Patent Abstract:
A system and method for facilitating acquisition of automotive core parts from automotive recyclers for remanufacture includes identifying automotive cores and determining the value of the cores with a core fulfillment system. The core fulfillment system includes an interchange database with automotive core descriptions and corresponding interchange identification indicators. The system includes a core supplier database that includes automotive core descriptions with corresponding core supplier identification indicators and an interchange number matching module that equates database entries in the interchange database with database entries in the core supplier database. An interface module provides access to the core fulfillment system, accepts vehicle information, and provides demand and pricing information regarding automotive cores. Vehicle information is received and compared to automotive core descriptions, automotive interchange numbers, and core supplier identification indicators that correspond to the vehicle identification information. Automotive cores are identified based upon the comparison, and a core value is determined.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/017,767 filed on Jan. 22, 2008, entitled “Automotive Core Fulfillment System and Method,” which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/881,524 filed on Jan. 22, 2007. These applications are incorporated by reference below in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to system and method for facilitating acquisition of automotive cores from the automotive recycling industry for remanufacture. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Automotive recyclers such as salvage yards acquire used automotive parts, such as powertrain, chassis, and body parts of automobiles. Many of the mechanical parts from these vehicles are referred to in the salvage industry as “cores.” Cores are typically extracted from automobiles that were purchased by the recyclers for the purpose of disassembling them to sell the cores. In other instances, cores may be acquired from manufacturers of the parts themselves, where a defect has been found in the manufactured part so that the part cannot be used unless remanufactured. 
         [0004]    The automotive recyclers sell the extracted cores from automobiles to core suppliers that gather large quantities of a particular core for a particular vehicle. Core suppliers identify the purchased cores and then verify that the cores can be remanufactured or otherwise reconditioned. These gathered quantities of cores for a particular vehicle are then sold to remanufacturers who recondition these parts. For remanufacturers, receiving good, rebuildable cores in large quantities is important since remanufacturing of the cores often requires tooling and machining lines that must be set up for a particular core. Thus, remanufacturers typically prefer to purchase cores from core suppliers in bulk rather than from automotive recyclers one piece at a time. 
         [0005]    The remanufacturers recondition or remanufacture these cores and then sell these remanufactured/reconditioned parts to wholesale or retail automotive part suppliers. Because these cores are reconditioned rather than being entirely manufactured, the remanufactured parts can be sold for less than the corresponding new parts. 
         [0006]    Automotive recyclers use a standard parts identification system referred to as an interchange, such as the Hollander interchange, for example, to help identify parts from vehicles. Such interchange systems allow an automotive recycler to identify the make, model, and year range of most parts on a given vehicle, and to identify the parts using a proprietary alphanumeric identification system. In contrast, core suppliers and remanufacturers may utilize different identification numbers than the automotive recyclers. For example, core suppliers and remanufacturers may use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) numbers, casting numbers, and remanufacturer-specific proprietary stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers. These numbers are very specific and do not have the same year make model breakdown availability that salvage industry interchanges have. The core supplier numbers are very specific whereas the salvage industry interchange numbers are very broad and may encompass many different numbers. 
         [0007]    Efforts to date to improve the ability to cross reference core supplier numbers to salvage industry interchange numbers have been largely unsuccessful in providing a cost-effective manner of identifying specific cores sought by core suppliers. Additionally, core suppliers have not been able to satisfactorily characterize salvage yard inventories. Efforts aimed at improving the ability of the parties to accurately identify and supply the required parts have been extremely labor-intense and have not provided a satisfactory return on the amount of resources expended. What is needed is a system and a method for quickly and accurately determining salvage yard inventories and determining the value of a particular part from a particular automobile. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The above-described difference in automotive part identification systems and methods used has been found to be a significant problem for the salvage industry and for the core supplier industry, where most of the acquired cores are purchased from salvage facilities of automotive recyclers. In particular, automotive recyclers are unaware of demand and pricing of the specific cores being sought after by the core suppliers. In the present application, the term “cores” refers to mechanical and electrical automobile parts, which are to be rebuilt, refurbished, or otherwise reconditioned. For the purposes of this application, the term “cores” and automobile parts that are to be rebuilt, refurbished, or otherwise reconditioned are synonymous. 
         [0009]    In addition, automotive recyclers do not have an efficient way to easily determine the value of a particular part from a particular automobile. Correspondingly, valuable labor may be expended by the automotive recycler in removing a partfrom an automobile, only to find that the core supplier is not willing to purchase the part due to a lack of demand, a sufficient or overabundant existing supply inventory, and the like. In addition, valuable labor may be expended by the automotive recycler in removing a partfrom an automobile, only to find that the value of the part offered for purchase by the core supplier is not enough to cover even the labor cost incurred for the removal of the part. 
