Econometric optimization engine
First Claim
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1. A computer implemented method for determining a preferred set of prices for a plurality of products, useful in association with a computer system, the method comprising:
- creating a sales model using a computer processor enabled to access computer readable memory from received store data, wherein the sales model includes a group sales equation and a market share equation, and storing the sales model within the computer readable memory;
creating a cost model using the computer processor from the received store data, and storing the cost model within the computer readable memory;
specifying a plurality of rules using the computer processor, and storing the plurality of rules within the computer readable memory;
calculating group sales using the group sales equation using the computer processor, and storing the calculated group sales within the computer readable memory;
calculating product margin using the market share equation using the computer processor, and storing the calculated product margin within the computer readable memory;
predict product sales, using the computer processor, by combining the calculated group sales with the calculated product margin, and storing the predicted product sales within the computer readable memory;
calculating the preferred set of prices by performing an optimization for a pricing goal, using the computer processor enabled to access the computer readable memory, wherein the optimization is based on the predicted product sales, the sales model, the cost model, and the plurality of rules, and wherein the optimization utilizes a heuristic approach to generate a feasible solution; and
setting the prices, using the computer processor, of the plurality of products to the calculated preferred set of prices.
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Abstract
A preferred set of prices for a plurality of products, generally demand coefficients is provided. Cost data including activity-based costs is also received. A preferred set of prices that will provide a local optimum for the preferred set of prices which maximizes profit is then determined. In one embodiment, a sales model and a cost model are created. A plurality of rules is specified. The preferred set of prices is then determined based on the sales model, the cost model, and the plurality of rules.
120 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method for determining a preferred set of prices for a plurality of products, useful in association with a computer system, the method comprising:
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creating a sales model using a computer processor enabled to access computer readable memory from received store data, wherein the sales model includes a group sales equation and a market share equation, and storing the sales model within the computer readable memory; creating a cost model using the computer processor from the received store data, and storing the cost model within the computer readable memory; specifying a plurality of rules using the computer processor, and storing the plurality of rules within the computer readable memory; calculating group sales using the group sales equation using the computer processor, and storing the calculated group sales within the computer readable memory; calculating product margin using the market share equation using the computer processor, and storing the calculated product margin within the computer readable memory; predict product sales, using the computer processor, by combining the calculated group sales with the calculated product margin, and storing the predicted product sales within the computer readable memory; calculating the preferred set of prices by performing an optimization for a pricing goal, using the computer processor enabled to access the computer readable memory, wherein the optimization is based on the predicted product sales, the sales model, the cost model, and the plurality of rules, and wherein the optimization utilizes a heuristic approach to generate a feasible solution; and setting the prices, using the computer processor, of the plurality of products to the calculated preferred set of prices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An optimization engine, useful in association with an econometric engine for creating a sales model and a financial model engine for creating a cost model, the optimization engine comprising:
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computer readable memory configured to store computer code for a sales model and a cost model, wherein a econometric engine generates the sales model and a financial model engine generates the cost model; a rule editor configured to enable the generation of rules which are stored within the computer readable memory, wherein the rules include a plurality of rule parameters; a rule tool, which stores the plurality of rule parameters within the computer readable memory; a price calculator connected to the rule tool, the financial model engine, the econometric engine and the computer readable memory, wherein the price calculator receives the sales model from the econometric engine via the computer readable memory and the cost model from the financial engine via the computer readable memory, wherein the sales model includes a group sales equation and a market share equation, and wherein the price calculator calculates group sales using the group sales equation and calculates product margin using the market share equation, and wherein the price calculator predicts product sales by combining the calculated group sales with the calculated product margin, and wherein the price calculator calculates a preferred set of prices by performing an optimization for a pricing goal, wherein the optimization is based on rule parameters, the sales model, the predicted product sales and the cost model, and further wherein the optimization utilizes a heuristic approach to generate a feasible solution; and a support tool configured to set the prices of the plurality of products to the calculated preferred set of prices. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification