Patent Publication Number: US-11023943-B1

Title: Methods, systems, and computer storage mediums for reel configuration

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/560,477, entitled “Methods, Systems, and Computer Storage Mediums for Reel Configuration,” filed Dec. 4, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,410,267, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,819 filed on Dec. 4, 2013, entitled “Reel Configurator,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This application relates generally to a reel configurator application. More particularly, the disclosure provided herein relates to a system, method, and computer readable medium for configuring and ordering multiple cables, circuits, wires, etc., on a reel. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a method for configuring a reel. A first request to create a first circuit to be installed on the reel and configurations associated with the first circuit are received at a processor. An order for the reel is submitted to a supplier for a quote by the processor. 
     According to another aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a system for configuring a reel is disclosed. The system may include a processor and a memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include receiving a first request to create a first circuit to be installed on the reel, receiving configurations associated with the first circuit, and submitting an order for the reel to a supplier for a quote. 
     According to another aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a computer storage medium can store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include receiving a first request to create a first circuit to be installed on a reel, receiving configurations associated with the first circuit, and submitting an order for the reel to a supplier for a quote. 
     Consistent with exemplary embodiments, the configurations associated with the first circuit may comprise a first conductor type of a first conductor to be loaded on the reel, a first conductor size of the first conductor to be loaded on the reel, a first conductor length of the first conductor to be loaded on the reel, and a first conductor color of the first conductor to be loaded on the reel. 
     In addition, the methods and operations may further include receiving, at the processor, a second request to create a second circuit to be installed on the reel. Exemplary embodiments may also include receiving second configurations associated with the second circuit, the second configurations comprising a second conductor type of a second conductor to be loaded on the reel, a second conductor size of the second conductor to be loaded on the reel, a second conductor length of the second conductor to be loaded on the reel, and a second conductor color of the conductor to be loaded on the reel. 
     The methods and operations may further include receiving, at the processor, a reposition request, the reposition request causing the first circuit to be repositioned such that the first circuit is to be installed on top of the second circuit. In addition, the methods and operations may comprise receiving, at the processor, a deletion request, the deletion request deleting either the first circuit or the second circuit. The methods and operations may further include receiving, at the processor, a shipping configuration for the reel. Moreover, the methods and operations may further include creating, by the processor, a project, the reel being associated with the project; and receiving, at the processor, global restrictions for the project. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a system for implementing a method for configuring a reel, according to an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a flowchart for the method for configuring the reel, according to an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 3-31  show screenshots of a reel configurator application used to implement the method shown in  FIG. 2 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding operations to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. 
     Exemplary embodiments include a reel configurator application, or reel configurator app, that can be used to configure reels containing one or more conductors. For example, a user can use the reel configurator app to configure reels for use with various jobs. During the configuration, the user can create reels loaded with conductors for various circuits. For instance, the user can configure a first reel to have loaded thereon conductors for two circuit pulls and a second reel to have conductors loaded thereon for three circuit pulls. Once the reels are configured, the user can share the configurations with others and submit the configured reels to a supplier for a quote. Note that throughout this disclosure terms such as wire, cable, conductor, or any equivalent terms may be used interchangeable. A conductor may be any material that allows energy transmission through the material. Non-limiting examples of conductors include electrical wire and fiber optic cable. 
     The reel configurator application disclosed herein provides substantial advances to the current technology. Using the reel configurator as disclosed herein, a user is able to configure reels while being provided a visual representation of the various conductors to be installed on reels. For example, as the user is configuring reels using the reel configurator application as disclosed herein, the user is provided a visual representation showing the type of conductors (e.g., stranded v. solid conductors), the color of the sheathing covering the conductors (e.g., black, white, red, green, etc.), and the size of the conductors (e.g., 14 gauge, 12 gauge, 4/0, etc.) to be installed on the reels. 
     In addition to being provided with a visual representation of the various conductors, use of the reel configurator application as disclosed herein also provides the user with a visual representation of reels as they are being configured. For instance, as the user adds circuits, sometimes referred to as pulls, the user is provided with a visual representation, and thus is able to see, a visual representation of the circuit or circuits on a reel. As the user adds circuits, the visual representation of the reel is updated to show the circuit or circuits. Having the visual representation allows a user to visually confirm a configuration of a reel. For instance, during the configuration process the user can visually confirm that a desired configuration is possible. In other words, the visual representation provided to the user allows the user to visually confirm that the desired configuration is physically possible to build. For example, using the reel configurator application as described herein, the user is able to visually confirm that a desired amount (e.g., a specific number of feet of cable) of cable will physically fit onto a given reel. In addition, the user is able to visually confirm that a desired number of circuits will physically fit onto a given reel. 
       FIG. 1  shows a system  100  for implementing a reel configurator application as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  may include a processing unit  102  and a memory unit  104 . The memory unit  104  may include a software module  106  and a database  108 . The software module  106  includes instructions that, when executed by the processing unit  102 , cause the processing unit to allow the user to configure reels as disclosed herein. The database  108  may comprise information about various projects, standard reel properties (e.g., reel dimensions and weight), wire properties (e.g., wire types, wire sizes, wire weight per foot), etc. While executing on the processing unit  102 , the software module  106  may perform processes for configuring reels including, for example, one or more operations included in a method  200  described below with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     The software module  106  may include various software and program modules to perform the various operations described herein. The software module  106  and other programs can be embodied in computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit  102 , perform various operations such as those described herein. According to embodiments, the software module  106  may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include any available computer storage media or communication media that can be accessed by the system  100 . Communication media includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics changed or set in a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, Erasable Programmable ROM (“EPROM”), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (“EEPROM”), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the system  100 . In the claims, the phrase “computer storage medium” and variations thereof do not include waves or signals per se and communication media. 
     The system  100  may also include a user interface  110 . The user interface  110  allows the user to input information into the system  100  and view information. 
     The system  100  may comprise any computer operating environment, such as hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable sender electronic devices, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The system  100  may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices. For example, the system  100  may be a server that is accessed by using a web browser such as Internet Explorer® or Safari®. Furthermore, the system  100  may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone utilizing wireless application protocol (WAP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an intelligent pager, a tablet computer such as the iPad®, a portable computer, a hand held computer, or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point. The aforementioned systems and devices are examples, and the system  100  may comprise other systems or devices. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart setting forth the general operations involved in the method  200  for configuring a reel. The method  200  may be implemented using, for example, the system  100  as described in more detail above. Ways to implement the operations of the method  200  will be described in greater detail below. 
     The method  200  may begin at starting block  205  and proceed to operation  210  where, using the system  100 , a user may login or create an account. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a user may be presented with a login screen  300 . Using the login screen  300 , the user may login by pressing a login button  302  or may create an account by selecting a link  304 . In addition, the user may skip the login process and begin using the reel configurator application. In other words, the user does not have to be logged in to use the reel configurator application. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the user can select a skip &amp; start button  306  to begin using the reel configurator application without logging in. When the user chooses to use the reel configurator application without logging in, certain features of the reel configurator application may be disabled. For instance, the user may not be able to send a reel solution or order to a supplier, manufacturer, or distributor for a quote. 
     If the user is new to the reel configurator application and selects the link  304  to create an account, a create account screen  400 , such as shown in  FIG. 4 , may be provided. The create account screen  400  allows the user to create an account. For example, to create an account the user may provide information such as a contact name  402 , an email address  404 , a password  406 , and company information such as a company name and mailing address  408  and a phone number  410 . 
     Consistent with embodiments, the user&#39;s email address may act as a user name, or the user may be prompted to create a user name (not shown). Once the information is provided, the user may select the create account button  412  to create his or her account. 
     After creating an account as discussed above, or in response to the user selecting the login button  302 , the user is presented with a login screen  500 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , for entering the user&#39;s user name, which may be the user&#39;s email address, and for entering the user&#39;s password. Consistent with embodiments, the user may stay logged in, regardless of whether the reel configurator application is closed, until he or she selects a logout button  600 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . According to an illustrative embodiment, the logout button  600  may be provided upon selection of an account button  602  provided by the reel configurator application. In addition, once the user has created his or her account, the account details associated with the user can be edited by selecting the account button  602 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in response to selecting the account button  602 , the current account details may be displayed. The user can then directly edit the account details. 
