United States Patent [191
`Kelly et a1.
`
`US005424944A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,424,944
`Jun. 13, 1995
`
`[54] SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR
`CONTROLLED ASSET DISPOSITION
`[75] Inventors: Regan A. Kelly, Mamaroneck;
`Magliato, Sr., Nicholas J., Highland;
`Eric 0. Ronningen, New Rochelle;
`Anthony J.
`Hawthorne; John
`F. DiMassimo, Lake Carmel, all of
`NY.
`Asset Management & Control, Inc.,
`West Haven, Conn.
`[21] Appl. No.: 189,987
`[22] Filed:
`Feb. 2, 1994
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`[51] Int. Cl.6 .......................................... .. G06F 153/00
`[52] us. (:1. .................................. .. 364/401; 364/403;
`364/478
`[53] Field 61 Search .............. .. 364/401, 403, 478, 468
`[56]
`References (?ted
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,974,166 11/1990 Maney et al. ..................... .. 364/478
`5,025,140 6/1991 Varley ............ ..
`364/403
`5,072,400 12/1991 Manduley .......... ..
`364/478
`5,088,045 2/1992 Shimanaka et a1. ..
`364/468
`5,093,194 3/1992 Howie 6161. ...... ..
`364/468
`5,159,543 10/1992 Caslavka ........................... .. 364/408
`5,241,671 8/1993 Reed Ct 31..
`5,243,531 9/1993 DiPippo 6161. .................. .. 364/468
`Primary Examiner—-Donald E. McElheny, Jr.
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Hedman, Gibson & Costigan
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`Disclosed is a method of controlling the disposition of
`an asset comprising the steps of transporting the asset
`from a customer facility to a disposition facility, receiv
`ing the asset at the disposition facility and creating a
`receipt record thereof, sorting the asset in accordance
`with a preselected method of disposition, and disposing
`of the asset in accordance with said preselected method
`of disposition; wherein the preselected method of dispo
`sition is one of a plurality of methods of disposition
`comprising: selling the asset on an as-is basis in the same
`condition that the asset was received at the disposition
`facility and creating a sale record thereof, refurbishing
`the asset in accordance with predetermined customer
`instructions and creating a refurbishment record
`thereof; dismantling the asset into an assembly of parts
`in accordance with predetermined customer instruc
`tions and creating a dismantle record thereof; dysfunc
`tioning the asset in accordance with predetermined
`customer instructions and creating a dysfunction record
`thereof; reclaiming the asset in accordance with prede
`termined customer instructions and creating a reclaim
`record thereof; destroying the asset and creating a de
`struction record thereof; and storing the asset and creat
`ing an inventory record thereof. The method is carried
`out by a multimedia system comprising image capture
`means, data capture means, computing means, and mul
`timedia devices strategically located throughout.
`
`23 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`_2_
`4\
`CUASTOMER
`
`—- F CILI'IY
`
`CUSTOMERS DISPOSITION INSTRUCTIONS
`AssEr PART
`————;
`SET/PART
`AS
`SORT
`INSTRUC'HONS "A PART
`
`12 \
`/ a
`TRANSPORT ASSEI' SERVICE ASSET
`PREPARATION
`PROVIDER
`RECEIVING
`STATION
`
`SORT
`STATION
`14_/
`
`ASSET/PART
`
`ASSET/PART
`
`, ASSET/PART
`ASSET/PART
`
`ASSET RECORD
`RECEIPT VERIFICATION
`SECURE
`11
`\ CUSTOMER REDUNDANT DATA
`DATABASE
`ASSEI/ PART TO CUSTOMER
`
`_
`_
`
`DELL EXHIBIT 1001
`
`

`
`U.S. % Patent
`
`June 13, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
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`5,424,944
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`U.S. Patent
`
`June 13, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
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`5,424,944
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`

`
`SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLED
`ASSEI‘ DISPOSITION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a system and method
`for the controlled disposition of selected capital assets.
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`In many industries there is a need to control the dis
`position of certain capital assets for various reasons.
`Assets may become surplus due to obsolescence or
`overproduction, they may need refurbishing with new
`parts, they may need environmentally unsound parts
`removed or replaced, and the like.
`One method in the prior art of controlling the dispo
`sition of such assets is complete disposal, which may be
`accomplished through an outside source. In some in
`stances, the obsolete product may contain subassemblies
`or parts which have value. For example, a computer
`manufacturer may introduce a new model mainframe
`computer and have in its stock a surplus ofan older
`model mainframe. Although the older model mainframe
`is unsalable, it likely contains many usable parts, such as
`25
`memory devices, display devices, and the like.
