A product management system

Abstract

A product management system (10) which includes a receiving means (12) for receiving a product identifier (14) and a predetermined date (16) associated with the product identifier (14) to be stored on a storage device (18) a linking means (20) for linking the product identifier (14) to the predetermined date (16), a comparing means (22) for comparing a current date (not shown) with the predetermined date (16), and an alerting means (24) for alerting a user (26) when the current date (not shown) is a particular duration from the predetermined date (16).

Description

[0001] A PRODUCT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to a product management system. In particular, this invention relates to a product management system for assisting retailers with the managing, tracking, controlling, selling and / or distributing products based on sell-by dates, use-by dates, expiration dates and the like.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to the invention, there is provided a product management system including: - a receiving means for receiving a product identifier and a predetermined date associated with the product identifier to be stored on a storage device; a linking means for linking the product identifier to the predetermined date; a comparing means for comparing a current date with the predetermined date; and an alerting means for alerting a user when the current date is a particular duration from the predetermined date.

[0006] The predetermined date may indicate any of the group including, but not limited to, freshness, effectiveness, safety, and quality of the product. The predetermined date may be selected from any one of the group including, but not limited to, best-before date, use-by date, sell-by date, expiration date, manufacture date, pack date, production date, freeze-by date, refrigerate-by date, use-within date, closed date, service life, guarantee date, and warranty date.

[0007] The receiving means may include an input means for allowing the user to input the product identifier and / or the predetermined date relating to a particular product. The input means may be configured to allow user input via any of the group including, but not limited to, typing, voice, image, copying and pasting, barcode scanning, and quick response (QR) code scanning.

[0008] The receiving means may be configured to receive the product identifier and / or predetermined date from an existing database. The existing database may be part of any of the group including, but not limited to, a logistics system, stock system, point- of-sale system, e-commerce system, accounting system, administration system, inventory system, and dispensary system. The existing database may be integrated with the receiving means and / or other systems or software used by organisations, preferably to ensure generally seamless data flow.

[0009] The receiving means may be configured to store the product identifier and the predetermined date on the storage device, the receiving means preferably being configured to store the product identifier and the predetermined date on the storage device upon receipt thereof.

[0010] The product identifier may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product type, brand, name, batch number, generic name, image of the product, number assigned to the product, and code assigned to the product. Preferably, the product identifier may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a batch number relating to the product. The batch number may refer to a group of particular products or items manufactured together, preferably a group of particular products or items which share the same predetermined date. The batch number may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a number, a code, a barcode, a serial number, a quick response (QR) code, an image, and a combination thereof.

[0011] The product may be selected from any product that is to be offered for sale or distribution. Preferably, the product may be any pharmaceutical or medical item offered or dispensed to patients or customers including medication, medical supplies, and healthcare-related items which may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, over-the-counter medication, medical devices, health supplements, first aid supplies, personal protective equipment, health and wellness products, and contact lenses. Alternatively, the product may be any item offered to customers by a retailer. The retailer may be selected from the group including, but not limited to, a physical retailer and an online retailer.

[0012] The linking means may be arranged in communication with the receiving means and / or the storage device for allowing access to the product identifier and the predetermined date. In particular, the linking means may be configured to create an association between the product identifier and the predetermined date. The manner in which the association may be created may be dependent on a structure of the storage device. Preferably, the association may be created by storing the product identifier and the predetermined date in a single row of a table-type storage structure.

[0013] The comparing means may be arranged in communication with the storage device for allowing access to the product identifier and the predetermined date. The comparing means may be configured to calculate a difference between the current date and the predetermined date relating to a particular product identifier. The difference between the current date and the predetermined date may be represented by any one or more of the group including, but not limited to seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and any combination thereof.

[0014] The current date may be the calendar date when the product management system is being used.