     Once the user has logged in to the reel configurator application, a home screen  700 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may provide a list of various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  that the user has created using the reel configurator application. The various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  may be displayed in a list format, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , using a list button  702  or a grid format, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , using a grid button  704 . In addition, the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  may be grouped according to various parameters. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  may be grouped under a “My Projects” category (i.e., projects created by a specific user) or a “Shared Projects” category (i.e., projects other users have shared with the user). Other parameters for grouping projects include, but are not limited to, potential suppliers, a date the project is to begin, estimated project costs, and project locations. Permissions associated with each of the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  may depend on which category each of the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  is grouped. For example, projects shared with the user (i.e., “Shared Projects”) may be available for review only. Projects the user has shared, or “My Projects,” may be reviewable and editable by the user, but not by users with whom the user has shared projects. 
     In addition, the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  may be color coded to illustrate what stage of processing each of the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  is in for easier identification. For example, an “in process” project, such as the various project  706 , may have a grey, or other first default, coloring. Projects where a quote has been requested, such as the various projects  708  and  710 , may have a purple, or other second default, coloring. Projects in which a quote has been created, such as various project  712 , may have a blue, or other third default, coloring. Projects where one or more configured reels have been ordered, such as the various project  714 , may have a cyan, or other fourth default, coloring. The user, using a preferences screen (not shown), may set the various default colors for the different stages of processing. 
     The various stages are used by the user during creation and customization of reels for the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714 . For instance, in the initial planning for a project a user may create one or more reels. As more details of the project become known, the user may create new reels, delete reels, and customize reels by adding and deleting circuits as well as changing the order of circuits on reels. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  can be sorted using a variety of criteria. For example, upon the user selecting a sort button  802 , a popup window  804  may be provided allowing the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  to be sorted by date (ascending or descending) or name (ascending or descending). The name of the sort button  802  may change depending on the sorting criteria. For example, if the user selects “name descending,” the text within the sort button  802  may change from “date” to “name.” 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , from the home screen  700  where the various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  are displayed, the user may review only or review and configure the existing various projects  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714  by selecting a review button  904  or a configure button  902 . For example, when the review button  904  is selected, the user is only allowed to view the current reel configurations for a project, such as the project  706 . When the user selects the configure button  902 , the user may alter the project  706  by adding and deleting reels as well as adding circuits to existing reels and rearranging the order of circuits on existing reels as disclosed herein. According to an illustrative embodiment, the various projects  706  and  708  grouped under the “My Projects” category are associated with both the review button  904  and the configure button  902 . The “My Projects” category includes the configure button  902  because the projects  706  and  708  grouped under the “My Projects” category were created by the user and thus the user can alter the configuration of reels associated with the projects  706  and  708 . The projects  710 ,  712 , and  714  grouped under the “Shared Projects” category (i.e., projects shared with the user) may only be associated with the review button  904  to allow the user to review the projects  710 ,  712 , and  714 . The projects  710 ,  712 , and  714  include only the review button  904  because the “Shared Projects” category includes projects created by other users that have been shared with the user logged into the reel configurator app and thus, are only reviewable by the user. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , from operation  210  where the user logs in, the method  200  proceeds to operation  215  where the user uses the reel configurator application to create a project. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the user may create a new project by selecting on a new project button  912 . A new project includes a project for which the user wishes to order reels of conductors. For instance, the user may create a new project for a new job the user has been awarded or for an existing job that requires additional reels of conductors. Once the user has selected the new project button  912 , a project creation window  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , may be provided. Using the project creation window  1000 , the user provides information for the new project in a project information window  1008 . For example, a project name  1002  and a project ID  1004  may be provided in the project information window  1008 . While not shown, in various embodiments, additional information about the project may also be provided. For instance, the address associated with the project, the customer name associated with the project, the person responsible for the project, etc., may be provided. Once the information is provided, the user selects the create project button  1006  to create the new project. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , from operation  215  where the project is created, the method  200  proceeds to operation  220  where global restrictions associated with the project can be set. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the user can set global restrictions for the project using global restrictions window  1100 . The global restrictions window  1100  may be provided in response to the user selecting the create project button  1006  of  FIG. 10 . If the user does not wish to create global restrictions, the user may select a cancel button  1102  provided on the global restrictions window  1100  to close the global restrictions window  1100 . In addition, the global restrictions window  1100  may be provided in response to the user selecting the create project button  1006  of  FIG. 10 , and, instead, the user can open the global restrictions window  1100  by selecting a global restrictions button  1104  provided on the project creation window  1000 . 
