U.S. patent application number 09/834382 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-03 for system and method for an independent retailer business-to-business market exchange.
Invention is credited to Heiderich -Lee, Kelly J., Parnell, Eric A., Reyda, Nancy D..
Application Number | 20020002501 09/834382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22722485 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020002501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reyda, Nancy D. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2002 |
System and method for an independent retailer business-to-business
market exchange
Abstract
A method of facilitating operations of a plurality of
Independent Retailers ("IR's"), said method comprising:
communicating over a network from a service bureau or a plurality
of headquarters of a chain of retail stores to their respective
IR's; displaying to said IR's a plurality of services for said
IR's, for said IR's to select at least one service, wherein said
services comprise procurement; receiving over said network a
message from at least one of said IR's to its respective
headquarters or a service bureau showing said at least one selected
service from said at least one store; and serving up to said IR's
said at least one selected service.
Inventors: |
Reyda, Nancy D.; (Alamo,
CA) ; Heiderich -Lee, Kelly J.; (San Ramon, CA)
; Parnell, Eric A.; (Dublin, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Timothy J. Hadlock
Chevron Corporation
P.O. Box 6006
San Ramon
CA
94583-0806
US
|
Family ID: |
22722485 |
Appl. No.: |
09/834382 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60195716 |
Apr 7, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.8 ;
705/26.43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/24 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0617 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of facilitating operations of a plurality of
Independent Retailers ("IR's"), said method comprising: (a)
communicating over a network from a service bureau or a plurality
of headquarters of a chain of retail stores to their respective
IR's; (b) displaying to said IR's a plurality of services for said
IR's, for said IR's to select at least one service, wherein said
services comprise procurement; (c) receiving over said network a
message from at least one of said IR's to its respective
headquarters or a service bureau showing said at least one selected
service from said at least one store; and (d) serving up to said
IR's said at least one selected service.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of services for
said IR's further comprises transaction services, communities
services, brand deployment services, education support services,
business operating systems services, and customer support
services.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising steps for entering
real-time communications between any of said IR's and a customer
service representative of said service or a service bureau, and
wherein said steps for communication can be entered into during any
step of said method.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein said transaction services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of transaction services
comprising automatic replenishment, order history, and pricing, for
said IR's to select at least one transaction service; (b) receiving
over said network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected transaction service
from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said IR's said
at least one selected transaction service.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein said communities services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of communities services
comprising newsgroups, chat rooms, clubs, and message boards, for
said IR's to select at least one communities service; (b) receiving
over said network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters or service bureau showing said at least one selected
communities service from said at least one store; and (c) serving
up to said IR's said at least one selected communities service.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein said brand deployment services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of brand deployment services
comprising supplying database access to corporate guidelines and
procedures, for said IR's to select at least one brand deployment
service; (b) receiving over said network a message from at least
one of said IR's to said headquarters showing said at least one
selected brand deployment service from said at least one store; and
(c) serving up to said IR's said at least one selected brand
deployment service.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein said education support services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of education support services
comprising supplying training materials, for said IR's to select at
least one education support service; (b) receiving over said
network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected education support
service from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said
IR's said at least one selected education support service.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein said operations support services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of operations support
services comprising uniform ordering services, for said IR's to
select at least one operations support service; (b) receiving over
said network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected operations support
service from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said
IR's said at least one selected operations support service.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein said customer support services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of customer support services
comprising help desk services, transaction history services,
trouble-shooting services, and system training services, for said
IR's to select at least one customer support service; (b) receiving
a message showing said at least one selected customer support
service from said IR's; and (c) serving up to said IR's said at
least one selected customer support service.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
12. A method of managing brand promotion deployment for a plurality
of chains of IR's, said method comprising: (a) entering into volume
discount promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and
each headquarters for a chain of IR's; (b) communicating said
volume discounts agreements over a network from each of said
headquarters to it corresponding IR's, wherein said IR's may make
purchases under said volume discounts agreements; (c) selecting and
ordering merchandise by at least one of said IR's pursuant to at
least one of said volume discounts agreements; and (d)
communicating over said network said selected purchases of said
IR's to the corresponding merchandise supplier or its respective
headquarters, for fulfillment of said purchase.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
14. A method for a plurality of retail chains to manage brand
promotions defined each chain's respective headquarters,
comprising: (a) under control of a client system each of the
store's: (1) displaying information identifying an item in a brand
promotion; and (2) wherein said information is served up from a
server system of the corresponding headquarters' of said store; (b)
sending a request to order said item to a server system of a
supplier of the item; (c) under control of said server system of a
supplier: (1) receiving the request; (2) generating an order to
purchase the requested item; and (3) fulfilling the generated order
to complete purchase of the item.