[0015] The alerting means may be arranged in communication with the comparing means for allowing access to the difference between the current date and the predetermined date. The alerting means may be configured to alert the user when the difference between the current date and the predetermined date decreases below a threshold value. The threshold value may be dependent on the product or product type, typically being dependent on how long a product retains its freshness, effectiveness, quality, and / or safety. For example, the alerting means would typically alert the user when a sell-by date of a particular batch of medicinal products is within 2 months, thus enabling the user to ensure that the particular batch is sold before other batches having sell-by dates further away. The threshold value may be determined by the manufacturer of the product. The threshold value may be determined by a retailer of the product. The threshold value may be alterable according to specific requirements of the retailer of the product.

[0016] Alternatively, the alerting means may be configured to alert the user when a patient or customer has requested a particular product.

[0017] The alerting means may be configured to alert the user via any one or more of the group of notifiers including, but not limited to, a message, a pop-up notification, a text message, an email, a push notification, an alert, a change of colour, a change of icon, a sound alert, a desktop banner notification, a voice or audio notification, an instant messaging (IM) notification such as WhatsApp or Slack, and a visual countdown timer.

[0018] The notifier may include information selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product identifier, the predetermined date linked to the product identifier, the difference between the current date and the predetermined date, the quantity of stock of the product linked to the product identifier, and the predetermined date thereof.

[0019] The user may be any person involved in the pharmaceutical industry and may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a dispenser, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, inventory manager, administration staff, patient service representative, pharmacy manager, lead pharmacist, pharmacist on duty, security personnel, compliance and quality assurance personnel, and marketing personnel. Alternatively, the user may be any person involved in the retail industry and may be selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, inventory managers, stock clerks, store assistants, warehouse managers, receiving clerks, stock controllers, supply chain managers, retail buyers, and e-commerce inventory managers. Further alternatively, the user may be any person involved in the online retail industry, selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, e-commerce inventory managers, order pickers, packers, inventory managers, warehouse staff, inventory software administrators, supply chain coordinators, stock controllers, and returns processing staff.

[0020] A verification means may be provided for verifying the user. It is to be appreciated that the user may be verified so as to allow the system to be used or operated by a person with the required skill, credentials, responsibility level, and / or job description to use the system. For example, in a dispensary, the user may be the head pharmacist or the pharmacist on duty having the necessary authority to make use of the system.

[0021] A display device may be provided for displaying the notifier issued by the alerting means. The display device may be arranged in communication with any one or more of the receiving means, the input means, the linking means, the comparing means, and the alerting means. The display device may be in the form of a screen or monitor of a device selected from the group including, but not limited to, a smartwatch, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, a television, and a LED display.

[0022] A processor may be provided for executing any tasks performed by the receiving means, the input means, the linking means, the comparing means, and / or the alerting means. Preferably, the receiving means, input means, linking means, comparing means, and / or the alerting means may be in the form of distinct sets of instructions which may be executed by the processor. The processor may form part of any suitable computing device, preferably forming part of any computing device of the group including, but not limited to, a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smart device, workstation, embedded system, and loT (internet of things) devices. The computing device may be in the form of an existing computing device utilised by a retailer, wherein the distinct instructions may be introduced to the existing computing device via downloading, typically a plug-in or other downloadable software, insertion of a mobile storage device, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or compact disk.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A product management system in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0025] In the drawing: -

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general functioning of the product management system in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to the figures, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a product management system in accordance with the present invention. The product management system 10 includes a receiving means 12 for receiving a product identifier 14 and a predetermined date 16 associated with the product identifier 14 to be stored on a storage device 18 a linking means 20 for linking the product identifier 14 to the predetermined date 16, a comparing means 22 for comparing a current date (not shown) with the predetermined date 16, and an alerting means 24 for alerting a user 26 when the current date (not shown) is a particular duration from the predetermined date 16. The predetermined date 16 associated with the product identifier 14 is any date date that indicates any of the group including, but not limited to, the freshness, effectiveness, safety, and quality of the product. The predetermined date 16 is selected from any one of the group including, but not limited to, best-before date, use- by date, sell-by date, expiration date, manufacture date, pack date, production date, freeze-by date, refrigerate-by date, use-within date, closed date, service life, guarantee date, and warranty date.

[0029] The receiving means 12 includes an input means 28 for allowing the user 26 to input the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16. The input means 28 is configured to allow user input via any of the group including, but not limited to, typing, voice, image, copying and pasting, barcode scanning, quick response (QR) code scanning.

