System and method for recommending corporate usage of personal protective equipment utilizing benchmark data

A computer implemented method of computing optimal product usage comprising storing corporate information as a floor plan containing a plurality of hierarchical levels of a corporate organization; storing benchmark data describing a current product usage for at least one application within the corporate organization; performing an analysis based on the corporate information and the benchmark data to determine an optimum usage of a plurality of products for the at least one application; and generating a product usage recommendation based on the determined optimum usage.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments generally relate to a method and system for optimization, and, more particularly, to a method and system for computing optimal product usage based on product suitability, inventory controls, injury reduction, and cost.

2. Description of the Related Art

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used in a variety of different fields, including construction, maintenance, fabrication, industrial, engineering, research, healthcare, development, and military uses. As such, a wide variety of different types of PPE have been developed to suit the specific needs of each endeavor. PPE is typically rated on a variety of metrics indicating suitability for a particular task. However, the decision for which PPE to use for a given task is not always a simple one. The types of hazards present in the workplace and what injuries may occur from those hazards are considerations in choosing the right PPE. In an industrial setting, most injuries come from four main hazard categories, namely chemicals, abrasions, cutting, and thermal (heat or cold). Common hand injuries include lacerations or cuts to the hand and arm, amputation of the hand, loss of a finger, burns by chemicals or by fire, broken pieces of material becoming lodged into the hand, and crush injuries resulting in broken bones. A fabric glove may protect hands from dirt, chafing and abrasions, but will not protect the hand from rough, sharp, or heavy objects. A thicker glove may be required for use with chemicals, while the task may also require a glove that is flexible, yet slip resistant. The severity of the chemical hazard (splash/immersion) may be a consideration as well as the grip required in an outdoor or humid environment. Some common types of protective work gloves include disposable gloves to guard against mild irritants, fabric gloves to improve grip and insulate hands from mild heat and cold, leather gloves to guard against injuries from sparks or scraping against rough surfaces, metal mesh gloves for use with cutting tools or other sharp instruments, aluminized gloves to insulate hands from extreme heat when working with, for example, molten materials, and chemical resistant gloves to protect hands from corrosives, oils, and solvents. There currently exist methods that determine the right glove or PPE for a given application.

However, the least expensive PPE for a given application is not necessarily the most cost effective solution. There are various costs associated with using a lower cost or lesser appropriate PPE for a given application. These include, a loss of productivity due to the injured employee being out of work, the cost of replacing the PPE, and the cost of the actual medical expenses associated with the injury to name a few. Costs associated with a particular PPE may include the average lifespan of the PPE or the costs of laundering versus disposing of the PPE. However, a higher cost PPE that results in fewer injuries to employees, thereby decreasing those costs associated with injuries can result in an overall savings for the company.

As such, there is a need in the art for a method and system for computing optimal product usage that enables a PPE consumer to optimize their product purchasing decisions to fulfill PPE needs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments including a method and system for computing optimal product usage are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method of computing optimal product comprises: storing corporate information as a floor plan containing a plurality of hierarchical levels of a corporate organization, storing benchmark data describing a current product usage for at least one application within the corporate organization, performing an analysis based on the corporate information and the benchmark data to determine an optimum usage of a plurality of products for the at least one application, and recommending a product usage based on the determined optimum usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of a computer implemented method and system for computing optimal product usage are disclosed herein. The product usage analysis combines data regarding corporate information, organizational information, product and product application information, financial information and the like. This data is processed to produce a product usage analysis report that may suggest improvements in product purchasing and usage patterns. One embodiment of the invention analyzes product use as personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, industrial gloves. In another embodiment, the PPE may be medical gloves, e.g., examination or surgical gloves. In other embodiments, other products may be analyzed to assess product usage.

FIG. 1is a simplified block diagram of a system100for computing optimal product usage which may include generating a product usage analysis report. The system100includes a server102, a communications network104, and one or more client computers1061,1062. . .106n. The client computers106communicate with the server102via the communications network104. In operation, the client computers106send and receive data to and from the server102to generate product usage analysis reports.

The server102comprises a central processing unit (CPU)108, a plurality of support circuits110and a memory112. The support circuits110may include a display device as well as other circuits to support the functionality of the CPU108. Such circuits may include clock circuits, cache, power supplies, network cards, video circuits and the like.

The memory112may comprise read only memory, random access memory, removable memory, disk drives, optical drives and/or other forms of digital storage. The memory112is configured to store an operating system120, product data122, application data124, server assessment software126, a set of intermediate metrics125, and one or more reports127. The operating system120executes to control the general operation of the server102, including facilitating the execution of various processes and modules to perform specific tasks. The server assessment software126utilizes the product data122, the application data124, and data received from the one or more client computers106to generate the report127.