     Using the global restrictions window  1100 , limitations created by a jobsite where the project will be used that impact the project may be entered. For instance, a maximum width  1106 , a maximum diameter/height  1108 , and a maximum weight  1110  of a reel may be entered. The global restrictions relate to physical limitations associated with a jobsite. For example, the doors at the jobsite of the project may be 36 inches. While creating the project, the user may specify that the largest reel width can only be up to 34 inches to insure that any ordered reels for the project will fit through the doorways at the jobsite. The user may specify that the maximum weight a forklift at the jobsite can handle or that the floors can support is 3,000 pounds, and thus the maximum weight for any reel associated with the project is 3,000 pounds. According to an illustrative embodiment, any restrictions entered as global restrictions will constrain all reels created for the project. This allows the user to have to enter any jobsite restrictions for the project only once. Once the global restrictions are set, the user may select a set restrictions button  1112  provided by the global restrictions window  1100  to set the global restrictions. According to an illustrative embodiment, global restrictions do not have to be set by the user every time a new project is created. For example, the various fields provided by the global restrictions window  1100  may populate with default settings, or the user may choose to leave the various fields blank. The default settings may be the last settings entered into the various fields by the user, or the default settings may be the settings the user entered when creating his or her account. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , from operation  220  where the global restrictions are set for the project, the method  200  proceeds to operation  225  where a reel is created using the reel configurator application. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the user selects a new reel button  1202  provided by the project creation window  1000  to create a new reel, and, in response to the selection of the new reel button  1202 , a reel window  1204  is provided. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the user may be prompted to provide a reel name in text box  1206  provided by the reel window  1204 . The user may name the reel, or a default name (e.g., Reel 1) may be used. In addition to the reel name, various information about the reel may be displayed automatically, without requiring the user to input the various information. For example, a diameter  1208 , a width  1210 , and a weight  1212  of the reel are displayed along with percentages of the values, which are explained further below in reference to  FIG. 17 . By default, the diameter  1208  and the width  1210  may be set as the largest possible reel available that fits within the global restrictions set using the global restrictions window  1100 , and the weight  1212  may be set as the largest possible amount that the reel can weigh when loaded with wire, cable, circuits, etc., based on the global restrictions set using the global restrictions window  1100 . Other information  1214 , such as the current weight of the reel as configured, may be displayed. For instance, a newly created reel based on the diameter  1208  and the width  1210  with no wire or cable loaded on the reel may weigh 50 pounds. Using the reel information, the user can see if a reel is close to capacity or if there is room for other circuits to be added to the reel. For example, if a particular reel is configured with conductors such that the weight of the reel is only 50% of the global restriction weight, the user can determine if additional circuit can be added based on an estimated length of the additional circuit. For instance, if the reel is currently configured with 1,500 pounds of conductor, the maximum weight for the reel is 3,000 pounds, and the user estimates that two additional pulls for the job will only add 1,000 pounds to the reel, then the user can add the two additional pulls to the reel. 
     The user may configure the reel. For instance, the user may select the diameter  1208  and select a reel diameter from a dropdown list of standard reel sizes. The drop down list may be a list of all standard reel sizes or may be a list of only reel sizes that are within the global restrictions. The user may also select the width  1210  to adjust the width of the reel in a similar fashion as the diameter was selected. The weight of the reel may auto-populate based on the reel&#39;s diameter and width, as well as the conductors loaded onto the reel, as will be explained further below with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 13 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , from operation  225  where the reel is created, the method  200  proceeds to operations  230  where one or more circuits to be loaded on the reel are added. To add a first circuit to be loaded on the reel, the user selects a “+” button  1216  provided by the reel window  1204  illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Once the “+” button  1216  is selected, a feeder window  1300 , as illustrated by  FIG. 13 , is provided. According to exemplary embodiments, the feeder window  1300  provides the reel information established using the reel widow  1204 . In addition, using the feeder window  1300 , the user may enter a name for the first circuit (e.g., “Trans”) in a circuit name field  1302 , provide a length for the first circuit (e.g., 215 ft.) in a circuit length field  1304 , and designate a starting location (e.g., “TRANS”) using a starting location field  1306  and a termination location (e.g., “MDP”) using a termination location field  1308 . The starting location may be a transformer, a junction box, or any other identifiable location on a jobsite. The termination location may be a transfer, a junction box, or any other identifiable location to be connected to the starting location by the conductors. 