         [0010]    Conversely, the automotive recycler may choose not to remove a particular first part from an automobile in view of the labor costs involved, and instead, the automotive recycler removes other certain parts of the automobile in a separate dismantling facility. The automotive recycler then stores the dismantled automobile in the salvage yard. The automotive recycler may later find that there was sufficient demand for the first part so that a profit could have been made by removing the particular in-demand first part from the automobile when it was in the dismantling facility, where tools for removal are immediately available. However, removal of such first part may no longer be profitable because the automobile has been stored in the salvage yard and is no longer at the dismantling facility. 
         [0011]    In both of the above described situations, the result is that the automotive recycler receives reduced profits, either by incurring unnecessarily increased labor costs, or by foregoing potential sales. The automotive core fulfillment system and method in accordance with the present invention addresses these problems to increase the automotive recycler&#39;s profits, as well as to provide the automotive recycler with a guaranteed and predetermined sales outlet for their inventory. 
         [0012]    An automotive core fulfillment system in accordance with the present invention includes an interchange database that includes automotive core descriptions with corresponding interchange identification indicators. The system also includes a core supplier database that includes automotive core descriptions with corresponding core supplier identification indicators. The core supplier identification indicators may include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers or other core supplier numbers. The system also includes an interchange number matching module that equates a database entry in the interchange database with a database entry in the core supplier database. The system of the present invention may utilize Hollander numbers as the interchange identification indicators, or the system may use other interchange identification indicators, such as Lester numbers, and the like. The interchange number matching module matches interchange identification indicators with corresponding core supplier identification indicators. 
         [0013]    Additionally, the automotive core fulfillment system of the present invention may include an interface module that provides access to the automotive core fulfillment system and accepts vehicle information and provides demand and pricing information regarding automotive cores. Further, the system of the present invention may utilize an on-site interface, or may include an interface module that provides remote access to the automotive core fulfillment system with a terminal or other communication device through a computer network or other communications network. 
         [0014]    A method of the present invention identifies an automotive core and determines the value of the automotive core with a core fulfillment system. The method includes receiving vehicle identification information, comparing the vehicle identification information to automotive core descriptions and automotive interchange numbers and core supplier identification indicators that correspond to the vehicle identification information. The method also includes identifying the automotive core based upon the comparison of the vehicle identification information to automotive core descriptions and automotive interchange numbers and core supplier identification indicators, the automotive core including a part type identifier, a yard description, and a core value. Of course, all parts of an automobile may be identified, including all mechanical and electrical parts of the automobile, and the value of the part may be determined using the system and method of the present invention. For brevity, this application refers to such mechanical parts and electrical parts as “automotive cores” or simply “cores.” 
         [0015]    Additionally, the method of identifying an automotive core and determining the value of the automotive core includes determining a demand for the automotive core. The vehicle identification information may include the year the vehicle was manufactured, the make of the vehicle, and the model of the vehicle. Additional identification information may also be used, including engine type, engine displacement, transmission type, brake type, number of doors, and the like, to expand or restrict the search based upon the more specific or less specific type of vehicle. 
         [0016]    Multiple cores may be identified using a list of vehicle identifiers, and the value of those cores may be determined simultaneously. The list of vehicle identifiers may be a manual list, a bar code or bar codes, an electronic YIN number or YIN numbers, or any other notation of multiple vehicle identifiers. With this vehicle identifier information, a core inventory value may be determined based upon an aggregate total of core values of identified automotive cores. 
         [0017]    An alternative method of identifying an automotive core and determining the value of the automotive core with a core fulfillment system in accordance with the present invention includes receiving part type identification information, receiving an automotive interchange number, and comparing the part type identification information to automotive core descriptions and core supplier identification indicators that correspond to the vehicle identification information and the automotive interchange numbers. The results of this comparison are then used to identify the automotive core based upon the comparison of the part type identification information and automotive interchange number to automotive core descriptions and core supplier identification indicators. The identified automotive core may include a part type identifier, a yard description, and a core value. Additionally, the automotive core entry may include demand information for the automotive core. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an automotive core fulfillment system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2A-2W  shows example user interface screens generated by the automotive core fulfillment system of  FIG. 1  as an automotive recycler accesses core fulfillment information in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram schematically illustrating a method of determining a core value based upon vehicle and part identification information in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  is provided with a processor  20  that is adapted to control and facilitate functions of various modules and components of the automotive core fulfillment system  10  as described in detail below. It should be initially noted that the automotive core fulfillment system  10  of  FIG. 1  may be implemented with any type of hardware and software, and may be a pre-programmed general purpose computing device. For example, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  may be implemented using a server, a personal computer, a portable computer, a thin terminal, a hand held device, a wireless device, or any combination of such devices. The automotive core fulfillment system  10  may be a single device at a single location or multiple devices at a single location, or multiple devices at multiple locations that are connected together using any appropriate communication protocols over any communication medium such as electric cable, fiber optic cable, any other cable, or in a wireless manner using radio frequency, infrared, or other technologies. 