The server assessment software126comprises a server synchronization module132, a data processing module134, and a report generation module136. The server synchronization module126facilitates the transfer of data to and from the one or more client computers106. The data processing module134processes the data received from the client computers106along with the product data122and application data124to generate a set of intermediate metrics125. The product data122is data that describes the price, performance characteristics, and capabilities of various products, for example, personal protective equipment products. Application data124is data describing the necessary characteristics of various activities which require the product, and the threshold levels of characteristics for performing said activities. For PPE products, exemplary characteristics include tear resistance, strength, crushing resistance, flammability, flexibility, chemical resistance, liquid impermeability, and the like. While the present exemplary embodiment describes the product data122and application data124as present on the server102, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such data could be provided on a remote server or computer. In some embodiments, the product data122or application data124may be provided by a remote public database that provides information as determined by various standards bodies for a variety of products and/or applications. As depicted inFIG. 1A, the data processing module134comprises a plurality of analysis modules, such as a cost performance module150, an injury module152, a SKU reduction module154, a controls module156, a training module158, a production waste module159, and an optimization module160. The operation of each of these modules is described further with respect toFIGS. 8-13. In brief, the modules150-159perform analysis on various aspects of PPE use at the given site, and the optimization module160aggregates the analyses to determine an optimal PPE solution.

The report generation module136uses the set of intermediate metrics125to produce a report127.

The communications network104facilitates communication among the server102and the one or more client computers106. The communications network104may be any sort of wired or wireless network as well as combinations thereof as commonly known in the art. In some embodiments the communications network104is at least, in part, a packet switched network, such as the Internet.

The client computer106provides data to and receives data from the server102. The client computer106comprises a plurality of computing devices including, but not limited to, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, smart phones, tablet computers, and/or any other computing device capable of executing the client assessment software130and interacting with the server102. When programmed by certain software, the client computer106functions as a specific purpose computer for the purpose of sending and receiving data to the server102to generate product usage analysis reports. In some embodiments, the client computer106is a portable device that can be transported to and from a facility for the entry of survey data. The client computer106comprises a CPU114, a plurality of support circuits116, and a memory118.

The support circuits116may include a display device as well as other circuits to support the functionality of the CPU114. Such circuits may include clock circuits, cache, power supplies, network cards, video circuits and the like.

The memory118may comprise read only memory, random access memory, removable memory, disk drives, optical drives and/or other forms of digital storage. The memory118is configured to store an operating system128and client assessment software130. The client assessment software130allows for the user of the client computer106to input data describing usage patterns of PPE for a particular client. Such data is then synchronized with the server102for the generation of a product usage analysis report.

The client assessment software130comprises a data entry module138, a client synchronization module140, a pre-assessment module142, a survey module144, a floor plan module146, and a benchmark module148. The data entry module138comprises a series of forms and data entry fields for allowing the input of client product usage data. In some embodiments, the client product usage data is manually input by a user, but one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such data could be automatically transferred or generated from client records, invoices, and the like.

The client synchronization module140sends and receives data to and from the server102. In some embodiments, the client synchronization module may include PERVASYNC® software modules. In some embodiments, the client synchronization module140manages a wireless network stack executing on the client computer106. In some embodiments, the client synchronization module140maintains records of newly input data to the client computer106and performs synchronization functions when connected to the server102. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize a variety of wired and wireless method of synchronizing product usage data from the client computer106to the server102.

The client computer106further comprises a pre-assessment module142, a survey module144, a floor plan module146, and a benchmark module148. Each of these modules allows for the entry of specific types of data associated with product usage. These data types are described more fully with respect toFIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram depicting a method200for optimizing product usage. The method200represents an embodiment of an implementation of the server assessment126operating in combination with the client assessment software118. The method200begins at step202and proceeds to step204.

At step204, the method200stores corporate information. Corporate information comprises hierarchical levels of a corporate organization and PPE needs associated with each level. The method200then proceeds to step206. At step206, method200receives benchmark data describing a current product usage for each level of the corporate organization. Benchmark data describes information about the current equipment usage practices of the customer, as they exist at the start of the assessment. Benchmark data may relate to functions such as cost performance, injury reduction, SKU reduction, controls information, training information, best practices benchmarks, and the like. Benchmark data includes current cost spending on PPE, injury statistics, and a number of SKU's currently used, training practices, PPE control procedures, and levels of waste at the start of a survey. This information will become the benchmark against which potential savings can be measured as well as a way to track actual improvement going forward. The method200then proceeds to step208. At step208, the method200performs an analysis based on corporate information and benchmark data to determine optimal usage for a plurality of products. The analysis compares the benchmark data to the PPE needs of the application and looks for areas of improvement. Optimum usage is not simply finding the best PPE fit for an application; the assessment analyzes the impact of cost savings from injury reduction due to the recommended PPE use, improved PPE control procedures, decreased levels of waste, improved training procedures, in addition to the impact of the new price point of the recommended PPE. The optimum usage may incorporate a more appropriate PPE at a higher price point that results in an ultimate savings to the client due to savings from reduced injuries or better control procedures that extend the life of the PPE.

