A PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for determining a product classification, and to a product classification system.

BACKGROUND [0002] In international trade, products, parts and components are commonly manufactured in one country and shipped to other countries. The reasons for shipping such products, parts and components are many and varied, but include distribution for retail, further manufacturing, and assembly with other parts and components. Throughout this specification, the term "product" is taken to mean any goods, product, part or component .

[0003] During the international shipping process, one or both of the importing and exporting countries stipulate a number of rules that are to be satisfied before the products, parts and components can proceed through import or export. The rules relate to payable duties, security, monitoring, etc., and thus can be

used for financial and political purposes, to promote fair trade, and as a source of revenue for the respective importing/exporting country.

[0004] The actual rules for a country are usually dependent on a number of factors, including the classification of the product (that is, the nature and function of the product, part or component) , the time of the year, needs of the country, etc. Therefore, the import/export rules are specific for each country, and are subject to change.

[0005] Many countries apply their own tariff schedule (commonly referred to as a Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or "HTS") for products being imported/exported. However, many countries use a regional Base HTS as the basis of their own schedule. For example, many European countries have a national HTS, which is closely aligned with the European Base HTS. Similarly, many countries in the Americas have a national HTS, which is closely aligned with the American Base HTS.

[0006] Due to the complexity of international shipping, many people are employed by

importing/exporting agencies and companies simply to maintain up-to-date records of classifications and the associated rules for each product, part or component in each country the respective product, part or component will be imported from, or exported to.

Manual entry of information relating to the product, part or component or classification thereof can introduce errors, which may result in delays in the shipping process, imposition of fines, etc.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Briefly, an embodiment provides a method for determining a product classification. The method includes providing at least one first descriptor of a product. The method also includes designating a geographic location. The method further includes selecting a product category from a plurality of product categories, each product category having an assigned set of one or more second descriptors that identify the respective product category, the selected product category having second descriptors that are associated with the at least one first descriptor. The method further includes automatically determining a product classification based on the selected product category and the designated geographic location.

[0008] The invention will be more fully understood from the following description of embodiments of the invention. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a product classification in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a product classification system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for classifying a product in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a flow chart that illustrates steps of a method 100 for generating and outputting a classification for a nominated product in a nominated geographic location. A request 105 is provided for a product classification

for a nominated geographic location. The nominated geographic location may be an individual country, or a region that includes a number of countries.

[0013] As will be discussed subsequently in further detail, the nominated product is identified by at least one product descriptor (or "first descriptor") . The first descriptor (s) are attributes that each identify (or, in some cases, at least partially identify) the product.

[0014] At step 110, a product category database is checked to determine whether a Product Category exists for the nominated product. Each Product Category within the product category database may have an assigned set of one or more category descriptors (or "second descriptors") that characterize the respective Product Category. Alternatively, where a plurality of second descriptors are assigned to a respective Product Category, the second descriptors collectively, either as a set or subset of the set, characterize the respective Product Category.

[0015] If, at step 110, a Product Category is found to exist in step 115 a geographic location information

database is typically checked to determine whether classification data exists for the nominated geographic location in the relevant Product Category. In this embodiment, where appropriate classification data does exist, step 120 generates the relevant classification data for the nominated geographic location. Furthermore, the relevant classification data is then provided as an output in step 125.

[0016] On receipt of a request for a product classification for a nominated product, it may be discovered, at step 110, that a Product Category does not exist for the nominated product. In this event, a determination can be made, at step 127, as to whether it is possible for a product category to exist for the nominated product. If a Product Category can exist, a product classifier, at step 130, can manually define and create a new Product Category. Following creation of a new Product Category, the product classifier, at step 135, can manually assign classification data for the nominated geographic location to the new Product Category. The classification data can then be stored, at step 140, such that a later identical request for the same nominated product in the same geographic location can be performed without manual intervention.

[0017] Where, at step 127, it is determined that a Product Category cannot exist, a product classifier, at step 145, can manually assign classification data for the nominated geographic region. If desired, the classification data generated at step 145 can be stored, at step 140, such that a later identical request for the product in the same geographic location can be performed without manual intervention. The classification data can then be subsequently outputted at step 125.

[0018] It is to be appreciated that when a new Product Category is defined in step 130, one or more existing Product Categories in the product category database may be redefined based on the definition of the new Product Category. Similarly, where, at step 115, it is determined that classification data does not exist for the nominated geographic location, the product classifier, at step 135, may need to manually create a new Product Category and redefine one or more other existing Product Categories in the product category database.

[0019] As indicated previously, the product to be classified by the method 100 may be identified by one or more first descriptors. The first descriptors can, for example, be any one or more of: a serial or lot number; a physical attribute of the product; a bar code; or, a number identifying sequence. For example, the descriptors used to identify a ream of paper could include: the dimensions of individual sheets of paper in the ream; the specific paper weight (as, for example, grams per square metre) ; paper color; number of sheets in the ream; and/or the bar code of the ream. It is to be appreciated that other descriptors may be used, either as alternative or additional descriptors, as appropriate to the particular product. Similarly, the second descriptors can be, for example, any one or more of: a serial or lot number; a physical attribute of the product; a bar code; or, a number identifying sequence.

[0020] It is to be appreciated that classification of a nominated product can be determined using the method 100. By implementing portions of the method 100 in, for example, a software engine, an increased amount of product classification may be performed with a reduced level of manual determination by a product

classifier. Thus, the possibility of incorrect classification arising from human error is reduced.

[0021] The method 100 will now be described by way of a first example. A classification request 105 is made for classification of a Laser Printer, which can produce up to eight pages per minute (the nominated product) , in Spain (the nominated geographic region) . At step 110, the product category database is checked, revealing that a Product Category does exist for the product. Subsequently, at step 115 the geographic location information database is checked, revealing that classification data exists for Spain in the relevant Product Category. Subsequently, at step 120 the appropriate classification data for the product in Spain is determined and then provided as output in step 125.

[0022] The method 100 will now be described by way of a second example. A classification request 105 is made for classification of a Laser Printer, which can produce up to six pages per minute (the nominated product) , in Germany (the nominated geographic region) . At step 110, the product category database is checked, revealing that a Product Category does not

exist for the product. At step 130, a new Product Category is manually defined and created by a product classifier into which the product is categorised. Subsequently, at step 135 classification data for Germany is then manually assigned to the new Product Category. The new Product Category and classification data for Germany in the new Product Category are stored in the relevant databases at step 140. If desired, the appropriate classification data for the product in Germany can then be generated at step 120, and provided as an output in step 125.

[0023] It is to be appreciated that where, at step 130, a new Product Category is manually defined and created, existing Product Categories may need to be redefined. This may involve, for example, narrowing the range of second descriptors for a respective Product Category. Alternatively or additionally, redefining a Product Category may involve the addition of further second descriptors for a respective Product Category.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown a schematic representation of a product classification system 200 according to a second embodiment of the

present invention. The product classification system 200 is provided with a Product Classification Request Receiver 205. In this embodiment, one or more product descriptors (which can correspond to a nominated product) and geographic information details (which can correspond to a nominated geographic region) are provided as input to the Product Classification Receiver 205. Again, the geographic information details could be an individual country, or a region that includes a plurality of countries.

[0025] The product descriptors for the nominated product are passed to a Product Category Accessor 210, which acts as an interface between the product classification system 200 and a Product Category

Database 215. Where a Product Category exists for the nominated product in the Product Category Database 215, the Product Category is passed to a Geographic Location Information Accessor 220. The Product Classification Request Receiver 205 can also pass the geographic location details to the Geographic Location Information Accessor 220, which acts as an interface with a Geographic Location Information Database 225. Where a classification data exists for the designated geographic location in the Product Category, the

Geographic Location Information Accessor 220 can provide, via Information Output Device 230, the product classification for the nominated product in the nominated geographic location. For example, the product classification may be the classification of the nominated product according to a national HTS.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, each of the Product Category Accessor 210 and the Geographic Location Information Accessor 220 can produce an alert. In the case of the Product Category Accessor 210, an appropriate alert is produced where the product descriptors provided do not match with a Product Category, such that a Product Category cannot be found. Similarly, in case of the Geographic

Location Information Accessor 220, an appropriate alert is produced where classification data for designated geographic location does not exist for the Product Category. In either case, a product classifier can manually intervene to address the cause of the alert.

[0027] Again, it is to be appreciated that classification data for a nominated product can be determined using the product classification system

200. The product classification system 200 can facilitate product classification such that an increased level of classification may be performed without the need for a product classifier to manually determine the relevant classification. Thus, the possibility of incorrect classification arising from human error is reduced.

[0028] As shown in broken lines in Fig. 2, embodiments of the product classification system 200 can be provided with a Base HTS Translator 235. The Base HTS Translator 235 translates a geographic location HTS classification into any region HTS classification. Accordingly, the Base HTS translator may provide, via an Information Output Device 240, a corresponding Base HTS classification for the product. The Base HTS classification could be the regional Base HTS classification in, for example, the European Base HTS or American Base HTS.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the Product Category Database 215 and the Geographic Location Information Database 225 could be combined such that the classification data for geographic locations are stored together with the relevant Product Category.

[0030] In another alternative embodiment, the product classification system 200 is augmented with means to access and provide stored import/export information for the designated geographic location.

Alternatively or additionally, the Geographic Location Database 225 contains import/export information, which may be provided as an output together with the Base and/or national HTS classification.

[0031] It is to be appreciated that the method 100 could readily be embodied in a software engine, and thus can be provided in a software medium. Alternatively or additionally, the method 100 could be implemented using a hardware medium.

[0032] In one illustrative embodiment, the product classification system 200 can be provided in a software engine that is implemented on a hardware system, such as a personal computer. The inputs

(product and country details are the inputs) can be in the form of one or more coded sequences that are generated from any suitable input device, such as a keyboard, selected from a display, and/or automatic reader. The outputs (geographic location HTS

classification, and Base HTS classification if desired) can be in the form of one or more coded sequences that are provided to any suitable output device, such as a computer screen or printer. Alternatively, the outputs can be provided, in either a data file or a text file, capable of transmission through a network.

[0033] Where the Product Classification System 200 is implemented in a software engine, the software architecture of the system can be integrated. Alternatively, the architecture of the system can be modular having a number of sub-routines and/or distinct modules. Accordingly, a sub-routine or module can be provided for each of the Product

Classification Request Receiver 205; the Product Category Accessor 210; the Geographic Location Information Accessor 220; and the Information Output Device 230. Similarly, the Base HTS Translator 235 and Information Output Device 240 can be in the form of a software sub-routine, if provided.

[0034] The Product Category Database 215 and the Geographic Location Information Database 225 can be provided in a storage device that retains the data of

the respective database. For example, the database can be stored in hardware (such as RAM, or a magnetic storage device) . Alternatively, the database can be stored on a transportable storage device, such as an disk or tape.

[0035] If desired, the Product Classification System 200 can be implemented on a network of computers. In this embodiment, all or part(s) of the Product Classification System 200 can be provided on a central computer. The central computer can receive inputs from and provide outputs to one or more remote computers .

[0036] Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a flow chart of a method 300 for determining a product classification, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which includes the step 305 of providing at least one first descriptor of a product, such as a product descriptor. Examples of possible first descriptors includes, for example, a serial, batch or lot number; a physical attribute of the product; a bar code; or, an identifying sequence (such as characters, digits or a combination thereof) .

[0037] Step 310 involves providing a nomination of a geographic location. In one embodiment, the geographic location is an individual country. In an alternative embodiment, the geographic location is a region that includes a plurality of countries. Step 315 involves selecting a product category from a plurality of product categories. Each product category has an assigned set of one or more second descriptors (category descriptors) that characterize the respective product category. The product category selected in step 315 has, within its respective assigned set of one or more second descriptors, second descriptors that are correspond with the at least one first descriptor. Accordingly, it is possible to identify a single product category based on the first descriptors of the product provided in step 305.

[0038] Step 320 involves determining a product classification based on the product category selected in step 315, together with the nominated geographic location provided in step 310.

[0039] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be

appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may take alternative forms.