         [0022]    In the illustrated embodiment, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  is connected to a network  2  that allows remote access to the automotive core fulfillment system  10  so that vehicle information and interchange information can be entered, and so that demand and pricing information regarding automotive cores can be retrieved from the system. The network  2  allows the automotive core fulfillment system  10  to interact with remotely located terminals  4 , which are utilized by automotive recyclers  6 . The network  2  may be any type of communications channel, such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), direct computer connections, and the like, and may be connected in a wireless manner using radio frequency, infrared, or other communication technologies, using any type of communication hardware and protocols. The terminals  4  may be implemented using a server, a personal computer, a portable computer, a thin terminal, a hand held device, a wireless device, and any other computing devices, or any combination of such devices. 
         [0023]    It should also be noted that the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and discussed herein as having a plurality of modules and/or components that perform particular functions. It should be understood that these modules are merely schematically illustrated based on their function for clarity purposes only, and do not necessary represent specific hardware or software. In this regard, these modules and/or sub-modules may be implemented as hardware and/or softwareto substantially perform the particular functions explained. Moreover, two or more of these modules may be combined together within the automotive core fulfillment system  10 , or divided into more modules based on the particular function desired. Thus, the present invention as schematically embodied in  FIG. 1  should not be construed to limit the automotive core fulfillment system  10  of the present invention. 
         [0024]    In the above regard, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment also includes an interface module  30  that allows the automotive recyclers  6  to easily enter a particular vehicle&#39;s information such as year, make and model, and retrieve demand and pricing information for the various automotive cores of the particular vehicle from the automotive core fulfillment system  10  via the terminals  4 . Similarly, interface module  30  provides an input and output pathway from automotive recyclers  6  and core fulfillment system  10 . In this regard, the interface module  30  includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving vehicle information and other information input by automotive recyclers  6 , and a GUI for displaying the demand and pricing information for the various automotive cores of the inputted vehicle. 
         [0025]    Numerous databases are provided in the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  shown includes an internal interchange database  40 , which includes automotive core descriptions and automotive recycler&#39;s interchange numbers for numerous vehicle makes, models, years, and the like. Other information regarding the automotive cores can be stored in the interchange database  40  as well such as corresponding core supplier&#39;s part numbers and/or other interchange numbers, as well as additional core information. The automotive core fulfillment system  10  shown also includes a core supplier database such as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) number database  50 , which includes automotive core descriptions and their corresponding OEM part numbers for numerous vehicle makes, models, and years, for example. Of course, other information regarding the automotive cores can be stored in OEM number database  50  as well. 
         [0026]    In addition, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes an interchange matching module  60  that allows matching of the recycler&#39;s interchange number stored in the interchange database  40  with a corresponding OEM number stored in the OEM number database  50 . Thus, when the automotive recycler  6  enters various vehicle information or interchange information using the terminal  4 , the automotive core fulfillment system  10  identifies the various automotive cores and their corresponding recycler&#39;s interchange numbers in the interchange database  40 , and matches these interchange numbers with the corresponding OEM numbers stored in the OEM number database  50 . In this regard, the data that is stored in the interchange database  40  and the OEM numbers database  50  is updated periodically to include new vehicle models and corresponding part numbers for the cores. Therefore, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  greatly facilitates accurate identification of automotive cores between the automotive recycler and the core supplier and remanufacturer so that any transactions regarding the cores between these parties can be facilitated. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment also includes a Demand and Pricing database  70 , which includes demand information for particular cores that indicates whether there is an existing remanufacturer requesting particular cores for purchase. In addition, the Demand and Pricing database  70  also includes pricing information that identifies the price at which the particular cores will be purchased by the core supplier and/or by the remanufacturer from the automotive recycler  6 . It is important to note that the pricing information is an offer for purchase price, and not an offer for sale price. The demand and pricing information is largely provided by the demands of the remanufacturers for the particular parts. Correspondingly, because the remanufacturers utilize OEM part numbers, the demand information and pricing information stored in the Demand and Pricing database  70  is correlated to the OEM parts. This information stored in the Demand and Pricing database  70  is also updated periodically to include new demand and new pricing information as demand and prices change in the marketplace. With up-to-date demand and pricing information, automotive recyclers  6  and core suppliers can make informed decisions about transactions to which they are a party. 
