U.S. patent application number 09/833065 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-25 for method and system for interfacing clients with relationship management (rm) accounts and for permissioning marketing.
Invention is credited to De L'Etraz, Paris, Mathias, Peter.
Application Number | 20020049626 09/833065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22729346 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020049626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mathias, Peter ; et
al. |
April 25, 2002 |
Method and system for interfacing clients with relationship
management (RM) accounts and for permissioning marketing
Abstract
A system and method for interfacing a client with a client
relationship management (RM) account database. The client RM
account database includes an entry for the client, and the entry
for the client includes a fields of data. The RM provides an
environment for product and relationship management to jointly
conduct client analysis, planning and delivery in a coordinated and
measurable fashion. The RM includes user terminals for use by
relationship managers and product managers. A network
communicatively couples the user terminals, which is in turn
coupled to a server.
Inventors: |
Mathias, Peter; (Scarsdale,
NY) ; De L'Etraz, Paris; (Madrid, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
2000 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, NW
SUITE 5500
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1888
US
|
Family ID: |
22729346 |
Appl. No.: |
09/833065 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60197418 |
Apr 14, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/304 ;
705/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/016 20130101;
G06Q 30/0269 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 10/0633 20130101;
G06Q 50/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/10 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for interfacing a client with a client relationship
management (RM) account database, wherein the client RM account
database includes an entry for the client, wherein the entry for
the client includes a plurality of fields of data, the method
comprising the steps of: (1) maintaining a client account entry in
a RM database, the client account entry including a plurality of
data fields; (2) receiving a request from the client to view the
client account entry; (3) allowing the client to view a sub-set of
the data fields.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
(4) increasing a level of permission marketing associated with the
client.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) providing the client with one or more of the
following: a description of product offerings; research
information; and contact information.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) providing the client with information specifically
relevant to the client.
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) providing the client with one or more of the
following: research information specifically relevant to the
client; and summary transaction information related specifically to
the client.
6. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) receiving feedback from the client.
7. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) receiving feedback from the client related to a line
of business.
8. The method according to claim 2, wherein step (4) comprises the
step of: (a) maintaining an interactive relationship with the
client.
9. A method for interfacing a client with multiple client
relationship management (RM) account databases, wherein each client
RM account database includes a client entry, wherein each client
entry includes a plurality of fields of data, the method comprising
the steps of: (1) coupling a client to a first RM account database;
(2) coupling the client to a second RM account database while the
client is connected to the first RM account database; (2) providing
the client with a display of a sub-set of fields of a client
account entry in the first RM account database and of a client
account entry in the second RM account database.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step
of: (4) increasing a level of permission marketing associated with
the client.
11. A method for increasing a level of permission marketing
associated with the client, comprising the steps of.
12. A system for increasing a level of permission marketing
associated with the client, comprising: a research module; a
knowledge base module; a coverage module; a project module; a deal
module; a WIP module; an activity module; a bank review module; and
a communication module.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates generally to client relationship
management (RM) accounts and, more particularly, to interfacing
clients with RM accounts and for permissioning marketing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Table of Contents
[0002] I. Client Relationship Management
[0003] A. Introduction
[0004] (a) Client Service Teams
[0005] (b) Overview of the Client Relationship Management
Invention
[0006] B. System Architecture
[0007] 1. User Terminals
[0008] 2. Network
[0009] 3. Server
[0010] (a) Data Interchange
[0011] (b) Data Repository
[0012] (c) Report Generator
[0013] (d) Security Module
[0014] 4. Data Collection
[0015] (a) Wallet Data
[0016] (b) Account Plan
[0017] (c) Client Related Activity Data
[0018] 5. Rolling Up Data
[0019] 6. Performance Measurement
[0020] 7. Client Service Team Display
[0021] C. Method for Aligning Clients, Products, and
Geographies
[0022] II. Interfacing Clients with Relationship Management
Accounts
[0023] A. Client Manager Portals
[0024] B. Client Portals
[0025] III. Increasing Levels of Permissioning
[0026] A. Example Permissioning System
[0027] 1. Integrated Permissioning System and Client Manager
Portal
[0028] 2. Integrated Permissioning System and Client Portal
[0029] IV. Conclusions
[0030] I. Client Relationship Management
[0031] The present invention can be practiced with any type of
client management method and/or system, including, without
limitation, client relationship management (RM) methods and/or
systems. In an embodiment, the present invention is implemented in
conjunction with a wallet-based client relationship management
method and/or system, such as that previously described in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/282,178, filed Mar.
31, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Portions of the '178 application are repeated below.
A. Introduction
[0032] Briefly stated, the previously described client relationship
management (CRM) invention provides an environment for product and
relationship management to jointly conduct client analysis,
planning and delivery in a coordinated and measurable fashion. The
CRM invention includes user terminals for use by relationship
managers and product managers, where each of the user terminals
includes means for entering and displaying wallet data, means for
entering, displaying, and signing-up to account objectives, and
means for entering and displaying client activity data. A network
communicatively couples the user terminals, which is in turn
coupled to a server. The server includes a data repository for
storing the wallet data, account objectives, and client activity
data, and a data interchange for translating and transferring data
between the data repository and the network.
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a enterprise management environment 100
within which the CRM invention is used. A relationship manager 104
and a product manager 106, both of whom interact with one or more
clients 108, utilize a client relationship management (CRM) system
102. CRM system 102 provides for the integration and alignment of
clients, products and geographies. CRM system 102 achieves these
results by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating, in a bottom-up
and top-down-fashion, wallet data, account objectives, and client
related activities related to geographically dispersed clients.
(a) Client Service Teams
[0034] Though FIG. 1 depicts a single relationship manager 104 and
product manager 106, in most instances CRM system 102 is used by
many relationship managers 104 and product managers 106 working for
a single entity (e.g., corporation, partnership, and various
limited liability business forms), or multiple entities that share
some business relationship. The term enterprise will be used herein
to refer to the entity, or multiple entities in a business
relationship, that relationship managers 104 and product managers
106 represent when dealing with clients 108. Client 108 represents
the collective clientele of relationship managers 104 and product
managers 106.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts one example of how relationship managers 104
and product managers 106 can be organized around clients 108. FIG.
2 depicts two geographic locales, a locale 202A and a locale 202B.
Two clients are located within locale 202A, a client 108A and a
client 108B1. A client 108B2 is located in locale 202B. In this
example, client 108B1 and client 108B2 are subsidiaries of the same
parent entity. The term subsidiary is used broadly herein to
include entities that are affiliated in any way, including, but not
limited to, a parent/subsidiary corporate relationship, a business
affiliation through contract, and other strategic partnerships
between separate entities.
[0036] Relationship managers 104 are typically associated with a
single client with the responsibility of managing the relationship
with that client. Local relationship managers 104 attend to the
needs of the client at a particular locale 202. Global relationship
managers 104 attend to the entity-wide needs of a client that is
dispersed geographically within a single country, or across
international borders.
[0037] Product managers 106 are typically associated with the sales
and/or support of a single product, or a family of related
products, to multiple clients 108. Product managers 106 are
specialists with respect to the products over which they have
responsibility, and are often brought in by relationship managers
104 to service a client for which the relationship manager is
responsible. Local product managers 106 service clients 108 within
a particular locale 202. Global product managers 106 manage the
sales and/or support of their products to clients that are
dispersed geographically within a single country, or across
international borders.
[0038] Associated with each client is a client service team 204,
which includes relationship managers 104, product managers 106, and
management 206. As depicted in FIG. 2, client service team 204A is
associated with client 108A, and includes local relationship
manager 104A, local product manager 106A, global product manager
106B, and management 206. Local relationship manager 104A attends
to the needs of client 108A within locale 202A. Local product
manager 106A services both clients 108A and 108B1 within locale
202A for their needs with respect to the product or products for
which local product manager 106A has responsibility. Global product
manager 106B manages local product managers 106A and 106C.
[0039] Management 206, depicted in the center of FIG. 2, is part of
every client service team 204 and represents all levels of
management within an enterprise. Management 206 can include branch
managers, country managers, heads of relationship management or
product management, and senior management at the enterprise
headquarters. Though not depicted in FIG. 1, management 206 also
preferably has access to user terminals 110.
[0040] Client service team 204B is associated with client 108B1,
and includes local relationship manager 104B, local product manager
106A, global relationship manager 104C, global product manager
106B, and management 206. Local relationship manager 104B, local
product manager 106A, and global product manager 106B all have
responsibilities to client 108B1 as described above with respect to
client service team 204A. Here, however, global relationship
manager 104C is included within service team 204B, and is
responsible for managing the entity-wide relationship with
geographically dispersed client 108B (with two subsidiaries shown
in FIG. 2 as 108B1 and 108B2). Similarly, client service team 204C
is associated with the second subsidiary of client 108B (108B2),
and includes local relationship manager 104D, local product manager
106C, global relationship manager 104C, global product manager
106B, and management 206.
[0041] Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that FIG. 2
depicts one simple example of how client service teams 204 might be
organized. In practice, clients can have offices in many locations
with a particular country, and many more offices in countries
throughout the world. Locale 202A can therefore represent, for
example, a particular neighborhood, city, state, country, or group
of countries, depending upon a particular client's business model
and to what extent they require interaction from relationship
managers 104 and product managers 106. A typical multinational
corporation can have offices in thousands of locales 202A across
hundreds of countries. Also, complex enterprises typically will
have more than two layers of managers (local and global), and will
have a cadre of senior management overseeing the entire operation,
as represented by management 206.
[0042] Furthermore, each relationship manager 104 and product
manager 106 depicted in FIG. 2 can represent one or more persons
performing the described job. For example, local relationship
manager 104A can represent a single individual, or a team of
multiple individuals, all responsible for attending to the needs of
client 108A within locale 202A. Similarly, product manager 106A can
represent an individual, or a team of multiple individuals, all
responsible for servicing clients 108A and 108B1 within locale 202A
for their needs with respect to the product or products for which
local product manager 106A has responsibility. As described above,
management 206 represents not only multiple individuals, but often
multiple levels of responsibility.
(b) Overview of the Client Relationship Management Invention
[0043] Returning now to FIG. 1, CRM system 102 includes user
terminals 110 interconnected by a network 112 coupled to a server
114. Relationship managers 104 and product managers 106 interact
with CRM system 102 via user terminals 110. In a preferred
embodiment, each relationship manager 104 and product manager 106
has access to a user terminal and is trained in its use. Network
112 provides a communication path between user terminals 110 and
server 114. As discussed with respect to FIG. 2, oftentimes clients
108 are geographically dispersed over many countries. User
terminals 110 must therefore be widely dispersed as well,
increasing the cost and sophistication of network 112. Server 114
stores data collected within CRM system 102, performs various data
processing tasks, and disseminates data amongst user terminals
110.
[0044] Central to CRM system 102 is the collection, analysis, and
dissemination of data, in a bottom-up and top-down fashion,
including, but not limited to, wallet data, account objectives,
client-related activity. The term data, as used herein, refers to
discrete items of information that can be entered into a computer
in any form, including, but not limited to, textual, pictorial,
graphical, and numerical data. Example data includes, but is not
limited to, client related data, client service team data (i.e.,
data describing a particular client service team), deal data, call
report data, wallet data and account objectives. Of particular
interest within the context of the CRM invention is wallet data,
account objectives, and client-related activity. These data types
are described in detail below in the appropriate sections.