`There is thus a need for managing various types of
`dispositions of surplus or obsolete assets. In the prior
`art, this may be accomplished by simply providing the
`surplus products to an outside source which disassem
`bles the products. It has been found, however, that
`these vendor's ‘often inadvertently or fraudulently mis
`manage the disassembly and disposition of the surplus.
`For example, parts which should be kept out of the
`marketplace may be sold on a “black market.”This
`results in fraudulent warranty claims to the original
`asset manufacturer, poor customer relations, and sub
`stantial losses in revenues to the manufacturer.
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`provide a system and method for the controlled dispo
`sition of assets which overcomes the problems of the
`prior art.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with this and other objects, the present
`invention is a controlled capital asset disposition pro
`cess supported by an interactive multi-media system
`which combines images of the assets with relevant data
`and audio records and disposition instructions for secu
`rity and reconciliation purposes. The method of the
`present invention of controlling the disposition of an
`50
`asset comprises the steps of transporting the asset from
`a customer facility to a disposition facility, receiving the
`asset at the disposition facility and creating a receipt
`record thereof, sorting the asset in accordance with a
`preselected method of disposition, and disposing of the
`55
`asset in accordance with the preselected method of
`disposition. In the present invention, the method of
`disposition which is preselected may be one or any
`desired combination of certain options, which options
`include selling the asset on an as-is basis in the same
`condition that the asset was received at the disposition
`facility and creating a sale record thereof, refurbishing
`the asset in accordance with predetermined customer
`instructions and creating a refurbishment record
`thereof, dismantling the asset into an assembly of parts
`in accordance with predetermined customer instruc
`tions and creating a dismantle record thereof, dysfunc
`tioning the asset in accordance with predetermined
`
`65
`
`1
`
`5,424,944
`
`2
`customer instructions and creating a dysfunction record
`thereof, reclaiming the asset in accordance with prede
`termined customer instructions and creating a reclaim
`record thereof, destroying the asset and creating a de
`struction record thereof, or storing the asset and creat
`ing an inventory record thereof.
`The major processes supported by the present inven
`tion are the transport process, the receipt process, the
`sort process, the disposition process, and the certi?ca
`tion or veri?cation process.
`In accordance with the present invention, the asset to
`be disposed of is ?rst prepared for transport to the dis
`position facility. The disposition service provider ob
`tains from the customer an asset record containing per
`tinent information regarding the asset such as the ma
`chine type, model number, serial number or other
`unique company identi?er. In the alternative, the ser
`vice provider creates an asset record at the customer
`facility using portable computer means (e.g. a laptop
`computer). In either case, a unique asset identi?er code
`is assigned by the service provider for continuous track
`ing and accountability throughout the disposition pro
`cess. The asset is loaded onto the transporting vehicle,
`and the vehicle is sealed with a unique sealing device
`and witnessed by the customer. The service provider
`creates an image record of the asset that is linked to the
`unique sealing image with the appropriate transport
`date.
`The receipt process is initiated upon arrival at the
`service provider’s disposition facility. The transport
`seal is removed, and an image and data record is created
`in the same fashion as that created at the transport sta
`tion. The vehicle receipt content data is reconciled with
`the transport data record to ensure that the asset ship
`ment has not been tampered with.
`During the sort process, the asset is routed to the
`appropriate disposition station (as-is sale, refurbish,
`dismantle, dysfunction, reclaim, destruct, or storage) in
`accordance with the customer’s instructions. The asset
`and/ or its component parts may be routed to more than
`one station in accordance with the particular require
`ments of the customer. For example, a customer may
`wish to have a computer disassembled and then have a
`certain part dysfunctioned and destroyed, a certain part
`refurbished and sold, and a certain part stored in inven
`tory. The asset would be routed ?rst to the dismantle
`station, and the component parts would be routed to the
`appropriate disposition station as required.
`Thus, during the disposition process, there are several
`alternative actions which may be taken, depending on
`the requirements of the customer. The ?rst option is an
`as-is sale, for which the service provider creates a mar
`keting record of the asset to be used in an electronic
`bidding process. This process consists of creating an
`electronic image/data record for distribution to poten
`tial buyers on a predetermined mailing list. The service
`provider also creates this same record for the customer
`and adds the expected ?nancial return data based on the
`service provider’s data base of prior sales and returns.