15. A system for managing brand promotion deployment for a
plurality of chains of IR's, said system comprising: (a) a server
component for serving over a network a plurality of brand
promotions from a plurality of headquarters of chains of IR's to
their respective IR's; (b) a client component for receiving from
said server component said plurality of brand promotions and for
displaying said brand promotions, and for recognizing a user's
selection of specific brand promotions, and for communicating over
said network to a corresponding supplier the selected brand
promotions and the identity of the selecting store; and (c) wherein
said system is configured to permit any of said IR's to view and
select a plurality of brand promotions on a recurring or irregular
basis, that selection is communicated to a supplier which fulfills
said brand promotion.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising means for entering
real-time communications between any of said IR's and a customer
service representative of said headquarters, and wherein said means
for communication is configured to be enabled during use of the
system.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
18. A system for managing a plurality of chains of IR's, said
system comprising: (a) communication means for communicating over a
network from a plurality of headquarters of a chain of IR's to a
plurality of said IR's; (b) displaying means for displaying to said
IR's a plurality of services for said IR's, and configured to allow
said IR's to select at least one service, wherein said services
comprise promotion ordering; (c) receiving means for receiving over
said network a message from at least one of said IR's to each
respective headquarters showing said at least one selected service
from said at least one store; and (d) server means for serving up
to said IR's said at least one selected service.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said plurality of services for
said IR's further comprises transaction services, communities
services, brand deployment services, education support services,
operations support services, and customer support services.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said transaction services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of transaction services
comprising automatic replenishment, order history, and pricing, for
said IR's to select at least one transaction service; (b) receiving
over said network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected transaction service
from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said IR's said
at least one selected transaction service.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein said communities services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of communities services
comprising newsgroups, chat rooms, clubs, and message boards, for
said IR's to select at least one communities service; (b) receiving
over said network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected communities service
from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said IR's said
at least one selected communities service.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein said brand deployment services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of brand deployment services
comprising supplying database access to corporate guidelines and
procedures, for said IR's to select at least one brand deployment
service; (b) receiving over said network a message from at least
one of said IR's to said headquarters showing said at least one
selected brand deployment service from said at least one store; and
(c) serving up to said IR's said at least one selected brand
deployment service.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein said education support services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of education support services
comprising supplying training materials, for said IR's to select at
least one education support service; (b) receiving over said
network a message from at least one of said IR's to said
headquarters showing said at least one selected education support
service from said at least one store; and (c) serving up to said
IR's said at least one selected education support service.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein said operations support
services comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of operations
support services comprising uniform ordering services, for said
IR's to select at least one operations support service; (b)
receiving over said network a message from at least one of said
IR's to said headquarters showing said at least one selected
operations support service from said at least one store; and (c)
serving up to said IR's said at least one selected operations
support service.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein said customer support services
comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of customer support services
comprising help desk services, transaction history services,
trouble-shooting services, and system training services, for said
IR's to select at least one customer support service; (b) receiving
a message showing said at least one selected customer support
service from said IR's; and (c) serving up to said IR's said at
least one selected customer support service.
26. The system of claim 18, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
27. A system of managing brand promotion deployment for a plurality
of chains of IR's, said system comprising: (a) volume discount
promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and each
headquarters for a chain of IR's; (b) communication means for
communicating said volume discounts agreements over a network from
each of said headquarters to a plurality of IR's, wherein said IR's
may make purchases under said volume discounts agreements; (c)
selection means for selecting and ordering merchandise by at least
one of said IR's pursuant to at least one of said volume discounts
agreements; and (d) communication means for communicating over said
network said selected purchases of said IR's to the corresponding
merchandise supplier, for fulfillment of said purchase.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein said network comprises a
client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a
wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures
thereof.
