Method for tracking the flow of articles in a distribution network
First Claim
1. A method for tracking the flow of articles in a distribution network, wherein a central database is provided for holding records, each record attributed to one article and containing individual attributes of said article, and wherein the article has a unique tag identifying the record and is moved through several points in the distribution network, wherein at least at some of the points the tag is read and at least some of the attributes are updated, said method comprising the steps of providing local databases at least at some of the points of the distribution network, when an article arrives at one of the points, downloading the record from the central database to the local database of the point, when the article is processed at said point, updating the record of the article in said local database, when the article leaves said point, transferring the record of the article from the local database to the central database.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a distribution network with having various points, such as a manufacturer, distributors and points of sale, local databases are provided at least at some of the points. When an article arrives at such a point, a record describing it is transferred from a central database to the local database. When the article leaves the point, the record is transferred back to the central database. In other words, while the article is at a given point, the record remains available for access and modification at the local database, which obviates the need to consult the central database each time the record is to be accessed.
38 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for tracking the flow of articles in a distribution network, wherein a central database is provided for holding records, each record attributed to one article and containing individual attributes of said article, and wherein the article has a unique tag identifying the record and is moved through several points in the distribution network, wherein at least at some of the points the tag is read and at least some of the attributes are updated, said method comprising the steps of
providing local databases at least at some of the points of the distribution network, when an article arrives at one of the points, downloading the record from the central database to the local database of the point, when the article is processed at said point, updating the record of the article in said local database, when the article leaves said point, transferring the record of the article from the local database to the central database.
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12. A method for tracking the flow of articles in a distribution network, wherein a central database is provided holding records, each record being attributed to one article and containing individual attributes of said article, and wherein the article has a unique tag identifying the record and is moved through several points in the distribution network, said method comprising the steps of
providing local databases at least at some of the points of the distribution network, when an article arrives at one of the points, reading the tag of the article and electronically downloading the record from the central database to the local database of the point, when the article is processed at said point, updating the record of the article in said local database, when the article leaves said point, electronically uploading the record of the article from the local database to the central database.
Specification