`This creates for the customer the initialization of its
`?nancial control process. Upon sale of the asset, the
`service provider creates a ?nancial record tied to the
`initial identi?er assigned in the receipt process to com
`plete the management and control process.
`For the refurbish option of the disposition process,
`the customer can instruct the service provider to refur
`bish an asset or a component part in any desired manner.
`
`

`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the preferred
`embodiment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG.
`
`1.
`
`5,424,944
`3
`4
`The ?nal process employed by the present invention
`For example, a customer may wish to replace a com
`is the certi?cation process, wherein the service provider
`puter memory chip with a newer model having a faster
`creates image/data records of the actions taken on the
`access time. An image, data and audio instruction se
`asset or component parts. This veri?cation image/data
`quence will be displayed to a worker at the refurbish
`data base is maintained on line for or designated period
`station which guides the worker in the steps necessary
`or archived off line on CD-ROM or other mass storage
`to carry out this process.
`means with a supporting library system.
`For the dismantle option of the disposition process,
`the service provider creates the asset disassembly pro
`cess, which is on-line to assist the person disassembling
`the asset. When signing onto the disassembly system, a
`secure data record is created to identify the worker
`responsible for disassembly. The disassembly system
`does not automatically continue until certain required
`data is entered by operator. The disassembly image
`provided to the worker is dynamic and demonstrates
`the total disassembly of a unit or the removal of a spe
`ci?c part or component within the unit. A physical
`disassembly line is created in support of the designated
`process. Once disassembled, the disposition of the asset
`parts would be designated by the system.
`For the dysfunction option of the disposition process,
`the customer can instruct the service provider to dys
`function (render useless) an asset or a component part in
`any desired manner. For example, a customer may wish
`25
`to dysfunction a circuit board by having a worker clip
`off the leads which are used to interface the board with
`an associated socket. As with the dismantle and refur
`bish options, an image, data and audio instruction se
`quence will be displayed to a worker at the dysfunction
`station which guides the worker in the steps necessary
`to carry out this process.
`For the reclaim option of the disposition process, the
`customer can instruct the service provider to reclaim
`certain valuable components or materials of the asset.
`For example, a customer may wish to reclaim the metal
`used for housing a computer by melting down the hous
`ing and selling it in the appropriate market. As with the
`dismantle, refurbish and dysfunction options, an image,
`data and audio instruction sequence will be displayed to
`40
`a worker at the reclaim station which guides the worker
`in the steps necessary to carry out this process. The
`system identi?es any components containing hazardous
`material. The system contains an environmentally
`sound process for disposal.
`45
`For the destroy option of the disposition process, the
`asset or component part is destroyed (e.g. by crushing)
`and an image/data veri?cation record is created for
`archival purposes.
`For the storage and inventory option of the dispo
`sition process, the service provider creates an image/
`data inventory record for customer access and inven
`tory management by the serviceprovider. Upon cus
`tomer request, the service provider executes subsequent
`disposition and updates the database. Periodic reconcili
`ation of the Inventory portion of the database is an
`automated system process.
`A redundant database is provided which is accessible
`by only the customer. All records input to the system
`database are simultaneously input to the customer data
`60
`base. Thus, both the service provider and the customer
`have independent proof of the speci?c actions under
`taken by the service provider should a dispute arise
`between the parties.
`After disposition, the asset, component parts and/or
`65
`reclaimed materials may be sold in the appropriate mar
`ket to a purchaser, returned to the customer, or stored
`on-site for subsequent disposition.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`The preferred embodiment of the method and system
`of the present invention will now be described in detail
`with reference to the accompanying Figures. In particu
`lar, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the pre
`ferred embodiment of the controlled asset management
`system 2 of the present invention. An asset to be dis
`posed of is initially located at a customer facility 4 and
`is ?rst prepared for transport to the disposition facility
`at a transport preparation station 8, which is located at
`or proximate the customer facility 4.
`At the transport preparation station 8, the asset is
`loaded onto a transport vehicle such as an airplane,
`locomotive train, or truck. The transport vehicle is
`sealed by means known in the art in order to guard
`against tampering with or theft of the asset during trans
`port, and a transport record is created.
`As shown in further detail in the schematic block
`diagram of FIG. 2, the transport preparation station 8
`comprises an image capture device 102 and a data cap
`ture device 104 coupled as inputs to a remote computer
`106. The image capture device 102 in the preferred
`embodiment is a digital camera, but may also be any
`means to capture an image of the asset prior to trans
`port. The data capture device 104 is a keyboard in the
`preferred embodiment for manual entry of data, but
`may also be a bar code scanner or the like. The remote
`computer 106 is preferably a laptop computer, but may
`also be a stand-alone PC or the like.
`The transport record captured by the transport prep
`aration station 8 in the preferred embodiment comprises
`data regarding the asset such as the customer name,
`asset model and serial number, and other information
`such as description or other unique company identi?er.
`This data is manually entered via the data capture
`means 104 or may be embedded in a bar code and
`scanned in automatically. In addition, an image record
`of the asset is obtained by using the image capture
`means 102. The combination image/data transport re
`cord is then loaded into the database 10 via the system
`process controller 9 at the disposition facility 6 for sub
`sequent reconciliation purposes.
`The image/data record may be generated by the
`customer and provided to the service provider for input
`into the database 10, or it may be generated by the
`service provider at the customer’s site as described
`above.
`After arrival at the disposition facility, the transport
`vehicle is unsealed at .the asset receiving station 12
`under supervision of the appropriate personnel of the
`disposition service provider. The receiving station 12
`comprises the equivalent image capture device 102 and
`data capture device 104 as the transport preparation
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`An electronic image, which may be dynamic, of the
`station 8, which are coupled to a system terminal 108.
`The system terminal 108 is coupled to the system pro
`refurbishment process is displayed on the monitor on a
`step-by-step basis. The refurbishment process may be an
`cess controller 9 via a local area network (LAN) 112.
`An image and data receipt record of the unsealing of
`assembly line if the number of assets to be refurbished in
`a similar way is large enough. Personnel using the multi
`the asset is generated in the same fashion as was the
`transport record, i.e. by using the image capture means
`media device 110 will activate a predetermined set of
`102 to obtain an image record and by inputting the
`refurbishing instructions that are unique to the scope of
`appropriate data via the data capture means 104, and is
`work required at that physical refurbish line station. For
`loaded into the database 10. The transport and receipt
`example, the customer may want the service provider
`image/data records can be reconciled at that or any
`to refurbish a computer circuit board by removing an
`subsequent time by the service provider by accessing
`obsolete memory chip and replacing it with a newer
`the records from the database 10 and comparing them
`one. The video monitor will illustrate to the worker,
`by means of system process controller 9. This process
`step-by-step, this process; a ?rst screen shows the origi
`ensures that the asset was not stolen or otherwise tam
`nal circuit board, a second screen tells the worker
`pered with during transport.
`which part to remove and how to remove it, and a third
`After con?rmation that the asset has been validly
`screen shows a worker how to insert the new part. The
`video display—image and text--may be embellished
`transported, the asset is routed to a sort station 14. The
`sort station 14 comprises an additional system terminal
`with audio instructions in the multimedia environment.
`108 coupled to the system process controller 9 via the
`In addition, worker veri?cation of each step may be
`implemented by requiring the worker to input certain
`LAN 112. An interactive multimedia device 110 and a
`data capture device 104 are coupled to the system termi
`data into the system as desired.
`nal 108. The multimedia device 110 comprises a touch
`After refurbishment, the asset may be further dis
`screen monitor and provides image, text and/or audio
`posed of by storage, sale to a purchaser, or return to the
`instructions to the user and accepts touch screen inputs
`customer. The system process controller 9 instructs the
`worker as to ?nal disposition by fetching the proper
`as desired. In the preferred embodiment, the multimedia
`instructions from the database 10.
`device 110 is an APPLE MACINTOSH QUADRA
`800 computer.
`The asset may alternatively be routed by the sort
`Disposition facility personnel operate the sort station
`station 14 to the dismantle station 20. The dismantle
`14 in accordance with instructions previously provided
`station 20 comprises an additional system terminal 108
`by the customer regarding the desired manner of dispo
`coupled to the system process controller 9 via the LAN
`sition of the asset, which instructions are displayed on
`112. An interactive multimedia device 110 and a data
`the multimedia device 110. In the preferred embodi
`capture device 104 are coupled to the system terminal
`108. The multimedia device 110 comprises a touch
`ment, the asset may be initially routed to an as~is sale
`screen monitor and provides image, text and/or audio
`station 16, a refurbish station 18, a dismantle station 20,
`a dysfunction station 22, a reclaim station 24, a destruct
`instructions to the user and accepts touch screen inputs
`station 26, or a storage station 28.
`as desired.
`At the as-is sale station 16, the asset is prepared for
`The asset is dismantled in a controlled fashion by a
`worker under the guidance of image-based instruction
`sale in the same, or “as-is”, condition as which it was
`received at the disposition facility 6. The as-is sale sta
`displayed on the multimedia device 110. The asset may
`tion 16 comprises an additional system terminal 108
`be dismantled for any number of reasons-a certain part
`40
`coupled to the system process controller 9 via the LAN
`may be removed and stored, returned to the customer,
`112. An interactive multimedia device 110 and a data
`or sold on the open market. An environmentally-sensi
`capture device 104 are coupled to the system terminal
`tive part (e.g. a mercury switch) may need to be re
`108. The multimedia device 110 comprises a touch
`moved in order to be disposed of in an environmentally
`screen monitor and provides image, text and/or audio
`controlled way. A record of the action taken is created
`for storing in the database 10; the record consists of the
`instructions to the user and accepts touch screen inputs
`same image and relevant data as well as the action taken
`as desired.
`The service provider creates a marketing record of
`on the asset by the operator. Thus, the customer will
`the asset, which consists of pertinent data such as the
`have access to the disposition records of the asset and
`the service provider will be able to provide full ac
`asset type, model, serial number, size, color, age, condi
`tion, etc. The sale is advertised to potential buyers in
`countability of the steps taken in dismantling the asset as
`accordance with an industry-based mailing list, which is
`well as subsequent disposition of the component parts.
`provided by the customer or outside source. The ima
`After the asset is dismantled, the component parts may
`be further disposed of by rerouting by the sort station 14
`ge/ data record previously created is used for distribu
`tion to the potential buyers, and an auction or other
`to any of the other disposition stations as desired.
`type of sale of the product is carried out accordingly.
`The asset may be routed by the sort station 14 to the
`After sale, the asset is shipped to the purchaser by
`dysfunction station 22. The dysfunction station 22 com
`prises an additional system terminal 108 coupled to the
`means of station 30.
`At the refurbish station 18, the asset is refurbished in
`system process controller 9 via the LAN 112. An inter
`accordance with predetermined customer instructions.
`active multimedia device 110 and a data capture device
`The refurbish station 18 comprises an additional system
`104 are coupled to the system terminal 108. The multi
`terminal 108 coupled to the system process controller 9
`media device 110 comprises a touch screen monitor and
`provides image, text and/or audio instructions to the
`via the LAN 112. An interactive multimedia device 110
`and a data capture device 104 are coupled to the system
`user and accepts touch screen inputs as desired. The
`terminal 108. The multimedia device 110 comprises a
`asset is dysfunctioned in a controlled fashion by a
`worker under the guidance of image-based instruction
`touch screen monitor and provides image, text and/or
`displayed on the multimedia device 110. By way of
`audio instructions to the user and accepts touch screen
`inputs as desired.
`example, a customer may wish to dysfunction a circuit
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`Any database software capable of storing records ap
`board by having a worker clip off the leads which are
`propriate to the speci?c needs of the user may, how
`used to interface the board with an associated socket.
`As with the dismantle and refurbish options, an image,
`ever, be implemented.
`An asset may be put through multiple dispositions as
`data and audio instruction sequence will be displayed on
`the multimedia device 110 to a worker at the dysfunc- 5
`desired. For example, a company may desire to dispose
`tion station 22 which guides the worker in the steps
`of a computer by the dismantle, dysfunction and reclaim
`necessary to carry out this process.
`processes as follows:
`The computer is disposed of by creating a detailed set
`The asset may be routed by the sort station 14 to the
`reclaim station 24. The reclaim station 24 comprises an
`of image and data instructions that are conveyed to
`additional system terminal 108 coupled to the system
`operational personnel using a multimedia device 110.
`The operator will sign onto the system with a unique
`process controller 9 via the LAN 112. An interactive
`code to initialize the system. The time and date stamp
`multimedia device 110 and a data capture device 104 are
`will automatically be assigned by the system. The sys
`coupled to the system terminal 108. The multimedia
`tem will not progress until required data is input by the
`device 110 comprises a touch screen monitor and pro
`vides image, text and/or audio instructions to the user
`operator at the initial station. The required data is a
`unique customer identi?er such as machine type, model
`and accepts touch screen inputs as desired. The asset or
`component part is reclaimed by a worker under the
`number, serial number or an identi?er assigned by the
`guidance of image-based instruction displayed on the
`service provider. This input data will initialized the
`multimedia device 110. For example, a customer may
`required set of instructions to invoke the customer
`determined business process (the customer has the only
`wish to reclaim the metal used for housing a computer
`by melting down the housing and selling it in the appro
`access to this secure part of the program). In this case,
`priate market. An image, data and audio instruction
`the customer has determined that it wants to pursue the
`secure, environmentally sound, most economic dispo
`sequence will be displayed on the multimedia device
`110 to a worker at the reclaim station 24 which guides
`sition of the asset. The system would then convey to the
`the worker in the steps necessary to carry out this pro
`operator the dismantle instructions which could be
`either a complete disassembly or the removal of a spe
`cess.
`Another option the customer has is for the asset to be
`ci?c sensitive part or component within the asset. Once
`removed, the operator will input any required data to
`routed to the destruct station 26. If the customer has
`have the system proceed; for example, the customer
`deemed that there is no bene?t (economic or other) in
`assigned part number of the part or component. The
`selling or storing some or part of the asset, then it may 30
`instruct the disposition service provider to simply de
`system will then invoke the predetermined sort process
`stroy the asset. The destruct station 26 comprises an
`for the disposition of the part or component. When
`image capture device 102 and a data capture device 104
`received at the assigned operational station, the opera
`which are coupled to a system terminal 108. The system
`tor signs onto the system with a unique code and enters
`terminal 108 is coupled to the system process controller
`the required data such as the part number and serial
`9 via the LAN 112. A record of the asset destruct pro
`number. The system instructs the operator on the spe
`ci?c tasks required to dysfunction the part; for example
`cess is created for customer veri?cation purposes by
`creating an image of the part with the unique customer
`to remove the attachment leads of a circuit board. The
`identi?er in either a dynamic destruct process and/or a
`system identi?es those components on the part that are
`?nal destruct state.
`to be reclaimed. The instructions would be in both
`Finally, the asset may be routed by the sort station 14
`image and data. The system also identi?es any hazard
`to the storage station 28. The storage station 28 com
`ous components or materials and instructs the operator
`prises an image capture device 102 and a data capture
`on their environmentally sound removal and disposal.
`An image of the part in the dysfunctional state with
`device 104 which are coupled to a system terminal 108.
`The system terminal 108 is coupled to the system pro- 45
`reclaimed parts and hazardous materials removed is
`then created. This image/data record would be the
`cess controller 9 via the LAN 112. At the storage sta
`tion 28, an asset (or a part dismantled at the dismantle
`customer’s veri?cation/certi?cation that the asset was
`station 20) may be put in storage if desired by the cus
`disposed of in accordance with its instructions. This
`tomer, and a record is created consisting of an image of
`data record is archived for future customer access. A
`system record is created which identi?es the type and
`the stored item as well as relevant data. This record is 50
`stored in the database 10 for veri?cation purposes by
`quantity of removed components along with the ex
`pected return. This will invoke the inventory control,
`the customer.
`In addition to storing relevant image/data records in
`marketing and ?nancial control portions of the system.
`the database 10, the image/ data records are redundantly
`Inventory control is accomplished by providing cus
`stored in a secure customer database 11 which is cou- 55
`tomer access to the system inventory data. The cus
`pled to the system. Only the customer has access to his
`tomer then requests other strati?ed or periodic inven
`tory reconciliations. An example of strati?ed inventory
`or her portion of the secure customer database 11, and
`only the service provider has access to the database 10.
`is to count a speci?c part number. Periodic inventory is
`If a question arises as to the disposition of an asset, the
`all parts on a scheduled basis; i.e. monthly, quarterly or
`annually.
`databases 10, 11 can be compared and the customer is 60
`Marketing control is accomplished by creating an
`assured that the records in the secure customer database
`image/data record and distributing to potential buyers
`11 are an accurate indication of the dispositions which
`have occurred.
`on a predetermined basis by either system access of
`The database in the preferred embodiment is gener
`distribution electronically or CD ROM, etc.
`ated by using the CLARIS FILEMAKER PRO soft- 65
`Financial control is accomplished by providing cus
`ware package, which is con?gured to store pertinent
`tomer anticipated sale price data based on historical
`information regarding the assets as desired; e.g. product
`data contained in the