System, method and computer program product for order confirmation in a supply chain management framework6954736Abstract A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for order confirmation in a supply chain management framework. A network is utilized to collect from a plurality of stores of a supply chain data relating to the sale of goods by the stores. Access is allowed to the data utilizing a network-based interface. Electronic order forms are generated based on the data for ordering goods from a plurality of distributors of the supply chain. These electronic order forms request a confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms. A determination is made as to whether the confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms is received from the distributors. If it is determined that the confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms was not from the distributors, then an alert is generated. Claims 1. A method for order confirmation in a supply chain management system generating alerts for the purpose of managing a franchise supply chain, comprising: Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION It should be understood that some or all of these components or analogous components may also be applicable to various industries including those industries set forth above. FIG. 1A illustrates an electronic reporting and feedback system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In-Retailer Systems support point of sale outlet owners 102 with Point of Sale (POS) and BOH hardware and software solutions, and provide leadership in the evolution of retailer systems to ensure electronic connectivity to the Supply Chain. This component enables electronic data collection of daily menu item sales for the information database. It also enhances retailer operations by providing retail outlet managers with tools that help free their time to focus on the customers. Retailer-Distributor Electronic Interface establishes an electronic purchasing system and thus "electronic commerce" between POS outlets 104 and distributors/"direct" suppliers 106,108. This includes electronic order entry (via Web or BOH), order confirmation, product delivery/receiving, electronic invoicing, electronic wire payment transfers, data collection, and most important, contract compliance and distributor performance measurement, which assists in managing distributor performance. Supplier-Distributor Electronic Interface facilitates the development of electronic commerce between system suppliers and distributors including electronic ordering and confirmations, electronic invoicing and payments and electronic supplier performance measuring and reporting. Electronic commerce between raw material suppliers 110 and suppliers is also provided. Data Warehouse 112 is a central collection point that electronically collects and warehouses timely, critical Supply Chain information for all Supply Chain participants. This includes distributor and supplier performance measures, representations of daily outlet item sales with translations to specified product requirements, and inventory levels, sales history and forecasts at various points in the Supply Chain, thereby providing a basis for collaborative planning and forecasting. The data stored in the Warehouse is then available for quick, secure access. Information Services analyzes 114, organizes and feeds back Supply Chain data to meet the information needs of Supply Chain end users such as a brand owner 116, the Supply Chain Coordinator (SCC) 118, retail outlet management 120. This includes information on Supply Chain performance, collaborative planning and forecasting, promotion planning and inventory management. Services that benefit franchisees include electronic invoice auditing, distributor performance reporting, food cost reporting and analysis, franchisee sales/cost comparables, and other reports. Information Services also determines a proper format in which to present the data so that it is in the most useful form for the end user. It also works with Supply Chain users to develop/evaluate analytical/operational tools. Web Architecture 122—underlying all this electronic activity is technology, the web architecture with Internet access (through proprietary service or an Internet Service Provider (ISP)) that allows these electronic communications to take place efficiently and effectively. Encompassed in this component is the building of initial web applications and security for the Supply Chain. FIG. 1B illustrates the electronic reporting and feedback system 100 of FIG. 1A adapted for restaurants according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this situation, the POS outlet comprises a restaurant 126, a franchisee 124 is the POS outlet owner, and end users include restaurant management 128 and other end users 130. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process 230 for normalizing data in a supply chain management framework. A plurality of data types are defined with each data type including parameters in operation 232. Data is received utilizing a network from a plurality of POS outlets of a supply chain that relates to an amount of goods sold by the POS outlets in operation 234. A format of the data is verified against the parameters of the defined data types in operation 236 and any discrepancies between the format of the data and the parameters of the defined data types are corrected for facilitating an analysis of the data in operation 238. In one aspect, the corrections may be logged. In another aspect, the discrepancies may be displayed utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, discrepancies may be corrected by translating the format of the data in accordance with the parameters of the defined data types. In another aspect, the network may include the Internet. In an additional aspect, the corrected data may be displayed utilizing a network-based interface. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process 330 for reporting in a network-based supply chain management framework. Utilizing a network, data is received from a plurality of stores, distributors and suppliers of a supply chain in operation 332. The data is processed in operation 334. Subsequently, a request is received from a user for the processed data in operation 336. The user is then identified as either relating to a store, distributor or supplier in operation 338 and the processed data is formatted based on the identification of the user as a store, distributor or supplier in operation 340. In one aspect, the format may includes a first format for the store, a second format for the distributor, and a third format for the supplier. In another aspect, the format may utilize a coding scheme unique to the user. In an additional aspect, the formatted, processed data may be made accessible via a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the network may include the Internet. In yet another aspect, the request may be received utilizing the network. FIG. 4 illustrates an infrastructure 400 for web services according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, application services 402 are at the core of the infrastructure. Secondary components include hosting services 404, content delivery 406, and network services 408. Professional services 410 are provided for each of the components. Additional services can include support for electronic commerce, eMarketing, eSales, and eFulfillment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process 530 for managing a supply chain utilizing a network. Data is received from a plurality of restaurants of a supply chain utilizing a network in operation 532. This data relates to the sale of goods by the restaurants. An electronic order form for ordering a plurality of goods is then generated based on the data in operation 534. The electronic order form is subsequently transmitted to at least one supply chain participant utilizing the network in operation 536. For example, the form can be transmitted to a distributor of the supply chain utilizing the network via a restaurant-distributor interface. The electronic order form can also be transmitted to at least one supplier of the supply chain utilizing the network via a distributor-supplier interface. Information relating to at least one of the operations in the above process for managing the supply chain is tracked by the restaurant in operation 538. In one aspect, the data may be transmitted to the supply chain participants. In such an aspect, the data may be parsed to match each corresponding supply chain participant. The data may also be made accessible to the supply chain participant via a network-based interface. In another aspect, the data may be accessible to the supply chain participant only after verification of an identity of the supply chain participant. In an additional aspect, the tracked information may relate to each of said operations of the above process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process 630 for tracking a performance of distributors in which a plurality of distributors are registered in operation 632. Data is received utilizing a network in operation 634. This data relates to the distribution of goods to a plurality of stores by the registered distributors. A performance of the registered distributors is then tracked utilizing the data in operation 636. In one aspect, the data may include delivery dates associated with the goods. In such an aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the delivery dates with a plurality of target dates. As another aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the delivery dates with delivery dates associated with other distributors. In another aspect, the performance may be displayed to the stores utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the data relating to the distribution of goods may be received from the stores. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process 730 for tracking a performance of suppliers. In general, a plurality of suppliers are registered in operation 732. Data is then received utilizing a network in operation 734. This data relates to the supply of goods to a plurality of distributors by the registered suppliers. A performance of the registered suppliers is tracked utilizing the data in operation 736. In an aspect, the data may includes inventory levels associated with the goods. As an aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the inventory levels with a plurality of target inventory levels. As another aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the inventory levels with inventory levels associated with other suppliers. In another aspect, the performance may be displayed to the stores utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the data may be received from the stores. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process 830 for tracking the performance of suppliers and distributors in a plurality of marketplaces in a supply chain management framework. In operation 832, a plurality of distributors and suppliers are registered each in one of a plurality of marketplaces with each marketplace involving the supply and distribution of at least one of a plurality of goods used by a plurality of stores. Data is received utilizing a network that relates to the distribution and supply of goods to the stores by the registered distributors and suppliers in each of the marketplaces in operation 834. The received data is parsed based on marketplaces in operation 836 and a performance of the registered distributors and suppliers is tracked in each of the marketplaces utilizing the data in operation 838. In one aspect, the data includes delivery dates associated with the goods. In such an aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the delivery dates with a plurality of target dates. As another aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the delivery dates with delivery dates associated with other distributors. In another aspect, the performance is displayed to the stores utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the data includes inventory levels associated with the goods. In such an aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the inventory levels with a plurality of target inventory levels. As another aspect, the performance may be tracked by comparing the inventory levels with inventory levels associated with other suppliers. Results The present invention makes critical performance information available to the Supply Chain system. The timeliness and level of detail of this information enable the supply chain coordinator to manage distributors and suppliers at standards prior art systems have been unable to achieve before. For example, timely performance information is provided against which Supply Chain management (coordinator) can take immediate action. Such performance information includes system inventory levels and movement, ordering activity, order fill rates, on-time deliveries, and product quality issues. Note that the supply chain coordinator may or may not hold an ownership interest in the other supply chain participants. Further, the supply chain coordinator does not need to be associated with the other participants in any way other than in relation to supply chain management. Significant opportunities exist for Supply Chain participants to realize substantial savings and marketing opportunities through improved speed to market for promotions and more responsive inventory management. Further, retailer management is given online access to the full Supply Chain database, subject to maintaining the confidentiality of individual franchisees/retailers. For the very first time, retail outlet management will be able to evaluate Supply Chain and retail outlet sales information to develop Brand menu and marketing program strategies. In addition, another first, retailer management is allowed to evaluate the success of past marketing programs by comparing actual sales to forecasts and reviewing Gross Profit Margin analyses of programs. According to an embodiment of the present invention, Supply Chain management is able to provide online local promotion information to distribution centers, suppliers, Field Marketing, ADIs and Local Distribution Committees. This improves the speed to market for promotions and new products, as well as provides the ability to make ongoing program adjustments. The advantages of being able to share and update a common data base at the convenience of all users provides enhanced coordination between all participants, improved planning, less over-ordering and product waste, and less time spent managing and coordinating local promotions. For new contracted distributors, daily distributor invoice feeds can be established. Franchisees are provided with many advantages. Tools are provided to evaluate and select new retail POS and BOH hardware and software systems for system-wide communication with their retailers, each other and with the Supply Chain. They are given the ability to order products and manage inventory electronically, and are given access to valuable management information and tools. Retailers are provided with the ability to conduct efficient electronic commerce with distributors and "direct" suppliers. They are also allowed to communicate easily with the Supply Chain. Business Analysis FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process 930 for forecasting the sale of goods in a store utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data relating to a supply chain is collected in operation 932. The selection of one or more of a plurality of points in the supply chain is also allowed in operation 934 so that the data for the selected point in the supply chain may be analyzed in operation 936. Based on this analysis, a forecast is made of one or more aspects of the supply chain at the selected point in the supply chain in operation 938. In one aspect, one of the points may be a store. In such an aspect, the data may reflect a sale of goods in the store. In another aspect, one of the points may be a supplier. In further aspect, one of the points may be a distributor. In an additional aspect, the forecast may be displayed utilizing a network-based interface. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process 1030 for inventory management utilizing a network-based framework. Data is received from a plurality of stores of a supply chain utilizing a network in operation 1032. This data relates to an amount of goods sold by the stores. A recipe associated with each of the goods is identified in operation 1034 and information on processed products required to produce the goods is then calculated based on the data and the recipe in operation 1036. The information on the processed products is outputted utilizing the network for managing the supply chain in operation 1038. In one aspect, the data may include an amount of the goods, and can be based on a function of menu demand. In another aspect, the recipe may indicate a type and an amount of the processed products required to produce each of the goods. In an additional aspect, the information may indicate a type and an amount of the processed products. For example, the demand for beef can be calculated. In a further aspect, the information may be outputted utilizing a network-based interface. In yet another aspect, the network may include the Internet. Back orders can be reconstructed. Also, key demand information is gathered directly from the store, greatly increasing accuracy and reducing response time. Sales forecasting and inventory management are components in an embodiment of the Supply Chain management system. A theme of this model is transparent communication of current (i.e. virtually real-time) and expected sales to some or all supply chain participants in a statistically meaningful distribution everyday for all inventory level products. In other words, predictive supply chain behavior can be determined and analyzed. Of course the counterbalance here is the commitment to maintain the confidentiality of the particular data source/franchisee. Sales forecasting and analysis includes the accurate forecasting of menu items sales, monitoring system performance against forecasts, and communicating critical information to customers. The sales forecasting and reporting subsystem allows Supply Chain management to develop, maintain and communicate sales forecasts to supply chain constituents including, for example: 1) the franchisee community; 2) the distribution community; and 3) the supplier/manufacturing