Return merchandise authorization asset recovery

An application server for non-returned return merchandise authorization (RMA) asset recovery. The application comprises an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, examines related entries in a data store for status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices, and calculates time duration since shipment of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device. The application further examines provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices, and responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, suspends communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Return merchandise authorization is a part of a process of returning a product in order to receive a repair, replacement, or refund before the product's warranty period ends. The purchaser usually contacts the manufacturer to obtain authorization to return the product. A return merchandise authorization number is generated at that moment. A replacement product and a return merchandise authorization kit are then sent to the purchaser, typically with the return merchandise authorization number. The return merchandise authorization kit typically includes a return mailing label, related paperwork for the purchaser to fill out, and a return box to mail the original product with. The purchaser is supposed to mail back the original product with the completed paperwork and the rest of the return merchandise authorization kit including the return merchandise authorization number. The return merchandise authorization number makes it easier for the manufacturer to identify the return merchandise authorization case and may cause problems when it is missing.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an application server for non-returned return merchandise authorization (RMA) asset recovery is disclosed. The application server comprises a memory, a processor, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, examines related entries in a data store for status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices, records a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device, and calculates time duration since shipment of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device. The application further examines provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices. Responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, the application further suspends communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device. Responsive to no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device being received, the application further sends a notice to an application programming interface to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device.

In an embodiment, a method of recovering a non-returned return merchandise authorization (RMA) asset is disclosed. The method comprises storing shipment status of replacement mobile communication devices at a data store, storing entries with status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices on the data store, and examining related entries in the data store for the status of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices. The method further comprises recording a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device by an application on an application server, and calculating time duration since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device. The method further comprises examining provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices. The method further comprises responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, suspending communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device. The method further comprises responsive to no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device being received, when the time duration reaches a predefined amount, responsive to the replacement mobile communication device being activated, sending a reminder to the replacement mobile communication device for returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, and when the time duration is one day larger than the predefined period of time, sending a notice to an application programming interface to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the replacement authorization mobile communication device. The method further comprises responsive to no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device being received, flagging in a provisioning data store the replacement authorization mobile communication device and the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed a due date for return, and provisioning the replacement mobile communication device associated with the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed the due date for return by an application programming interface (API) on a provisioning server to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device.

In an embodiment, a method of recovering a non-returned return merchandise authorization (RMA) asset is disclosed. The method comprises recording a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device by an application on an application server, and calculating time duration since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device. The method further comprises examining provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices. The method further comprises responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, suspending communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device. The method further comprises responsive to no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device being received, when the time duration is one day larger than the predefined period of time, sending a notice to an application programming interface to suspend communication service to the replacement merchandise authorization mobile communication device, and flagging the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed a due date for return in a provisioning data store.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a purchaser requests to return or exchange a product, for example when a user of a mobile communication device requests to a wireless communications service provider to return or exchange the mobile communication device, a return merchandise authorization case may be created. A replacement mobile communication device may be sent by the wireless communications service provider with a return merchandise authorization kit and a return merchandise authorization number. The user is supposed to mail the original mobile communication device back to the wireless communications service provider. However, due to various reasons, for example the user forgetting to attach the return merchandise authorization number, undeliverable return mobile communication device, the user simply giving the original mobile communication device to a family member, or another reason, the original mobile communication device and/or the return merchandise authorization number is not returned. A missing return merchandise authorization number may make it more difficult for the wireless communications service provider to identify the return merchandise authorization case. Missing original mobile communication devices that were replaced by replacement mobile communication devices may affect profit of the wireless communications service provider. The present disclosure teaches a system and method for monitoring return merchandise authorization case status and suspending communication service for relevant mobile communication devices under predefined circumstances.

For example, when a wireless communications service provider approves a return merchandise authorization process upon a user's request, a return merchandise authorization case is initiated and a return merchandise authorization number is assigned to the case. An entry may be created in a data store for information on the return merchandise authorization case, comprising information on an original mobile communication device, referred to as a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device herein. When a replacement mobile communication device is to be shipped from a warehouse of the wireless communications service provider to replace the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, an entry may be created in a warehouse data store (for example, a data store containing information on operations of a distribution center that warehouses mobile communication devices prior to order fulfillment and shipping to end users and/or to retail stores) to store information on the replacement mobile communication device. The entry may comprise information that is related to or associated with the return merchandise authorization case on the data store. When the replacement mobile communication device is shipped from the warehouse, a warehouse management system may record shipment information of the replacement mobile communication device by updating the entry in the warehouse data store. The replacement mobile communication device shipment information and the associated return merchandise authorization case information may be sent from the warehouse data store to the data store.