29. A system for a plurality of retail chain store to manage brand
promotions defined by the store's headquarters, comprising: (a) a
server system of a plurality of headquarters' of a plurality of
retail chain stores configured for serving up information
identifying an item in a brand promotion; (b) a client system of
each of said retail chain store's configured: (1) for receiving,
parsing, and rendering said information identifying an item in a
brand promotion from said server system of the headquarters'; and
(2) for selecting at least one of said items and sending a request
to order said items to a server system of a supplier of the item;
(c) a server system of a plurality of suppliers configured: (1) for
receiving the request; (2) for generating an order to purchase the
requested item; and (3) for fulfilling the generated order to
complete purchase of the item.
Description
I. COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION
[0001] This patent document contains material which is subject to
copyright protection.
[0002] (C) Copyright 1999-2000 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. All rights
reserved.
[0003] With respect to this material which is subject to copyright
protection. The owner, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records
of any country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.
II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to system and method for an
independent retailer business-to-business market exchange.
III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The emerging e-commerce technologies, the utility of the
internet, and the need to have a business model that is able to use
these two catalysts to serve the needs of the independent retailer
is combined with the identification, development, and enablement of
products and services required for efficient operation throughout
the supply chain of this industry.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the invention includes a business model and
intellectual property around the development of that model. The
method comprises business model development and hardware and
software integration with a wide variety of existing individual and
legacy ERP systems.
[0007] The method was discovered in part by identificating key
behavioral components of the independent retailing sector, its
supply chain, and various participants. The invention includes the
subsequent development of processes, hardware and software to
address the current and future gaps in that industry. The method
can be implemented in various embodiments by matching those key
components with emerging technology products for implementation and
integration. The evolution of the described business model or
"Relationship Trade Exchange" is unique. The five elements of the
business model as described, their relationship, combination and
many ways in which they can be utilized in whole, part, or various
combinations by participants of the "RTE" is the competitive
advantage of this business model.
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention is a method of facilitating
operations of a plurality of Independent Retailers ("IR's"), said
method comprising: communicating over a network from a service
bureau or a plurality of headquarters of a chain of retail stores
to their respective IR's; displaying to said IR's a plurality of
services for said IR's, for said IR's to select at least one
service, wherein said services comprise procurement; receiving over
said network a message from at least one of said IR's to its
respective headquarters or a service bureau showing said at least
one selected service from said at least one store; and serving up
to said IR's said at least one selected service.
[0009] The invention also includes a system configure to implement
the above-described method. In one embodiment the invention
includes a system for managing a plurality of chains of IR's, said
system comprising: communication means for communicating over a
network from a plurality of headquarters of a chain of IR's to a
plurality of said IR's; displaying means for displaying to said
IR's a plurality of services for said IR's, and configured to allow
said IR's to select at least one service, wherein said services
comprise promotion ordering; receiving means for receiving over
said network a message from at least one of said IR's to each
respective headquarters showing said at least one selected service
from said at least one store; and server means for serving up to
said IR's said at least one selected service.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be made more apparent through a consideration of the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the
invention. In the course of this description, frequent reference
will be made to the attached drawings.
V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the key
components of one embodiment of the invention and their
interrelationships.
[0012] FIG. 2 has call outs describing each element of the
invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic system diagram of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic block system level 0 flow chart
diagram of one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a schematic block process flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Brand Deployment aspect of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a schematic block process flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Promotions System aspect of the Brand
Deployment aspect of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Marketplace aspect of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Customer Service aspect of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Business Operating Systems aspect of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 9A is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Communities aspect of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 9B is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Existing Communities System of the
Communities aspect of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 9C illustrates the display of a web page, typically a
home page, showing typical components for creating the
Community.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a block system diagram showing one preferred
embodiment of specific applications and their
interrelationships.
VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] A. Overview of Invention and Its Utility and Benefits and
Advantages
[0025] The invention is the first Internet trade exchange designed
as a full-service marketplace for all convenience store and small
business retailers and their suppliers. The "independent retail
sector" as used in this specification and appended claims means
retailers that are: (a) franchised and/or independently owned
and/or independently operated (collectively "IRs"), and (b)
suppliers of good and/or services to IRs and such suppliers'
company owned and/or operated stores (collectively "IR Sector").
Examples of IRs include, but are not limited to: 7-11.TM. brand
retailers, Integrated gasoline and convenience retailers, Dry
Cleaners, and Theatre Owners.
[0026] The invention incorporates a proprietary Internet-based
retail business model and the world-class fulfillment and
distribution network, e.g., of McLane Company.
[0027] The invention, an independent, open marketplace, will offer
a variety of e-commerce services to all other trading partners in
the IR Sector (and optionally other sectors). The founders would
each hold equity interest in the system of the invention
(optionally implemented initially by a company named, e.g.,
"RetailersMarketXchange.com"). Optionally, retailers and suppliers
who commit capital and participation will also be equity
participants in the joint venture, which at inception would be the
world's largest web-based business-to-business marketplace for the
IR Sector.
[0028] The new marketplace intends to be the catalyst for
revolutionizing the supply chain to the highly fragmented
convenience store ("C-store") and other segments of the small
business sector and IR Sector. For suppliers, the marketplace has
the potential to dramatically reduce costs in this $200
billion-a-year industry, to improve the marketing reach and
effectiveness, and the efficiency of delivering products and
services. For IRs, it creates access to the suppliers, programs and
scale of a networked economy to dramatically improve their
operations.
[0029] In one preferred embodiment implementation of the invention,
a new web-based marketplace will optionally initially focus on
convenience store retailers, providing them with the means to
achieve significant cost savings and revenue generation. The
service may be personalized from the retailer's point of view,
combining the dynamic marketplace of a trade exchange with
specialized software and services that deliver the brands, business
systems, customer services and community networking that
convenience store and small retailers need to run their business.
The portal will include:
[0030] A marketplace providing an unparalleled commerce community
between supplier companies, retailer chains and individual
retailers.
[0031] The infrastructure for deployment of retail and product
brand information and programs.
[0032] Customer services to enable the transformation to a new,
more efficient business.
[0033] Business operating systems that enable the full use of
RetailersMarketXchange.com and integrate the retailer's onsite
operations with those of the suppliers.
[0034] A dynamic, interactive online community network where
retailers and suppliers can collaborate and share information.
[0035] RetailersMarketXchange.com is optionally based on a
conventional eCommerce catalog and order processing system, e.g.,
on the Oracle e-business platform and the Oracle Exchange software
suite, which enables Internet supply chain networks to dramatically
increase purchasing and operating efficiencies. With, e.g., the
Oracle CRM suite, the exchange will be well suited to the unique
needs of the convenience and small business retailer, based on the
experiences gained from the Chevron Retailer Alliance business
model. Optimization of supply-chain fulfillment and distribution
will optionally be leveraged off utilizing technology and systems
existing in the IR Sector as presently practiced by distributors in
the IR Sector, e.g., the McLane Company.
[0036] The Internet-based system will significantly reduce
operating costs, transform business processes, and establish a
platform for growth for independent retailers. The marketplace of
the invention will greatly enhance supply chain efficiencies
between retailers and suppliers and with all of their
manufacturers, distributors and retailing partners. Existing
electronic point of sale technology may optionally be employed for
inventory and ordering management, e.g., as available from
Professional Datasolutions Inc.
[0037] This marketplace of the invention will provide advantages to
the retail supply chain to the convenience and small business
retailing sector around the power of the Internet. This would be a
win for all parts of the independent retailers' channels.
[0038] Benefits for the retailer of the system and method of the
invention include making it easy for the independent retailer to do
business. The diverse offerings of Business Operating Systems
components of the invention (ASP offerings of scanning, accounting,
labor scheduling, inventory control, network management, etc.), the
ITE component of the invention allows purchase of commodity goods,
and the Brand Deployment component of the invention allows
deployment of respective brand requirements, all supported by
personalized Customer Services in the Customer Service component of
the invention, make the system of the invention the place where
Independent Retailers will want to do all their business.
[0039] The system of the invention creates new value for the
retailer. It allows for an increase in store margin due to
increased sales and efficiencies, increased access to programs and
promotions, decreased cost of goods sold, and decreased site and
network operating expense.