     In addition, project creation window  1000  may include a selection field  1307  to allow the user to further customize a circuit. For example, the selection field  1307  may allow a user to select whether or not the circuit includes SIMpull® pulling heads. For instance, the user may not have the tools to install SIMpull® pulling heads and therefore may elect to have the SIMpull® pulling heads installed at the factory. Furthermore, additional selection fields may be included. For instance, a second selection field (not shown) may allow a user to select whether or not the conductors in a circuit are banded together. 
     Once identification information for the first circuit is entered using the feeder window  1300 , the user may add parameters associated with the first circuit by selecting a “+ conductor” button  1310 . After the user selects the “+ conductor” button  1310 , a conductor type window  1400 , as illustrated by  FIG. 14 , may be provided, and the user may be prompted to select a conductor type for the first circuit. From the conductor type window  1400 , the user may select from a variety of standard conductor types. For example, the user may select between aluminum and copper conductors, solid cable and stranded cable, etc. Once the user has selected a conductor type using the conductor type window  1400 , options within the conductor type window  1400  can change, as illustrated by  FIG. 15 , to prompt the user to select a conductor size of the conductor type selected. The listing of conductor types and the conductor sizes may be large and may only be partially displayed by the conductor type window  1400 . Thus, the user may have to scroll the listing of conductor types and the conductor sizes using a scroll bar  1502  to find the desired conductor type and conductor size. For example, the user may select from a 6 AWG cable, or the user may scroll down to select a 5/0 AWG cable. 
     Once the user has selected a conductor type and conductor size, a color window  1600 , as illustrated by  FIG. 16 , may be provided to allow the user to select color combinations. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the color window  1600  may contain standard color combinations for preset numbers of conductors. For instance, for three conductors, a standard color combination may be a black conductor, a red conductor, and a blue conductor. While  FIG. 16  shows multiple color combinations being selected, various embodiments include a user being able to select a single conductor having a sheathing of one or multiple colors. For example, a single conductor may have a solid green sheathing or may have a green sheathing with a colored stripe. When the user selects a color combination, the user may also be selecting a number of conductors based on the number of colors associated with the selected color combination. For example, if the user selects a black, red, and blue three conductor color combination  1602 , the user is indicating that he or she wants three conductors having the same type, size, and length previously entered to be loaded on the reel with one conductor being black, one conductor being red, and one conductor being blue. Once the user has selected a color combination, he or she selects a done button  1604 , and the configuration details are displayed in the feeder window  1300 , as illustrated by  FIG. 17 . The user may select a done button  1712  once the user has finished configuring the circuit. 
     As the user adds conductors, the reel information updates automatically. For example, a percentage of the reel&#39;s diameter and width used  1702  and a percentage of the reel&#39;s weight used  1704  are adjusted automatically based on the added one or more circuits to be loaded on the reel. Moreover, an updated weight of the reel as configured  1706  may be provided based on the addition of the one or more circuits to the reel. In addition, a graphical representation  1708  of the reel&#39;s layout is displayed as, according to an illustrative embodiment, a semicircle. The graphical representation  1708  may correspond to the actual configuration of the circuits on the reel. For instance, a graphical representation of a first circuit  1710  (e.g., “TRANS” on  FIG. 20 ) may be an inner circuit depicted on the graphical representation  1708  and also may be the inner circuit loaded on the physical reel produced by a manufacturer or supplier based on an order generated using the reel configurator application. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , from operation  230  where a first circuit is added, the method  200  proceeds to decision block  235  to determine if a second circuit is to be added. If a second circuit is to be added, the method  200  proceeds back to operation  230  where the second circuit can be added as described above. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the user can select a copy circuit button  1714  to add a second circuit including the parameters of the circuit just configured. As shown in  FIG. 18 , once the copy circuit button  1714  has been selected, a copy circuit window  1800  may be provided. The copy circuit window  1800  provides the user with a first option  1802  to copy the circuit to the current reel, a second option  1804  to copy the circuit to another reel, and a third option  1806  to copy the circuit to a new reel. If the user selects the first option  1802  to copy the circuit to the current reel, then a copy window  1900 , as illustrated by  FIG. 19 , is provided to allow the user to name the second circuit. 