[0045] CRM system 102 provides for the collection of data for each
client 108, across the various locales 202 within which client 108
maintains a presence. Data can be collected from various sources,
including, but not limited to, data entered by relationship
managers 104 and product managers 106 via user terminals 110. In a
preferred embodiment, each relationship manager 104 and product
manager 106 has accesses to a user terminal for entering data. Data
can also be collected from legacy databases or third party
information providers, such as electronic news gatherers.
[0046] Server 114 stores and processes the collected data. The
processing functions of server 114 are many and varied, as will be
described in detail below. One primary function of server 114 is to
collect data entered by relationship managers 104 and product
managers 106 at user terminal 110. The collected data from all
levels of the client service team can then be processed to reflect
in a composite fashion various reports across, for example,
individual managers, entire client service teams, various locales,
or across entire clients 108 or specific products.
[0047] Data, in either raw or processed form, is disseminated to
user terminals 110 via network 112. As described in detail below, a
variety of reports are preferably available to relationship
managers 104 and product managers 106 via user terminals 110.
However, in a preferred embodiment, a security scheme is used to
ensure that access is limited to data based on user identity.
B. System Architecture
[0048] This section describes in detail the system architecture of
CRM system 102. As shown in FIG. 1, CRM system 102 includes user
terminals 110, network 112, and server 114. Briefly, user terminals
110 are personal computers with a graphical user interface (GUI)
that provide the front-end and day-to-day data capture tool. The
GUI includes a simple and user-friendly suite of screens that can
be readily comprehended by relationship and product managers.
Server 114 provides a relational back-end data warehouse, where
structured analysis and reporting can be carried out. Server 114
also provides a cross-referencing mechanism and a message-based
interfacing architecture that can be used to link into legacy
product or client databases, or into third party information
provider databases. Network 112 couples user terminals 110 to each
other and to server 114. The following sections address each of
these components in detail.
[0049] 1. User Terminals
[0050] User terminals 110 are implemented as a combination of
computer hardware and software. Personal computers are preferably
used as a hardware platform for user terminals 110. Alternatively,
user terminals 110 could be implemented with more sophisticated
platforms such as a workstation, or with less sophisticated
platforms such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a "dumb"
terminal capable of data entry and output, but little or no
processing. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the choice
of hardware in many instances will be driven by the choice of
software and the specific implementation of network 112.
[0051] The functions performed by user terminals 110 are described
in detail below in terms of data inputs and outputs. User terminals
110 interact with the user via a graphical user interface (GUI)
well known to those skilled in the art. The GUI presents the user
with a variety of data input and data output screens. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that many different GUIs could be
implemented to perform the described data inputs and outputs.
Furthermore, the software creating and controlling the GUI could be
resident on user terminals 110, or on server 114 and created and
controlled remotely via network 112.
[0052] The GUI is preferably implemented using LOTUS NOTES.TM.,
where the various data input and output screens appear as documents
within that software package. User terminals 110 are therefore
preferably implemented using personal computers with sufficient
memory and processing power to create and control the various data
input and output screens using LOTUS NOTES. Given the functional
descriptions below, it would be clear to one skilled in the art how
to implement the functionality using LOTUS NOTES. Skilled artisans
will recognize that many other equivalent software packages could
be used to implement the user terminal GUI.
[0053] Alternatively, the GUI can be implemented using browser
software well known to those skilled in the art. This GUI would be
appropriate where network 112 represents the Internet, as described
below. In this embodiment, the GUI can be made up of a series of
web pages for data input and output.
[0054] User terminals 110 need not be implemented using either
identical computer hardware or identical computer software.
However, in a preferred embodiment, the GUI at each user terminal
110 is implemented using common software (i.e., LOTUS NOTES).
Having a common software platform simplifies the design of server
114 and network 112, though it is not required. A common software
platform also allows for the easy integration of a variety of
hardware implementations of user terminal 110, which is often the
case with enterprise-wide computer networks. If user terminals 110
use different software platforms, an additional software interface
would be required to manage communications between network 112 and
user terminals 110. The design of such a software interface is well
within the level of ordinary skill in the relevant art. However,
where network 112 is the Internet, common software is not required,
so long as each user terminal 110 is loaded with appropriate
browser software.
