SPARE PARTS MANAGEMENT AND RESERVATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system that includes: at least one memory (112, 114) storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor (116) coupled to the at least one memory (112, 114), cause the at least one processor (116) to: retrieve a status availability of a part in an inventory from at least one inventory database (150); determining that a user associated with a first client device (120) is one of a plurality of client devices (120A-E) that have access to reserve inventory items; receive a request from the first client device (120) to reserve the part in inventory; in response to the part availability status indicating that the part is available to the user and to determining that the user associated with the first client device (120) has access to reserve inventory parts, create a conditional reservation of the part; transmit the conditional reservation to at least one of the plurality of client devices (120A-E); in response to determining that the part has been consumed by the user, generate a confirmed reservation of the part that identifies a real-time update of the conditional reservation of the part and transmit the conditional reservation to at least one of the plurality of client devices (120A-E); and in response to determining that the part has not been consumed by the user within a specified period of time of creating the conditional reservation of the part, generate an indication that the part is available for reservation.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Field service inventory management generally involves tracking and managing the storage, requisition, transfer, and consumption of inventory items, such as field service spare parts. For example, parts inventory can be tracked and managed using a combination of automated and manual processes to record parts usage, consumption, and returns, forecast new parts shipments, and facilitate parts replenishment.

[0002] Modern field service inventory management systems can include a spare parts management service (SMS) that automates previously manual processes such as counting and recording each inventory item to meet spare parts requests from field service technicians. These systems can also enable inventory optimization, product identification and tracking, parts reordering / replenishment, and the return of defective or unused parts. Thus, SMS operations can provide users with real-time data on the status of inventory (parts availability) and enable inventory forecasting by leveraging various inventory tracking technologies, such as part identifiers (e.g., stock-keeping units (SKUs), quick response codes (QR codes), serial numbers, or product numbers), smart storage cabinets, and forward (e.g., strategically distributed) warehouse locations.

[0003] Inventory management systems, which include SMS operations, are typically part of a larger enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. ERP systems comprise business management software that can enable the integration of inventory, accounting, points of sale, supply chain management, and other functions. CN 1 06 920 061 A describes a spare parts management system with a user management module, a spare parts inventory management module, a spare parts purchasing module, and a spare parts maintenance module. JP 2002 - 342 506 A describes a device, a system, and a program for inventory control and for processing requests in the context of repairing items and parts. It is an object of the invention to propose a system, a computer-aided method, and a computer program product for managing and reserving inventory items.This object is achieved by an inventive system according to claim 1, an inventive computer-aided method according to claim 8 and an inventive computer program product according to claim 14. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components. Fig. 1 shows an overview diagram of an SMS portal-based parts reservation system according to an example. Fig. 2A shows a flowchart of the SMS portal-based part reservation processes according to an example. Fig. Figure 2B shows a flowchart of the SMS portal-based part reservation processes according to an example. Fig. Figure 3A shows a flowchart of SMS portal operation from the customer's perspective according to an example. Fig. Figure 3B shows a flowchart of the operations of the SMS portal from the server's perspective according to an example. Fig. Figure 4 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal on the Home tab, where the warehouse locations are displayed according to an example. Fig. Figure 5 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal with the View Data Center tab displaying available parts corresponding to an inventory location, according to an example. Fig. Figure 6 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal “Create Sub-Requests” tab for a conditional sub-request according to an example. Fig. Figure 7 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal with the “Manage Part Reservation” tab for part reservations according to an example. Fig. Figure 8 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal “Confirmed Orders” tab with confirmed part reservations according to an example. Fig. Figure 9 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal with the Inventory View tab displaying the inventory conditions for parts according to an example. Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of an exemplary client-server relationship that may be used to implement one or more aspects of the various examples; and Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of a distributed computer system that can be used to implement one or more aspects of the various examples.

[0005] While the examples are described with reference to the above drawings, the drawings are intended to be illustrative, and other embodiments are consistent with the spirit and within the scope of the various examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Field service inventory management systems generally involve tracking, managing, and organizing inventory, orders, sales, and deliveries of parts. Such systems can be used, for example, to maintain optimal parts inventory levels, track parts during shipping / transport to warehouse locations, count parts, and record and notify when individual parts are out of stock.

[0007] As mentioned above, computerized SMS operations can automate previously manual inventory management processes, such as counting and recording each inventory item to meet field service technicians' spare parts requirements. SMS operations can also enable inventory optimization, product identification and tracking, reordering, and the return of unused parts. Thus, SMS operations can provide users with real-time data on inventory status (parts availability) and enable inventory forecasting and intelligent allocation capabilities through the use of various inventory tracking technologies such as part identifiers (e.g., stock-keeping units (SKUs), quick response codes (QR codes), serial numbers, or product numbers), smart warehouse lockers, and forward-facing (e.g., strategically and / or geographically distributed) warehouse locations.

[0008] Inventory management systems, including SMS hardware / software components, are typically integrated (and / or coupled) with a larger ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. ERP systems include enterprise management hardware / software components that can enable the integration of inventory, accounting, point of sale, supply chain management, and other functions.

[0009] SMS portal-based spare parts reservation systems can enable client device users, such as field technicians or engineers, to perform one or more functions through an SMS portal, including, for example, selecting a stock location, viewing a real-time list of parts that correspond to a stock location, requesting a part, confirming and / or canceling a part reservation, and viewing part stock conditions.

