SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF RETURN ITEMS

Abstract

A method for collecting returned items or information about returned items and evaluating return policy criteria with respect to collected items, and a system for the same, are disclosed. The method includes providing a station, such as a kiosk terminal, preferably at a pharmacy location. The station includes a computer and a user interface including a touch screen interface. Items, for example, pharmaceutical items to be returned are brought to the station. The user enters information at the station, such as by scanning a bar code on a container of the item, weighing the item or its contents, and entering lot number and expiration date associated with the item. A system and method for facilitating recalls is also provided.

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a computer of a kiosk station, product information associated with a packaged item at the kiosk station, wherein the packaged item contains a pharmaceutical product, generating, responsive to receiving the product information, verification information of the pharmaceutical product, wherein generating the verification information of the pharmaceutical product comprises: capturing, via a camera at the kiosk station, an image of the packaged item; and weighing, via a scale at the kiosk station, the packaged item to obtain a weight of the packaged item and the pharmaceutical product; transmitting, to a server, the verification information to cause the server to generate a return determination based on the verification information; receiving, by the computer from the server, the return determination; and categorizing, by the computer responsive to receiving the return determination, the pharmaceutical product based on the product information, wherein categorizing includes at least one of determining that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to a first category and determining that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to a second category.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: providing, by the computer and responsive to categorizing the pharmaceutical product, instructions indicating the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the first category or the second category.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product information comprises an indication that the pharmaceutical product is to be returned and further comprising: providing, by the computer, credit information for the pharmaceutical product responsive to receiving the return determination.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product information comprises an indication that the pharmaceutical product is to be returned and an indication of a reason for returning the item.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the product information includes a product number or bar code data.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical product comprises pharmaceutical pills, and wherein a portion of the product information includes a quantity of pharmaceutical pills.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the product information includes an expiration date of the pharmaceutical product.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the product information includes a lot number associated with the pharmaceutical product.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing disposal instructions for the pharmaceutical product.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising associating an identification with the pharmaceutical product.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first category is that the pharmaceutical product is a controlled substance and the second category is that the pharmaceutical product is a non-controlled substance.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product information comprises a received weight of the packaged item and the pharmaceutical product, and wherein the verification information of the pharmaceutical product comprises comparing the received weight with the weight of the packaged item and the pharmaceutical product received from the scale.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein categorizing includes at least one of determining based on the verification information that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the first category and determining based on the verification information that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the second category.

14. A collection station comprising: a camera configured to record a packaged item containing a pharmaceutical product; a scale configured to weigh the packaged item; a computer, wherein the computer is configured to: receive product information associated with the packaged item containing the pharmaceutical product via a user interface; generate, responsive to receiving the product information, verification information of the pharmaceutical product, wherein generating the verification information of the pharmaceutical product comprises weighing via the scale the packaged item to obtain a weight of the packaged item and the pharmaceutical product and capturing via the camera an image of the packaged item; transmit, to a server, the verification information to cause the server to generate a return determination based on the verification information; receive, from the server, the return determination; and categorize, responsive to receiving the return determination, the pharmaceutical product based on the product information, wherein the categorizing includes at least one of determining that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to a first category and determining that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to a second category.

15. The collection station according to claim 14, wherein the computer is further configured to: provide, responsive to categorizing the pharmaceutical product, instructions indicating the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the first category or the second category.

16. The collection station according to claim 14, wherein the computer is further configured to categorize the pharmaceutical product by at least one of determining based on the verification information that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the first category and determining based on the verification information that the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the second category.

17. The collection station according to claim 16, wherein the user interface comprises a touch screen interface, and further comprising a scanner configured to scan a bar code on the packaged item containing the pharmaceutical product.

18. The collection station according to claim 14, wherein a surface of the scale is within a field-of-view of the camera.

19. The collection station according to claim 18, wherein the camera is a top view camera providing a top view of the surface, and further comprising a side view camera, wherein, when the packaged item is placed on the surface, the side view camera provides a side view of the packaged item.

20. A system for collecting items comprising: a station having a computer and a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to enable a user to enter product information associated with a packaged item containing a pharmaceutical product; wherein the computer is configured to: receive product information associated with the packaged item containing the pharmaceutical product via a user interface; generate verification information of the pharmaceutical product, wherein generating verification information of the pharmaceutical product comprises weighing via a scale the packaged item to obtain a weight of the packaged item and the pharmaceutical product and capturing via a camera an image of the packaged item; transmit, to server, the verification information, wherein the verification information comprises the weight and the image; receive, from the server, the return determination; categorize, responsive to receiving the return determination, the pharmaceutical product based on the product information, wherein categorizing includes at least one of determining that the pharmaceutical product belongs to a first category and determining that the pharmaceutical product belongs to a second category; and provide, responsive to categorizing the pharmaceutical product, instructions to the user interface to cause display of the instructions at the user interface, the instructions indicating the pharmaceutical product of the packaged item belongs to the first category or the second category.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the station of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of one embodiment of the method of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a table top version of the system of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a table top version of the system of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a table top version of the system of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a table top version of the system of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a table top version of the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0032] The present invention is a method and system 10 for collecting returnable items and determining return policy compliance. The method and system is applicable to many different types of items which can be returned for potential credit. It is understood that this system and method can be adapted or used with respect to any suitable item. However, in a preferred embodiment, the method and system is used in conjunction with pharmaceutical items being returned. Typically, these items include expired drugs, damaged items, short dated drugs meaning drugs with expiration dates approaching within a short time period, defective items, or recalled items.