An integration application on an application server may examine entries on the data store for status of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices. The integration application may also record a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device and start counting elapsed time in units of days from the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received at the wireless communications service provider, the integration application may stop counting the elapsed time and the return merchandise authorization case is considered to be completed. If no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received at the wireless communications service provider, the integration application may continue counting the elapsed time.

The integration application may periodically examine provisioning information on the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. When the integration application detects that the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been activated, remains activated, and/or is associated with a new telephone number different from a telephone number before the return merchandise authorization case was created, the integration application may send a notification to an application programming interface of a provisioning server and/or provisioning system to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. The integration application may also include in the notification a request to the application programming interface to suspend communication service to the corresponding replacement mobile communication device if the replacement mobile communication device is activated for communication service and/or to flag in device provisioning information to prevent the replacement mobile communication device from future activation for communication service if the replacement mobile communication device is not yet activated for communication service. This action(s) may be taken before and/or after the elapsed time reaches a predefined amount, for example 45 days, or another amount, when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is associated with a new telephone number. When the elapsed time reaches the predefined amount, for example 45 days, or another amount, the integration application may examine the device provisioning information of the replacement mobile communication device. When the replacement mobile communication device is not activated, the replacement mobile communication device may not have been received by the user. Customer service may contact the user, for example through a text message, a phone call, or in another manner, to inquire about receipt of the replacement mobile communication device. On the other hand, if the replacement mobile communication device is activated, a reminder may be sent by the integration application to the replacement mobile communication device for returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. When the elapsed time is one day larger than the predefined amount, for example 46 days, a notice may be sent by the integration application to the application programming interface to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device. The integration application may locate the associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device by examining the entry for the replacement mobile communication device in the data store.

The integration application may notify the application programming interface to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. A record of the replacement mobile communication device in a provisioning data store may be flagged as communication service suspended. When the user realizes that the replacement mobile communication device is out of communication service and calls customer care at the wireless communications service provider, the user may be notified that by returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device may be resumed. When the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device is resumed, the record for the replacement mobile communication device may be un-flagged on the provisioning data store.

Turning now toFIG. 1, a communication system100is described. In an embodiment, the system100comprises a plurality of mobile communication devices102, a data store104, an application server108, a provisioning data store114, a provisioning server118, a warehouse data store122, and a warehouse management server124. The application server108may comprise an integration application110, a memory132, and a processor134. The mobile communication device102is configured to use a cellular radio transceiver to establish a wireless communication link with a base transceiver station128, and the base transceiver station128provides communications connectivity of the device102to a network130. The data store104, the application server108, the provisioning data store114, the provisioning server118, the warehouse data store122, and the warehouse management server124may also have access to the network130. The network130may comprise any combination of private and public networks.

It is understood that the system100may comprise any number of mobile communication devices102and any number of base transceiver stations128. The collectivity of base transceiver stations128may be said to comprise a radio access network, in that these base transceiver stations128may provide radio communication links to the mobile communication devices102to provide access to the network130. The radio access network may be abstracted in different ways and may comprise, in addition to the base transceiver stations128, servers and data stores such as home location registers (HLRs) or servers that implement the functionality of home location registers, visitor location registers (VLRs) or servers that implement the functionality of visitor location registers, base station controllers (BSCs), mobile switching centers (MSCs), and other network nodes that are specifically associated with providing wireless access and connectivity to the mobile communication devices102.

The cellular radio transceiver of the mobile communication device102may communicate with the base transceiver station128using any of a variety of wireless communication protocols including a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless communication protocol, a global system for mobile communication (GSM) wireless communication protocol, a long-term evolution (LTE) wireless communication protocol, a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) wireless communication protocol, or another wireless communication protocol. The device102may be any of a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player, or another mobile communication device. In an embodiment, the mobile communication device102may have other components (not shown) such as a cellular radio transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) radio transceiver, a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio transceiver, or other components.