[0010] While modern SMS portal-based spare parts reservation systems can meet many inventory management objectives, processing user / customer spare parts reservation requests can often take a very long time (up to 17 minutes in some cases). This delay can be attributed to the latency of various back-of-system operations in the critical path of the spare parts reservation process (e.g., the latency of handshakes / reconciliations between SMS portal-based spare parts reservation systems, inventory order management systems, ERP systems, and accounting platforms; FTP (File Transfer Protocol) translations; warranty release checks, or other intermediate processing delays). Current systems, for example, use batch jobs for reservation requests, e.g.,every 2 to 3 minutes, instead of direct connections for individual reservation requests, and may require handshakes between the various order management systems before a request can be processed. Furthermore, current SMS portal-based parts reservation systems generally do not allow for a conditional part reservation request, which clears in real time if the customer does not use the reserved part for a repair order. Instead, a part may need to be manually re-entered into the reservation system, e.g., as a returned item, if it is not used for a repair.

[0011] The focus of the disclosed subject matter is to enable an improved SMS portal-based spare parts reservation system. The SMS portal-based spare parts reservation system disclosed herein coordinates inventory order management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and spare parts management platforms to enable (1) a conditional spare parts reservation request that balances in real time if the customer does not use the reserved spare part in a repair order, and (2) spare parts replenishment as the customer consumes the spare part. Such a system may include a combination of client / server software applications, supply chain logistics expertise, smart lockers, and physical warehouse locations to deliver parts in a timely manner to meet service requests from users (e.g., field service technicians or engineers) as the need for spare parts arises in the field.Additionally, the disclosure includes improvements that move backend system operations away from the critical path for spare parts reservation requests and enable real-time visibility of inventory at physical warehouse locations associated with a customer (improved accuracy), on-site reservation cancellation (scan backs), and status updates on incoming spare parts backorders / open shipments (real-time inventory status). For example, the system can provide real-time information on parts reservations, current and future part availability, and tracking data for parts en route to a warehouse location.

[0012] It should be understood that the disclosed techniques offer many beneficial technical effects, including improving the efficiency and speed of SMS portal-based parts reservation operations in the field. It should also be understood that the following specification is not intended as a comprehensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified for clarity and brevity.

[0013] Fig. 1 shows an overview diagram of an SMS portal-based parts reservation system according to an example. The SMS portal-based parts reservation system 100 includes the spare parts management service (SMS) 110, a plurality of client devices, e.g., the client devices 120A-E, on which SMS parts reservation portal applications are configured, e.g., the SMS parts reservation portals 130A-E, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system 140, and the inventory management system 150.

[0014] SMS 110 includes an inventory order management platform configured to allow a user to reserve a part in an inventory. As used herein, a part may include an item or service that is recorded in an inventory. For example, an inventory may include a variety of parts and / or types of parts provided at a variety of physical locations to fulfill field service requests from various users, such as field technicians or engineers. The items or services placed into an inventory via the inventory management system 150 may be generally available to users or accessible to specific users based on one or more criteria, such as a user's affiliation with an authorized dealer or warehouse location, a clearance level, a valid warranty, or other information.

[0015] As shown, SMS 110 includes at least one non-transitory memory, e.g., persistent storage device 112 and main memory device 114, on which computer-readable instructions for implementing an SMS portal-based parts reservation system are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, e.g., processor(s) 116 coupled to the at least one memory, cause the at least one processor to perform at least one operation, as described in more detail below. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that SMS 110 may also include other systems, subsystems, and / or components (e.g., a display, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, buttons, batteries, fans, motherboards, power supplies, etc.) for performing the various parts reservation operations described herein.

[0016] SMS 110 is electronically coupled to a plurality of client devices, such as client devices 120A-E, individually referred to herein as client device 120. A client device 120 includes at least one computing device, such as a mobile smartphone, a kiosk, a personal data assistant, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, a robot, a vehicle, a webcam, or other type of computing device. A client device 120 may, for example, be a mobile device assigned to a user (e.g., a field service technician) and configured to transmit data to and receive data communications from SMS 110, ERP system 140, and / or inventory management system 150 over a public or private cellular network.

[0017] As illustrated, each customer device 120 includes an SMS portal 130, e.g., customer devices 120A-E each include SMS portals 130A-E. As described in detail below, the SMS portal 130 is configured to enable technological enhancements over a traditional SMS parts reservation system, including: (1) a conditional parts reservation request that is matched in real time, e.g., if the user does not use the reserved part in a repair order, and (2) in-field reservation cancellation (scan backs), e.g., if a part is not used in a repair order. Therefore, the SMS portal 130 enables the cancellation of a parts reservation without manually re-entering the part into the inventory management system 150 or performing other high-latency back-end operations that are typically in the critical path for parts reservation requests, e.g.,the back-end operations typically required for returns. In addition, in various examples, the SMS portal 130 may also enable real-time visibility of inventory at the physical warehouse locations associated with a customer (improved accuracy) and status updates on incoming part reorders / open shipments (real-time inventory status).

