Systems and methods for purchasing, invoicing and distributing items
First Claim
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1. A method for supplying items to a plurality of dispensing units, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of dispensing units that each hold a plurality of each of multiple distinct items, wherein the units have a processor and a memory for storing a record of inventory levels of each distinct item;
periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer, wherein the restocking information includes a restock quantity for each distinct item;
aggregating the restock quantities over the plurality of dispensing units for each of the multiple distinct items;
generating ordering information for the items to be restocked based on the aggregated restocking information; and
electronically sending the ordering information to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.
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Abstract
A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.
197 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for supplying items to a plurality of dispensing units, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of dispensing units that each hold a plurality of each of multiple distinct items, wherein the units have a processor and a memory for storing a record of inventory levels of each distinct item; periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer, wherein the restocking information includes a restock quantity for each distinct item; aggregating the restock quantities over the plurality of dispensing units for each of the multiple distinct items; generating ordering information for the items to be restocked based on the aggregated restocking information; and electronically sending the ordering information to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for supplying consigned items to a plurality of dispensing units, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of dispensing units that each hold a plurality of each of multiple distinct items on consignment from an external supplier, wherein the units have a processor and a memory for storing a record of inventory levels of each distinct item; periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer, wherein the restocking information includes a restock quantity for each distinct item; aggregating the restock quantities over the plurality of dispensing units for each of the multiple distinct items; generating ordering information for the items to be restocked based on the aggregated restocking information; and electronically sending the ordering information to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing unit.
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17. A method for supplying items to a plurality of dispensing units, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of dispensing units that each hold a plurality of each of multiple distinct items, wherein the units have a processor and a memory for storing a record of inventory levels of each distinct item; periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer, wherein the restocking information includes a restock quantity for each distinct item; generating an aggregated list of distinct items and their associated quantities that are to be restocked based on the restocking information; providing a hosted procurement application to permit manual selection of suppliers, manufacturers, and quantities for the items in the aggregated list; generating ordering information for the items to be restocked based on the manual selection using the hosted procurement application; and electronically sending the ordering information to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing unit. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification