Importance

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Abstract

A manufacturer's discount coupon redemption system and method provide for the automated statistical analysis of coupon shipment data characteristics in order to identify coupon shipment parametric abnormalities. Allowable ranges for preselected coupon shipment data characteristics are established and are automatically updated. Data characteristics associated with each coupon shipment are compared to the allowable ranges to identify instances of coupon shipment parametric abnormalities, that is, data characteristics that fall outside of the allowable ranges. Those coupon shipments that exhibit parametric abnormalities are segregated for further review and evaluation. The system and method utilize an operational knowledge base in which data characteristics of interest associated with a plurality of previously processed coupon shipments from a plurality of retail stores are stored and used as an information base to statistically derive the allowable ranges against which the data characteristics of new coupon shipments are compared. Periodically, at least a portion of the information stored in the operational knowledge base is replaced with data characteristics associated with more recently processed coupon shipments. Ultimately, the system and method result in a decision either to pay the submitting retail stores for their coupon shipments or to deny payment or to refer the payment decision to the involved manufacturers. In addition, the information identified and utilized in the system and method may be used to provide extensive financial and marketing information services.

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