[0018] The ERP system 140 includes hardware / software components for enterprise management that may enable the integration of inventory, accounting, point of sale, supply chain management, and other functions. In some examples, the inventory management system 150 and / or the SMS 110 may be an integrated subsystem of the ERP system 140 or may consist of independent (e.g., proprietary) systems that communicate with the ERP system 140, as in Fig. 1. In operation, the ERP system 140 may be configured to reconcile a transaction related to a part reserved from inventory via SMS 110 and the inventory management system 150, facilitate the replenishment of a reserved part, or perform various other back-end tasks related to inventory management in general or parts reservation in particular. As noted above, the various examples herein relate to enhancing various parts reservation operations, including moving certain high-latency back-end operations typically performed by the ERP system 140 out of the critical path for implementing parts reservation requests.

[0019] The inventory management system 150 includes hardware / software components for inventory management, such as a parts inventory database that allows parts to be added to inventory, checked out from inventory, returned to inventory, and / or performed other functions. The inventory management system 150 may be configured to manage a parts inventory at a variety of physical inventory locations. For example, the inventory management system 150 may include stored data indicating that a part is available to a user at a storage location associated with the user.

[0020] The Fig. While the SMS portal-based parts reservation system illustrated in Figure 1 is exemplary of the implementation of the examples described herein, one skilled in the art will understand that various other system architectures (e.g., where SMS 110 and / or inventory management system 150 is an integrated subsystem of ERP system 140) may be used. Therefore, the SMS portal-based parts reservation system 100 should not be understood to be strictly limited to the examples described herein.

[0021] It should also be noted that the elements in Fig. 1 and the various functions attributed to each of the elements are exemplary, but are described as such only for clarity. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the functions attributed to the various elements may be performed by any of the other elements and / or by an element (not shown) configured to perform a combination of the various functions.Therefore, it should be understood that any language referring to an SMS 110, a client device 120, an SMS part reservation portal 130, an ERP system 140, an inventory management system 150, at least one processor 116, a persistent storage device 112, or a main memory device 114 should be understood to encompass any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, controllers, or other types of computing devices that operate individually or in concert to perform the functions associated with the various elements. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that one or more of the system functions described herein may be implemented by . Fig. 1 may be executed in a client-server relationship, for example by one or more servers, one or more client devices (e.g. one or more user devices) and / or by a combination of one or more servers and client devices.

[0022] Fig. 2A shows a flowchart of SMS portal-based part reservation operations according to one example. As described above, the SMS 110 may include at least one non-transitory memory, e.g., the persistent storage device 112 and the main memory device 114, in which computer-readable instructions are stored, e.g., for implementing the operations of flowchart 200, which, when executed by at least one processor, e.g., the processor(s) 116 coupled to the at least one memory, cause the at least one processor to perform the operations in flowchart 200.

[0023] For example, SMS 110 may retrieve stored data indicating whether a part is available to a user (step 210) from an inventory database (e.g., client device 120A) based on a request received from a first client device, e.g., client device 120A), where the first client device is one of a plurality of client devices that have access to reserving parts in an inventory. For example, the stored data indicating that the part is available to the user may include data indicating that the part is available at at least one storage location associated with the user. A storage location may be associated with the user, for example, based on a trading company associated with the user or a geographic location of the user.In addition, the stored data indicating that the part is available to the user may also include warranty information about the part, such as data indicating that a part to be replaced is still under warranty. If the part is not available at a warehouse location near the user, SMS 110 may create and transmit to the user (via the first client device) a quote to trigger a confirmation order from a remote warehouse location. For example, the user may submit a new request by comparing a part's serial number to a field inventory and selecting an SKU (part number) for the part they wish to replace. SMS 110 may then generate and transmit to the user (via the first client device) an update indicating whether the part is immediately available (a reservation) or whether the part will be ordered from a remote warehouse location (an order confirmation).

[0024] In step 220, SMS 110 may receive from the first client device, e.g., client device 120A, a first indication including a user request to reserve the part in inventory. In some examples, the first indication may include at least one of the following: a Short Message Service message, a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), a Quick Response (QR) code, a serial number, or a product number associated with the part. For example, the user may initiate a reservation request for a part in inventory by using a client device to scan and transmit a QR code affixed to the part (or to packaging associated with the part). The scanned QR code and identification data associated with the user and / or the client device may then be received by SMS 110 as a first indication including a user request to reserve the part in inventory.In some examples, the first indication may include a user selection of at least one storage location associated with the user and / or the part.

[0025] At step 230, in response to data indicating that the part is available to the user, SMS 110 may generate and transmit a conditional reservation of the part by the user to at least one of the plurality of client devices, e.g., at least one of client devices 120A-E. A conditional reservation, as used herein, is a reservation that is contingent upon the part being later consumed by the user. For example, the user may be tasked with performing a repair in which a defective part is identified as potentially requiring replacement. Based on this initial assessment, the user may reserve the part via the SMS portal of a client device connected to the user so that the part is available if needed to perform the repair.

[0026] In step 240, SMS 110 may receive a second indication from the first client device containing a notification as to whether the part has been consumed by the user (in a repair case, used to the extent that it is no longer available in stock). For example, when the user begins the repair, the actual condition of the suspected defective part becomes known, and at that time the user will assess whether the reserved part is truly needed for the repair. Following this assessment, the user who reserved the part via the SMS portal of an associated client device may transmit the message indicating whether the part has been consumed via the SMS portal of the client device associated with the user.In some examples, the second indication may include at least one of the following: a short message service message, a stock keeping unit (SKU), a quick response (QR) code, a serial number, or a product number associated with the part. For example, the user may use a client device to scan a QR code affixed to the part (or to packaging associated with the part) and transmit a second message including the QR code and a notification about whether the part has been consumed. SMS 110 may then receive and process the second indication based on the notification.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2B shows a flowchart of the SMS portal-based part reservation processes according to an example. Continuing flowchart 200, in step 250, the SMS 110 may receive the notification indicating whether the part has been consumed by the user.

