Patent ID: 6945459
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A supply chain management method implemented by a processor, a storage device, a communications interface, and user terminals or computers, the method comprising the steps of: (a) the processor generating a fresh unique reference for an item at the start of its life in a supply chain, said unique reference incorporating a component derived from the physical location of origin of the item, and said reference has multiple components, each successive component being unique in the context of the preceding component; (b) for every transaction involving the item, transmitting transaction data via the communications interface, generating a transaction record including the unique reference of the item and storing the transaction record in the storage device; (c) if the item is modified, performing steps (a) and (b) above for a spawned item derived from the modified item, the modified item being a parent item and the spawned item being a child item, linking in the storage device the unique reference of the child item with the unique reference of the parent item; and (d) when an item terminates in the supply chain, preventing generation further transaction records for the unique reference of the item.