[0055] 2. Network
[0056] Network 112 communicatively couples user terminals 110 to
each other, and to server 114. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that network design is well known within the art, and
that many different network configurations are possible.
Oftentimes, an existing network is already in place within an
enterprise, and CRM system 102 is integrated into the existing
architecture.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, LOTUS NOTES network software is
used within network 112, whose replication model ensures that data
is only distributed via Lotus Notes where it is needed. For global
clients, data is replicated globally, i.e., a copy of all data
related to a global client is physically resident at each user
terminal 110. For local clients, the data is replicated only where
the client has branch offices. This provides genuinely
enterprise-wide scalability because burdens on the overall system
are reduced.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, network 112 is implemented as
an intranet with dedicated client/server software to interface with
user terminals 110. In yet another alternative embodiment, network
112 is implemented using the Internet to couple user terminals 110.
Here, web browser technology can be used to provide a GUI and the
necessary data transfer facilities for user terminals 110, as
described above. Both of these alternative embodiments has an
advantage over the preferred embodiment in that data replication is
unnecessary. In these embodiments, server 114 provides content on
demand to user terminals 110, obviating the need for local copies
of the data.
[0059] 3. Server
[0060] FIG. 3 depicts server 114 in greater detail. Server 114
includes a data repository 302, a data interchange 304, a report
generator 306, and a security module 308. Data repository 302 is a
database containing data used within CRM system 102. Data
interchange 304 is responsible for transferring and translating
data from one part of CRM system 102 to another. Data interchange
304 converts data into a stream of messages, translates the
messages, and then unpacks the messages at the destination. Report
generator 306 manipulates the data within data repository 302, as
requested by user terminals 110, to create various reports.
Security module 308 determines who within CRM system 102 should
have access to which information.
[0061] Server 114 can be implemented as a variety of different
combinations of hardware and software to perform the functions
described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
selection of a particular hardware configuration will depend in
part on the size and nature of network 114 and user terminals 110.
Within the context of the CRM invention, any hardware configuration
for server 114 is permissible, so long as server 114 is capable of
performing the functions described herein. Those skilled in the art
will also recognize that server 114 can represent multiple physical
servers that replicate their data to one another. These multiple
server embodiments are particularly useful whenever server loading
becomes an issue.
[0062] FIG. 3 also depicts an external database 310 coupled to data
interchange 304. CRM system 102 collects not only from relationship
and product managers via user terminals 110, but also from external
databases such as legacy systems and third party information
providers.
[0063] Each of the primary functions performed by server 114
according to a preferred embodiment of the CRM invention is
described below in further detail. It will be clear to those
skilled in the art that many alternative software implementations
are possible that produce the described functionality.
(a) Data Interchange
[0064] Data interchange 304 is responsible for transferring and
translating data from one part of CRM system 102 to another. Data
interchange 304 converts data into a stream of messages, translates
the messages, and then unpacks the messages at the destination.
[0065] FIG. 4 depicts data interchange 304 in further detail. In
this preferred embodiment, data interchange 304 includes a data
stream handler 402, a cross-referencing subsystem 404, and a
network interface 406.
[0066] Data stream handler 402 transfers and translates information
between user terminals 110 and data repository 302. Data stream
handler 402 converts data into a stream of messages (which can be
partitioned onto a messaging bus), sends the messages via
cross-referencing subsystem 404 to be translated, and unpacks the
messages at the destination.