[0028] If the notification in step 250 indicates that the part has been consumed by the user, SMS 110 may generate a real-time update of the quota reservation with a confirmed reservation of the part by the user in step 260 and transmit it to at least one of the plurality of client devices. For example, the SMS portal may be configured to receive a user interface selection allowing the user to update the status of the conditional reservation and transmit the status update via SMS 110 to at least one other client device, e.g., one or more of the client devices 120A-E, to inform various users associated with those devices that the part has been consumed and is no longer available for reservation.

[0029] In step 270, SMS 110 may also facilitate replenishment of the part in inventory and reconcile a transaction related to the part, e.g., via ERP system 140. For example, SMS 110 may facilitate replenishment of the part at a storage location associated with the user. SMS 110 may further transmit a communication to ERP system 140 to reconcile an accounting process related to the part, e.g., by generating an invoice to bill the use of the part to a corresponding trade entity.

[0030] If the notification in step 250 indicates that the part has not been consumed by the user, SMS 110 may generate a real-time update to the allocation reservation indicating that the part is available for reservation in step 280 and transmit it to at least one of the plurality of client devices. In some examples, in response to the notification indicating that the part has not been consumed by the user, SMS 110 may facilitate replacement of the part in inventory without initiating a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process in step 290. For example, the SMS portal may be configured to receive a user interface selection allowing the user to update the status of the allocation reservation and transmit the status update via SMS 110 to at least one other client device associated with a different user.Furthermore, the user who reserved the part can facilitate the exchange of the part in inventory by scanning the part back into inventory. For example, a user can return a good (non-defective) unused part through a portal or application configured on a client device to access the inventory management system 150. The inventory management system portal can allow the user to scan the unused part, e.g., a QR tracking number affixed to the unused part, and the scan can cause the inventory management system 150 to update the SMS portal 130 with the part's return status and automatically close the open reservation.

[0031] The Fig. show flowcharts from the client perspective and the server perspective, respectively, of SMS portal-based part reservation processes in accordance with an example. For example, an SMS portal 130 configured on a client device 120 may be configured to perform one or more of the steps of Fig. 3A, while SMS 110 may be configured to perform one or more of the steps of Fig. 3B. In some examples, as in the Fig. 4-9, the client device 120 and / or SMS 110 may be further configured to generate and / or transmit to at least one of the plurality of client devices a first indicator comprising the user's conditional reservation of the part, a second indicator comprising at least a planned or real-time quantity of the part in inventory, a third indicator comprising a real-time quantity of the part from the conditional reservation, or a fourth indicator comprising a tracking number for a replenishment of the part en route to inventory.

[0032] In flowchart 300, a user identifies a need for a part in step 310. For example, a user / field service technician may be employed by or otherwise affiliated with a retail company to respond to a field repair issue, e.g., to repair an operational telecommunications system. According to the examples described herein, the retail company may issue the user / field service technician a client device that includes a text messaging portal, e.g., client device 120 with the text messaging portal 130 described above. In response to a field repair issue (e.g., a repair ticket related to a service interruption), the user / field service technician may determine that a replacement part is required to resolve the issue.In such a case, the client device 120 may be configured to allow the user / field service technician to access the SMS portal 130 to initiate a parts reservation process based on the identified need. The SMS portal 130 may be configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) "home page" to the user, as shown in FIG. Fig. 4 shown.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal with a home tab and a display of stock locations according to an example. In display 400, the home tab 410 provides access to an SMS portal that displays the current open part reservations 420 and available stock locations 430 for a user 440. The available stock locations may be displayed, for example, based on a user's access level for specific locations (e.g., based on a location ID), a geographic location (e.g., street, city, etc.), or other criteria. The tab 410 may be further configured to allow a user to select at least one stock location for reserving parts. For example, if the user identifies a need for a part, the user may select at least one stock location for available parts, for example, by selecting the stock location display button 450.

[0034] Fig. shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal with the "View Data Center" tab displaying available parts corresponding to a warehouse location, according to an example. In display 500, after selecting at least one warehouse location via the "Home" tab 410, the "View Data Center" tab 510 displays the available parts at the selected warehouse location(s). Display 500 may contain various data, such as serial number 520, product number 530, and location data 540 (e.g., location ID, street, city, location name, etc.) related to the available parts. In addition, the "View Data Center" tab 510 may be configured to allow a user to initiate a parts request via selection buttons 550 associated with individual parts.

[0035] Fig. shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal "Create Part Requests" tab for a conditional part request according to an example. In the display 600, after the user selects a part to be reserved via a selection button 550 on the "Create Part Requests" tab 610, a part reservation form is displayed. For example, the part reservation form for a selected part may include various account details 620 (e.g., account name / contact, location, customer reference ID, etc.) and part details 630 (e.g., part number, organizational assignment, etc.). In addition, the tab 610 may be configured to allow the user to select a conditional reservation 640 of the part for a repair case and a confirmed reservation 650 indicating that the part has been consumed for the repair case.For example, once a conditional reservation has been selected, the user can submit (or cancel 670) the part reservation order 660 on tab 610.