[0040] The system of the invention creates community for the
Retailers. It allows Retailers to be part of a community where they
can share ideas and hook up with a diversity of groups they may
find of interest.
[0041] Benefits for the Suppliers include: New Customers via
increased marketing reach and productivity; Increased Sales via
targeted sales and promotional capabilities; Reduced Costs via
optimized manufacturing and distribution, more efficient order
placement and inventory management, and reduced catalog maintenance
costs; Powerful New Data for aiding Supply Chain optimization and
for Market and Customer research and Strategy Development.
[0042] B. Main Components
[0043] The major components/modules/functionality/services of the
system and method of the invention are briefly described below.
[0044] The Brand Deployment aspect of the invention will provide
the efficient deployment of unique and proprietary brand elements
to the field organization and Retail and Product brands. This
sub-system permits a parent, or headquarters, or franchiser to
deploy multiple special promotions through its IR or franchisees.
(1) That is, the parent enters into special favorable short-term
purchasing agreements with a manufacturer or distributor to
purchase its products through the IR's. The IR's learn about the
promotions through the Brand Deployment sub-system of the
invention. The IR's may select which promotions they sign up for
and place an order for the desired quantities directly from the
distributor or manufacturer. (2) Additionally, specific business
transactions such as invoicing and price notifications unique to
that brand can be deployed directly to franchisees through this
component. (3) Other brand specific information such as image
guidelines, corporate standards, company communication, etc., can
also be securely deployed to employees and franchisees of that
brand through the brand deployment sub-system. Brands using this
component may be a retail chain, a franchiser, a distributor or
manufacturer. Shipment tracking and payment processing are optional
features of the Brand Deployment sub-system.
[0045] The Independent Trade Exchange aspect of the invention will
provide the open marketplace where buyers and suppliers come to
transact commodity and auction based items. Optionally, leveraged
or aggregated buying power is a function of the system and method
of the invention, i.e., IRs group purchases together to obtain
volume discounts from suppliers. The goods and services of all
distributors, manufacturers, and all other goods and service
providers on the RetailersMarketXchange will be placed in a
eCatalog/database. The eCatalog will be searchable and accessible
to the IR's, within optional access rights limits for each user.
During the log-in process, the IR's preferred suppliers will be
identified and optionally a dynamically created report will be
displayed showing those preferred suppliers and any special pricing
agreements between the IR and supplier. Optionally, all or some
alternative transaction types are supported, e.g., auction,
reverse-auction, request-for-proposal, request-for-bid, aggregated
buying, and dutch auction. Order processing, shipment tracking and
payment processing are optional supported features of the
Independent Trade Exchange sub-system of the invention. An optional
automated replenishment system permits automated reordering without
human intervention. This is based on user established business
rules, e.g., minimum inventory levels and standard reorder
quantities.
[0046] The Business Operating Systems aspect of the invention will
provide the hardware and software that allows automation,
efficiency, and dynamic response to enable the business environment
of Independent Retailers at the store level. This will include an
Application Service Provider service whereby IR's may "rent" a
business application on a subscription or per use basis and thereby
have benefit of top of the line, up to date business applications
without the full cost of a internal license, maintenance,
installation, and updating. Downloading applications and entering
into the appropriate license is another option.
[0047] The Customer Services aspect of the invention will provide
the human touch that enables the transformation of the Independent
Retailer and is the problem solver, business consultant, and
partner in an increasingly automated, e-driven environment. All
users of the RetailersMarketXchange will have access to the
Customer Services sub-system either on-line, by way of telephone,
or both. On-site customer service is optionally provided. The
services provided by the Customer Services sub-system optionally
include user training, troubleshooting, help desk functions, and
account history records. Optionally, the frame on each screen will
include a Customer Service button whereby the user may at any time
select the button to launch an email window for sending inquiries
to Customer Service.
[0048] For the suppliers, Customer Service optionally includes a
targeted advertising campaign service for suppliers' goods,
services and/or promotions.
[0049] The Communities aspect of the invention will provide the
fun, dynamic, interactive participant driven element that
facilitates ideas, discussion and partnership with other members of
the exchange. The Communities sub-system will include
topic-specific newsgroups, member-clubs, bulletin boards, and other
on-line community features. This component will be very flexible,
e.g., users can participate in an existing user group or create a
new one. The groups may use secure on non-secure communications.
All participants in the RetailersMarketXchange may access the
communities component. It may be used for collaborative planning,
design and development of promotions, products, and/or services.
The Communities sub-system is optionally utilized for consumer
research and feedback to the manufacturers.
[0050] C. Detailed Description of the Figures
[0051] A detailed description of each process/means block follows.
Each block, separately or in combination, is alternatively computer
implemented, computer assisted, and/or human implemented. Computer
implementation optionally includes one or more conventional general
purpose computers having a processor, memory, storage, input
devices, output devices and/or conventional networking devices,
protocols, and/or conventional client-server hardware and software.
Where any block or combination of blocks is computer implemented,
it is done optionally by conventional means, whereby one skilled in
the art of computer implementation could utilize conventional
algorithms, components, and devices to implement the requirements
and design of the invention provided herein.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the key
components of one embodiment of the invention and their
interrelationships. The interconnectivity of each component is
represented by the overlapping circles 101. The functionality of
this interconnectivity is further discussed below in the
description of FIG. 4. The figure depicts aspects of the invention
of a relationship based portal that revolutionizes the Independent
Retailing Sector. It combines the strengths of an Independent Trade
Exchange module 110 with Brand Deployment module 130, Business
Operating Systems module 125, Customer Services module 115, and
Community module 115.
[0053] FIG. 2 has call outs referencing implementation means
135-155 for each module of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.
Community module 115 includes the fun, dynamic, interactive
participant driven element that facilitates ideas, discussion and
partnership with other members of the exchange. Customer Services
module 115 includes the human touch that enables the transformation
of the Independent Retailer and is the problem solver, business
consultant, and partner in an increasingly automated, e-driven
environment. Independent Trade Exchange module 110 includes the
open marketplace where buyers and suppliers come to transact
commodity and auction based items. The leveraged buying power of
the RTE population is realized here. The efficient deployment of
unique and proprietary brand elements to the field organization and
Retail and Product brands. Business Operating Systems module 125
includes the hardware and software that allows automation,
efficiency, and dynamic response to enable the business environment
of Independent Retailers at the store level.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic system diagram of one embodiment of
the invention. The general network of the Internet will be used,
however, access will typically be limited, e.g., by password and
user i.d. or other conventional security methods. Such systems are
taught, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,597, issued Mar. 14, 2000,
entitled "Method And Apparatus For Providing And Accessing Data At
An Internet Site," assigned to Dell U.S.A., L.P., which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This is because
typically only authorized retail store and their suppliers should
have access to the system. The public will not have such access
typically.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic block system level 0 flow chart
diagram of one embodiment of the invention. After logging in at
block 205, the user selects a service in block 210. One or more of
the services may be selected. The diagram shows one embodiment
where each service is connected with all other services. Other
embodiments include each other possible variation on
interconnections between services, e.g., the Customer Service
System 235 is accessible from any other service, but the
Communities System 225 is only accessible from the select service
block 210. The interconnectivity adds value to the user in ease of
transfer to a needed service at the right time.
[0056] The available services includes Brand Deployment System 215,
IR Marketplace System 220, Communities (also referenced as
"Messages") System 225, Business Operating Systems System 230, and
Customer Service System 235.
[0057] Brand deployment system 215 includes promotions deployment
and other brand deployment, e.g., headquarters branded credit card
programs, customer satisfaction services, e.g., anonymous
inspections, loan programs, and facility improvement programs.
Promotions typically include limited time period special sales of
merchandise, e.g., 2 for 1. Special advertising materials for
placement around the retail store are typically included.
Transactions records are typically maintained for promotions
ordered and other orders, order status and history. Communities
include topic-specific newsgroups, clubs, and bulletin boards.
[0058] Customer service includes telephonic and online assistance
with any retail store matter and especially use of the system of
the invention. Operations support includes, e.g., uniform supplies,
dumpster service, and facility cleaning services. Education support
is optionally available in one embodiment which includes online
courses and catalogs for ordering written or video materials on
matters important to the retail store's success, e.g., hiring and
retention, training, cleaning, and retailing know-how. The various
above-described subsystems of the inventions and examples of each
subsystem are only exemplary and are not meant to be limiting. In
some embodiments some or all of the subsystems might be renamed,
combined, or further divided, yet still be within the
invention.