     Once the second circuit is copied and named, a graphical representation of the second circuit  2002  (e.g., “TRANS 2” on  FIG. 20 ) may be added to the graphical representation  1708 . The position of the graphical representation of the second circuit  2002  on the outside of the graphical representation  1708  can indicate that the second circuit will be the second circuit loaded on the physical reel produced by the manufacturer based on an order generated using the reel configurator application and that the second circuit will be loaded on top of at least a portion of the first circuit loaded on the reel, as indicated by the positions of the first representation of the first circuit  1710  and the second representation of the second circuit  2002  on the graphical representation  1708  illustrated in  FIG. 20 . In other words, the graphical representation  1708  may indicate the circuit arrangement on the physical reel produced by the manufacturer based on an order generated using the reel configurator application. In addition, the graphical representation may indicate a side-by-side configuration of the circuits. For instance, the representation of the first circuit  1710  on the graphical representation  1708  may illustrate that the first circuit is loaded on a first half of a drum of the physical reel produced by the manufacturer based on an order generated using the reel configurator application and the representation of the second circuit  2002  on the graphical representation  1708  may illustrate that the second circuit loaded on the physical reel is loaded beside the first circuit  1710  on a second half of the drum of the physical reel produced by the manufacturer based on an order generated using the reel configurator application. 
     Once the user has copied the first circuit  1710 , the reel information updates as well as shown in  FIG. 20 . The graphical representation  1708  showing the reel configuration may also be color-coded to match the circuit information. For example, the “TRANS” circuit information may have a green header, and the graphical representation of the first circuit  1710  on the graphical representation  1708  may be green as well. The graphical representation of the second circuit  2002  (e.g., “TRANS 2”) on the graphical representation  1708  may have a blue color, and the “TRANS 2” circuit information may have a blue header.  FIG. 21  shows where a third circuit, “TRANS 3”, has been added to “Reel 1.” The graphical representation  1708  is also updated to show a graphical representation of the third circuit  2102  on the reel. In addition, the percentage of the reel&#39;s diameter and width used  1702  and the percentage of the weight used  1704 , along with the weight of the reel as configured  1706 , adjust automatically. 
     When another circuit is not to be added at decision block  235 , the method  200  proceeds to stage  240  where circuits can be reordered on the reel. To reorder the circuits, the user selects a reorder circuits button  2106 , illustrated on  FIG. 21 . Upon selecting the reorder circuits button  2106 , a reorder circuits window  2200  (see  FIG. 22 ) appears. Using the reorder circuits window  2200 , the user can change the order of the circuits on the reel. To change the order of the circuits, the user can drag the circuits into a desired order. As the circuit order is changed the graphical representation  1708  also updates showing the new circuit order. For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the “TRANS 3” circuit illustrated by the graphical representation of the third circuit  2102  was in position 1 (see  FIG. 21 ) and is now in position 3 (see  FIG. 22 ). In addition, information about each circuit can be displayed by selecting on the “&gt;” buttons  2204  to the right of the circuit labels. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 23 , circuits can also be moved to another existing reel or to a new reel by selecting a move circuit button  2300 . 
     From stage  240  where the circuits were reordered, the method  200  proceeds to stage  245  where the circuits can be edited or deleted. For example, to edit a reel the user would select the circuit the user wishes to edit and edit the circuit and composition as described above regarding configuring and creating a circuit. To delete a circuit, the user would select the delete circuit button  1716  shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     From stage  245  where circuits are edited or deleted, the method  200  proceeds to decision block  250  to determine if another reel needs to be added. If another reel needs to be added, the method  200  proceeds to stage  225  where another reel is created. The method  200  can proceed from stage  225  through stage  245  to configure the newly added reel. 
     Once all the needed reels are created and configured, the method  200  proceeds from decision block  250  to stage  255  where the user configures shipping of the one or more reels created using the reel configurator application. For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the user can select a select shipping button  2302 . As a safeguard against ordering an empty reel, the select shipping button  2302  may not be selectable unless all the reels for a project have at least one circuit configured via the method  200 . Selecting the select shipping button  2302  causes a shipping menu  2400  ( FIG. 24 ) to appear. Various shipping options may be presented via the shipping menu  2400 . For example, the reels may be shipped via a standard shipping method, shipped on A-frames, or via a truck. When selecting a shipping configuration, the user may configure all reels using a configure all reels section  2402  of the shipping menu  2400 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , if the user selects the configure all reels section  2402 , a window  2500  appears where the user can select A-frame sizes. For instance, the user may select to ship the reel on a 4 foot A-frame  2502  or a 6 foot A-frame  2504 . 