In some embodiments, each application has a plurality of characteristics and each characteristic has a rating of the level required for that characteristic. Although five characteristics are discussed here, those skilled in the art will appreciate the characteristics used are not limited to those embodiments discussed here. Further, although a rating system of 0-10 is discussed here, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various rating systems which can be used to rate characteristics. In one embodiment, the rating system is a number rating of 0-10. In this embodiment, for example, an application requires the following levels of each characteristic listed:

Chemical resistance8Cut resistance4Crush resistance7Flexibility2Flammability1
Each product has a rating for the same plurality of characteristics as the application and each characteristic has a rating of the level provided for that characteristic. In this embodiment, for example, Product A, Product B, and Product C provide the following levels of each characteristic listed:

The application profile is compared to the profile for the products. None is a perfect fit, but the application may specify which characteristics are higher priorities. For example, if chemical resistance and crush resistance are the highest priorities, Product A would be selected. If chemical resistance and cut resistance are the highest priorities, Product B would be selected. Even though Product C shares the same ratings for most characteristics, it would still not be selected because the highest priority, namely, chemical resistance, is not sufficient in Product C.

The product selection is then compared to benchmark data in order to ensure the recommendation will result in an improvement, taking into consideration both corporate and benchmark data, such as a number of employees at the application, a tested lifespan of the product, the impact on injury or SKU reduction and the like. The method200proceeds to step210. At step210, the method200generates a product usage recommendation based on the determined optimum usage. The method200proceeds to step212and ends.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram depicting a method300for computing optimal product usage. The method300represents an embodiment of an implementation of the server assessment software126operating in combination with the client assessment software118. The method300begins at step302and proceeds to step304.

At step304, the method300allows for a user to log in to a system. In some embodiments, a particular user login identifier is associated with various permission levels for the system. For example, a user login may be classified as a “superuser” or “administrator” login, allowing them to add or modify permissions for other users. A user login may be associated with specific equipment analysis reports or site surveys. For example, a customer may be provided with a user login that only allows them to perform operations related to data about their own facilities within the system. In some embodiments, a user may have access to a subset of data for a particular customer, or data for multiple customers. For example, a sales employee may have access to the data for each customer he supplies, or a sales employee may only supply a single facility for a customer with multiple facilities, and thus may have access to only the single facility data.

After performing a login operation, the method300proceeds to step306. At step306, the user selects from a plurality of tasks, including data synchronization at step308, data entry at step316, or requesting a report at step328. If the user chooses to synchronize data, the method300proceeds to step308. If the user chooses to enter data, the method300proceeds to step316. If the user chooses to request a report, the method300proceeds to step328.

At step308, the client computer106synchronizes data with the server102. As described above with respect toFIG. 1, the synchronization process may be accomplished via a multitude of methods as known in the art, including wired and wireless network communications, removable storage transfer, local area connections such as BLUETOOTH, and the like. As the client computer106sends data to the server102, the method300proceeds to step310. At step310, the server102performs synchronization operations with the client via the process described above and with respect toFIG. 1. The method300proceeds to step312and continues synchronization as needed. After synchronization is complete, the method300proceeds to step314and ends.

If the user selects a data entry operation at step306, the method300proceeds to step316. At step316, the method300allows for the entry of pre-assessment data. Examples of pre-assessment data include entering customer information into the system to create a survey, data that describes a floor plan for which benchmark and assessment data must be entered, and the like. After entering the pre-assessment data, the method300proceeds to step318.

At step318, the method300allows for the entry of benchmark data. As described above, benchmark data describes information about the current equipment usage practices of the customer at the time of the survey. Benchmark data may relate to functions such as cost performance, injury reduction, SKU reduction, controls information, training information, best practices benchmarks, and the like. Specific benchmark data is described further with respect toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

At step320, the user performs a survey of the customer's facility or facilities. A survey represents a series of modules that generate comparisons between the benchmark data defined at step318and possible cost savings measures. The modules are described in further detail with respect toFIG. 6andFIGS. 9-14. After creating the survey, the method300proceeds to step322.