[0059] Communication occurs over network including a client-server
environment including the Internet, an extranet, a wide area
network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.
Typically, an extranet will be utilized. That is, the general
network of the Internet will typically be used, however, access
will be limited, e.g., by password and user i.d. or other
conventional security methods. Such systems are taught, e.g., in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,597, issued Mar. 14, 2000, entitled "Method And
Apparatus For Providing And Accessing Data At An Internet Site,"
assigned to Dell U.S.A., L.P., which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. This is because typically only
authorized stores in the retail store's chain and their suppliers
should have access to the system. The public will not have such
access typically.
[0060] FIG. 5A is a schematic block process flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Brand Deployment aspect of the invention.
[0061] FIG. 5B is a schematic block process flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the promotions aspect of the Brand Deployment
aspect of the invention. An IR retail store. Promotions are
displayed in block 510. The user optionally selects at least one
promotion in block 515, and orders the promotion in block 520.
Order fulfillment occurs in block 525. Conventional shopping cart
or other known eCommerce ordering systems may be use as taught,
e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,960,411 entitled "Method And System For
Placing A Purchase Order Via A Communications Network" and
6,029,142 entitled "Electronic Catalog System And Method," and in
Baron, Chris and Bob Weil, "Implementing a Web Shopping Cart," Dr.
Dobb's Journal, Sep. 1996, pp. 64, 66, 68-69, and 83-85, which are
each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The
supplier receives the order and fulfills the order in block
Embodiments include where the order message is transmitted directly
from the retail store to the supplier or, alternatively, where the
order is transmitted to the headquarters, who then passes it on
directly to the supplier or optionally first combines it with like
orders from other retail stores prior to passing it on to the
supplier.
[0062] Conventional secure transaction systems are optionally
utilized as taught, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,876, issued Sep.
7, 1999, entitled "Systems And Methods For Secure Transaction
Management And Electronic Rights Protection," assigned to
lnterTrust Technologies Corporation, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Marketplace aspect of the invention. An eCatalog
is searched in step 610, optionally using conventional eCatalog
technology, e.g., as available from Requisite Technologies Inc.
Conventional shopping cart or other known eCommerce ordering
systems may be use as taught in the Brand Deployment System
description above.
[0064] Transaction records and history are optionally stored and
accessible to each customer for specific business transaction
records such as invoicing, shipment, payment history and price
notifications. The transaction history optionally can also track
transactions that were not entered into over the system, e.g.,
conventional purchasing methods, i.e., standing orders.
[0065] Shipment tracking and payment processing are optional
features of the Transaction sub-system. Shipment tracking processes
may optionally be implemented with known systems, e.g., as taught
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,408, issued Sep. 28, 1999, entitled "On-Time
Delivery, Tracking And Reporting," which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Customer Service aspect of the invention. The
user displays and selects contact methods in block 705. Then for
each contact method, online contact in block 710 or telephone
contact in block 730, the user sends/states an inquiry, blocks 715
and 735, the inquiry is handled by the customer service center,
blocks 720 and 740, and the user receives a response to the
inquiry, blocks 725 and 745.
[0067] This subsystem, in one embodiment allows the user to enter
real-time communications between any of the stores and a customer
service representative of said headquarters, and wherein said steps
for communication can be entered into during any step of said brand
promotion deployment method.
[0068] The Customer Services aspect/subsystem of the invention will
provide the human touch that enables the transformation of the
Independent Retailer and is the problem solver, business
consultant, and partner in an increasingly automated, e-driven
environment. All users of the system will have access to the
Customer Services subsystem either on-line, by way of telephone, or
both. On-site customer service is optionally provided.