         [0028]    It should also be understood that the price for a particular core will typically differ between the core supplier and the (end-user) remanufacturer since the core supplier is in the business of aggregating large quantities of a particular core for the remanufacturers, and the core supplier will purchase the cores from a plurality of automotive recyclers, and then sell the aggregated quantity to the remanufacturers at a higher price to make some profit. Thus, inone application of the present invention in which the automotive core fulfillment system  10  is utilized by a core supplier, the Demand and Pricing database  70  includes the prices that the core supplier is willing to pay to the automotive recyclers for the cores. That is the core value quoted is an offer to purchase price. When the core supplier&#39;s offer to purchase price is accepted by an automotive recycler, the core supplier makes a profit after covering the costs of aggregation and inspection of the cores and other services that the core supplier may provide. Of course, in other applications, for example where the automotive core fulfillment system  10  is utilized by a remanufacturer, the Demand and Pricing database  70  includes the prices that the remanufacturer is willing to pay directly to the automotive recyclers for the cores, or similarly, a price that the remanufacturer is willing to pay to a plurality of core suppliers. 
         [0029]    The automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the present invention provides an output to the automotive recycler  6  that includes the “salvage value” for a particular vehicle input into the system  10 . The output identifies those cores of the particular vehicle for which there is a demand, and an offer to purchase price can be identified to purchase the identified parts from the automotive recycler. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 2A-2W  show example user interface screens that are generated by the automotive core fulfillment system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The system logon page  200  is illustrated in  FIG. 2A . On this logon page  200 , a user (such as automotive recycler  6 ) may access the automotive core fulfillment system  10  by entering an email address in a sign in block  202  and by entering a password in password block  204  by using terminal  4  via network  2 . Users that have not previously accessed the automotive core fulfillment system may register to use the system by accessing a registration hotlink  206 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , once a user (automotive recycler  6 ) has accessed the automotive core fulfillment system  10 , the interface module  30  generates a start screen  220 . The start screen  220  enables an automotive recycler  6  to interact with the automotive core fulfillment system  10  by accessing demand and pricing information for automotive cores by searching vehicles using button  221  and by searching by automotive core interchange numbers using button  222 . Start screen  220  also enables automotive recyclers  6  to access in-progress inventory information using button  223 , core bin information using button  224 , invoicing information using button  225 , and additional system particulars, including system memos using button  226 , frequently asked questions using link  227 , contact information using link  228 , the automotive core fulfillment system manual using link  229 , and shipping requirements using link  230 . Additional information regarding the automotive core fulfillment system of the present invention may also be shown and accessed through additional buttons, hot links, and other user interface devices that enable an automotive recycler  6  to access the automotive core fulfillment system  10  using terminal  4  via network  2 . 
         [0032]    Search by Vehicle 
         [0033]    A user may search for automotive cores by a particular vehicle. For example, if an automotive recycler  6  selects the search vehicle button  221 , a user input screen  240  as shown in  FIG. 2C  is generated by interface module  30  to allow the automotive recycler  6  to enter vehicle information, including Year, Make, and Model, into the automotive core fulfillment system  10  to access core information. To access the core information, automotive recycler  6  selects the Year the car was manufactured using drop down box  242 . In this example, the automotive recycler  6  selected “1998.” The user interface screen  240  shown is implemented using drop down menu selections, but it may be implemented using an expandable tree structure for such vehicle information, or in any other appropriate manner that conveys the necessary information with which to search the databases  40 ,  50 ,  70  of the automotive core fulfillment system  10 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2D , once the automotive recycler  6  selects the Year the car was manufactured, the automotive recycler  6  selects the Make of car using drop down box  244 . In this example, the user selected “Honda.” As further shown in  FIG. 2E , once the automotive recycler  6  selects the Make of car, the automotive recycler  6  selects the Model of car using drop down box  246 . In this example, the automotive recycler  6  selects “Accord” as shown in  FIG. 2F . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram  1100  that schematically illustrates a method of operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Once the automotive recycler  6  has completed selecting the Year, Make, and Model of car from which to base the search, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  receives the vehicle information as shown in step  1120  in the flow chart of  FIG. 3 . Of course, multiple vehicles may be used from which to base the search and to identify multiple cores simultaneously. For example, a list of vehicle identifiers may be used, such as a manual list, a bar code or bar codes, an electronic YIN number or YIN numbers, or any other notation of multiple vehicle vehicles. With this vehicle identifier information, a core inventory value may be determined based upon an aggregate total of core values of identified automotive cores. Of course, other means of providing the vehicle information may also be used, such as direct data feeds, RSS feeds (RDF site summary feeds or Really Simple Syndication feeds), and the like. 