At step322, the method300performs an assessment. The assessment represents the changes that might be made from the current benchmark data gathered at step318within the modules defined by the survey at step320. Data from the assessment is then sent to the server102(such as via the synchronization process at step308), and the method300proceeds to step324.

At step324, the method300performs data processing to generate a set of intermediate metrics125that are used to generate the product usage analysis report. After processing the data within the assessment, the method300proceeds to step326.

If the user selects the option to request a report at step306, the method300proceeds to step328. At step328, the client sends a request to the server102to generate a product usage analysis report. A report produced in this manner is generated from previously cached or supplied data. The method300then proceeds to step326where the report is created by the server102.

At step326, the method300generates a product usage analysis report based upon the performed assessment while utilizing product data122and application data124. After generating the report, the method300proceeds to step330.

At step330, the server102sends the report to the client computer106. While the exemplary method describes sending the report after generating the report, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such an invention also allows for storing the report on the server102. The report could then be transmitted to a separate client computer, accessed directly on the server, transferred to removable storage, printed out, and the like. As the report is sent, the method200proceeds to step332. At step332, the client computer106receives the report. The client computer106then displays the report at step324. The method300ends at step336.

FIG. 4is a flow diagram depicting a method400of entering pre-assessment data in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method400represents one embodiment of an implementation of the pre-assessment module142. The method400begins at step402and proceeds to block404, where a customer is defined. In block404, at step412a determination is performed to decide if the customer is new or existing. If the customer exists within the data saved to the client computer106or the server102, the method400proceeds to step414. If the customer is new, the method400proceeds to step416.

At step414, the method400loads the existing information regarding the customer. The method400then proceeds to step416.

At step416, the method400prompts for entry of information describing the customer. If the customer was an existing customer, this information may already be populated, and the user may edit it. Customer information may include a company name, an address, contact information such as a telephone number and/or email address, an identified point of contact, a field of industry, prior invoices with the customer, login names, access rights assigned to the login names, and/or the like. These access rights determine which types of data are viewable to the customer. After the customer information is entered, the method400proceeds to block406.

Block406is broadly related to the definition of a specific floor plan for a particular assessment. The block begins at step418when it determines whether the floor plan is a new floor plan, or an existing one. If the floor plan is new, the method400proceeds to step422. If the floor plan exists, the method400proceeds to step420.

At step420, the method400accesses information that was previously entered for the floor plan. After accessing the previously saved information, the method400proceeds to step422. At step422, the method400provides for entry of floor plan information, such as information describing the corporation, the division of the corporation, the region, the plant, the department, the area, the line, and the product applications of the given floor plan. A client may provide floor plan information during pre-assessment or use a pre-defined template similar to the location that will be assessed. The hierarchical design of the floor plan structure is described further with respect toFIG. 5.

After entering the floor plan information at step422, the method400proceeds to step408. At step408, the method400creates the floor plan based upon the information entered in blocks404and406. After creating the floor plan, the method400ends at step410.

FIG. 5depicts a block diagram of a floor plan structure500as referenced with respect block406ofFIG. 4. The floor plan structure500provides a container and data structure for gathered assessment data. The floor plan structure500is typically presented as a hierarchical tree structure. At the top level of the tree is a set of corporate information502. The corporate information502describes assessment information that is relevant to the entire corporation for which the assessment is being performed. The corporate information502may further link to one or more sets of division information504. The division information504contains information that describes a given division within the corporation. A division may include a given product line, a specific wholly owned subsidiary, or any other method for dividing up the corporation. A division is further divided into regions. Regions are typically defined geographically, but one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a division might also be divided based upon other criteria such as healthcare network, and the like. Data describing each region within the division is organized into a set of region information506.

Each region includes one or more plants. Plants are defined as individual locations within the region, such as industrial, research, or fabrication facilities. A plant may be associated with a specific activity. If the products are healthcare related, such as examination or surgical gloves, the plants may include hospitals, clinics or doctors' offices. Information describing the plants within the region is contained within one or more sets of plant information508. Within each plant are one or more departments. The plant information508is thus further divided into multiple sets of department information510. Each department may include multiple areas described by area information512, and each area of the department may include multiple lines, described by product information514. A specific line has one or more product applications, which are defined in a set of product application information516. Each application is a different use for a PPE. While there are a number of levels available in a floor plan, a user will only work with the levels that are relevant to the site being assessed. A simple application assessment may only require three levels, for example, a corporate level, a department and applications within the department.

Each hierarchical level is defined during the pre-assessment stage as described with respect toFIG. 4. The assessment data for each element of the floor plan is then obtained during the benchmarking and assessment processes described with respect toFIG. 3. In other words, the pre-assessment process defines the container of the floor plan structure, while the assessment process defines the data within the container. Each hierarchical level of the tree may have multiple elements, as described with reference to element518, representing the next element of the tree at the same level.