[0036] Back to Fig. 3A: Following the user's selection and submission of an allocation reservation, the SMS portal 130 generates an allocation reservation request for the part in step 320 and sends it to SMS 110. If the part is immediately available, the SMS portal 130 further allocates the part in step 330. For example, the SMS portal 130 may access an inventory database via SMS 110 indicating that the part is in stock at a physical storage location near the user / field service technician's location. Based on the displayed availability and the reservation request, the SMS portal 130 may create or update an entry in the inventory database to indicate that the part has been allocated (reserved for use) to the user / field service technician.

[0037] From the Fig. 3B, after receiving the conditional reservation request for the part in step 345, SMS 110 generates and transmits an update to the conditional reservation to at least one of a plurality of client devices, e.g., to at least one of the client devices 120A-E. For example, SMS 110 may generate an update to the quota reservation upon receiving the quota reservation request from the user / field service representative's client device. SMS 110 may then transmit the quota reservation update to client devices associated with other users in real time. For example, the quota reservation update for the part may be displayed in the SMS portal by at least one client device associated with another user.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal "Manage Parts Reservation" tab 700 for parts reservations according to an example. The tab 710 displays a summary of the parts reservation data, including, for example, a creation date 720, warehouse location data 730, an assigned case number 740, a customer (dealer) / assigned user reference ID number 750, part identification data 760, local real-time inventory data 770, and real-time reservation / part status data 780. The real-time reservation / part status data 780 may indicate, for example, that a parts reservation has been canceled (and by whom), that a reservation is open (current), and that the selected part is ready for pickup, or other descriptive information. Additionally, the user may cancel an open parts reservation order (790) via the tab 710.

[0039] Back to Fig. 3A: The user may scan the selected part from inventory to complete the repair case in step 350. For example, a client device 120 may further include a camera and / or a barcode scanner configured to scan and read (e.g., from a box or label for the part) at least one stock-keeping unit (SKU), quick response code (QR code), serial number, or product number associated with the part. The scanned or read information may then be recorded via the SMS portal 130, e.g., locally on the customer device or remotely via a transmission to SMS 110. After the part is scanned from inventory, the user may physically remove the part from inventory to complete the repair case.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal "Confirmed Orders" tab 800 with confirmed part reservations according to an example. The tab 802 displays information about confirmed part reservations, including, for example, the reservation date 804, the warehouse location 806, a case number 808, the customer (dealer) reference ID number / assigned user 810, the part identification data 812, the local real-time inventory data 814, the real-time reservation / part status data 816, and a part description 818.

[0041] From the client perspective of Fig. 3A, if the part is not used in the repair case at decision 360, the user may scan the part back into inventory at step 370. After physically retrieving the part from inventory and beginning the repair, the user may determine, for example, that the part currently in use is not damaged or defective, or that the cause of the problem is not the part currently in use. In such a case, the user may determine that the part removed from inventory is not needed and can be replaced for future reservation by other users in the inventory.

[0042] Once the part has been scanned back into inventory, SMS portal 130 may generate and transmit a reservation update to SMS 110 indicating that the part is available for reservation. In some examples, SMS 110 may generate and transmit the reservation update to at least one of a plurality of client devices, e.g., at least one of client devices 120A-E.

[0043] Back to Fig. 8: On the 802 tab, the user can add information for the defective return / return tracking 820. For example, when scanning the part back into inventory, the user can indicate that the reserved part that was not used in the repair case is defective and is being returned, e.g., to a parts manufacturer or supplier.

[0044] Back to the server-side perspective 380 of Fig. 3B: If the part is being used in the repair case at decision 360, SMS 110 generates and transmits a conditional reservation confirmation to at least one of a plurality of client devices, e.g., at least one of client devices 120A-E, at step 385. For example, after the user physically retrieves the part from inventory and begins the repair, they may determine that the currently used part is damaged or defective. In this case, the user may complete the repair by replacing the currently used part with the reserved part.

[0045] After confirming that the part has been consumed, the conditional reservation confirmation for the part may be displayed in the SMS portal of the at least one customer device. Furthermore, in step 390, SMS 110 may update the repair case details and / or facilitate reconciliation of a transaction associated with the part, e.g., via the ERP system 140.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a graphical representation of an SMS portal tab 900 for displaying the inventory level of parts in accordance with an example. The tab 910 displays information regarding the inventory status of selected parts 920 at a warehouse location 930, including, for example, a count of available parts at the warehouse location 940, scheduled shipments 950, the reservation status of selected parts 960, a count of parts in transit 970, and tracking ID(s) for parts in transit 980. Once a part is consumed, a user can access the tab 910, for example, to check the real-time status and availability of selected incoming parts at a selected warehouse location, based, for example, on real-time updates received from SMS 110.

[0047] A high-level block diagram of an exemplary client-server relationship that may be used to implement the systems, devices, and methods described herein is shown in Fig. 10. The client-server relationship 1000 comprises a client device 1010 communicating with a server 1020 via a network 1030 and illustrates a possible division of the method steps of the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B between the client device 1010 and the server 1020.

[0048] For example, in accordance with the various examples described above, client device 1010 may generate and transmit a first indication including a user's request to reserve a part in inventory at step 1040. For example, a user may initiate a reservation request for a part in inventory by scanning and transmitting, with client device 1010, a QR code affixed to the part (or to packaging associated with the part). In response to data indicating that the part is available to the user, client device 1010 may receive a conditional reservation of the part from the user at step 1042. For example, client device 1010 may receive a conditional reservation of the part generated and transmitted by server 1020.The client device 1010 may further generate and transmit a second indication in step 1044 that includes a notification indicating whether the part has been consumed by the user. For example, the user may use the client device 1010 to scan a QR code affixed to the part (or to packaging associated with the part) and transmit to the server 1020 the second indication that includes the QR code and a notification indicating whether the part has been consumed.

[0049] In response to a notification indicating that the part has been consumed by the user in step 1046, the client device 1010 may also receive from the server 1020 a real-time update of the conditional reservation that includes a confirmed reservation of the part by the user in step 1048. The confirmed reservation may notify the user of the client device 1010 and other users connected to other client devices that the part has been consumed and is no longer available for reservation.

[0050] In response to a notification indicating that the part has not been consumed by the user at step 1046, client device 1010 may receive a real-time quota reservation update from server 1020 including an indication that the part is available for reservation at step 1050. Client device 1010 may enable a display of the real-time quota reservation update at step 1052.

[0051] Based on a request received from a first client device (e.g., client device 1010), server 1020 may retrieve data stored from at least one inventory database indicating whether a part is available to a user, where the first client device is one of a plurality of client devices that have access to reserving parts in an inventory in step 1060. For example, the stored data indicating that the part is available to the user may include data indicating that the part is available at at least one storage location associated with the user. Alternatively, if the part is not available at a storage location near the user, server 1020 may generate and transmit to the user (via the first client device) a quote to initiate a confirmation order from a remote storage location.

[0052] Server 1020 may further receive from the first client device (e.g., client device 1010) a first indication comprising a user request to reserve the part in inventory (step 1062). In some examples, the first indication may comprise a user selection of at least one storage location associated with the user and / or the part. In response to data indicating that the part is available to the user, server 1020 may further generate and transmit to at least one of the plurality of client devices a conditional reservation of the part by the user in step 1064. For example, server 1020 may generate a conditional reservation when it receives a conditional reservation request from the first client device, e.g., client device 1010. Then, server 1020 may transmit the conditional reservation to other client devices in real time.The server 1020 may further receive a second indication from the first customer device including a notification of whether the part was consumed by the user in step 1066.

[0053] In response to the notification indicating that the part has been consumed by the user in step 1068, the server 1020 may further generate and transmit to at least one of the plurality of client devices a real-time update of the conditional reservation, including a confirmed reservation of the part by the user in step 1070. For example, the confirmed reservation may inform the user of the first client device (client device 1010) and other users connected to other client devices that the part has been consumed and is no longer available for reservation.

[0054] Further, in response to the notification indicating that the part has not been consumed by the user at step 1068, the server 1020 may generate and transmit to at least one of the plurality of client devices a real-time update of the conditional reservation including an indication that the part is available for reservation at step 1072. For example, the user who reserved the part may facilitate replacement of the part in inventory by scanning the part back into inventory. In some examples, in response to the notification that the part has not been consumed by the user, the server 1020 may facilitate replacement of the part in inventory without initiating a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process.

[0055] A professional will understand that the Fig. The exemplary client-server relationship shown in Figure 10 is only one of many client-server relationships that are possible for implementing the systems, devices, and methods described herein. Therefore, the Fig. The client-server relationship depicted in Figure 10 is not intended to be limiting in any way. Examples of client devices 1010 may include mobile phones, kiosks, personal data assistants, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, robots, vehicles, webcams, or other types of computing devices.

[0056] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented using a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., a non-transitory, machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and the method steps described herein, including one or more of the method steps described herein, may be implemented using one or more computer programs executable by such a processor. A computer program is a set of computer program instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a particular activity or achieve a particular result.A computer program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0057] A high-level block diagram of an example device that may be used to implement the systems, devices, and methods described herein is shown in Fig. 11. The device 1100 includes a processor 1110 operatively connected to a persistent storage device 1120 and a main memory device 1130. The processor 1110 controls the overall operation of the device 1100 by executing computer program instructions that define such operations. The computer program instructions may be stored in the persistent storage device 1120 or another computer-readable medium and loaded into the main memory device 1130 when execution of the computer program instructions is desired. For example, SMS 110, the plurality of client devices 120, the ERP system 140, and the inventory management system 150 may comprise one or more components of the computer 1100.Thus, the various method steps herein may be defined by computer program instructions stored in main memory device 1130 and / or persistent storage device 1120 and controlled by processor 1110, which executes the computer program instructions. For example, the computer program instructions may be implemented as computer-executable code programmed by one of ordinary skill in the art to execute an algorithm defined by the method steps described herein. Accordingly, by executing the computer program instructions, processor 1110 executes an algorithm defined by the method steps described herein. Additionally or alternatively, instructions for implementing the method steps described herein may be included in computer program product 1150 in accordance with the disclosed examples.When the processor 1110 executes the instructions of the computer program product 1150, the instructions, or a portion thereof, are typically loaded into the main memory device 1130, from which the processor 1110 can readily access the instructions.