[0067] Cross-referencing subsystem 404 associates properties of
data with a common set of definitions. Cross-referencing subsystem
404 can, for example, cross-reference branches, products, services,
people, countries, and cities. Cross-referencing subsystem 402
allocates an identifier to every client of an enterprise, referred
to herein as a "global client identifier." In a preferred
embodiment, cross-referencing subsystem 404 maintains a mapping
between local identifiers used by external databases 310 and the
corresponding global client identifiers. Cross-referencing
subsystem 404 preferably defines a client at the level of legal
entity rather than what each particular external database 310 might
consider as a "client. "
[0068] Network interface 406 provides whatever interface is
necessary to communicate with network 112. For example, in a
preferred embodiment where network 112 is implemented as a LOTUS
NOTES network, network interface 406 includes an interfacing
component to detect changes and extract data from the LOTUS NOTES
front-end, and a relational system shadow for each data source that
is used as a data holding area before being transferred to data
repository 302 via data stream handler 402. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that several different software data pumps are
commonly available from various manufacturers. NOTES PUMP.TM. is
preferably used.
[0069] FIG. 3 also depicts external database 310 coupled to data
interchange 304. CRM system 102 collects data 502 in at least two
different ways. First, relationship managers 104 and product
managers 106 enter data via user terminals 110. CRM system 102 also
imports data from external databases 310. The data collected from
external database 310 passes through data interchange 304, which
translates and cross-references the data into a data object 502
suitable for storage within data repository 302.
[0070] External database 310 represents an electronic database that
contains data that is appropriate for inclusion in data repository
302. External database 310 can be, for example, legacy database
maintained by the enterprise that was attached to another
management system, a database maintained by a client, or a database
maintained by a third party information provider. Legacy systems
within large enterprise typically are mutually-incompatible,
locally-sited systems that are not configured to effectively
communicate with one another. Many types of data would be of
interest within CRM system 102, such as client revenue figures,
facility information, credit proposals, trade statistics, market
capitalization and turnover figures, and cash management
volumes.
(b) Data Repository
[0071] Data repository 302 represents a normalized, relational
database that integrates and organizes data collected from
throughout CRM system 102. FIG. 5 depicts data repository 302 in
greater detail. Data repository 302 can be implemented using any
commercial enterprise database software.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, data repository 302 stores multiple
types of data 502, including, but not limited to, personnel data
502A, client data 502B, deal data 502C, wallet data 502D, client
objective data 502E, and call report data 502F. As also shown in
FIG. 5, each of these types of data 502 can be entered or displayed
via user terminal 110 by relationship and product managers. Thus,
manual entry of data 502 at user terminals 110 is one primary
channel by which CRM system 102 receives data. Other data channels,
such as legacy databases and third party information provider
databases, are discussed below.
[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the design of data repository 302
is based on the well known Accountability model. Such designs are
generic and data driven, and can therefore be adapted to fit
different enterprises, or the same enterprise as it evolves through
time, without fundamental changes to the schema.
(c) Report Generator
[0074] Report generator 306 interacts with data repository 302 to
create a variety of reports based on the data stored within report
generator 306. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many
conventional approaches are available for extracting data from a
relational database and creating a report based on that data.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment, report generator 306 produces
different types of reports. For example, report generator 306 can
generate ad-hoc predefined reports that are provided to user
terminals 110 upon request. Report generator 306 can also generate
scheduled reports which are pre-defined and are delivered to
particular users on a regular automated basis. As a final example,
report generator 306 can generate custom reports under the
direction of a user via user terminal 110.
[0076] In an alternative embodiment, report generator 306 delivers
reports to users using email rather than (or within, where
applicable) the user terminal GUI. In still another alternative
embodiment, report generator 306 delivers reports to users using a
conventional fax machine. This alternative embodiment would be
appropriate where some client service team members do not have
access to a user terminal.
(d) Security Module
[0077] Security module 308 determines who within CRM system 102
should have access to which information. Security module 308
preferably implements three types of security: customized access
lists, role based security, firewalls. Customized access lists can
be created for each data object within CRM system 102 that specify
which individuals or groups can access the object, and what level
of access they are granted (e.g., read, modify, delete). For
example, the security requirements of a call report can depend upon
the contents of it, which varies on a case-by-case basis. In a
preferred embodiment, the author of the data object controls the
access list, as they are in the best position to determine who else
should be allowed to access it.