[0030] The receiving means 12 is configured to receive the product identifier 14 and predetermined date 16 from an existing database 30. The existing database 30 is part of any of the group including, but not limited to, a logistics system, stock system, point- of-sale system, e-commerce system, accounting system, administration system, inventory system, and dispensary system. The existing database 30 is integrated with the receiving means 12 or other systems or software used by organisations to ensure generally seamless data flow.

[0031] The receiving means 12 is configured to store the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16 on the storage device 18, the receiving means 12 being configured to store the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16 on the storage device 18 upon receipt thereof.

[0032] The product identifier 14 is selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product type, brand, name, batch number (not shown), generic name, image of the product, number assigned to the product, and code assigned to the product. Typically, the product identifier 14 is in the form of a batch number (not shown) relating to the product (not shown). The batch number (not shown) refers to a group of particular items manufactured together, typically a group of particular items which share the same predetermined date. For the purposes of the product identifier, the batch number (not shown) is in the form any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a number, a barcode, a serial number, a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, an image, and a combination thereof.

[0033] The product (not shown) is in the form of any product to be offered for sale or distribution. Typically, the product could be any pharmaceutical or medical item offered or dispensed to patients or customers including medication, medical supplies, and healthcare-related items which are selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, over-the-counter medication, medical devices, health supplements, first aid supplies, personal protective equipment, health and wellness products, and contact lenses. Alternatively, the product is any item offered to customers by a retailer (not shown). The retailer (not shown) is selected from the group including, but not limited to, a physical retailer and an online retailer.

[0034] The linking means 20 is arranged in communication with the receiving means 12 and the storage device 18 for allowing access to the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16. In particular, the linking means 20 is configured to create an association between the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16. The manner in which the association is created is dependent on a structure of the storage device 18. Typically, the association is created by storing the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16 in a single row of a table-type storage structure.

[0035] The comparing means 22 is arranged in communication with the storage device 18 for allowing access to the product identifier 14 and the predetermined date 16. The comparing means 22 is configured to calculate a difference between the current date (not shown) and the predetermined date 16 relating to a particular product identifier 14. The difference between the current date (not shown) and the predetermined date 16 is represented by any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and any combination thereof.

[0036] The current date (not shown) is the calendar date when the product management system 10 is being used.

[0037] The alerting means 24 is arranged in communication with the comparing means 22 for allowing access to the difference between the current date (not shown) and the predetermined date 16. The alerting means 24 is configured to alert the user 26 when the difference between the current date (not shown) and the predetermined date 16 decreases below a threshold value (not shown). The threshold value (not shown) is dependent on the product or product type, typically being dependent on how long a product retains its freshness, effectiveness, quality, or safety. For example, the alerting means 24 would typically alert the user 26 when a sell-by date of a particular batch of medicinal products is within 2 months, thus enabling the user 26 to ensure that the particular batch is sold before other batches having sell-by dates further away. Although the threshold value (not shown) can be input manually by any user of the system, the threshold value (not shown) is typically determined by the manufacturer of the product. The threshold value (not shown) is alterable according to specific requirements of the retailer (not shown) of the product (not shown).

[0038] The alerting means 24 can be configured to alert the user 26 when a patient or customer has requested a particular product.

[0039] The alerting means 24 is configured to alert the user 26 via any one or more of the group of notifiers including, but not limited to, a message, a pop-up notification, a text message, an email, a push notification, an alert, a change of colour, a change of icon, a sound alert, a desktop banner notification, a voice or audio notification, an instant messaging (IM) notification, such as WhatsApp or Slack, and a visual countdown timer. The notifier (not shown) includes information selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product identifier, the predetermined date linked to the product identifier, the difference between the current date and the predetermined date, the quantity of stock of the product linked to the product identifier, and the predetermined date thereof.