The warehouse data store122may store replacement mobile communication device information120comprising association with return merchandise authorization case information106on the data store104. An entry may be created in the warehouse data store122to store relevant information on a replacement mobile communication device and the association with a return merchandise authorization case information106when a return merchandise authorization process is initiated, for example by request from a user. When the replacement mobile communication device is shipped, a worker at the warehouse may update the entry in the warehouse data store122to store tracking information on the replacement mobile communication device, for example by scanning identification information of the replacement mobile communication device before it is shipped. The entry in the data store122may comprise associated return merchandise authorization case information106, a shipment time, a shipment date, tracking information, or other related information on the shipped replacement mobile communication device.

A warehouse management application126that executes on the warehouse management server124may manage the warehouse data store122and send information stored on the warehouse data store122to relevant destinations. For example, the warehouse management application126may periodically send entries for the replacement mobile communication devices from the warehouse data store122to the data store104. Alternatively, the warehouse management application126may send entries of the replacement mobile communication devices from the warehouse data store122to the data store104when a triggering event occurs, for example at shipment of a replacement mobile communication device.

In an embodiment, the provisioning data store114may store device provisioning information112about the mobile communication devices102. For example, when communication service for a mobile communication device102is suspended, a field of an associated device provisioning information112entry may be flagged on the provisioning data store114. The flag may control access of the mobile communication device102to the radio access network and the mobile communication device102may not be able to utilize normal wireless communication services except 911 calls or customer care calls. When the service for the mobile communication device102is resumed, the field of the entry for the mobile communication device102may be un-flagged to indicate that the mobile communication device is in communication service. And the un-flagged mobile communication device102may utilize normal wireless communication services besides 911 calls and customer care calls. The application110may send a notice to the provisioning data store114to set this field of the entry when communication service status of a mobile communication device is determined or changed. When the application programming interface116provisions mobile communication devices102, the field of the entry may be examined to determine whether a mobile communication device102may be provisioned.

An application programming interface (API)116on the provisioning server118may be used to provision mobile communication devices102. For example, the application programming interface116may be used to stop/halt/pause/suspend communication service to a mobile communication device102, for example a return merchandise authorization (RMA) mobile communication device that has passed a due date. When an integration application110on the application server108determines that a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has passed the due date and the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has not been received, the integration application110may locate a corresponding device provisioning information112entry in the provisioning data store114based on the return merchandise authorization case information106entry in the data store104. The integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. The associated field of the entry in the provisioning data store114may be flagged. The application programming interface116may also be used to resume the communication service to a mobile communication device102.

The data store104may store return merchandise authorization case information106. The return merchandise authorization case information106may comprise information on return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices and/or associated replacement mobile communication devices, for example tracking information, delivery information, undeliverable status, no return merchandise authorization number status, return merchandise authorization process cancellation status, or other information on the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. The return merchandise authorization case information106may also comprise shipment information on an associated replacement mobile communication device of a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device.

A file may be sent to the data store104comprising a piece of the above information, for example a return merchandise authorization device shipment file comprising the shipment information of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, a return merchandise authorization device receipt file on the receipt of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, or another file on another piece of information of the replacement mobile communication device or the associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. An entry may be created for each return merchandise authorization case corresponding to a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device to store the relevant information. The data store104may send a notice to the integration application110when a new file is received at the data store104. Alternatively, the integration application110may periodically examine the data store104for any updates.

For example, the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device information106may be requested from the data store104by the integration application110, for example the shipment time, the shipment date, the tracking information, or other related information. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is dropped off at a courier, for example at a postal office, for shipment, a return merchandise authorization shipment file may be received at the data store104from a reporting application. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received at a local courier, a return merchandise authorization receipt file may be received at the data store104from the reporting application. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is undeliverable, a return merchandise authorization undeliverable/refused file may be received at the data store104from the reporting application. The replacement mobile communication device associated with the undeliverable return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be exempt from communication service suspension. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device with a receipt but without a return merchandise authorization number is received at the wireless communications service provider, an associated mobile equipment identifier (MEID) may be determined and sent to the data store104. When the return merchandise authorization process is cancelled without a receipt, the data store104may be notified, and the integration application110may stop counting the elapsed time and drop the case.