[0078] Role-based security provides access to data based on
position within an enterprise, but independent of the identity of
each individual. For example, access to a client's revenue data can
be role based: a local relationship manager 104 can see their local
clients; regional product managers 106 see their own products
within the appropriate region; and management sees clients and
products within their sphere of responsibility.
[0079] Firewalls refer to partitions that prevent certain
individuals from accessing certain data, primarily for ethical or
legal reasons. For example, in a banking environment, users from
the trading areas of the bank are prevented from seeing data
generated within the advisory and commercial areas.
[0080] Furthermore, some data can have a combination of one or more
of these types of security. For example, a deal will be open to the
appropriate client service team, plus certain managers and others,
depending upon their roles. This design allows for data owners to
determine access to data for every type of user, based on a
combination of their job, their level of seniority, the sensitivity
of the data, the clients they deal with, the products they work
with, and the locale in which they work. This design can account
for enterprise hierarchies. For example, some people have high
clearance for a complete global client, whereas others may have
high clearance only for a particular subsidiary. One person may
have responsibility for a region, another just for a particular
branch. One person may have high clearance throughout a particular
product area, another just a subset of that.
[0081] Security module 308 implements security at the database
level, ensuring that security is enforced independent of the
particular network 112 configuration. CRM system 102 preferable
includes other types of security, such as login or authentication
security (i.e., making sure the user really is who they say they
are). Authentication security can be implemented in a number of
ways known within the relevant art, and will vary based on the
particular user terminals 110 and network 112. Another example
would be transmission security, such as data encryption, which can
be implemented within CRM system 102 to ensure that intercepted
data transmissions cannot be utilized.
[0082] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the
functionality described above with respect to security module 308
may require software residing not only within server 114, but can
also require software residing within any other component of CRM
system 102 such as network 112 or user terminals 112. Software
module 308 is depicted within server 114 for purposes of
convenience only. For example, where the user interface terminal is
implemented using LOTUS NOTES, much of the data access security is
implemented within the LOTUS NOTES software.
[0083] 4. Data Collection
[0084] Relationship managers 104 and product managers 106 interacts
with CRM system 102 via user terminals 102, including entering and
displaying various types of data. Though not depicted as such in
FIG. 1, management also in many cases interacts with CRM system 102
via user terminals 102. Wallet data, account plans, and
client-related activity are three types of data that are collected,
analyzed, and displayed within CRM system 102. Each of these types
of data are described in detail in the following sections.
[0085] Data can be collected within CRM system 102 in at least two
ways. First, data can be entered by relationship managers 104 and
product managers 106 using user terminals 110. A GUI is preferably
used as the man/machine interface at user terminals 110. However,
those skilled in the art will recognize that other man/machine
interfaces are possible, including, for example, keyboard-based or
voice-based interfaces.
[0086] The GUI provides relationship managers 104 and product
managers 106 with a simple and intuitive way of entering data.
These managers, both local and global, often are the best source of
accurate and timely data, as they are the enterprise personnel
working most closely with the clients. For example, a particular
local relationship manager can enter the appropriate wallet data if
a local client informs the manager that the client intends to spend
a certain amount on products in the upcoming year. Similarly, a
global relationship manager can also enter data if the global
headquarters of a client informs the manager that they intend to
spend more in a particular global product line.
[0087] Data can be imported from external databases 310. This would
allow for data from legacy systems internal to an enterprise,
client system, or third party system to be folded into data
repository 302.
[0088] The data collected throughout CRM system 102 is stored in
data repository 302. The data within the repository therefore
represents data from a wide variety of sources, including
enterprise personnel at different responsibility levels and with
different types of contacts with clients.
(a) Wallet Data
[0089] Collecting wallet data is a key pre-requisite to developing
an insightful strategy and/or enhancing sales productivity.
