. The item information may include shipping information
concerning the product, audit information, information indicating
whether the product has been picked from the back room, the last PI
adjustment time, the shelf capacity value for the product (the
amount of the product the top shelf, the retail shelf, or both are
capable of storing), and whether the product was re-binned in the
back room (after the product had been absent from the back room).
Other examples of item information are possible.
[0049] At step 210, it is determined if the store is scheduled to
have an audit or is in an audit. An audit indicator sent in a
message from the retail store that there is an on-going audit or a
planned audit at the retail store is received. In other aspects, an
audit status may be periodically sent from the retail store to
indicate an audit at the store, or the absence of an audit at the
store. If the answer is affirmative, at step 212 the PI of the item
is removed from consideration of having an adjustment made.
[0050] If the answer is negative at step 210, at step 214, it is
determined if the item has been picked or removed from the back
room. This determination may be made by an analysis of product
scans made by one or more sensors in the back room. If the answer
at step 214 is affirmative, then at step 216 the PI value of the
item is removed from consideration of having an adjustment
made.
[0051] If the answer is negative at step 214, then at step 218 it
is determined if the store had a shipment of the item. This may,
for example, may be determined by an analysis of shipping
information. If the answer at step 218 is affirmative, then the PI
value of the item is removed from consideration of having an
adjustment made at step 220.
[0052] If the answer is negative at step 218, at step 222 it is
determined if the item was binned back into the back room (the item
was returned to the back room after being absent from the back
room). If the answer is negative, then the PI value of the item is
removed from consideration of having an adjustment made at step
224.
[0053] If the answer at step 222 is affirmative, then at step 226
it is determined whether there has been a PI value adjustment since
the time or date a trigger incident occurred. In aspects, the
trigger incident may be the re-binning of the product. The
adjustment to the PI value may have occurred by application of an
algorithm to adjust the PI value, may be an adjustment made at the
store, may be a claims adjustment at the store, or may be an
adjustment made by some other system. If the answer at step 226 is
affirmative, at step 228 the PI value of the item is removed from
consideration of having an adjustment made to the PI value for the
product.
[0054] If the answer is negative at step 226, at step 230 it is
determined if the PI value is less than the shelf capacity (e.g.,
the capacity of the top shelf, the retail shelf, or both). If the
answer is negative at step 230, at step 232 the PI value of the
item is removed from consideration of having an adjustment made to
the PI value for the product.
[0055] If the answer at step 230 is affirmative, at step 234 a PI
adjustment is determined. In one aspect, the PI adjustment is the
shelf capacity (e.g., the capacity of the top shelf, the retail
shelf, or both) plus one. In other examples, when other product is
located at other locations, then the PI value may be adjusted to
the shelf capacity, plus the amount of other products in the store,
plus one.
[0056] In still other examples, the adjustments to the PI value may
be based at least in part upon adjusted PI values of the selected
product in other retail stores. For example, if all other retail
stores are adding one to the PI value, then this information may be
considered. In this way, the experience of and information
concerning the adjusting of PI values in other stores can be used
to produce a more accurate PI adjustments at the present store.
[0057] At step 236, the adjustment is sent to the store. In some
aspects, the adjusted PI value (the original PI value that has had
the adjustment applied) is sent to the retail store instead of the
adjustment. At step 238, the PI value is adjusted at the store by
the adjustment.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, another example of an approach for
adjusting a PI value of a selected product is described. The
approach may be implemented at least in part at a central
processing center that is coupled to a computer network (or
networks). In still other examples, the approaches may be performed
at the retail store.
[0059] At step 302, scans of the back room of a retail store made
by one or more first sensors in the back room are received from the
retail store. The back room is a location where products are stored
and is not accessible to the public. The non-accessibility of the
back room may be due to security measures (e.g., the back room is
locked), location (the back room is at the rear of the store),
other factors, or a combination of factors.
[0060] At step 304, a perpetual inventory (PI) value for a selected
product is also received from the retail store. Alternatively,
information from which the PI value may be derived may be received.
The PI value may be transmitted in any appropriate message or
format. At step 306, a last PI adjustment time when the PI value
was last adjusted by the retail store is received from the retail
store. Alternatively, information from which the last PI adjustment
time may be derived can be received.
[0061] At step 308, the scans, the PI value (or information from
which the PI value can be determined), and a shelf capacity value
(also obtained from the retail store or some other source) are
stored at a database at the central location.
[0062] The shelf capacity value is an amount of the selected
product capable of being stored on the shelf. The shelf capacity
value may be fixed or variable, and can be manually entered by a
user at the retail store by the user utilizing any appropriate data
entry device. The shelf capacity value may indicate the value for a
top shelf in the store (a shelf that is noir accessible to the
public), a retail shelf (a shelf that is accessible to the public),
or the summation of the capacity for both of these shelves.
[0063] At step 310, the PI value, the scans, and the shelf capacity
value are obtained from the database.
[0064] At step 312, an analysis of the scans is performed to
determine whether the selected item was moved from the back room to
the shelf, then returned from the shelf. The analysis also
determines a re-bin time when the selected product was returned to
the back room (a re-bin time). For example, the scans may be visual
images that are processed and analyzed utilizing standard image
processing approaches to determine if a particular product is in
the image. If the product is detected in the image, then the
product is determined to be located from the back room. On the
other hand, when the product no longer is located in the images,
then the product is determined not to be in the back room. Then,
the images are analyzed to determine when the product returns to
the back room, and this time is considered to be the re-bin
time.
[0065] At step 314, an adjustment to the PI is blocked when last PI
adjustment time is later than the re-bin time. At step 316, an
adjustment to the PI is also blocked when an audit indicator is
received at the interface indicating that the retail store is under
an audit.
[0066] At step 318, an adjusted PI value is determined when the
analysis at step 312 indicates that the selected item was moved
from the back room to the shelf, then returned from the shelf. The
adjusted PI value is at least one more than the shelf capacity
value (e.g., exactly one more).
[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, and that such
modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as
being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
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