     The user may also configure the shipping configuration of each reel separately using a configure individually section  2404  of the shipping menu  2400  illustrated at  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , when the user elects to configure the reels individually, the user may choose standard shipping by selecting standard shipping buttons  2602 , shipping via an A-frame by selecting the A-frame buttons  2604 , or ship by truck by selecting the truck buttons  2606 . The various methods may have default configurations. For example, when an A-frame is selected, the smallest A-frame a reel will fit on may be automatically selected by the reel configurator application. The user may change the size of the A-frame if he or she wishes as described above regarding  FIG. 25 . 
     If the user chooses to ship the reels via a truck, as indicated by selection of one of the truck buttons  2606 , the user may select a configure truck button  2608  to allow the user to configure the truck. Upon selecting the configure truck button  2608 , a truck diagram  2700 , as shown in  FIG. 27 , is displayed including a graphical representation of the truck  2703 . Shipping the reels on a truck may entail the reels being shipped on A-frames placed on the truck. The user can change a location of each reel on the truck by selecting a reposition reels button  2702 . Upon selecting the reposition reels button  2702 , the user may then drag the reels to desired positions on the graphical representation of the truck  2703 . 
     After placing the reels in desired locations on the graphical representation of the truck  2703 , the user can choose a payoff direction by selecting a choose payoff direction button  2704 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , upon selecting the choose payoff direction button  2704 , the user may select all the reels using a select all button  2802  or unselect all the reels using an unselect all button  2804 . In addition, the user may select each reel individually using radio buttons  2806 . Once reels are selected, the user can select driver side payoff using a driver side payoff button  2808 , a passenger side payoff using a passenger side payoff button  2812 , or a tail payoff using a tail payoff button  2810 . The reel configurator application may include limitations on the truck configurations. For example, the reel configurator application may allow 4 foot A-frames to be placed side by side and only allow 6 foot A-frames to be placed in the center of the truck. Once the truck has been configured, the user may select a done button  2814 . 
     From stage  255  where the shipping is configured, the method  200  proceeds to stage  260  where an order can be reviewed and shared. The various reels and information about each reel are displayed in an order summary  2900 , as illustrated by  FIG. 29 . For example, the order summary  2900  shows each reel, the number of circuits on each reel, and the shipping method configured by the user. By selecting a details button  2902  associated with each reel, the user can view the details of each reel. The user may also edit the project name and ID using a project name &amp; ID button  2904 . Furthermore, the user can share/email/print the project using a share/email/print button  2906 . The user may also delete the project using a delete button  2908 . 
     Upon selection of the share/email/print button  2906  a file, such as a portable document file (PDF), may be created. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 30A-30C , a file  3000  may be displayed. The file  3000  may include multiple pages. For instance,  FIG. 30A  shows a first page,  FIG. 30B  shows a second page, and  FIG. 30C  shows a third page. The file  3000  may include various information. The various information may include, but is not limited to, a file description  3002 , a project name  3004 , a project contact  3006 , a contact email  3008 , a contact phone number  3010 , and as described below, information about each reel within an order. 
     The information about each reel within the order may include a reel name  3012 , reel specifications  3014  (e.g., reel dimensions and a reel weight), a reel number  3016 , and a number of pulls (i.e., a number of circuits) on the reel  3018 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B , the reel name  3012  for a first reel may be “MSB-B” and the reel name  3012  for a second reel may be “ATS.” In addition, the reel specifications  3014  for the first reel may be that the first reel is 32 inches wide with a 25 inch diameter and weighs 1,124.6 pounds when loaded with conductors as configured using the reel configurator application as described herein. 
     More detailed information about each reel can also be included. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B , detailed information about each pull, or circuit, can be included. For instance, each of the pulls, or circuits, can be shown with information about each of the pulls. As shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B , a pull length  3020  for each pull can be displayed. In addition, the various conductors can be shown along with specific information about each conductor. For example, a first conductor  3022 , a second conductor  3024 , and a third conductor  3026  can be shown. In addition to showing the various conductors, the conductor type  3028 , the conductor size  3030 , the color  3032  of the conductor&#39;s sheathing, and whether or not the conductor includes a SIMpull® pulling head  3034  can be shown for each conductor. 
