Abstract:
A method for automated resource management and optimization, the method includes: monitoring one or more of the following: resource usage, level of resource utilization, and resource amenities; receiving a request for reserving a resource; determining whether the request for the resource is granted as originally requested; wherein the determining of whether to grant the request for resources as originally requested is based one or more thresholds and conditions; wherein the one or more thresholds and conditions are based on the monitoring of at least one of the following: resource usage, the level of resource utilization; and resource amenities; and wherein if the request for reserving a resource fails to meet the one or more thresholds and conditions the request is either denied or modified.

Description:
TRADEMARKS 
       [0001]    IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to computer software, and more particularly to a method and system for automated resource management and optimization. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The conservation and efficient use of resources is always an important consideration for an organization. In an organization, resources, such as a conference rooms, are reserved on a repeated basis. In some instances, the number of individuals utilizing a conference room may be significantly less than the capacity of the reserved conference room, while another group may actually require the larger capacity conference. In other instances, the amenities of the conference room may not match the requirements of the reserving group. Conference room amenities may include communication, teleconferencing, networking equipment and their associated connections, as well as multimedia equipment, presentation and recording equipment, and computer and various other types of office and information processing equipment. Finally, conference rooms may be reserved on a repeated scheduled basis, and subsequently not used. The inefficient use of conference room space leads to increased overhead for an organization including increased utility and rental costs. Therefore there is a need to better manage and utilize resources, such as conference room space, by an organization. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for automated resource management and optimization, wherein the method includes: monitoring one or more of the following: resource usage, level of resource utilization, and resource amenities; receiving a request for reserving a resource; determining whether the request for the resource is granted as originally requested; wherein the determining of whether to grant the request for resources as originally requested is based one or more thresholds and conditions; wherein the one or more thresholds and conditions are based on the monitoring of at least one of the following: resource usage, the level of resource utilization; and resource amenities; and wherein if the request for reserving a resource fails to meet the one or more thresholds and conditions the request is either denied or modified. 
         [0007]    A system for automated resource management and optimization, the system includes: one or more server devices in communication with one or more client devices through a network; the server devices and the client devices configured to execute electronic software that manages the resource management and optimization; wherein the electronic software is resident on storage mediums in signal communication with the client and server devices; wherein the electronic software comprises a series of algorithms for: monitoring one or more of the following: resource usage, level of resource utilization, and resource amenities; receiving a request for reserving a resource; determining whether the request for the resource is granted as originally requested; wherein the determining of whether to grant the request for resources as originally requested is based one or more thresholds and conditions; wherein the one or more thresholds and conditions are based on the monitoring of at least one of the following: resource usage, the level of resource utilization; and resource amenities; and wherein if the request for reserving a resource fails to meet the one or more thresholds and conditions the request is either denied or modified. 
         [0008]    Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
       TECHNICAL EFFECTS 
       [0009]    As a result of the summarized invention, a solution is technically achieved for a method and system for automated resource management and optimization. A software algorithm monitors resource usage and the level of resource utilization, and is configured to perform dynamic scheduling and to provide optimization of the resource. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram the main program of a software algorithm that monitors resource usage and the level of resource utilization, and is configured to perform dynamic scheduling and to provide optimization of the resource according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of a frequency of usage assessment module algorithm according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart of a quality of usage module algorithm according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a system for implementing embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for automated resource management and optimization. A software algorithm monitors resource usage and the level of resource utilization, and is configured to perform dynamic scheduling and to provide optimization of the resource. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment of the invention, a software algorithm is configured to monitor usage and the level of utilization of conference rooms. The software algorithm has the ability to cancel room reservations of parties that consistently do not use the conference room, thereby freeing up the room for another group to use. The algorithm also takes into account the size of the group reserving a room, so as to save larger rooms for larger groups that require them. The algorithm tracks the amenities of the conference rooms, and matches the requirements of the reserving group with an appropriately equipped room. Conference room amenities may include communication, teleconferencing, networking equipment and their associated connections, as well as multimedia equipment, presentation and recording equipment, and computer and various other types of office and information processing equipment. Embodiments of the software algorithm of the invention may also collect data so as to determine what further equipment and other resources may be needed for future use. 
         [0018]    In embodiments of the invention, software algorithms utilize a frequency of usage evaluation module and a quality of usage evaluation module. The frequency of usage evaluation module evaluates the requested reservation of resources against the actual historical usage of the requested resource. If usage of the resource by the requestor is below a predetermined level, a warning is sent to the reserving user. If the resource usage is also below the cancellation limit, then the reservation is cancelled, and the resource is released and made available to others for the time period of the cancelled reservation. The quality of usage evaluation module determines if the number of elements requiring a requested resource can be optimized. For example, if only ten people repeatedly use a conference room that can seat twenty people, then a smaller room may be located and used if available. Additional filters configured for the optimization of resource usage may comprise the length of the event that the reservation of the resource is for, and the type of amenities and facilities infrastructure that are required by the reserving entity. In embodiments of the invention, filters can be weighted to optimize customer satisfaction, as well as to accommodate requesting users by rank. In addition, filters can be utilized to generate reports on how to improve available resources and or facilities. For example, a determination can be made on where and what types of audio-visual equipment is required. 