[0058] The device 1100 also includes one or more network interfaces 1180 for communicating with other devices over a network. The device 1100 may also include one or more input / output devices 1190 that enable user interaction with the device 1100 (e.g., a display, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.).

[0059] Processor 1110 may include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and may be the sole processor or one of multiple processors of device 1100. Processor 1110 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), which may, for example, operate separately from and / or in multitasking with one or more CPUs to accelerate processing, e.g., for various image processing applications described herein. Processor 1110, persistent storage device 1120, and / or main memory device 1130 may include, be augmented by, or be integrated with one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0060] Persistent storage device 1120 and main memory device 1130 each comprise a tangible, non-transferable, computer-readable storage medium. Persistent storage device 1120 and main memory device 1130 may each comprise a high-speed random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous double data rate dynamic random access memory (DDR RAM), or other random access solid-state memory, and non-volatile memory, such asone or more magnetic disk storage devices, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disk storage, optical disk storage, flash memory, semiconductor memory such as EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory), DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read-only memory) or other non-volatile solid-state memory.

[0061] Input / output devices 1190 may include peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, monitors, etc. Input / output devices 1190 may include, for example, a display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma, or liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying information (e.g., a DNA accessibility prediction result) to a user, a keyboard, and a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball for the user to provide input to device 1100.

[0062] Any or all of the systems and devices discussed herein, including SMS 110, the plurality of client devices 120, ERP system 140, and inventory management system 150, may be executed by and / or integrated with a device such as device 1100. Furthermore, device 1100 may utilize one or more neural networks or other deep learning techniques to execute SMS 110, the plurality of client devices 120, ERP system 140, inventory management system 150, or other systems or devices described herein.

[0063] One skilled in the art will recognize that the implementation of an actual computer or computer system may have different structures and may also include other components (e.g., batteries, fans, motherboards, power supplies, etc.), and that Fig. 11 is a clear representation of some components of such a computer for illustration purposes.

[0064] The various examples are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document and which show, for illustrative purposes, embodiments of the examples. This specification may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these examples are provided so that this specification will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the examples to those skilled in the art. This description may be embodied in, among other things, methods or apparatus. Accordingly, each of the various examples herein may take the form of a pure hardware example, a pure software example, or an example that combines software and hardware aspects. The description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense.

[0065] In the description and claims, the following terms have the meanings expressly assigned therein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise:

[0066] The expression "in an example" as used here does not necessarily refer to one and the same example, but it may. Thus, as described above, different examples can easily be combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the Directive.

[0067] The term “or” as used here is an inclusive “or” operator and is equivalent to the term “and / or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0068] The term “based on” is not exclusive and may be based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] As used herein, the term "coupled to" includes both direct coupling (where two coupled elements touch each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements), unless the context dictates otherwise. Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used interchangeably. In the context of a networked environment in which two or more components or devices can exchange data, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used to mean "communicatively coupled with," possibly through one or more intermediary devices.

[0070] Furthermore, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” throughout this specification includes the plural, and the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “upon.”

[0071] Although some of the examples presented herein represent a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is contemplated as encompassing all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one example includes elements A, B, and C, and another example includes elements B and D, the inventive subject matter is contemplated as encompassing other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if they are not expressly discussed herein. Further, the transitional term "comprising" means present as, or is, parts or members. As used herein, the transitional term "comprising" is inclusive or open-ended and does not preclude additional, unrevealed elements or method steps.

[0072] Throughout the above discussion, numerous references have been made to servers, services, interfaces, clients, peers, portals, platforms, or other systems consisting of computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms refers to one or more computing devices with at least one processor (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors, etc.) configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable, tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard disk, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner that fulfills the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.It should also be understood that the disclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other types of instruction sets may be embodied as a computer program product comprising a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium storing the instructions that cause a processor to perform the disclosed steps. The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces may exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchange, web service APIs, well-known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchange methods. The data exchange may occur over a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of network.

[0073] When in this specification and the following claims, a system, server, device, or other computing element is described as being configured to perform or execute functions on data in a memory, “so configured” or “so programmed” means that one or more processors or cores of the computing element are programmed by a set of software instructions stored in the memory of the computing element to perform the set of functions on target data or data objects stored in the memory.

[0074] It should be noted that any language referring to a computer should be understood to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or in concert. It should be understood that the computing devices include a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium (e.g., hard disk, FPGA, PLA, solid-state drive, RAM, Flash, ROM, etc.) and may include various other components such as batteries, fans, motherboards, power supplies, etc. The software instructions configure or program the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionalities as discussed below with respect to the disclosed device.Furthermore, the disclosed technologies may be embodied as a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores the software instructions and causes a processor to perform the disclosed steps associated with implementations of computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other instructions. In some examples, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms that may be based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchange, web service APIs, or other electronic information exchange methods. The data exchange between devices may occur over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, a cell-switched network, or another type of network.