     The conductor type  3028  can include indications as to the material the conductor is made of such as “CU” for copper, “AL” for aluminum, or “GL” for a glass fiber optic cable. The conductor size  3030  can include any available size conductor such as 20 gauge, 10 gauge, 0000 (sometimes referred to as “4/0”), or any other American wire gauge (AWG) size. The color  3032  of the conductor&#39;s sheathing can be any available color such as black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, or gray. The color  3032  may include a color strip showing the color as well as the color spelled out as shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B . Whether or not the conductor includes a SIMpull® pulling head  3034  can be indicated using a word, such as “yes” or “no,” as shown in  FIGS. 30A and 30B , or a picture. For example, instead of the word “yes” a picture of a pulling head may be displayed to indicate that a SIMpull® will be installed on a conductor. 
     In addition to the details for the various reels and circuits, a shipping summary  3036 , as shown in  FIG. 30C , may be included. The shipping summary  3036  may include a reel name section  3038 , a standard shipping section  3040 , an A-Frame section  3042 , and a SIMpull® Truck section  3044 . The reel name section  3038  may include a listing of each reel by reel name. The method of shipping each reel may be indicated by a checkmark or other indicator located in the standard shipping section  3040 , the A-Frame section  3042 , and the SIMpull® Truck section  3044 . Furthermore, the shipping summary  3036  may also include the number of A-Frames. The number of A-Frames may include a breakdown of the various sizes of A-Frames and the total number of A-Frames. For instance, in an example order having four reels, a first reel may be shipped “standard” (i.e., without an A-Frame), a second reel may be shipped on a 4′ A-Frame, a third reel and a fourth reel may each be shipped on a 6′ A-Frame loaded onto a SIMpull® Truck. 
     The file  3000  can be printed and attached to each reel of an order. By attaching the printed file  3000  to each reel, users are able to see the configuration of each reel within an order alongside the physical reels. In addition, the file  3000  can be emailed to suppliers. As discussed below, the reel configurator application includes a submit button to allow a user to submit an order to a supplier. However, the user may want to submit the order to a supplier that is not able to receive a submission via the reel configurator application. In this case, the user can email or fax the file  3000  to the supplier. For example, the reel configurator application may be configured such that a submit for quote button  2910  (described below with reference to  FIG. 31 ) only submits an order to Southwire Company, LLC. The user located in Utah may wish to send the order to a distributor of Southwire Company, LLC, perhaps a local company in Utah, instead of sending the order directly to Southwire Company, LLC, located in Georgia. In this instance, the user may configure reels using the reel configurator as described herein and email the file  3000  to the distributor of Southwire Company, LLC located in Utah. Allowing the user to email or fax the file  3000  to distributors may allow for time savings and speed up order fulfillment by allowing a user to send orders to distributors that are located closer to the user and able to fulfill the orders. 
     From stage  260  where the order is reviewed and shared, the method  200  proceeds to stage  265  where the order is submitted. For example, after reviewing the order, the user can submit the order for a quote by selecting a submit for quote button  2910 , as illustrated by  FIGS. 29 and 31 . As shown in  FIG. 31  after the user submits the order, a confirmation  3100  may be displayed. Upon submission, the order may be transmitted to a manufacturer, a distributor, or a supplier of the reels. The order may be received at the manufacturer, the distributor, or the supplier of the reels in a format that allows a program associated with the manufacturer, the distributor, or the supplier to easily process the order. For example, the received order may be in a format that allows the program associated with the manufacturer, the distributor, or the supplier of the reel to auto-populate various fields and minimize manual data entry. The user may also share the submitted order by entering an email address in a text field  3102  and selecting a share button  3104 . From stage  265  where the order is submitted, the method  200  proceeds to stage  270  where the method  200  ends. 
     According to some embodiments, the cable includes a conductor or an assembly of cables and/or cable conductors, wire, rope or the like, on a cable reel holding the same. Although the subject matter presented herein has been described in language specific to computer structural features, methodological and transformative acts, specific computing machinery, and computer readable media, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features, acts, or media described herein. Rather, the specific features, acts and mediums are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. While the specification includes examples, the invention&#39;s scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the invention.