[0033] In various embodiments, the system 10 and method include providing a station 20 having a first receptacle 30 adapted to receive a returnable item. A second receptacle 40 also adapted to receive a returnable item is preferably provided. The receptacles are ideally removable, though they are optionally locked within the station 10. Access to remove them may be provided to authorized persons either identified by the system 10 or having a key or combination. The receptacles may be shippable containers such as shipping boxes, or they may be any other suitable containers.

[0034] The station 10 is provided with a computer and a user interface such as a touch screen 50. A user is able to enter information using the touch screen. In certain embodiments, a user initially is identified by the system via any of various methods, such as by scanned ID, biometric finger scanner 60, or user name and password identification. The user then enters information about the item being returned. Such information may include the reason for the return, such as expired, short dated, damaged, defective, recalled, etc. The user may then scan a bar code on the item using a scanner 70 or 170, or enters a product number associated with the item. Further information is preferably entered, such as a lot number associated with the pharmaceutical item and an expiration date.

[0035] In various embodiments, the user is then prompted to empty the contents of the container of the item onto a pill counting tray 80, count the contents, whether pills, tablets, capsules, etc., and then replace them into the container. The tray 80 is preferably the top surface of a scale which weighs the item or its contents. Optionally, and automatic pill counting sensor is included. The quantity information, as well as the weight, are input into the system. Various verifications are preferably performed by the system, such as verifying that the weight of the item matches its type and quantity based on known information stored in a database related to the item.

[0036] The information is then evaluated with respect to return policy rules. The rules may be updated in a database at the station 20 itself, or a database server 90 may be networked with the station 20 via a network or Internet connection 100. The information provided is checked against return policy rules to determine whether the return qualifies for credit. The manufacturer or its agent (or an independent contractor or third party) can be sent a report of this determination and an accounting is kept. Preferably, the station is located at a pharmacy location, and the pharmacy company can also have a report of the analysis and an accounting sent.

[0037] In various embodiments, a first camera 110 records at least a portion of the user's transaction at the station for possible subsequent verification. A second camera 120 and optionally a third camera 130 are preferably placed in locations to record various views of the item being returned for verification. Records from the cameras may be viewed or spot checked at subsequent times to verify the user's actions.

[0038] A first access panel 140 and second access panel 150 are preferably provided. These panels are opened and closed by the system based on whether the item is determined to fit into one category or another. In the embodiment of returning pharmaceutical items, the item is determined by the system using information input by the user whether the item is a controlled or non-controlled substance. If it is a controlled substance, the second access panel 150 may open to allow the user to deposit the item into the second receptacle 40. If the item is a non-controlled substance, the first access panel 140 may be opened to allow the user to deposit the item into the first receptacle 30.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the station 20 may further include a label printer 160 for printing labels, such as for shipping a box for a recalled item. In the event an item is recalled, the system may be used to display this information on the screen. Thus, if a pharmacy location is sent a recall notice via this station, the station may require the user to act on the recall before authorizing further use.

[0040] As the system provides a verification and accounting of the items deposited, and to what extent return policies should be implemented, no further third party contractor or manufacturer need verify the contents of the receptacles. Thus, the receptacles can be transported to a waste disposal facility such as a dump or incinerator. Access is provided to authorized parties to remove the receptacles and transport them.

[0041] The system and method of the present invention is particularly advantageous in the event that a product is recalled. This is particularly relevant with respect to the pharmaceutical industry. Conventionally, when a recall is issued in the pharmaceutical industry, numerous steps must be followed. A notification letter and response card are printed, typically by the manufacturer or its agent, notification kits must be mailed or shipped to retailers, response cards must be completed by the retailers and returned to the manufacturer or manufacturer's agent via mail or courier. Once the response cards are received by the manufacturer or its agent, the information must be manually entered into a recall reporting system. A shipping label must then be printed by the manufacturer or its agent and shipped to the retailer if the retailer has product subject to the recall, and the retailer then must ship the product to a return center. Recall reports are then provided to the FDA, and eventually the returned product is disposed of.

[0042] As will be seen, in the various embodiments of the present invention are a great improvement to such a conventional method. In the present invention, notification letters and response cards can be electronically transmitted directly to the station of the retailer. The response cards can be completed electronically and sent electronically to the manufacturer or its agent. The station can then, optionally, generate a shipping label which can also be printed at the station. This label can be used immediately by the retailer to ship the product to a return center. Once the recall is approved, the product is disposed of. Thus, a great deal of time and shipping expense can be saved, and manual entry of data can be done electronically. The retailer is able to enter the data related to the product at the station in the same fashion as returns are entered.

