Patent ID: 6341266
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
A method for maximizing a range of coverage profiles for managing inventory comprising the steps of:a. providing a function for a range of coverage profile; b. initializing said range of coverage profile function with a starting value; C. calculating an optimal amount of inventory to fulfill said function for a range of coverage profile wherein said calculating comprises the steps of: i. applying a minimum-cost flow algorithm to construct an optimal transportation solution to transport said necessary amount of inventory; ii. determining whether a solution is found after said applying of said minimum-cost flow algorithm for said range of coverage profile function with said starting value; iii. incrementally lowering said starting value when said determining whether a solution is found yields no solution and repeating said computing an optimal solution until said computing an optimal solution results in an optimal solution for said minimum-cost flow algorithm; d. incrementally enlarging said starting value when said determining whether a solution is found yields a solution and repeating said computing a solution until said computing an optimal solution results in an optimal solution for said minimum-cost flow algorithm; e. managing inventory based upon said optimal solution.