FIG. 6depicts a flow diagram describing a method600for entering benchmark data in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method600represents one embodiment of an implementation of a benchmark module148. The method600would typically be employed by the client device106described with respect toFIG. 1to gather data for transmittal to the server102for generating the equipment usage analysis reports. The method600begins at step602and proceeds to step604. At step604, the method600allows the user to select an organization level, such as the various hierarchical levels of the floor plan structure described with respect toFIG. 5. After selecting the organization level, the method600proceeds to step606. At step606, a benchmark category is selected. Depending upon which benchmark category is selected, the method600proceeds to step608, step610, step612, step614, step616, step617, or step618.

At step608, if cost performance data was selected at step606, the method600allows for the entry of data about currently used products. Current usage information includes each product used, the purchase price, the number of sizes used, the cost to launder, inventory on hand, and the like. Current usage information is used to calculate the amount spent annually per PPE per man hour, the number of gloves used by employees per day, total cost/volume per department, etc. These metrics may be used for identification of savings that would result from decreasing inventory needs, laundering of products, increasing durability of replacement products, decreasing cost of replacement products, and the like. For example, the cost performance data indicates which products are being currently laundered or merely disposed. As another example, the cost performance data indicates the savings resulting from production standardization, such as the elimination of duplicate products. The data processing module132uses the cost performance data to generate a cost performance analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 9. After allowing entry of cost performance data, the method ends at step622.

At step610, the method600allows for the entry of injury reduction data. Injury reduction data includes types of injuries recorded in a given time frame. Injury details include the body part affected, such as an arm, hand, or finger and the type of injury, such as a laceration, amputation, or abrasion. The number of injuries is recorded, in addition to the costs of the injuries, the total work days lost or restricted, and the like. The data processing module132uses the injury reduction data to generate an injury reduction analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 10. After allowing entry of injury reduction data, the method600ends at step622.

At step612, the method600allows for the entry of SKU reduction data. SKU reduction data includes data describing the products inventory currently used by the customer. SKU reduction data includes the amount of on-hand inventory and the costs associated with carrying that inventory. This includes the cost of storing and maintaining the inventory, a cost based on the current capital interest rate associated with purchasing the on-hand inventory, the current number in days of inventory in stock at the plant. In some embodiments, the SKU reduction data overlaps with the cost performance data. The data processing module132uses the SKU reduction data to generate a SKU reduction analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 11. After allowing entry of SKU reduction data, the method600ends at step622.

At step614, the method600allows for the entry of controls information. Controls information data is data regarding management of the lifecycle of the PPE while it is in the plant. This includes data describing practices the company currently uses to perform dispensing, usage, laundering, recycling, and disposal procedures. The data processing module132uses the controls information data to generate a controls analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 12. After allowing entry of controls information data, the method600ends at step622.

At step616, the method600allows for the entry of training information. Training information includes information describing the company's current practices that educate employees on the proper selection, use and disposal of products. The data processing module132uses the training information to generate a training analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 13. After allowing entry of training information, the method600ends at step622.

At step617, the method600allows for entry of production waste information. Production waste information includes information describing the company's areas of potential waste. These include defects to the company's manufactured products due to a less than optimal choice of PPE in terms of fit, comfort, and safety and wear life. When one line is producing a widget faster than the next line can use it, a cost of extra floor space used results due to the over production. The transportation costs associated with obtaining and disposing of PPE products is entered. This involves the downtime associate with an employee who needs to replace a PPE. For example, if a glove has a lifespan of four hours, an employee needs to replace that glove during working hours. The time required for the employee to stop working, travel to and from the glove dispensing and disposal area may be entered. Also, there are costs associated with waiting in line for PPE dispensing, costs associated with floor space taken up by PPE product inventory, a number of ergonomic health and safety incidents, and the average compensable time for donning/doffing per worker. The data processing module132uses the production waste information to generate a production waste analysis by the method described with respect toFIG. 14. After allowing entry of production waste information, the method600ends at step622.

At step618, the method600allows for the entry of other information. Other information may include information that does not directly relate to a specific module, but that is still relevant to the product usage analysis. For example, the other information may indicate which issue types are affecting current product usage, such as, wear and tear, contamination, infection, and/or the like. The other information may also include data related to effectiveness of currently used products, time and motion efficiency and/or supply chain issues. The other information may also include data associated with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulatory compliance. After the other information has been entered, the method600ends at step622.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bdepict exemplary data tables that contain entered information used to generate product usage analysis reports in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Tables700and708include data describing particular PPE products used by the company, various factors about the products, and company practices for management of the products. Examples of factors about the products are the average lifespan of a PPE, the frequency and associated costs, if any, of laundering the PPE, a number of sizes used, and the like. For example, the average lifespan of a product is determined based on observations at a corporate facility and a manufacturer's experience for how long the product should last. The value may be benchmarked with user testing. These factors are examples of different data regarding products that may be stored. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many forms of information can be used. Such data is used to generate cost performance reports, SKU reduction reports, and controls information reports in accordance with the methods described with respect toFIG. 9,FIG. 11, andFIG. 12, respectively.

Table702and table704include data describing the various injuries that have occurred at the site being surveyed. This injury data is used to generate injury analysis reports in accordance with the method described with respect toFIG. 10. For healthcare related products, these tables may be populated with an injury rate and/or a hospital acquired infection rate for medical personnel and/or patients.

Table706includes data describing training practices at the site being surveyed. The training data is used for generating training analysis reports in accordance with the method described with respect toFIG. 13.

FIG. 8depicts a block diagram of an exemplary product analysis report800generated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The product analysis report800is created after the various analysis modules have produced a set of intermediate metrics such as the intermediate metrics125described with respect toFIG. 1. The methods by which the analysis modules generate this data are described further with respect toFIGS. 9-14. The product analysis report800comprises a best practices assessment802, a financial impact804, a product usage overview806, an injury (or infection) analysis808, an implementation plan810, and an appendix812.

The best practices assessment802provides a broad overview of the current compliance level with best practices associated with each analysis module. For example, the best practices assessment may give the company (i.e., a company plant) a rating for their current SKU reduction level—in other words, is the company using the optimal number of different products to satisfy their needs. The closer the company is to this optimal number, the higher the rating. Similar best practices scores are provided for each module selected for the survey. In some embodiments, the rating is computed by averaging the best practices scores in the best practices assessment as explained further below. In some embodiments, the best practices assessment may also allow the company to assess their own performance to compare with the score generated by the analysis modules.

During the best practices assessment802, each of the assessment modules has a series of corresponding best practices. Each best practice score indicates a frequency at which each best practice is implemented. The best practice score is a numeric value that ranges from a fixed value indicating never and a fixed value indicating always. For example, the best practice score may be one (1) denoting no observed implementation, two (2) denoting occasionally implementation, three (3) denoting usually implemented and four (4) denoting always implement. In such an example, the best practices assessment802may be performed as followed, which the average rating is computed to be 1.8:

BestPracticeBest PracticeScoreCalculate cost/volume by department2Calculate annual glove spend on man hour basis1Benchmark number of gloves used by employee per day1Conduct semi-annular job assessment to match glove1performance to critical hazards of the job

The product analysis report800further comprises a financial impact804. The financial impact804describes the potential cost savings from adopting the best practices as calculated by the analysis modules selected to perform the survey. The financial impact804may include an overall cost savings and a breakdown for each analysis module. For example, the financial impact804may state that a cost savings of $314,000 is possible. Of that $314,000, $193,000 may be from decreased injury risk associated with using different PPE products, $47,000 may be associated with using different laundering procedures to clean and reuse PPE products, etc.

The product analysis report800further comprises a product usage overview806. The product usage overview806describes the PPE products currently used by the company, the volume in which they are used, and a proposed alternate set of PPE products.

The product analysis report800may also comprise an injury analysis808if the injury module was selected for the survey. The injury analysis808describes the number of injuries reported of a particular type, and estimates the number of injuries that would occur using the alternate equipment proposed in the product usage overview806.

The product analysis report800also includes an implementation plan810. The implementation plan810describes a proposed time table for implementing the changes described in the financial impact804to switch over to the alternate set of products described in the product usage overview806.

The product analysis report800also includes an appendix812. The appendix812comprises one or more application summaries814, one or more product references716, and one or more evaluation responses818. The application summaries814are a description of the various tasks for which the proposed PPE is used, the current product used for the task, and the proposed new product for the task. The product references816are detailed product pages describing the characteristics of the proposed replacement products proposed in the product usage overview806. The evaluation responses818are responses to evaluation requests filled out by the company, such as by company employees, as to the quality and uses of the company's current types of PPE.

FIGS. 9-14describe methods by which individual analysis modules may generate intermediate metrics125for use by the data processing module132to generate the report127. While the flow diagrams are depicted as discrete methods for generating separate analyses, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that multiple factors could be used to generate an optimum solution of product replacements. For example, the most cost effective product might also represent an increased risk of injury, such that the next most cost effective product would represent an overall savings. In such case, the data processing module132might recommend the less cost effective product to generate the most overall savings. This process is described further with respect toFIG. 15.

FIG. 9depicts a method900for generating a cost performance analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method900represents one embodiment of an implementation of the cost performance module150. In some embodiments, the method900may be performed by the cost performance module150as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method900begins at step902and proceeds to step904. At step904, the method900examines the applications that are associated with the particular survey. The method900determines the minimum performance characteristics to perform the applications, and which applications have which minimum characteristics. The method900then proceeds to step906.

At step906, the method900determines the most cost effective PPE solution to meet the needs of the applications as determined at step904. In some embodiments, cost performance module150examines performance characteristics associated with each available product. Using the pre-assessment data entered inFIG. 4which describes current task requirements, the cost performance module150compares these requirements with the available product performance characteristics identified in the product data and application data described with respect toFIG. 1to identify one or more best performing products. In order to determine the most cost effective solution, the assessment analyzes the annual expenditure per PPE per man hour, the number of gloves used by employees per day, as well as costs to launder the PPE and maintain the inventory of the PPE. The most cost effective product solution may raise product costs, but those may be offset by certain controls, such as laundering, recycling, repair and the like. A more expensive product that is better at preventing injuries can replaces a current product and result in an overall cost savings. The method900ends at step908.

FIG. 10depicts a method1000for generating an injury reduction analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1000represents one embodiment of an implementation of the injury module152. In some embodiments, the method1000may be performed by the injury module152as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1000begins at step1002and proceeds to step1004. At step1000, the method1000examines the reported injuries associated with the current survey. Injury details such as the body part affected, such as an arm, hand, or finger, and the type of injury, such as a laceration, amputation, or abrasion can be used to determine which injuries were associated with a failure of a particular product. For example, a given injury might occur because a user finds the product uncomfortable and thus removed it to perform a dangerous task, or an injury might have occurred because the product was inadequate for the particular task. Direct injury costs, such as the cost of medical treatment to treat the injury and indirect injury costs, such as time lost in productivity for the injured employee are included in the assessment. The method1000then proceeds to step1006. At step1006, the method1000determines an estimate of a number of injuries that could be prevented if different product solutions were employed. In some embodiments, the injury prevention estimates are based on task type and associated risks and injury causes and severity in view of the performance capabilities of a new product. For example, a PPE use that results in the need for a $0.08 bandage to cover a scratched finger in 1% of employees would not result in a recommendation for a more expensive glove because the savings associated with the injury reduction would not be cost effective based on the severity and expense of the injuries addressed. However, when the injury is more severe, such as a crush injury resulting in broken fingers, a more expensive glove may be cost effective because the increase in the cost of the glove is offset by the decrease in injury costs resulting from a more appropriate PPE. The method1000uses database queries to match injury causing tasks with appropriate injury prevention products. After determining the injury prevention estimates for the various product solutions, the method1000ends at step1008.

FIG. 11depicts a method1100for generating a SKU reduction analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1100represents one embodiment of an implementation of the SKU reduction module154. In some embodiments, the method1100may be performed by the SKU reduction module154as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1100begins at step1102and proceeds to step1104. At step1104, the method1100determines the minimum PPE requirements for the applications associated with the survey, such as the minimum strength, flexibility, safety ratings, and the like associated with the various tasks performed at the facility.

The method1100then proceeds to step1106. At step1106, the method1100determines a minimum number of different types of products needed to satisfy all requirements of the various applications. For example, this determination may include using the same type of product for two similar tasks, even if one task has slightly lesser requirements, as a reduction in the number of stocked product SKUs can result in a cost savings even if a more expensive product is used. After performing a SKU reduction analysis, the method1100ends at step1008. SKU reduction is divided into savings components. First, the method1000determines key performance indicators (KPI) for reducing a number of SKUs. By examining minimum and maximum inventory levels, the method1100computes carrying costs and costs for purchasing product on credit. Reducing an amount of products that the customer needs to store reduces inventory levels and capital expenses tied up in such inventory.

FIG. 12depicts a method1200for generating a controls information analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1200represents one embodiment of an implementation of the controls module156. In some embodiments, the method1200may be performed by the controls module156as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1200begins at step1202and proceeds to step1204. At step1204, the method1200examines current controls practices at the facility. Control practices describe the management of the lifecycle of the PPE while it is in the plant. For example, controls practices may include the method by which products are dispensed to employees and the time required for dispensing, whether or not product is laundered such that it can be reused, whether a discarded product is recycled, the type of disposal techniques that are followed, and the like.