[0075] The foregoing description is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the examples disclosed herein should be determined not from the description, but rather from the claims, which should be construed to the fullest extent of the patent laws. It is to be understood that the examples shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art could implement various other combinations of features without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] A system that includes the following: at least one memory (112, 114) in which computer-readable instructions are stored which, when executed by at least one processor (116) coupled to the at least one memory (112, 114), cause the at least one processor (116) to: to retrieve the status availability of a part in an inventory from at least one inventory database (150); to determine that a user assigned to a first client device (120) is one of several client devices (120A-E) that have access to spare parts of the inventory; to receive a request from the first client device (120) to reserve the part in the inventory; in response to the part's availability status, which indicates that the part is available to the user, and the finding that the user assigned to the first client device (120) has access to spare parts in the inventory, to create a conditional reservation of the part; to transmit the conditional reservation to at least one of the several client devices (120A-E); in response to the detection that the part has been consumed by the user, to generate a confirmed reservation of the part, which identifies a real-time update of the conditional reservation of the part, and to transmit the conditional reservation to at least one of the multiple client devices (120A-E); and In response to the finding that the part has not been consumed by the user within a certain time period after the conditional reservation of the part has been created, a notification should be generated indicating that the part is available for reservation. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the part has been consumed by the user, at least one processor (116) is also caused to facilitate the replenishment of the part in the inventory and to reconcile a transaction associated with the replenishment. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the part has not been consumed by the user within the time period in which the conditional reservation of the part is created, by: a scan of the part is received from the first client device (120); The inventory is updated to identify availability for reserving the part; and The message is transmitted indicating that the item is available for reservation. [4] System according to claim 2, wherein facilitating the replenishment of the part in the inventory comprises facilitating the replenishment of the part at an inventory location (430) assigned to the user. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the request links a geographic location of the user with at least one location of the part in the inventory. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (116) is further caused to generate at least one of the following elements: a first display element that includes the conditional reservation of the part by the user; a second display element that includes at least a planned or real-time quantity of the part in stock; a third display element that includes a real-time quantity of the part issued on conditional reservation; or a fourth display element that includes a tracking number for replenishing the part on its way to inventory. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the request comprises at least one of the following elements: a Short Message Service message, a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), a Quick Response (QR) code, a serial number, or a product number associated with the part. [8] A computer-based procedure comprising the following: Retrieving (210) a status availability of a part in a stock of at least one stock database (150); Determine (210) that a user associated with a first client device (120) is one of several client devices (120A-E) that have access to spare parts in stock; Receiving (220) a request to reserve the part in the inventory from the first client device (120); In response to the status availability indicating that the part is available to the user, and the finding that the user associated with the first client device (120) has access to the spare parts in stock, create (230) a conditional reservation of the part; Transfer (230) the conditional reservation to at least one of the multiple client devices (120A-E); in response to the detection (250) that the part has been consumed by the user, generating (260) a confirmed reservation of the part, which identifies a real-time update of the conditional reservation of the part, and transmitting the confirmed reservation to at least one of the multiple client devices (120A-E); and In response to the finding (250) that the part has not been consumed by the user within a time period of generating the conditional reservation of the part, (280) a notification is generated indicating that the part is available for reservation. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising: Facilitating (270) the replenishment of the part in the stock; and Matching (270) a transaction associated with the relief. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein facilitating the replenishment of the part in the inventory adds the part to a storage location (430) assigned to the user. [11] Method according to claim 8, wherein the query links a geographic location of the user with at least one location of the part in the inventory. [12] The method of claim 8, further comprising generating a display element comprising at least one of the following: the conditional reservation of the part by the user, a planned or real-time quantity of the part in stock, a real-time quantity of the part associated with the conditional reservation, or a replenishment of the part on its way to stock. [13] Method according to claim 8, wherein the request includes at least one of the following elements: a Short Message Service message, a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), a Quick Response (QR) code, a serial number and a product number associated with the part. [14] Computer program product with computer-readable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by at least one processor (116), cause the at least one processor (116) to perform one or more steps comprising: Retrieving (210) from at least one inventory database (150), a status availability of a part in an inventory; Determine (210) that a user assigned to a first client device (120) is one of several client devices (120A-E) that have access to spare parts in an inventory; Receiving (220) an initial request from the first client device (120) to reserve the part in the inventory; In response to the part's availability status, which indicates that the part is available to the user, and the finding that the user assigned to the first client device (120) has access to spare parts in the inventory, create (230) a conditional reservation of the part; Transfer (230) the conditional reservation to at least one of the multiple client devices; in response to the finding (250) that the part had been consumed by the user: Generating (260) a confirmed reservation of the part, which identifies a real-time update of the conditional reservation of the part, and transmitting the confirmed reservation to at least one of the multiple client devices; and In response to the finding that the part has not been consumed by the user within a time period of generating the conditional reservation of the part, generate (280) a message indicating that the part is available for reservation. [15] System according to claim 1, wherein the system determines that the user has access to spare parts in stock, based on one or more of the user's affiliations to a stock location (430), a release level and a valid warranty. [16] System according to claim 1, wherein the user assigned to the first client device (120) that has access to spare parts in stock is a field service technician. [17] System according to claim 1, wherein the conditional reservation is cancelled on the basis of a completion time of a repair order without the part being manually re-entered into the inventory. [18] System according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (116) further: In response to the real-time update of the conditional reservation and the creation of the confirmed reservation, an invoice is automatically generated to bill a dealer for the use of the part. [19] System according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (116) further serves to: When creating the conditional reservation for the part, add warranty information indicating that the part is under warranty.

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