community. Some benefits of this activity include: 1) optimization of inventory levels throughout the supply chain; 2) improved logistics management; 3) improved production planning; and 4) improved promotion planning, including promotion marketing and execution. Further benefits include reduction in obsolete inventory cost, reduction in lost sales due to shortages, improved promotional decision making, reduction in supply chain cost through improved inventory and capacity management, and improved invoice averaging and revenue planning and reconciliation. One aspect of the present invention provides an analytic model which enables a large and extended ecosystem, comprised of many similar but otherwise independent operating units, to quickly and inexpensively share near-real time data, with a trusted 3rd party, from a selected (and non-disclosed) sources, in a highly granular format, and then have extracted meaningful projections of future behavior for all of the other independent operating units so as to effect their purchase decisions. The combination of (a) confidential and very specific data, (b) accumulated quickly and cheaply, (c) shared to similar operating units, (d) leading to predictive supply chain decisions for the benefit of manufactures, suppliers, distributors and operators is a major benefit provided by the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process 1130 for providing feedback on forecasting relating to the sale of goods in a store utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Forecasting of at least one aspect of a supply chain is performed in operation 1132 based on a first set of data collected from a plurality of stores of the supply chain utilizing a network. The first set of data relates to an amount of goods sold by the stores. A second set of real-time data is collected from the stores utilizing the network in operation 1134. The second set of real-time data relates to the amount of goods sold by the stores. The second set of real-time data is compared against the forecasting in operation 1136 and the results of the comparison are fed back for facilitating supply chain management in operation 1138. In an aspect, the results of the comparison are fed back utilizing a network-based interface. In another aspect, the results of the comparison include a percent difference between the first set of data and the second set of data. In a further aspect, the network includes the Internet. In one embodiment, the aspect of the supply chain includes sales of goods. In another embodiment, the aspect of the supply chain includes a demand of raw products required to produce the goods. Overall Business Analysis Model The sales forecasting and inventory management model is best described in the larger context of an integrated supply chain analysis model 1200, shown in FIG. 12. This is done to reflect the fact that there are multiple customers of this information with different requirements. Sales forecasting and inventory management can be viewed as separate but interdependent analytic activities due to the core competencies, information, and systems that are required to support each. As shown in FIG. 12, data such as menu item sales is collected in a database 1202. An integrity check can be performed prior to storing the data in a database. Various types of analysis are performed on the data and reports are generated by Report Management 1204 and are sent to participants in the Supply Chain, who may then distribute them to external customers. The analysis and reporting processes are described in more detail below. Sales Forecasting and Inventory Management Process FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process 1330 for planning promotions in which historical data is collected utilizing a network from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 1332. This historical data relates to at least the sale of goods by the stores and can be further categorized based on seasonality, past marketing and/or advertising support, etc. A promotion is then planned based on the historical data in operation 1334 and this planning is subsequently communicated to the stores utilizing the network in operation 1336. In one aspect, the planning may be communicated utilizing a network-based interface. In another aspect, the network may include the Internet. In a further aspect, the promotion may be planned by coinciding a time frame of the promotion with a time frame reflected by the historical data. As a further aspect, the promotion may be planned by coinciding a start time of the promotion with a start time reflected by the historical data. In an additional aspect, the promotion may be planned by selecting an amount of ordered goods of the promotion based on an amount of ordered goods reflected by the historical data. In even another aspect, an impact of the promotion on a promotional item may be forecasted. Additionally, the impact of the promotion on a non-promotional item may also be forecasted. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process 1430 for assessing market trends in a supply chain management framework. A network is utilized in operation 1432 to receive data that relates to the sale of goods by a plurality of stores in a plurality of regions. The received data is tagged with a date on which it was collected in operation 1434 and then organized by region and dates in operation 1436. Market trends are then assessed utilizing the organized data in operation 1438. In one aspect, the network includes the Internet. In another aspect, the market trends are assessed via a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the market trends are assessed utilizing a graph. As a further aspect, the graph may include dates as one coordinate. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process 1530 for collecting data to forecast sales in a supply chain. Utilizing a network in operation 1532, data is received from a plurality of stores of a supply chain that relates to an amount of goods sold by the stores. Information is also collected in operation 1534 that relates to a plurality of variables such as weather, competitor activity, and/or a marketing calendar—which may include one or more of the following types of information: cyclical sales, seasonality, historical performance of same or similar products, and elements of marketing support. The data is processed based on the information relating to the variables in operation 1536 and a forecast of sales is generated based on the processing in operation 1538. In one aspect, the all of the variables (weather, competitor activity, and marketing calendar) are utilized. In another aspect, the information relating to the weather includes weather forecast. In a further aspect, the information relating to the competitor activity includes a forecast of a promotion of a competitor. In an additional aspect, the information relating to the marketing calendar includes a forecast of a promotion of the stores. In one aspect, the network includes the Internet. As part of the data needs analysis, there are three different processes that address the issue of improving supply chain performance during promotional periods. These processes are:
While supplies last—meaning that the promotion was active until each all of the product was depleted.
One objective of the sales forecasting and reporting system is to provide timely information to the supply chain allowing for: production, inventory and logistics planning; reaction to deviations from plan as quickly as possible; and/or volume estimates in support of contracting processes. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a sales forecasting methodology is based on weekly menu item sales information. These sales forecast are all promotion centric, which is appropriate for this example, given that many businesses run promotions several weeks per year. The process begins with an analyst extracting appropriate comparative sales data based on the type of promotion. This data is formatted in a manner that allows analyst to observe the following data:
Based on this information, the analyst makes a best guess of sales increases and cannibalization impacts. This menu item sales forecast is then translated into product requirements at the distributor and manufacturer/supplier level and communicated to the system. A preferred sales forecasting and reporting system provides weekly forecasts for management of product volumes during promotion periods. The forecast horizon in this example is 3-6 months and can be in terms of average weekly menu item sales, with a particular focus on promotions and cannibalization. In a food service supply chain, for example, historical menu item sales information is available by restaurant by day for geographically distributed restaurants. Exogenous variables should include: promotion type, GRP's for promotion, any other concurrent promotional activities, seasonality, competitive environment, and other factors that can be identified. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process 1630 for tracking the sale of goods in a store utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is received from a plurality of stores of a supply chain utilizing a network in operation 1632. This data relates to the sale of goods by the stores and is in a first format associated with the stores. This data is then sent from the stores to a supply chain manager (also known as a supply chain coordinator) utilizing the network in operation 1634 where the data is translated into a second format associated with the supply chain manager in operation 1636. In an aspect, the stores may include restaurants. In such an aspect, the data in the first format may include daily totals. These daily totals may reflect a price associated with the goods. As a further aspect, the data in the second format may include monthly totals. As another aspect, the data in the second format may include a grouping of the goods. Preferably, data collection and reporting is in a format that allows for derivation of product requirements to support forecasted menu item sales (i.e. how many boxes of hamburger patties are required based on menu item sales forecast). Actual sales are tracked against forecasted sales on a daily basis and alerts are generated if the deviation is significant. Sales forecasting accuracy reports and post promotion analysis are provided. The sales forecast can be in a form that allows for gross profit analysis to be developed. Some benefits to retailer outlets from the collection and analysis of information include feedback of comparative and operation information including sales mix trends, actual and/or standard (or ideal) product cost, actual and/or standard (or ideal) gross margin, and comparable information from participating retailers on this information. Supply chain providers benefit by having access "real-time" sales information. This drives efficiencies in two ways: 1) Management of promotional volumes and inventories, and 2) Management of on going production planning. Regarding promotional volumes and inventories, supply chain providers are permitted to react faster by having sales information up to many weeks earlier than currently available. With respect to production planning, by having "real-time" sales information, suppliers are able to maintain lower safety stocks, improving capital efficiency. Many of the benefits from "Integrated Supply Chain Management" are derived from the ability to deliver useful information for planning and operational purposes. The coordinator of the supply chain is given the information required to further optimize and decrease supply chain costs, especially for promotion management and risk management. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process 1730 for cost reporting using a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is received utilizing a network in operation 1732. This data relates to goods required by a plurality of stores including a product identifier parameter, and a first cost parameter. A second cost parameter associated with a franchise mark-up is also received in operation 1734 so that a total cost can be calculated based on the first cost parameter and the second cost parameter in operation 1736. The total cost is displayed utilizing the network with TCP/IP protocol in operation 1738. In an aspect, the total cost may be calculated by adding the first cost parameter and the second cost parameter. In another aspect, the total cost may be displayed utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the data may be received from a plurality of distributors. In such an aspect, the data may relate to goods required by a plurality of stores from the distributor. In one aspect, the network may include a wide area network. The sales and forecasting system can also provide longer-term forecasts, which supports contracting processes. The forecast horizon is variable based on contract needs, such as 1-5 years. The forecast can be in terms of retailer average weekly item sales. System level forecasts can be extrapolated from average weekly item sales forecasts. Historical item sales information is made available by retailer by day. Some exogenous variables include: store count, comparable sales changes, and changes in sales mix. Preferably, data collection and reporting is in a format that allows for derivation of product requirements to support forecasted item sales. Forecasts and reports can be distributed via the Internet in a fixed report format or Excel spreadsheet, for example, depending on the recipient of the information. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process 1830 for forecasting the sale of goods. Data is received in operation 1832 utilizing a network from a plurality of point of sale outlets (e.g., retailers) of a supply chain where the data relates to an amount of goods sold by the point of sale outlets. The data is checked for errors in operation 1834. Each detected error is identified in operation 1836 as either a point of sale set-up error, a point of sale entry error, a back office error, a polling error, or a menu item mapping error so that the data can be corrected using the identification in operation 1838. In an aspect, the network may include the Internet. In another aspect, the data may be checked for errors in real-time. In a further aspect, the identified errors may be logged. As an aspect, the log may be transmitted to the point of sale outlets utilizing the network. As another aspect, the log may be transmitted to a supply chain manager utilizing the network. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a process 1930 for evaluating a success of a promotion utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain is received utilizing a network in operation 1932. This data relates to the sale of goods by the stores. A time frame of a plurality of past promotions is identified in operation 1934 and the data for each of the past promotions is analyzed utilizing the associated time frame in operation 1936. The resulting analyses of the past promotions are then compared in operation 1938. In an aspect, the stores may include restaurants. In another aspect, the past promotions may then be ranked. In a further aspect, the comparison may be displayed utilizing a network-based interface. In one aspect, the time frame may include a start date and a finish date. In an additional aspect, the data may include an amount of revenue associated with the sale of the goods. To accomplish the forecasting and reporting objectives of the present invention, some integration may be required between the supply chain coordinator and retail management. FIG. 20 illustrates potential levels of integration between the supply chain coordinator 2000 and retail management 2002. At the highest level, the two are autonomous. The two may share their own forecasts, or may collaborate to create forecasts. The ideal situation is one in which a separate business unit is supported by the two. This leverages resources, eliminates bias, joins forecasts and implications of results, and provides for sharing of knowledge. FIG. 21 is a flow diagram depicting integration ownership. As shown, data flows from business process and data collection points 2102 to integration points 2104. The definition of the integration point parameters are owned by the owners of the business process and data collection point of the same border style. Data Collection FIG. 22 illustrates an electronic reporting and feedback system 2200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, data is received several of the participants in the Supply Chain and stored. Reports are generated and sent back to some or all of the participants. Also note that retail management 2202 and the supply chain coordinator 2204 are also allowed to perform their own analyses and provide feedback to other members of the Supply Chain. Collection of Menu Item Sales The primary element of forecasting is the communication of product movement throughout the system. Sales information can be received from suppliers and distribution centers monthly, weekly, daily, etc. Preferably, sales data from the POS by store is received daily, as it provides much more information regarding specific menu items and promotional items. The collection and dissemination of this data allow both the supply chain coordinator and the franchisee to benefit by sharing sales information and sales forecasting. The system also benefits from improved supply chain performance. Further benefits include providing franchisees with access to new reports on sales mix, food cost and distributor performance; and providing franchisees with a better understanding of menu sales mix on margins both in everyday situations as well as promotional situations. The supply chain coordinator, suppliers and distributors have access to virtually real-time sales, allowing for improved management of inventory and improved sales forecasting. Margin management information improves the supply chain coordinator's decision making capability in the area of risk management and purchasing. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process 2330 for processed product supply chain reporting wherein a network is utilized to receive data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 2332. The data includes a first set of information relating to an amount of processed product distributed to the stores and a second set of information relating to the sale of finished product by the stores. The network is also utilized to send the data from the stores to a supply chain manager in operation 2334 where a percentage of cost attributable to the processed product is determined using the first and second sets of information for use at the supply chain manager in operation 2336. In an aspect, the stores may include restaurants. In such an aspect, the processed product may include food. In another aspect, the first set of information may include an amount of the finished product. In a further aspect, the second set of information may include an amount of the processed product. In one aspect, the percentage may be made available utilizing a network-based interface. Historical daily menu item sales data on a per store basis is the preferred backbone for all decision making and expanding analysis. Other causal information, variables that predict sales, can be collected and married with the menu item sales data to more accurately forecast. These variables might include weather, competitive information, marketing calendar, etc. Additional information such as menu item recipes can be used to further manipulate the data. In a preferred embodiment, daily menu item sales data is received from restaurants on a per restaurant basis. This information is used to support the sales forecasting function and is used to report sales volumes to distributors and suppliers/manufacturers. Distributor level sales data is received on a weekly basis for all distributors, while supplier level sales data is received on a weekly basis for suppliers of "key products". In order to best support real time supply chain management, access to information on product flow at the point of sale is provided on a daily basis. A representative sample of daily menu item sales can be collected if collection of all the data is not desired because of cumbersomeness, communications problems, etc. FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating basic communication and product movement according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, orders and products move back and forth between suppliers 2402, distributors 2404, and restaurants 2406. Daily menu item sales data is sent from the restaurants to restaurant management 2408, where it is compiled and forwarded to the supply chain coordinator 2410. The distributor sends periodic gross purchased by restaurant and item number to the supply chain coordinator. The supply chain coordinator also receives periodic invoice level sales data from the supplier. FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating advanced communication and product movement according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Again, orders and products move back and forth between suppliers 2502, distributors 2504, and restaurants 2506. Daily menu item sales data is sent from the restaurants to restaurant management 2508, where it is forwarded to the supply chain coordinator 2510. The distributor sends invoice level sales information to the supply chain coordinator and receives daily product movement reports. The supply chain coordinator also receives invoice level sales data from the supplier and returns daily product movement reports to the supplier. FIG. 26 illustrates a Sales Forecast Worksheet 2600 that sets forth historical data 2602 and projected data 2604. FIG. 27 depicts a Promotion Monitoring Worksheet 2700 illustrating statistics 2702 such as variance from expected levels. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a process 2830 for identifying goods in a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is generated at a plurality of stores of a supply chain utilizing a network in operation 2832. The generated data relates to an ordering of goods required by the stores. The generated data is tagged with a numeric goods identifier common to a plurality of different supply chain participants in operation 2834. The generated data and the numeric goods identifier are communicated via the network to one or more of the supply chain participants that are capable of using the data and the numeric goods identifier for fulfillment of the order in operation 2836. In one aspect, the numeric goods identifier may include a global trade identification number (GTIN). In another aspect, the generated data and the numeric goods identifier may be communicated utilizing a network-based interface. In a further aspect, the numeric goods identifier may actually be positioned on the goods. In such an aspect, the numeric goods identifier may be positioned on the goods in the form of a bar code. In another aspect, the generated data may be tagged by including the numeric goods identifier therewith. In yet another aspect, outlet information is communicated between the supply chain participants. Also, order information can be synchronized between supply chain providers. Reports FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a process 2930 for generating supply chain statistics. Data is received utilizing a network from a plurality of stores, distributors and suppliers of a supply chain in operation 2932. Preferably, the data is received from less than all of the stores, distributors and suppliers to generate closely-controlled representative statistics. The data is sampled in operation 2934 and supply chain statistics are generated based on the sampling in operation 2936. The generated supply chain statistics are utilized for demand forecasting, advance planning, and/or volume tracking in the supply chain in operation 2938. In an aspect, the sampling may be representative of a predetermined percentage of the stores, distributors, and suppliers. In another aspect, the statistics may represent sales of the stores. In a further aspect, the statistics may represent goods ordered by the stores. In an additional aspect, the statistics may represent a timeliness of delivery of the ordered goods by the distributors. In one aspect, the statistics may represent an inventory of the suppliers. Distributor FIG. 30 depicts a sample report 3000 for a distribution center. Measurements of operation performance are provided in an Operations section 3002 and include warehouse outs, damages, mispicks, short on truck, and overlooked and not returned. A Purchasing section 3004 includes statistics in Out of Stock, Substitutions, and Out of Code fields. Other sections of the report preferably include Delivery Order Fill Rate, On-time Delivery, Perfect Order Rate, and Price Compliance. FIG. 31 illustrates a Data Quality report 3100. The report provides a comparison the following items to a group average: Bad Files, Late Files, No Files, and Time to Resolve. FIG. 32 illustrates a distributor ranking report 3200 that provides statistics on the number of orders filled, on-time deliveries, and perfect orders delivered, and whether they med the minimum required by the supply chain coordinator, retail management, or both. Supplier FIG. 33 depicts a sample Supplier report 3300. The report includes a Delivery Statistics section 3302 and other sections relating to Invoices and Inventory. FIG. 34 illustrates a Data Quality report 3400. The report provides a comparison the following items to a group average: Bad Files, Late Files, No Files, and Time to Resolve. FIG. 35 illustrates a distributor ranking report 3500 that provides statistics on the number of orders filled, on-time deliveries, and perfect orders delivered, and whether they met the minimum required by the supply chain coordinator, retail management, or both. Cost FIG. 36 illustrates a Food Cost Summary report 3600 that compares the actual cost of food against a projected cost. Promotions FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a process 3730 for promotion reporting in a network-based supply chain management framework. Data associated with a promotion is identified in operation 3732. Included in the data is promotion item information, location information, and duration information. A projected daily usage of the promotion item is calculated for a plurality of locations based on the data in operation 3734 and the projected daily usage of the promotion item is outputted utilizing a network with TCP/IP protocol in operation 3736. Using this information, supplies can be shipped where they are needed, on a daily basis if need be. Further, the projected daily usage can be separated by region for statistical purposes. In an aspect, each location may include a store. In another aspect, the calculating may include parsing the data based on location information and the promotion item, and dividing the data by the duration information. In a further aspect, the promotion items may include utensils. In yet another aspect, the promotion items may include food. In one aspect, the projected daily usage may be outputted via a network-based interface. In even another aspect, a projected daily usage of finished goods may also be calculated for the plurality of locations based on the data. Next, the projections may be translated into a forecast of processed products required for the plurality of locations as well as into a forecast of delivery and storage parameters. Confirmations FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a process 3830 for order confirmation in a supply chain management framework. A network is utilized in operation 3832 to collect from a plurality of stores of a supply chain data relating to the sale of goods by the stores. Access is allowed to the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 3834. Electronic order forms are generated in operation 3836 based on the data for ordering goods from a plurality of distributors of the supply chain. These electronic order forms request a confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms. A determination is made as to whether the confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms is received from the distributors in operation 3838. If it is determined that the confirmation of the receipt of the electronic order forms was not from the distributors, then an alert is generated in operation 3840. In one aspect, the confirmation is received utilizing the network. In such an aspect, the network may include the Internet. In another aspect, the alert is transmitted to the stores utilizing the network. As an aspect, the alert may be displayed on the network-based interface. As a further aspect, the alert may include an electronic mail message. Revenue Generation The Supply Chain management system of the present invention creates, from its members, a web community with like interests. As a result, a number of different types of vendors may be interested in connecting to the site due to the captive audience comprising the web community, and because the community is a highly targeted audience with similar business goals/interests. One area of revenue generation is collection of fees for advertising. Fees can be charged for such things as co-branding, local service and product providers, national providers of optional items/services, distributor specials, utilities, etc. Revenue can also be generated by charging a fee to participants who buy and sell though the site, such as bakeries, soft drink vendors, coffee vendors, equipment vendors, consumers, restaurants, etc. Sales and services can also be a source of revenue. Potential sources can be utilities, office products, computers, and equipment. Providing an auction service can also create revenue. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes one or more of the following revenue models: investment in web site, charge per unit sold through site, exposures or click through, or a combination of these. Following are several processes for generating revenue. FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a process 3930 for advertising in a network-based supply chain management framework in which data is received utilizing a network from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 3932. A supply chain participant is allowed to access the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 3934. The supply chain participant accessing the network-based interface is identified in operation 3936 and advertising is presented to the supply chain participant in accordance with the identification in operation 3938. In an aspect, the network includes the Internet. In another aspect, the supply chain participant may be a supplier, a distributor, and/or a store. In such an aspect, the advertising advertises the sale of products required for the production of the goods produced by the stores. As another aspect, the advertising may be conducted by at least one of the supply chain participants. In an additional aspect, a charge may be required for the advertising. FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a process 4030 for advertising in a network-based supply chain management framework. Data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain is received utilizing a network in operation 4032. A supply chain participant is allowed to access the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 4034. The data being accessed by the supply chain participant is analyzed in operation 4036 so that advertising may be presented to the user in accordance with the analysis in operation 4038. In an aspect, the network includes the Internet. In another aspect, the supply chain participant may be a supplier, a distributor, and/or a store. In such an aspect, the advertising may advertise the sale of products required for the production of the goods produced by the stores. As another aspect, the advertising may be conducted by one of the supply chain participants. In one aspect, charge is required for the advertising. FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a process 4130 for generating revenue utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. A network is utilized to receive data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 4132. A user is allowed to access to the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 4134. Offers are then made to the user to sell products from a third party that are related to the store utilizing the network-based interface in operation 4136. The third party is charged a fee based on a number of the products sold to the user utilizing the network-based interface in operation 4138. In one aspect, the network includes the Internet. In another aspect, the user may be a supplier, a distributor, and/or a store. In such an aspect, the products may be required for the production of the goods produced by the stores. In such an aspect, the advertising may be conducted by at least one of the users. FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a process 4230 for generating revenue utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is received via a network from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 4232. A plurality of users are allowed to access the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 4234. The users are identified upon accessing the data utilizing the network-based interface in operation 4236 so that the users can be charged a fee based on a number of times the users access the data utilizing the network-based interface in operation 4238. In an aspect, the network includes the Internet. In one aspect, the users include suppliers, distributors, and/or stores. In another aspect, advertising is displayed on the network-based interface which advertises the sale of products required for the production of the goods produced by the store. As an aspect, the advertising may be conducted by at least one of the users. As another aspect, a charge is required for the advertising. FIG. 43A is a flowchart of a process 4330 for an auction function utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is received via a network from a plurality of stores of a supply chain in operation 4332. A plurality of users are allowed to access to the data utilizing a network-based interface in operation 4334. A plurality of goods are displayed to the users accessing the data utilizing the network-based interface in operation 4336. Subsequently, the acceptance of bids on the goods is allowed from the users utilizing the network in operation 4338. In one aspect, the network includes the Internet. In another aspect, the users may be a supplier, a distributor, and/or a store. In a further aspect, advertising is displayed on the network-based interface which advertises the sale of products required for the production of the goods produced by the store. In such an aspect, the advertising may be conducted by at least one of the users. As another aspect, a charge may be required for the advertising. FIG. 43B is a flow diagram of a process 4350 for utilizing market demand information for generating revenue. In operation 4352, a supply chain manager is appointed for at least one buying supply chain participant. Such appointment can be made arbitrarily, by default, upon selection by the supply chain participant, etc. In operation 4354, a grant of authority is given to the supply chain manager to negotiate purchase agreements for at least one supply chain commodity on behalf of the at least one buying supply chain participant. One or more purchase agreements for the commodity are entered into in operation 4356. Each purchase agreement is between the supply chain manager on behalf of the at least one buying supply chain participant and a selling supply chain participant. A periodic analysis of commodity market price information is performed in operation 4358. Such price information includes information derived from an integrated supply management system for determining an effective price of the commodity. In the purchase agreement(s), a contract price that depends upon the effective price for the commodity is established in operation 4360 in circumstances where a determination of the effective price of the commodity has been made. In one aspect, the supply chain manager is granted authority to negotiate purchase agreements for the at least one supply chain commodity on behalf of all buying supply chain participants. The commodity can be a raw material, a partially finished good, and/or a finished good. In a further aspect, the at least one purchase agreement establishes a contract price depending upon an actual market price for the commodity in circumstances where no determination of the effective price of the commodity has been made. In one aspect, an actual market price of the commodity is kept secret from the at least one buying supply chain participant. In another aspect, an identity of the at least one buying supply chain participant is kept secret from a supplier of the commodity. One benefit of this embodiment of the present invention is that the supply chain manager may have greater information about market demand for various raw material commodities than a distributor, and may wish to benefit from the availability of this information. By fixing an "effective raw material price," the supplier is free to either take the required position (at no cost, since the contract price will be based upon the effective price), or take a contrary view, with the associated risk and benefit. An additional benefit of this system is that the supply chain manager may exploit raw material information without: (1) disclosing confidential information beyond the fixed price analysis; and (2) needing to include raw material suppliers immediately into the integrated supply chain models. FIG. 43C is a flow diagram of another process 4370 for generating revenue according to an embodiment of the present invention. A supply chain manager is appointed for a buying supply chain participant in operation 4372. In operation 4374, authority is granted to the supply chain manager to negotiate supply agreements between a selling supply chain participant and the supply chain manager on behalf of the buying supply chain participant. The supply agreement is entered into with the supply agreement having at least the following provisions: i) establishing a contract price for the good, and ii) requiring the selling supply chain participant to bill the buying supply chain participant at an invoice price to be determined by the supply chain manager in operation 4376. In operation 4378, an invoice price for the good is established at various times during the term of the supply agreement. By controlling the invoice price, the distributor does not know the contract price of the supplier. Another advantage provided is that the supply chain manager can direct supplier to buy raw materials at a particular price based on supply and demand information gathered by the supply chain management system. In one aspect of the present invention, the invoice price is collected from the buying supply chain participant(s). Preferably, the billing and collecting are performed at the direction of the supply chain manager. In another aspect, an overpayment to a selling supply chain participant for a commodity is reconciled by paying the difference between the corresponding contract price and the corresponding invoice price to the supply chain manager. In a further aspect, an underpayment to a selling supply chain participant for a commodity is reconciled by paying the difference between the corresponding invoice price and the corresponding contract price to the selling supply chain participant. FIG. 43D is a flow chart of a process 4386 for risk management in a supply chain management framework. In operation 4388, a supply chain manager is appointed for at least one buying supply chain participant. Such appointment can be made arbitrarily, by default, upon selection by the supply chain participant, etc. In operation 4390, the supply chain manager is given authority to negotiate supply agreements for at least one good on behalf of the at least one buying supply chain participant. Note that the good may be a raw material and/or a fully finished good as well. One or more supply agreements are entered into for the at least one good in operation 4392. Provisions of the supply agreement include: (i) pricing for each one good shall be based upon factors including an actual market price of at least one commodity when the supply chain manager has not established a commodity position price; and (ii) pricing for each one good shall be based upon factors including a commodity position price of at least one commodity when the supply chain manager has established a commodity position price. Periodically, in operation 4394, a commodity position price is established through the supply chain manager, so that the supply chain manager may thereby address risks to the supply chain of varying market levels and market volatility of the at least one goods. In one aspect of the present invention, commodity position prices can be established based on information including information derived from receiving data from a plurality of supply chain participants of a supply chain utilizing a network, the data relating to the sale of products by the supply chain participants. In one aspect, the supply chain manager is granted authority to negotiate supply agreements for the at least one good on behalf of all buying supply chain participants. In another aspect, an actual market price of the at least one good is kept secret from the at least one buying supply chain participant. In a further aspect, an identity of the at least one buying supply chain participant is kept secret from a supplier of the at least one good. In yet another aspect, each supply agreement is between the supply chain manager on behalf of the at least one buying supply chain participant and a selling supply chain participant. In even a further aspect, the good may be an at least partially finished good. In an additional aspect, the determining may include the analyzing of data collected from a plurality of supply chain participants relating to the sale of goods. Technology Overview FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary system 4400 with a plurality of components 4402 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, such components include a network 4404 which take any form including, but not limited to a local area network, a wide area network such as the Internet, and a wireless network 4405. Coupled to the network 4404 is a plurality of computers which may take the form of desktop computers 4406, lap-top computers 4408, hand-held computers 4410 (including wireless devices 4412 such as wireless PDA's or mobile phones), or any other type of computing hardware/software. As an option, the various computers may be connected to the network 4404 by way of a server 4414 which may be equipped with a firewall for security purposes. It should be noted that any other type of hardware or software may be included in the system and be considered a component thereof. A representative hardware environment associated with the various components of FIG. 44 is depicted in FIG. 45. In the present description, the various sub-components of each of the components may also be considered components of the system. For example, particular software modules executed on any component of the system may also be considered components of the system. FIG. 45 illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a workstation in accordance with one embodiment having a central processing unit 4510, such as a microprocessor, and a number of other units interconnected via a system bus 4512. The workstation shown in FIG. 45 includes a Random Access Memory (RAM) 4514, Read Only Memory (ROM) 4516, an I/O adapter 4518 for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units 4520 to the bus 512, a user interface adapter 4522 for connecting a keyboard 4524, a mouse 4526, a speaker 4528, a microphone 4532, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen (not shown) to the bus 4512, communication adapter 4534 for connecting the workstation to a communication network 4535 (e.g., a data processing network) and a display adapter 4536 for connecting the bus 4512 to a display device 4538. An embodiment of the present invention may be written using traditional methodologies and programming languages, such as C, Pascal, BASIC or Fortran, or may be written using object oriented methodologies and object-oriented programming languages, such as Java, C++, C#, Python or Smalltalk. Object oriented programming (OOP) has become increasingly used to develop complex applications. As OOP moves toward the mainstream of software design and development, various software solutions require adaptation to make use of the benefits of OOP. A need exists for these principles of OOP to be applied to a messaging interface of an electronic messaging system such that a set of OOP classes and objects for the messaging interface can be provided. OOP is a process of developing computer software using objects, including the steps of analyzing the problem, designing the system, and constructing the program. An object is a software package that contains both data and a collection of related structures and procedures. Since it contains both data and a collection of structures and procedures, it can be visualized as a self-sufficient component that does not require other additional structures, procedures or data to perform its specific task. OOP, therefore, views a computer program as a collection of largely autonomous components, called objects, each of which is responsible for a specific task. This concept of packaging data, structures, and procedures together in one component or module is called encapsulation. In general, OOP components are reusable software modules which present an interface that conforms to an object model and which are accessed at run-time through a component integration architecture. A component integration architecture is a set of architecture mechanisms which allow software modules in different process spaces to utilize each others capabilities or functions. This is generally done by assuming a common component object model on which to build the architecture. It is worthwhile to differentiate between an object and a class of objects at this point. An object is a single instance of the class of objects, which is often just called a class. A class of objects can be viewed as a blueprint, from which many objects can be formed. OOP allows the programmer to create an object that is a part of another object. For example, the object representing a piston engine is said to have a composition-relationship with the object representing a piston. In reality, a piston engine comprises a piston, valves and many other components; the fact that a piston is an element of a piston engine can be logically and semantically represented in OOP by two objects. OOP also allows creation of an object that "depends from" another object. If there are two objects, one representing a piston engine and the other representing a piston engine wherein the piston is made of ceramic, then the relationship between the two objects is not that of composition. A ceramic piston engine does not make up a piston engine. Rather it is merely one kind of piston engine that has one more limitation than the piston engine; its piston is made of ceramic. In this case, the object representing the ceramic piston engine is called a derived object, and it inherits all of the aspects of the object representing the piston engine and adds further limitation or detail to it. The object representing the ceramic piston engine "depends from" the object representing the piston engine. The relationship between these objects is called inheritance. When the object or class representing the ceramic piston engine inherits all of the aspects of the objects representing the piston engine, it inherits the thermal characteristics of a standard piston defined in the piston engine class. However, the ceramic piston engine object overrides these ceramic specific thermal characteristics, which are typically different from those associated with a metal piston. It skips over the original and uses new functions related to ceramic pistons. Different kinds of piston engines have different characteristics, but may have the same underlying functions associated with it (e.g., how many pistons in the engine, ignition sequences, lubrication, etc.). To access each of these functions in any piston engine object, a programmer would call the same functions with the same names, but each type of piston engine may have different/overriding implementations of functions behind the same name. This ability to hide different implementations of a function behind the same name is called polymorphism and it greatly simplifies communication among objects. With the concepts of composition-relationship, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism, an object can represent just about anything in the real world. In fact, one's logical perception of the reality is the only limit on determining the kinds of things that can become objects in object-oriented software. Some typical categories are as follows:
With this enormous capability of an object to represent just about any logically separable matters, OOP allows the software developer to design and implement a computer program that is a model of some aspects of reality, whether that reality is a physical entity, a process, a system, or a composition of matter. Since the object can represent anything, the software developer can create an object which can be used as a component in a larger software project in the future. If 90% of a new OOP software program consists of proven, existing components made from preexisting reusable objects, then only the remaining 10% of the new software project has to be written and tested from scratch. Since 90% already came from an inventory of extensively tested reusable objects, the potential domain from which an error could originate is 10% of the program. As a result, OOP enables software developers to build objects out of other, previously built objects. This process closely resembles complex machinery being built out of assemblies and sub-assemblies. OOP technology, therefore, makes software engineering more like hardware engineering in that software is built from existing components, which are available to the developer as objects. All this adds up to an improved quality of the software as well as an increased speed of its development. Programming languages are beginning to fully support the OOP principles, such as encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and composition-relationship. With the advent of the C++ language, many commercial software developers have embraced OOP. C++ is an OOP language that offers a fast, machine-executable code. Furthermore, C++ is suitable for both commercial-application and systems-programming projects. For now, C++ appears to be the most popular choice among many OOP programmers, but there is a host of other OOP languages, such as Smalltalk, Common Lisp Object System (CLOS), and Eiffel. Additionally, OOP capabilities are being added to more traditional popular computer programming languages such as Pascal. The benefits of object classes can be summarized, as follows:
Class libraries are very flexible. As programs grow more complex, more programmers are forced to reinvent basic solutions to basic problems over and over again. A relatively new extension of the class library concept is to have a framework of class libraries. This framework is more complex and consists of significant collections of collaborating classes that capture both the small scale patterns and major mechanisms that implement the common requirements and design in a specific application domain. They were first developed to free application programmers from the chores involved in displaying menus, windows, dialog boxes, and other standard user interface elements for personal computers. Frameworks also represent a change in the way programmers think about the interaction between the code they write and code written by others. In the early days of procedural programming, the programmer called libraries provided by the operating system to perform certain tasks, but basically the program executed down the page from start to finish, and the programmer was solely responsible for the flow of control. This was appropriate for printing out paychecks, calculating a mathematical table, or solving other problems with a program that executed in just one way. The development of graphical user interfaces began to turn this procedural programming arrangement inside out. These interfaces allow the user, rather than program logic, to drive the program and decide when certain actions should be performed. Today, most personal computer software accomplishes this by means of an event loop which monitors the mouse, keyboard, and other sources of external events and calls the appropriate parts of the programmer's code according to actions that the user performs. The programmer no longer determines the order in which events occur. Instead, a program is divided into separate pieces that are called at unpredictable times and in an unpredictable order. By relinquishing control in this way to users, the developer creates a program that is much easier to use. Nevertheless, individual pieces of the program written by the developer still call libraries provided by the operating system to accomplish certain tasks, and the programmer must still determine the flow of control within each piece after it's called by the event loop. Application code still "sits on top of" the system. Even event loop programs require programmers to write a lot of code that should not need to be written separately for every application. The concept of an application framework carries the event loop concept further. Instead of dealing with all the nuts and bolts of constructing basic menus, windows, and dialog boxes and then making these things all work together, programmers using application frameworks start with working application code and basic user interface elements in place. Subsequently, they build from there by replacing some of the generic capabilities of the framework with the specific capabilities of the intended application. Application frameworks reduce the total amount of code that a programmer has to write from scratch. However, because the framework is really a generic application that displays windows, supports copy and paste, and so on, the programmer can also relinquish control to a greater degree than event loop programs permit. The framework code takes care of almost all event handling and flow of control, and the programmer's code is called only when the framework needs it (e.g., to create or manipulate a proprietary data structure). A programmer writing a framework program not only relinquishes control to the user (as is also true for event loop programs), but also relinquishes the detailed flow of control within the program to the framework. This approach allows the creation of more complex systems that work together in interesting ways, as opposed to isolated programs, having custom code, being created over and over again for similar problems. Thus, as is explained above, a framework basically is a collection of cooperating classes that make up a reusable design solution for a given problem domain. It typically includes objects that provide default behavior (e.g., for | ||||||