After determining the current controls practices, the method proceeds to step1206. At step1206, the method1200determines the effect of various alterations on the site controls practices, and the different options presented by alternate PPE. For example, a given alternate product may be launderable or repairable where the original was not, resulting in a cost savings due to the opportunity to reuse the product. The method1206may also examine the effect of alternate laundering, repairing, recycling, disposal and distribution techniques. For example, the controls module156receives user input indicating a number of cycles for laundering a product and performs financial computations to determine potential cost savings. As another example, the controls module156defines an employee control in which a current product is returned to a supervisor before receiving a new product and determines a ten (10) percent decrease in usage. If the current product is a glove of which a hundred pairs are purchased at two (2) dollars apiece, the yearly cost would be two hundred dollars. By reducing the usage by ten percent, ten gloves would not need to be purchased resulting in a total savings of twenty dollars per year. When alternate controls practices have been analyzed, the method1200proceeds to step1208and ends.

FIG. 13depicts a method1300for generating a training practices analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1300represents one embodiment of an implementation of the training module158. In some embodiments, the method1300may be performed by the training module158as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1300begins at step1302and proceeds to step1304. At step1304, the method1300analyzes the set of current training practices employed by the company with respect to the current product in use as entered with regard toFIG. 6. The method1300then proceeds to step1306. At step1306, the method1300determines the impact of changes to the site training practices. When the alternate training practices have been analyzed, the method1300proceeds to step1308and ends.

FIG. 14depicts a method1400for generating a production waste analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1400represents one embodiment of an implementation of the production waste module159. In some embodiments, the method1400may be performed by the production waste module159as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1400begins at step1402and proceeds to step1404. At step1404, the method1400examines current production waste protocols at the facility as entered with regard toFIG. 6. Production waste includes defects to the facility's manufactured products caused by a less than optimal choice of PPE in terms of fit for the task. Additional production waste includes over production, transportation costs, wait time, floor space taken up by PPE product inventory, the number of ergonomic health and safety incidents, and the average compensable time for donning/doffing per worker. The method1400then proceeds to step1406. At step1406, the method1400determines the impact that changes in the PPE selection would have on production waste. This can include changes in protocols for donning/doffing, protocols for replenishment of gloves, all protocols for disposal of gloves, all of which can minimize worker downtime. When the alternate production waste protocols have been analyzed, the method1400proceeds to step1408and ends.

FIG. 15depicts a method1500for generating a product analysis report in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The method1300represents one embodiment of an implementation of the optimization module160. In some embodiments, the method1500may be performed by the optimization module160as described with respect toFIG. 1. The method1500receives as input data from one or more of the modules performing the methods as described inFIGS. 9-13. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that all of the modules described inFIGS. 9-13could be used to generate the product analysis report, or only a subset of the modules. In some embodiments, the data produced by these methods is presented as individual reports which are presented separately within the product analysis report. In some embodiments, the data is received as a set of intermediate metrics. The present exemplary embodiment of the method1500assumes that said data is provided as said intermediate metrics.

The method1500begins at step1502and proceeds to step1504. At step1504, the method1500receives a set of input information from one or more analysis modules. After receiving the input information, the method1500proceeds to step1506. At step1506, the method1500determines an optimal product configuration from the input information received at step1504. For example, the method1500may examine a SKU reduction analysis to determine that the needs of the facility can be combined into various combinations of products to limit the overall number of SKUs. These combinations can then be compared against an injury reduction report for the various SKUs to determine the overall cost savings in both injury and SKU reduction for a given combination. Such a comparison indicates the effect of the SKU reduction on injury reduction. These various combinations may also be cross-checked against other analysis module data, such as the cost performance analysis, controls information analysis and/or training practices analysis. For example, such a cross-check may determine that a low SKU reduction exposes certain tasks to risks while a high SKU reduction increases expenses or causes training confusion. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various methods of determining an optimal solution could be performed based upon the available information and computing power.

After determining an optimal product configuration, the method1500proceeds to step1508. At step1508, the method1500generates an overall cost savings information for the best practices employed by the chosen optimal product configuration. The overall cost savings information and the chosen optimal product configuration are then used to generate a product usage analysis report700.

The methods described herein may also be applied to the medical field. Common hazards in a surgical environment include bloodborne pathogens, latex allergies, laser hazards, hazardous chemicals, equipment hazards, radiation exposure, tuberculosis, and the like. PPE in the medical field include medical gloves, masks, eyewear, gowns and drapes, and other perisurgical devices.

Calculating an optimal usage of medical PPE incorporates factors used for calculating an optimal usage in the industrial PPE field, but also may incorporate additional safety parameters in the optimal usage calculation, such as patient and staff injuries as well as hospital acquired infections.