[0043] In various embodiments, the system of the present invention is a table top version of the system. In certain embodiments, the table top version may be separate from any receptacles. In such a version, the system includes a station, preferably adapted to sit atop a table or counter. Such an embodiment is particularly useful when the available space for the system is limited.

[0044] The station includes a method for identifying an individual user, such as via a password, or a biometric data input mechanism such as a fingerprint scanner. The station includes a computing device and a user interface, and software running on the computing device. The user interface enables the user to enter at least a first piece of information associated with an item to be returned. The information may be identifying information, such as a barcode. A keyboard or a barcode scanner may be used.

[0045] The station has access to a database which can be maintained, such as a local database or a database linked to the station via a network. Once the item has been identified, return policy information associated with the item can be determined. The user can enter additional information, such as a lot number. The lot number can be used to determine an expiration date of the item, such as a pharmaceutical drug, or the expiration date may be entered by the user. Once the expiration date is determined, return policy information associated with the item can be determined from the information contained in the database, and it can be determined whether the item can be returned for a refund or partial refund. It is understood that the manner in which information is processed can be configured in a number of different ways. For example, the station may include software which allows information to be input and then transferred to a server having access to a database for further processing. Alternatively, the processing of the information and accessing of the database can be enabled at the station itself.

[0046] Once a product identifier is entered, the system may allow the user to select a packaging method, such as a bottle, box, particular size, etc. The user may be given the opportunity to input whether the container is sealed or unsealed. The station ideally includes a mechanism to enable the user to count items within the packaging, such as pills or capsules.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the station includes a manual counting tray. In others, the station includes an automatic pill counter. In addition, the station may include a scale. The scale can be particularly useful in measuring the weight of containers containing a liquid product. In certain preferred embodiments, the scale may be a pull out, retractable scale on the station.

[0048] In various table top embodiments, one or more cameras may be included to photograph, take video footage, or both, with respect to various portions of the process. The item may be photographed or video recorded during the weighing process, during the counting process, or during other portions of the process. The cameras may also take images of the user for verifying identity upon viewing.

[0049] In certain preferred table top embodiments, the station also includes at least one label printer. The station may generate and print a shipping label for a return item. An identification label may also be printed.

[0050] As the system is ideally networked, notices may be sent to the station from a remote location. For example, a recall notice may be sent to the station. The user may then identify himself or herself, and take action with respect to a recall in a similar fashion to the process for a return.

[0051] The table top system may optionally be linked to a receptacle station. The table top station can then provide instructions with respect to which receptacle should be used. Optionally, a signal can be sent to the receptacle station to open one or another receptable.

[0052] In various embodiments, the evaluation of the return policy compliance may occur at a server level. For example, the process may include the step of providing a networked station having a computing device and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter information related to a returnable item, receiving the information related to the returnable item at said station, enabling the information to be transmitted from the station to a server, evaluating at least a portion of that information with respect to a return policy associated with the returnable item, and determining whether or to what extent the item complies with the return policy.

[0053] In such embodiments, the evaluation process may be implemented at the server level, and the may employ the use of a database having the return policy information needed to evaluate the compliance of the return and whether and in what amount a refund or credit may be due. Multiple evaluations may occur as batched processes. The timing of the batch process may be set at predetermined intervals, or may follow other timing specifications.

[0054] In certain embodiments, this process may be implemented as follows. The servers may have access to a central database and file servers. The batch program run by each server may process credit or debit memos and returns. The returns can be aggregated by the retailers involved and bundled together for a single transaction. They are archived and transmitted to the servers, and the servers can run a batch program to evaluate multiple returns during one evaluating step. Various databases technologies and transmission protocols can be used, as will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] In various embodiments, item returns are evaluated locally at the station, and the information is stored locally. Then, the station may transmit that information to a server. In certain embodiments, the batch programs may function as follows, although any suitable procedure with respect to batch programs is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. The servers may have a batch program installed thereon and may process one or multiple manufacturers related to the returns. The batch programs may run at frequent predefined intervals, or at any intervals desired. Alternatively, other parameters may be set to determine when the batch program will run, such as based on the number of claims. The batch program, when run, processes the return items which are on the manufacturer's schedule. Credit and debit memos are processed at various intervals, such as each hour, for example. Custom or standard return formats may be used for each manufacturer. Each manufacturer may send credit or debit memos for reconciliation with respect to each return item. In the event returns for multiple retailers are being processed, each retailer may have an ID, and the returns are batched using those IDs. Each manufacturer may have a time window for accepting returns, such as a set time each day or each weekday. The returns are recorded in a central database and may be reviewed. Preferably, the transmissions take place using a secure channel or protocol. Optionally, encryption may be used, and signatures can be used. It is understood that the servers can communicate with stations for updates, notifications, and return items.

[0056] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.