[0040] The user 26 is any person involved in the pharmaceutical industry and is selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a dispenser, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, inventory manager, administration staff, patient service representative, pharmacy manager, lead pharmacist, pharmacist on duty, security personnel, compliance and quality assurance personnel, and marketing personnel. Alternatively, the user is any person involved in the retail industry and is selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, inventory managers, stock clerks, store assistants, warehouse managers, receiving clerks, stock controllers, supply chain managers, retail buyers, and e-commerce inventory managers. Further alternatively, the user is any person involved in the online retail industry, selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, e- commerce inventory managers, order pickers, packers, inventory managers, warehouse staff, inventory software administrators, supply chain coordinators, stock controllers, and returns processing staff.

[0041] A verification means (not shown) is provided for verifying the user 26. It is to be appreciated that the user 26 is verified so as to allow the system 10 to be used or operated by a person with the required skill, credentials, responsibility level, or job description to use the system 10. For example, in a dispensary, the user 26 is the head pharmacist or the pharmacist on duty having the necessary authority to make use of the system 10.

[0042] A display device 32 is provided for displaying the notifier (not shown) issued by the alerting means 24. The display device 32 is arranged in communication with any one or more of the receiving means 12, the input means 28, the linking means 20, the comparing means 22, and the alerting means 24. The display device 32 is in the form of a screen or monitor of a device selected from the group including, but not limited to, a smartwatch, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, a television, and a LED display.

[0043] A processor 34 is provided for executing any tasks performed by the receiving means 12, the input means 28, the linking means 20, the comparing means 22, and the alerting means 24. Typically, the receiving means 12, input means 28, linking means 20, comparing means 22, and the alerting means is in the form of distinct sets of instructions which may be executed by the processor 34. The processor 34 forms part of any suitable computing device (not shown), typically forming part of any computing device of the group including, but not limited to, a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smart device, workstation, embedded system, and loT (internet of things) devices. The computing device (not shown) is in the form of an existing computing device utilised by a retailer, wherein the distinct instructions may be introduced to the existing computing device via downloading, typically a plug-in or other downloadable software, insertion of a mobile storage device, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or compact disk.

[0044] It is, of course, to be appreciated that the product management system in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

[0045] Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and / or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

[0046] The inventor believes that the product management system in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it alerts users when products are approaching their sell-by dates, use-by dates, expiration dates and the like. This alert allows the user act in response, for example, when products are near their expiration dates, the user may notify staff that the product should be dispensed to patients or customers as a matter of priority, the user may transfer or distribute the product to stores with a high demand for the product, the user may put the products promotion to patients or customers. Further, the inventor believes the present invention to be advantageous in that it at least partially reduces administration time for the user as the alert will replace the need for the user to manually check the expiration dates of products. Yet further, it is believed that the invention is advantageous in that it reduces a likelihood of products passing their sell-by dates, use-by dates, expiration dates and the like, thereby reducing the likelihood of wastage. Yet even further, the invention is believed to be advantageous in that it can be used as plug-in in conjunction with existing systems used by retailers thereby ensuring generally seamless data flow and easy integration with currently used systems.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A product management system including: - a receiving means for receiving a product identifier and a predetermined date associated with the product identifier to be stored on a storage device; a linking means for linking the product identifier to the predetermined date; a comparing means for comparing a current date with the predetermined date; and an alerting means for alerting a user when the current date is a particular duration from the predetermined date.

2. A product management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the predetermined date indicates any of the group including, but not limited to, freshness, effectiveness, safety, and quality of the product.

3. A product management system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the predetermined date is selected from any one of the group including, but not limited to, best-before date, use-by date, sell-by date, expiration date, manufacture date, pack date, production date, freeze-by date, refrigerate-by date, use-within date, closed date, service life, guarantee date, and warranty date.

4. A product management system as claimed any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the receiving means includes an input means for allowing the user to input the product identifier or the predetermined date relating to a particular product.

5. A product management system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the input means is configured to allow user input via any of the group including, but not limited to, typing, voice, image, copying and pasting, barcode scanning, and quick response (QR) code scanning.

6. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the receiving means is configured to receive the product identifier or predetermined date from an existing database.

7. A product management system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the existing database is part of any of the group including, but not limited to, a logistics system, stock system, point-of-sale system, e-commerce system, accounting system, administration system, inventory system, and dispensary system.