[0069] The services provided by the Customer Services subsystem
optionally include user training, troubleshooting, help desk
functions, and account history records. Preferably, the subsystem
includes functions for tracking customer interactions whereby the
customer service representative can quickly pull up the interaction
record, e.g., as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,014,647 entitled
"Customer interaction tracking" and 6,032,184 entitled "Integrated
Interface For Web Based Customer Care And Trouble Management",
which references are incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0070] Optionally, the frame on each screen will include a Customer
Service button, or other selection means, whereby the user may at
any time select the button to launch an email window for sending
inquiries to Customer Service. For the suppliers, Customer Service
optionally includes a targeted advertising campaign service for
suppliers' goods, services and/or promotions. The Customer Services
subsystem, and optionally one or more of each other subsystem in
one embodiment includes feedback functions, whereby retail store
employees may provide feedback to headquarters about any aspect of
the system, e.g., success of or problems with a promotion,
suggested improvements, or implementation or operating
difficulties.
[0071] FIG. 8 is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Business Operating Systems aspect of the
invention. Hosted business applications are displayed in step 805.
Conventional and proprietary application service provider ("ASP")
technology is available from a variety of companies, e.g., Quest
Cyber.Solutions Inc.
[0072] FIG. 9A is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of
one embodiment of the Communities/Messages aspect of the invention.
FIG. 9B is a schematic block system flow chart diagram of one
embodiment of the Existing Communities System of the
Communities/Messages aspect of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9A,
a user at a retail store enters Select Community System block 550.
There the user selects one or more subsystems from the options
which in one embodiment include Existing Communities System 555 and
Create New Communities System 560. FIG. 5B depicts steps in one
embodiment of the Existing Communities System. The user displays
community types in block 505, enters a community in block 510,
optionally interacts in the community in block 515, and then
closes/exits the community in block 520.
[0073] FIG. 9C illustrates the display of a web page, typically a
home page, showing typical components for creating the Community.
In one embodiment, each customer wishing to utilize the brand
deployment system may have a customized communities page for
viewing by their stores. The components of the page are, in one
embodiment, a News and Information section 570, a What's New
section 565, and a Features section 580. Menu bar 575 in one
embodiment is displayed on many if not all web pages. One skilled
in the art would appreciate that these various sections can be
omitted or rearranged or adapted in various ways. News and
Information section 570, and optionally other sections, in one
embodiment has drill down features, e.g., buttons which when
clicked upon opens another panel displaying past news and
information features and/or each current news and information
feature has an associated hyperlink to a page which elaborates on
that current news feature.
[0074] The Communities aspect/subsystem (also referenced as
Messages system or subsystem) of the invention will provide the
fun, dynamic, interactive participant driven element that
facilitates ideas, discussion and partnership with other members of
the community, i.e., headquarters, retail chain stores and
optionally their suppliers, distributors, and suppliers. The
Communities subsystem will include topic-specific newsgroups,
member-clubs, bulletin boards, and other on-line community
features. This component will be very flexible, e.g., users can
participate in an existing user group or create a new one. The
groups may use secure on non-secure communications. All
participants in the system may access the communities component. It
may be used for collaborative planning, design and development of
promotions, products, and/or services. The Communities sub-system
is optionally utilized for consumer research and feedback to a
particular IR chain's headquarters and/or the
manufacturers/distributors.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a block system diagram showing one preferred
embodiment of specific applications/implementations and their
interrelationship. The products and brand components shown in FIG.
10 are for illustrative purposes only. Other brands and
architectural embodiments may be used in implementing the method
and system of the inventions as will be understood by those skilled
in the art.
[0076] The web site for the system includes conventional web site
development considerations known to experienced web site
developers. Such considerations include content, content clearing,
presentation of content, architecture, database linking, external
web site linking, number of pages, overall size and storage
requirements, maintainability, access speed, use of graphics,
choice of metatags to facilitate hits, privacy considerations, and
disclaimers.
[0077] Optionally, a test environment is used prior to deployment
of the production system. In the test environment, the web site is
loaded into an isolated test environment for debugging and for
other test purposes. A piloting step is also optionally utilized
(it may also be called an alpha and/or beta testing step/means. In
the pilot step, the system is internally test marketed.
[0078] The piloting step/means optionally includes formally or
informally gathering feedback from the internal users of the web
site for use in improving and debugging the site and for use in
planning the marketing step. The tenant-leasing step/means includes
identifying potential tenants, e.g., petroleum industry vendors or
customers, and contacting them to lease space on the web site,
i.e., to offer for sale their goods and services and/or agree to
procure goods or services through the web site. Signing such
outside companies may also be necessary to complete testing in the
test environment and in pilot testing.
* * * * *