         [0036]    Regardless of the manner in which the vehicle information is provided, in step  1120 , automotive core fulfillment system  10  receives the vehicle information via interface module  30 . 
         [0037]    As further shown in step  1140  of  FIG. 3 , once the automotive core fulfillment system  10  receives the vehicle information, the processor  20  directs a search of the interchange database  40  to identify the recycler&#39;s interchange number for the core or cores. In step  1160 , the interchange number matching module  60  and the processor  20  match the recycler&#39;s interchange numbers from the interchange database  40  to the core supplier numbers, such as the OEM numbers in OEM Number database  50  in the present example. 
         [0038]    In step  1200  of  FIG. 3 , interchange number matching module  60  and the processor  20  and identifies those cores for the inputted vehicle (1988 Honda Accord) and processor  20  accesses demand and pricing database  70  to further identify those cores for which there is demand. The processor  20  and interface module  30  then identifies the salvage value for the particular cores identified. Once the cores and their respective demand and pricing information is determined, in step  1220  of  FIG. 3 , the system returns a vehicle evaluation page  250  that shows the part type  252 , yard description  254 , and core value  256  of the particular automotive core as illustrated in  FIG. 2G . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , if the number and type of results identified are not satisfactory in step  1230 , the search may be further refined to narrow down the number and type of results returned using refinement tool search mechanism  234  as shown in step  1250 . For example, the results may be refined based upon engine displacement  258 , the number of cylinders  260 , the transmission type  262 , the number of doors  264 , and the braking system  266 . Of course other factors may also be used to refine the search, including drive type (front wheel versus rear wheel versus all wheel), and the like. When the refinement tools are selected, the search may be re-executed in step  1260  using the refine search button  268 . The results of the refined search will then be presented as the vehicle evaluation page  250 . 
         [0039]    Vehicle evaluation page  250  lists automotive parts that the core supplier wishes to purchase and the offer price that the core supplier is willing to pay to a dismantler or to a recycler or to a salvage yard for the particular part. The vehicle evaluation page  250  returns a list of parts with the part type  252  and a yard description  254  with which to identify each core. The yard description  254  may also include appropriate interchange numbers, such as Hollander numbers or Lester numbers, and the like, as well as OEM descriptions to help further determine the identity of each part. Additionally, the core supplier may also provide additional descriptive information with which to identify and confirm the parts listed. Further, the listed parts may also include additional description information requiring a Cast number or an OEM number on the part in order for the part to be worth the core value listed. For example, cast descriptions may be shown in bold face type, while other information may be displayed in italics or within parentheses or in any similar manner so as to identify the notations in the yard description  254  field. The core value  256  is listed for each part offered by the core recycler. Cores that have no demand or no value to remanufacturers may be listed with a core value of $0.00 as in the present example, or may be omitted from the vehicle evaluation page  250 . The core values help automotive dismantlers determine if it is cost effective to remove particular cores from the vehicle. Of course, vehicle evaluation page  250  may display different interchange numbers, be arranged differently, and provide additional information in other implementations of the present invention. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 2H , automotive recycler  6  can select those cores that the automotive recycler  6  wishes to remove from the vehicle and sell to the core supplier by checking boxes  97   a - 97   g . The checked boxes  97   a - 97   g  correspond to those cores to be removed from the vehicle and sold to the core supplier at the offered purchase price displayed as core value  256 . As further shown in  FIG. 2H , once the automotive recycler  6  checks the parts that they wish to remove, the automotive recycler  6  may enter the stock number  272 , vehicle identification number (VIN)  274 , a dismantler  276 , any notes  278  or special instructions. 
         [0041]    Optionally, the system of the present invention may also include an optional button or hot link indicating or confirming that by submitting this batch of core parts, the automotive recycler  6  agrees to comply with any materials requirements specified by the core supplier or any other shipping and exchange policies that the core manufacturer has put in place. 
         [0042]    Once the automotive recycler  6  completes these entries, the automotive recycler  6  may select the Save Batch button  280  and advance to the Vehicle Summary page  320  shown in  FIG. 2I . The Vehicle Summary page  320  is the list of material that the automotive recycler  6  has chosen for removal from the vehicle in question. The Vehicle Summary page  320  shows the batch  322 , the stock number  372 , dismantler  376 , and comments  378  for the year, make, and model vehicle of interest. The Vehicle Summary page  320  further shows the part types  352 , part descriptions  354 , and the core values  356  for each of the parts that the automotive recycler  6  selected with the check boxes  97   a - 97   g  on the vehicle evaluation page  250 . A total core value  358  is shown that is the sum of the individual core values  356  for each of the parts listed. 
         [0043]    From the Vehicle Summary page  320 , an automotive recycler  6  may then view and print a dismantling report by selecting the print dismantler report button  362 . Similarly, a dismantler report may be printed without core value prices by selecting the print dismantler report (no prices) button  364 . For example, by selecting print dismantler reporter report button  362 , the dismantling report  402  depicted in  FIG. 2J  may be viewed and printed and given to the dismantler to ensure the appropriate parts are collected. 
         [0044]    Similarly, returning to  FIG. 2I , part tags may be printed to attach to each of the parts as the vehicle is dismantled. The dismantler may then attach tags to the parts as they are removed from the vehicle. By selecting print tags button  368 , the tag  404  depicted in  FIG. 2K  may be viewed and printed and then given to the dismantler to attach to the removed part for inventory control. 
         [0045]    The system and method of the present invention may use the tags and tag printers of the automotive recycler  6  and may be printed in a uniform format for ease of inventory control, shipping, and payment upon receipt by the core supplier. Further, a number of tag options may be presented to the automotive recycler  6  the first time that the automotive recycler  6  prints tags. The options may then be saved as a default format with which to print the tags to attach to the parts as the parts are removed from the vehicles. 
         [0046]    After the automotive recycler  6  prints the dismantling report  402  and the tags  404 , the automotive recycler  6  may then begin dismantling the vehicle, add notes or memos to the system, log out, or create additional reports on other vehicles and parts. 
         [0047]    Once the vehicle has been dismantled, and the dismantler has returned the paperwork indicating which parts were actually removed, the automotive recycler  6  may now add the removed parts to the BIN inventory. The typical core supplier BIN is considered to be a 48″ cube Gaylord box where all the tagged cores you remove are placed. Of course, other bin types and shipping and storage containers may also be used depending upon the typical shipments, inventory values, and methods of transportation required. 
         [0048]    To add the dismantled items to the BIN inventory, the automotive recycler  6  must verify that the parts have been removed from the vehicle. To verify that the parts have been removed, the automotive recycler selects the In Progress tab  406 , such as that shown on  FIG. 2L .  FIG. 2L  shows the In Process page  420  that lists the in-progress vehicles by batch  422 , (generated from stock number  272  entered on the vehicle evaluation page  250 ). The automotive recycler  6  may then select the proper batch  422  and click on the view link  424 . Selecting the view link  424  returns the Vehicle Summary page  320  for the particular vehicle. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 2L  on the In Process page  420 , the in-progress batch includes an expiration date  426 . To accommodate constantly changing markets for core parts, the core supplier may restrict the time that the automotive recycler  6  is afforded in which to process a vehicle. In the example of  FIG. 2L , the core supplier allowed a 21-day window in which to process the vehicle. If the automotive recycler  6  has not processed the vehicle within the 21-day timeline, the view link  424  will change to a “re-evaluate link” (not shown). If the automotive recycler  6  selects the re-evaluate link, the automotive recycler  6  will return to the vehicle evaluation page  250 . Any parts that were initially chosen for removal will remain checked off on the vehicle evaluation page  250 , and the automotive recycler  6  must re-evaluate the removal decisions based on any new market prices and demand, if applicable. The automotive recycler  6  must then re-save the batch with the new prices. 
         [0050]    An overall dollar value is displayed for your entire “In Progress” inventory. A total in-process value  458  is shown that is the sum of the individual in-process batch totals  456  for each of the batches listed. In the example of  FIG. 2L , a single batch  422  is listed, so the total in-process value  458  is the same as that of the single batch total  456 . In this example, the total is $135.00. 
         [0051]    As outlined above, once the automotive recycler  6  selects the view link  424  from the “In Progress” page  420 , the “vehicle summary” page  320  as shown in  FIG. 21  is displayed. The automotive recycler  6  then checks the boxes  390  indicating the parts that the dismantler removed from the vehicle. Alternatively, if all indicated parts were removed, the automotive recycler  6  may select the check all box  392 , indicating that the dismantler removed all the parts. 
         [0052]    Once the automobile recycler  6  verifies that parts were removed and placed in the core supplier BIN, the automotive recycler  6  selects the “Add to RAS Bin” button  398 . By selecting the “Add to RAS Bin” button  398 , the checked parts are added to the automotive recycler&#39;s BIN inventory. Once the selected parts are added to the BIN inventory, the BIN screen  520  illustrated in  FIG. 2M  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 2M , the BIN screen  520  includes an indication of the total dollar amount  522  of the automotive recycler&#39;s inventory. 
         [0053]    The BIN inventory is electronically monitored by the core supplier. The system and method of the present invention permits the core supplier to keep a running total of the number of parts and the dollar value of the parts in the BIN inventory. The core supplier contacts the automotive recycler  6  to schedule a materials pick up when it appears that the automotive recycler  6  has enough parts in the BIN inventory to warrant a shipment. Flexibility is built into the system of the present invention, and if the automotive recycler  6  has an inordinate volume of inventory, or an inventory with a high dollar value, additional pick ups may be scheduled through the BIN screen  520 . 
         [0054]    Once the Bin contents are confirmed, the automotive recycler  6  checks box  590  to select the created batch. Alternatively, the automotive recycler  6  may check the check all button  592  to choose all material currently in the BIN inventory. Once the appropriate batches have been checked, the automotive recycler  6  selects the “Create Invoice” button  594  to create an invoice  620  as shown in  FIG. 2N . 
         [0055]    After invoice  620  is displayed, the automotive recycler  6  may review the invoice  620  and then confirm the invoice  620 . To ensure accuracy with in-transit inventory, the automotive recycler  6  confirms the accuracy of the invoice  620  before the material is removed from inventory. To confirm the invoice  620 , the automotive recycler  6  selects the “confirm invoice” button  624 . The process then advances to the Invoice Detail page  720  as shown in  FIG. 2O . After creating an invoice  620 , the inventory material is electronically removed from the core supplier BIN, and the core supplier is automatically notified electronically. The core supplier then contacts the automotive recycler  6  with a Purchase Order Number and arranges for shipping. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 2O , from the Invoice Detail page  720 , the automotive recycler  6  may print the invoice and/or a packing slip by selecting the respective print buttons  724 ,  726 . Selecting the print invoice button  724  displays invoice  820  as shown in  FIG. 2P , while selecting print packing slip button  726  displays packing slip  830  as shown in  FIG. 2Q . The invoice  820  and packing slip  830  may then be included with the parts shipment or kept with the automotive recycler&#39;s records. Once the Bins are shipped and the materials arrive at the core supplier facility, the materials are checked in using the appropriate stock number, invoice, and packing slip. Upon completion of the check in, a reconciliation report and payment is sent to the automotive recycler  6 . 
         [0057]    Search by Interchange Number 
         [0058]    In addition to searching the automotive core fulfillment system  10  by vehicle, an automotive recycler  6  may search by interchange number, such as a Hollander number, a Lester number, and the like. 
         [0059]    For example, returning to start screen  220  shown in  FIG. 2B , a user (automotive recycler  6 ) may search for automotive cores by searching by Hollander number. For example, if automotive recycler  6  selects the search by Hollander button  222 , a user input screen  920  as shown in  FIG. 2R  is generated by interface module  30  to allow an automotive recycler  6  to enter a part type and a Hollander number into the automotive core fulfillment system to access core information. Of course, other interchange information may be used instead of Hollander numbers, but in the present example, an interchange number search is illustrated using Hollander numbers. To access the core information, a user selects the part type using drop down box  942  and enters a Hollander number in box  944 . As shown in  FIG. 2S , in this example the user selected “Steering Gear/Rack” and Hollander number  1731 . The user interface screens  920 ,  960  shown in  FIG. 2R  and  FIG. 2S  are implemented using drop down menu selections, but they may be implemented using an expandable tree structure for such vehicle information, or in any other appropriate manner that conveys the necessary information with which to search the databases  40 ,  50 ,  70  of the automotive core fulfillment system  10 . 
         [0060]    Once the part type and interchange number are entered, the automotive recycler  6  selects the Go box  962  in  FIG. 2S , and the system returns vehicle evaluation page  970  of  FIG. 2T  that shows the part type  972 , yard description  974 , and core value  976  of the particular automotive cores. As was the case when searching by vehicle, vehicle evaluation page  970  lists automotive parts that the core supplier wishes to purchase and the offer price that the core supplier is willing to pay to a dismantler or to an automotive recycler or to a salvage yard for the particular part. The vehicle evaluation page  970  returns a list of parts with the part type  972  and a yard description  974  with which to identify each core. The yard description  974  in this search may also include appropriate OEM descriptions to help determine the identity of each part. Additionally, the core supplier may also provide additional descriptive information with which to identify and confirm the parts listed. Further, the listed parts may also include additional description information requiring a Cast number or an OEM number on the part in order for the part to be worth the core value listed. For example, cast descriptions may be shown in bold face type, while other information may be displayed in italics or within parentheses or in any similar manner so as to identify notations in the yard description  974  field. The core value  976  is listed for each part offered by the core recycler. As above, cores that have no demand or no value to remanufacturers may be listed with a core value of $0.00 or may be omitted from the vehicle evaluation page  970 . The core values help automotive dismantlers determine if it is cost effective to remove particular cores from the vehicle. Of course, vehicle evaluation page  970  may display different part types, descriptions, interchange numbers, and may be arranged differently to provide additional information in other implementations. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 2T , the automotive recycler  6  indicates the parts that the automotive recycler  6  wishes to remove from the vehicle and sell to the core supplier by checking box  997   a . The checked box  997   a  corresponds to that core to be removed from the vehicle and sold to the core supplier at the offered purchase price (core value  976 ) displayed. As further shown in  FIG. 2T , once the automotive recycler  6  checks the parts that they wish to remove, the automotive recycler  6  may enter stock numbers  978   a - 978   d  and save the batch by selecting the save batch button  975 . Of course additional information may also be added to the batch, including, for example vehicle identification numbers (VINs), dismantler information, and any notes or special instructions. 