The integration application110on the application server108may integrate information on a replacement mobile communication device and an associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and take action under predefined circumstances. A return merchandise authorization process is a part of a process of returning a product in order to receive a repair, replacement, or refund before the product's warranty period ends. In an embodiment, a replacement mobile communication device may be sent to a user to replace an associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device in a return merchandise authorization process, and the user is supposed to mail back the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device to the provider of the replacement mobile communication device.

The integration application110may periodically check the data store104for updates on the return merchandise authorization case information106. The return merchandise authorization case information106may comprise information on return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices and replacement mobile communication devices. Alternatively, the data store104may send a notice to the integration application110when any update is made to the entries with the return merchandise authorization case information106. Similarly, the integration application110may periodically check the warehouse data store122for updates on the replacement mobile communication device information120. The replacement mobile communication device information120may comprise information on replacement mobile communication devices. Alternatively, the warehouse data store122may send a notice to the integration application110when any update is made to the entries with the replacement mobile communication device information120. Additionally, the integration application110may periodically check the provisioning data store114for updates on the device provisioning information112. The device provisioning information112may comprise provisioning information on mobile communication devices that are supported by the wireless communications service provider. Alternatively, the provisioning data store114may send a notice to the integration application110when any update is made to the entries with the device provisioning information112.

The integration application110may record the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device. Elapsed time since the shipment of the replacement mobile communication device may be counted in units of days, and entries associated with a past due return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be located in a variety of ways. For example, the integration application110may periodically calculate the elapsed time for the replacement mobile communication devices, for example every 12 hours, every day, or at another time interval. The elapsed time may be stored with the associated entry of a return merchandise authorization case in the data store104. Alternatively, the integration application110may execute once per day, sort through all return merchandise authorization case information106entries in the data store104to find entries106pending at least 46 days, and then handle those specific cases. Alternatively, the return merchandise authorization case information106entries may be stored in time order, and the integration application110may process entries106in order until a first entry106less than 46 days old. Alternatively, the return merchandise authorization case information106entries may be stored in time order, and a pointer or delimiter may be kept between the return merchandise authorization case information106entries with day divisions of less than 46 days old and at least 46 days old.

The integration application110may periodically examine device provisioning information112, for example on the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. When the integration application110detects that the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is activated, remains activated, and/or is associated with a new telephone number different from a telephone number before the return merchandise authorization case was created, the integration application110may send a notification to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. The integration application110may also include in the notification a request to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the corresponding replacement mobile communication device if the replacement mobile communication device is activated for communication service and/or to flag in device provisioning information116to prevent the replacement mobile communication device from future activation for communication service if the replacement mobile communication device is not yet activated for communication service. This action(s) may be taken before and/or after the elapsed time reaches a predefined amount, for example 45 days, or another amount, when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is associated with a new telephone number.

The integration application110may calculate the elapsed time until an associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that was replaced by the replace mobile communication device is received, for example at a wireless communications service provider that shipped the replacement mobile communication device. When the associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received at the wireless communications service provider, a return merchandise authorization case is completed and the elapsed time counting is stopped. On the other hand, when the associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is not received at the wireless communication service provider, the integration application110may continue with the calculation of the elapsed time.

When the elapsed time approaches the end of the predefined period of time, for example 30 days, 45 days, 50 days, or another amount of time, the integration application110may examine the device provisioning information112of the replacement mobile communication device. When the replacement mobile communication device is not activated, the replacement mobile communication device may not have been received by the user. Customer service may contact the user, for example through a text message, a phone call, or in another manner, to inquire about receipt of the replacement mobile communication device. On the other hand, if the replacement mobile communication device is activated, the integration application110may send a notice to the replacement mobile communication device for returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. For example, the integration application110may send an email, a short message service (SMS) message, a phone call, or another type of notice to the replacement mobile communication device. The notice may comprise a reminder to a user of the replacement mobile communication device to return the associated return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device.

In an embodiment, when the elapsed time is one day larger than the predefined period of time, for example 31 days, 46 days, 51 days, or another amount of days, the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be considered as past due if the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has not been received, for example at the wireless communications service provider, as indicated by data entered in data stores122and/or104. The integration application110may take action when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is past due. For example, the integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device. Additionally, the integration application110may determine whether the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device (e.g., the “old” device) is in communication service. If the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is in communication service, the integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. If the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is not in communication service, the integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to set a flag to prevent the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device from being activated in the future for communication service.

Alternatively, the integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to suspend the communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device or set the flag associated with the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device for future prevention from communication service at the day when the replacement mobile communication device is activated. When the replacement mobile communication device or the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is suspended from communication service, 911 and customer care numbers may still be available to these mobile communication devices.

It should be noted that suspension of the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device and suspension of the communication service for the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be decoupled. For example, the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device may be suspended, and the communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may not be suspended. Additionally, the communication service to the replacement mobile communication device and the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be suspended at different times. For example, the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device may be suspended when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is past due. On the other hand, the communication service for the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be suspended at a variety of times, for example immediately on hearing from the user that requests the return merchandise authorization case, at a time when the replacement mobile communication device is shipped, a period of time after the replacement mobile communication device is shipped based on expected shipping transit time, after a predefined period of time when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is considered to be past due, at the activation of the replacement mobile communication device, or at another time. When the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received at the wireless communications service provider after the communication service for the replacement mobile communication device has been suspended, the integration application110may send a notice to the application programming interface116to resume the communication service to the replacement mobile communication device.

Turning now toFIG. 2, a method200is described. At block202, shipment status of replacement mobile communication devices is stored at a data store. For example, shipment status of replacement mobile communication devices, for example shipment date, shipment time, tracking information, or other shipment information, is stored at the warehouse data store122. The shipment status of the replacement mobile communication devices may then be sent from the warehouse data store to a data store. For example, the shipment status of the replacement mobile communication devices may be sent by the warehouse management application126from the warehouse data store122to the data store104, and then be stored in the data store104. At block204, entries with status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices are stored on the data store. For example, entries with status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices are stored on the data store104.

At block206, related entries in the data store for the status of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices are examined. For example, related entries in the data store104for the status of the return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices are examined by the integration application110. For example, the integration application110may periodically examine the related entries in the data store104for any update. Alternatively, the data store104may send a notice to the integration application110when any update is made to related entries in the data store104. The integration application110may then request the data store104for updates for the related entries. At block208, a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device is recorded by an application on an application server. For example, the integration application110may record a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device.

At block210, time duration is calculated since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device. For example, the integration application110may calculate time duration since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device in units of days. The integration application110may calculate the time duration until the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received, which may complete a return merchandise authorization process. The return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be the mobile communication device that was supposed to be replaced by the replacement mobile communication device.

At block212, provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices is examined. For example, the integration application110may periodically examine a device provisioning information112entry associated with the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device, for example to determine whether or not the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been activated, remains activated, and/or is associated with a new telephone number different from a telephone number before the return merchandise authorization case was created. At block214, responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device is suspended. For example, when the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is associated with a new telephone number. The integration application110may suspend communication service to both the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device.

At block216, it is determined whether or not a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received. If the result of block216is true, which means a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received, the method restarts from the beginning, block202, when a new replacement mobile communication device is shipped. On the other hand, if the result of block216is false, which means no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received, the method continues with block218. At block218, when the time duration reaches a predefined amount, responsive to the replacement mobile communication device being received, a reminder is sent to the replacement mobile communication device for returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device. For example, when the time duration reaches a predefined amount, for example 45 days, or another period of time, and when the replacement mobile communication device has been delivered (i.e. the integration application may inquire the replacement device information120entry), a reminder, for example an email, a phone call, a text message, or another kind of reminder, may be sent to the replacement mobile communication device for returning the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device.

At block220, when the time duration is one day larger than the predefined period of time, a notice is sent to an application programming interface to suspend service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the replacement authorization mobile communication device. Here one day is a grace period, and the grace period may be other amount of time, for example two days, three days, a week, or another amount of time. For example, in the case of a one day grace period, when the time duration is one day larger than the predefined period of time, for example 46 days when the predefined period of time is 45 days, a notice may be sent to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the replacement authorization mobile communication device from the integration application110. As another example, in the case of a two day grace period, when the time duration is two days larger than the predefined period of time, for example 47 days when the predefined period of time is 45 days, a notice may be sent to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the replacement authorization mobile communication device from the integration application110.