8. A product management system as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7 wherein the existing database is integrated with the receiving means.

9. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 6 to 8 wherein the existing database is integrated with other systems or software used by organisations.

10. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the receiving means is configured to store the product identifier and the predetermined date on the storage device.

11. A product management system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the receiving means is configured to store the product identifier and the predetermined date on the storage device upon receipt thereof.

12. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the product identifier is selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product type, brand, name, batch number, generic name, image of the product, number assigned to the product, and code assigned to the product.

13. A product management system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the batch number is selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, a number, a code, a barcode, a serial number, a quick response (QR) code, and an image.

14. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the product is any pharmaceutical or medical item offered or dispensed to patients or customers including medication, medical supplies, and healthcare- related items.

15. A product management system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the medication, medical supplies, and healthcare-related items are selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, over-the-counter medication, medical devices, health supplements, first aid supplies, personal protective equipment, health and wellness products, and contact lenses.

16. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 13 wherein the product is any item offered to customers by a retailer.

17. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the linking means is arranged in communication with the receiving means or the storage device for allowing access to the product identifier and the predetermined date.

18. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the linking means is configured to create an association between the product identifier and the predetermined date.

19. A product management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the association is created by storing the product identifier and the predetermined date in a single row of a table-type storage structure.

20. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the comparing means is arranged in communication with the storage device for allowing access to the product identifier and the predetermined date.21 . A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the comparing means is configured to calculate a difference between the current date and the predetermined date relating to a particular product identifier.

22. A product management system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the difference between the current date and the predetermined date is represented by any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years.

23. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the current date is the calendar date when the product management system is being used.

24. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 21 to23 wherein the alerting means is arranged in communication with the comparing means for allowing access to the difference between the current date and the predetermined date.

25. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 21 to24 wherein the alerting means is configured to alert the user when the difference between the current date and the predetermined date decreases below a threshold value.

26. A product management system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the threshold value is dependent on the product or product type.

27. A product management system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the threshold value is dependent on how long a product retains its freshness, effectiveness, quality, or safety.

28. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 25 to27 wherein the threshold value is determined by the manufacturer of the product.

29. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 25 to28 wherein the threshold value is determined by a retailer of the product.

30. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 25 to29 wherein the threshold value is alterable according to specific requirements of a retailer of the product.31 . A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the alerting means is configured to alert the user when a patient or customer has requested a particular product.

32. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the alerting means is configured to alert the user via any one or more of the group of notifiers including, but not limited to, a message, a pop-up notification, a text message, an email, a push notification, an alert, a change of colour, change of icon, a sound alert, a desktop banner notification, a voice or audio notification, an instant messaging (IM) notification, and a visual countdown timer.

33. A product management system as claimed in claim 32 wherein the notifier includes information selected from any one or more of the group including, but not limited to, product identifier, the predetermined date linked to the product identifier, the difference between the current date and the predetermined date, the quantity of stock of the product linked to the product identifier, and the predetermined date thereof.

34. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims including a verification means for verifying the user.

35. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 32 to 34 wherein a display device is provided for displaying the notifier issued by the alerting means.

36. A product management system as claimed in claim 35 wherein the display device is arranged in communication with any one or more of the receiving means, the input means, the linking means, the comparing means, and the alerting means.

37. A product management system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims including a processor for executing any tasks performed by the receiving means, the input means, the linking means, the comparing means, or the alerting means.

38. A product management system as claimed in claim 37 wherein the receiving means, input means, linking means, comparing means, and the alerting means are in the form of distinct sets of instructions which are executed by the processor.

39. A product management system as claimed in claim 37 or 38 wherein the processor forms part of a computing device.

40. A product management system as claimed in claim 39 wherein the computing device is selected from the group including, but not limited to, a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smart device, workstation, embedded system, and loT (internet of things) devices.41 . A product management system as claimed in any one or more of claims 39 or40 wherein the computing device is in the form of an existing computing device utilised by a retailer, wherein the distinct instructions are introduced to the existing computing device via downloading.

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