         [0062]    Optionally as above, the system of the present invention may also include an optional button or hot link indicating or confirming that by submitting this batch of core parts, the automotive recycler agrees to comply with any materials handling requirements specified by the core supplier or any other shipping and exchange policies that the core manufacturer has put in place. 
         [0063]    Once the stock numbers  978   a - 978   d  are entered and the automotive recycler  6  saves the batch by selecting the save batch button  975 , the batch results of the search will then be presented as the vehicle summary page  980  shown in  FIG. 2U . As was the case above when searching by vehicle, the Vehicle Summary page  980  is the list of material that the automotive recycler  6  has chosen for removal from the vehicle in question. Similarly, the Vehicle Summary page  980  shows the batch  982  and the listing of part types  984 , part descriptions  986 , and core values  992  as sorted by the stock numbers  978   a ,  978   b ,  978   c ,  978   d . A total core value  998  is shown that is the sum of the individual core values  992  for each of the parts listed. 
         [0064]    Once the automotive recycler  6  reviews the vehicle summary page  980 , the process continues in a similar manner as was the case outlined above with regard to  FIG. 2I  to  FIG. 2Q  when interacting with the automotive core fulfillment system  10  of the present invention by searching by vehicle. 
         [0065]    Memos 
         [0066]    In addition to searching the automotive core interchange system  10  by vehicle or by interchange number, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  includes the facility to review critical system information by selecting the memos button  226  shown in  FIG. 2B . When an automotive recycler  6  selects the memos button  226 , memos screen  150  is displayed as shown in  FIG. 2V . Memos screen  150  includes example updates  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c ,  152   d ,  152   e  to information regarding the automotive core fulfillment system  10  and the features and capabilities provided. 
         [0067]    Manual 
         [0068]    In addition to searching the automotive core fulfillment system  10  by vehicle or by interchange number and accessing memos regarding updates and other information, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  includes the facility to review the operations manual by selecting the manual button  229  shown in  FIG. 2B . When an automotive recycler  6  selects the manual button  229 , the instruction manual screen  170  is displayed as shown in  FIG. 2W . Instruction manual screen  170  includes step-by-step instructions to effectively utilize the automotive core fulfillment system  10  of the present invention and provides a graphical foundation for updates to information regarding the automotive core fulfillment system  10  and the features and capabilities provided. 
         [0069]    The automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment as described above is invaluable to automotive recyclers because it allows them to determine what the cores of a particular vehicle and their core inventory is truly worth, while also enabling them to have better control over labor costs. As described, the present invention allows automotive recyclers to control their labor costs because they will no longer waste time removing core parts that have little or no value, and can readily identify the core parts with value. 
         [0070]    Moreover, the automotive core fulfillment system  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiments provides an especially advantageous use in that it can be used during the dismantling process before the vehicle is moved into storage, for example, in a salvage yard, thereby allowing the automotive recycler  6  to remove a wider range of cores that are of value. The system and method of the present invention allows the automotive recycler  6  to make quick determinations as to whether to invest in the labor required to remove the particular automotive cores with value. 
         [0071]    For example, a power brake booster core for a particular vehicle model may be worth $15 based on current demand and pricing information as provided by database  70 . With the vehicle in the dismantling facility of the automotive recycler, the removal of the core with the available tools in the dismantling facility may only be 5-10 minutes, thus, making it economically worthwhile to remove the brake booster core. If the brake booster core has to be removed while the vehicle is in the storage facility of the automotive recycler, it may take much longer, for example, 15-20 minutes. Such labor requirements would render the brake booster core not worth removing. 
         [0072]    While various embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be changed, modified and further applied by those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also includes all such changes and modifications.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6