At block222, in a provisioning data store the replacement authorization mobile communication device and the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed a due date for return are flagged. For example, the replacement authorization mobile communication device and the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed a due date for return may be flagged in the provisioning data store114. At block224, the replacement mobile communication device associated with the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed the due date for return is provisioned by the application programming interface (API) on a provisioning server to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device. For example, the replacement mobile communication device associated with the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device that has passed the due date for return may be provisioned by the application programming interface (API)116on the provisioning server118to suspend communication service to the replacement mobile communication device.

Turning now toFIG. 3, a method300is described. At block302, a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device is recorded by an application on an application server. For example, a shipment date of a replacement mobile communication device may be recorded by the integration application110on the application server108for future reference. At block304, time duration is calculated, for example by the integration application110, since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device unless a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is received that was replaced by the replacement mobile communication device.

At block306, provisioning status of return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices is examined. At block308, responsive to return merchandise authorization mobile communication devices being associated with a new telephone number, communication service to the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device and the corresponding replacement mobile communication device is suspended.

At block310, it is determined whether or not a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received. If the result of block310is true, which means a return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received, the method restarts from the beginning, block302, when a new replacement mobile communication device is shipped. On the other hand, if the result of block310is false, which means no return merchandise authorization mobile communication device has been received, the method continues with block312. At block312, when the time duration is one day larger than the predefined period of time, a notice is sent to an application programming interface to suspend communication service to the replacement merchandise authorization mobile communication device. For example, when the time duration since the shipment date of the replacement mobile communication device is one day larger than the predefined period of time, for example 46 days when the predefined period of time is 45 days, a notice may be sent by the integration application110to the application programming interface116to suspend communication service to the replacement merchandise authorization mobile communication device. At block314, the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device is flagged that has passed a due date for return in a provisioning data store. For example, the return merchandise authorization mobile communication device may be flagged that has passed a due date for return in the provisioning data store114.

FIG. 4depicts the mobile device400, which is operable for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure should not be limited to these implementations. Though illustrated as a mobile phone, the mobile device400may take various forms including a wireless handset, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a gaming device, or a media player. The mobile device400includes a display402and a touch-sensitive surface and/or keys404for input by a user. The mobile device400may present options for the user to select, controls for the user to actuate, and/or cursors or other indicators for the user to direct. The mobile device400may further accept data entry from the user, including numbers to dial or various parameter values for configuring the operation of the handset. The mobile device400may further execute one or more software or firmware applications in response to user commands. These applications may configure the mobile device400to perform various customized functions in response to user interaction. Additionally, the mobile device400may be programmed and/or configured over-the-air, for example from a wireless base station, a wireless access point, or a peer mobile device400. The mobile device400may execute a web browser application which enables the display402to show a web page. The web page may be obtained via wireless communications with a base transceiver station, a wireless network access node, a peer mobile device400or any other wireless communication network or system.

FIG. 5shows a block diagram of the mobile device400. While a variety of known components of handsets are depicted, in an embodiment a subset of the listed components and/or additional components not listed may be included in the mobile device400. The mobile device400includes a digital signal processor (DSP)502and a memory504. As shown, the mobile device400may further include an antenna and front end unit506, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver508, a baseband processing unit510, a microphone512, an earpiece speaker514, a headset port516, an input/output interface518, a removable memory card520, a universal serial bus (USB) port522, an infrared port524, a vibrator526, a keypad528, a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch sensitive surface530, a touch screen/LCD controller532, a camera534, a camera controller536, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver538. In an embodiment, the mobile device400may include another kind of display that does not provide a touch sensitive screen. In an embodiment, the DSP502may communicate directly with the memory504without passing through the input/output interface518. Additionally, in an embodiment, the mobile device400may comprise other peripheral devices that provide other functionality.

The keypad528couples to the DSP502via the input/output interface518to provide one mechanism for the user to make selections, enter information, and otherwise provide input to the mobile device400. Another input mechanism may be the touch screen LCD530, which may also display text and/or graphics to the user. The touch screen LCD controller532couples the DSP502to the touch screen LCD530. The GPS receiver538is coupled to the DSP502to decode global positioning system signals, thereby enabling the mobile device400to determine its position.