         [0019]    Algorithms of the present invention can be applied to resources such as conference rooms, hospital rooms, ticket sales, boat slips, nursing home facilities, inventory or floor stock in a retail environment, zoos, kennels, warehouse storage, freight and shipping systems, among others. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1-3  are flow diagrams of an algorithm that monitors resource usage and the level of resource utilization, and is configured to perform dynamic scheduling and to provide optimization of the resource according to an embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 1 , the main algorithm is started (block  100 ) with a request for a resource (block  102 ). If the algorithm determines that the resource request is a first request, or has not been a recurring request (block  104  is No), the algorithm locates and assigns a suitable resource to the requestor (block  106 ) and the algorithm ends (block  116 ). If the resource request is determined to be a recurring request (block  104  is True), the resource request is processed by a call to the frequency of usage module (block  108  and  FIG. 2 ). Subsequently, the resource request is processed by a call to the quality of usage assessment module (block  110  and  FIG. 3 ). Based on the determinations of the frequency of usage module (block  108  and  FIG. 2 ) and quality of usage assessment module (block  110  and  FIG. 3 ), changes are made to the resources (block  112 ), and notifications are sent (block  114 ) by the algorithm to the requester with regards to the status of their request, and to other concerned parties. The algorithm then terminates (block  116 ). 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of a frequency of usage assessment module algorithm according to an embodiment of the invention. Within the usage assessment module algorithm indexes of all repeating resource reservations (block  200 ) and all resource usages are maintained (block  202 ). Upon a request from the main algorithm ( FIG. 1 ), the frequency of usage assessment module indexes to the first item (block  204 ) of conference room information. The algorithm determines if the first item in the first record is subject to the reservation (block  206 ). If the item is not reserved (block  206  is No), the algorithm continues to index to the next item of the record until an item that is reserved is found (Block  206  is Yes). When an item that is reserved is found (block  206  is Yes), the number of unused past reservations by the reserving party and this event is determined (block  210 ). If the number of missed reservations by the reserving party does not exceed a predefined warning limit (block  212  is No), the frequency of usage assessment module algorithm calls the quality of usage module ( 214  and  FIG. 3 ). If the number of missed reservations by the reserving party does exceed a predefined waning limit (block  212  is Yes), a warning is sent (block  216 ) to the reserving party. If the algorithm determines that the number of missed reservations does not exceed a predefined cancellation limit (block  218  is No), the reservation is executed, and the next item (block  220 ) of the requester is considered. If however, the number of missed reservations does exceed a predefined cancellation limit (block  218  is Yes), a cancellation notice is sent to the requestor and other concerned parties, and the resource is freed up and made available for the time of the original requested reservation. Subsequently, the record is index to the next record (block  224 ), and the frequency of usage assessment module algorithm returns to the main portion of the algorithm (block  226 ). 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart of a quality of usage module algorithm according to an embodiment of the invention. The quality of usage module algorithm starts with obtaining capacity and usage information for the requestor of the resource with a call to the usage data (block  300 ). If an item count is greater then the threshold of a requested resource (block  302  is yes) (for example, twenty people cannot be placed in a room for ten), the usage data is updated (block  304 ), and a more appropriate resource (block  306 ) is found for the requester. The program then returns to the main algorithm (block  308 ) to finish executing the request. If however, an item count is lower then the threshold (block  310  is Yes) (for example, ten people being placed in a room with capacity for twenty people), the usage data is updated (block  312 ), and a more appropriate resource (block  314 ) is found for the requester. The program then returns to the main algorithm (block  308 ) to finish executing the request. If the amount of the requester item is within both the upper (block  302 ) and lower (block  310 ) thresholds, the quality of usage module algorithm returns to the main algorithm to complete the requestors reservation request as originally entered 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary system  400  for implementing an algorithm that monitors resource usage and the level of resource utilization, and is configured to perform dynamic scheduling and to provide optimization of the resource according to an embodiment of the invention, and graphically illustrates how these blocks interact in operation. The system  400  includes remote devices including one or more multimedia/communication devices  402  equipped with speakers  416  for implementing the audio, as well as display capabilities  418  for facilitating graphical user interface (GUI) aspects of the present invention. In addition, mobile computing devices  204  and desktop computing devices  405  equipped with displays  414  for use with the GUI of the present invention are also illustrated. The remote devices  402  and  404  may be wirelessly connected to a network  408 . The network  408  may be any type of known network including a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), global network (e.g., Internet), intranet, etc. with data/Internet capabilities as represented by server  406 . Communication aspects of the network are represented by cellular base station  410  and antenna  412 . Each remote device  402  and  404  may be implemented using a general-purpose computer executing a computer program for carrying out the GUI described herein. The computer program may be resident on a storage medium local to the remote devices  402  and  404 , or maybe stored on the server system  406  or cellular base station  410 . The server system  406  may belong to a public service. The remote devices  402  and  404 , and desktop device  405  may be coupled to the server system  406  through multiple networks (e.g., intranet and Internet) so that not all remote devices  402 ,  404 , and desktop device  405  are coupled to the server system  406  via the same network. The remote devices  402 ,  404 , desktop device  405 , and the server system  406  may be connected to the network  408  in a wireless fashion, and network  408  may be a wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, the network  408  is a LAN and each remote device  402 ,  404  and desktop device  405  executes a user interface application (e.g., web browser) to contact the server system  406  through the network  408 . Alternatively, the remote devices  402  and  404  may be implemented using a device programmed primarily for accessing network  408  such as a remote client. 
         [0024]    The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof. 
         [0025]    As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately. 
         [0026]    Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided. 
         [0027]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0028]    While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may male various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.