Analyzing wallet data allows an enterprise to align their products
and services with the spending patterns of its clients through a
better understanding of client demand across the spectrum of
products and services offered by the enterprise. An enterprise's
strategy must reflect what its clients buy and what they spend. The
client's wallet therefore both shapes and limits this strategy,
allowing an enterprise to focus on the high-potential segments of a
market and to allocate the right relationship management and
product resources. An enterprise needs to know how much their
clients spend, what they want to spend it on, and which providers
win the lion's share of their wallet. Over-investing in products or
services which constitute a small portion of the client's wallet,
or under-investing in products which have a large contribution to
the client's wallet is, therefore, ineffective.
[0090] The term wallet data, as used herein, refers to the total
amount of money a particular client 108 spends on products and
services. Wallet data can be expressed in terms of actual or
estimated data, and can refer to money spent on a particular
product or service, on a range of products or services, or total
products and services. In a preferred embodiment, wallet data
refers to the aggregate net revenues accruing to the relevant
business sector as a result of the purchases of products and
services by a particular client 108 in a particular year. Here,
relevant business sector refers to those business sectors in which
an enterprise sells products or services. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that many different formulations of wallet data are
possible, and that the appropriateness of any particular
formulation will depend upon the particular circumstances in which
the formulation is used.
[0091] Collecting, analyzing, and distributing wallet data provides
many benefits, including, but not limited to, identifying (i) the
magnitude as well as the quality (e.g., opportunities for
cross-sell, annuity vs. one-off income) of the revenue potential of
a particular customer, (ii) an enterprise's relative position vs.
the competition, and (iii) products and services that are needed
and therefore must be developed/sold more aggressively. Wallet data
allows an enterprise to identify individual client needs, plan for
each client account in detail, and build client segment and country
strategies around the needs of individual clients
[0092] FIG. 6 depicts a wallet 600 that represents one example way
in which rolled-up wallet data can be displayed. Assume for
purposes of discussion that wallet 600 depicts wallet data for an
example client 108A. Wallet 600 includes one or more rows 602,
where each row 602 represents a particular product or service
purchased by client 108A. Wallet 600 also includes one or more
columns 604, where each column 604 represents the locale in which
purchases by client 108A take place. Each entry in wallet 600 can
represent data entered by an individual, or a composite of data
collected from a variety of sources.
[0093] Each column 604 is divided into three sub-columns 606A,
606B, and 606C. Sub-column 606A represents the total wallet, i.e.,
the total revenue generated over a particular time frame by client
108A's purchases. Sub-column 606B represents the revenue generated
by purchases made by client 108A of an enterprise's products or
services. Sub-column 606C represents an enterprise's share of
wallet. i.e., the percentage of the total wallet attributable to an
enterprises's revenues. In other words, sub-column 606C is
sub-column 606B divided by sub-column 606A, expressed as a
percentage.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment, wallets also provide margin data
for each product purchased by a particular client within each
particular locale. This data provides important information for an
enterprise's planning process. Only by knowing the margin, or the
extent to which particular products are profitable, can resources
be optimally allocated across clients, products, and locales to
maximize revenue. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
margins can vary by product, by client, and by locale. For example,
the margin for a particular product can vary across locales, and
even within a particular locale, can vary across clients.
[0095] Margin data can be expressed in various formulations across
different industries. For example, in the banking industry, capital
usage is an indicator of margin for the sale of financial products.
For banks, the optimal allocation of capital is the key to
profitability.
[0096] Providing margin data within wallets allows relationship and
product managers to optimally allocate resources, in terms of
effort and money, to maximize revenue. This optimal allocation can
only be determined if the relative profitability of any given
product is known. For example, a client's wallet might indicate
that an opportunity exists within a particular locale to greatly
increase sales of a particular product. However, if the margin data
indicates that sales of this product generate little profit, these
resources could be allocated elsewhere to generate greater
profitability.
[0097] CRM system 102 can generate many different types of wallets
that depict different configurations of wallet data. The simplest
wallet would be a single entry from wallet 600, i.e., the wallet
data for a single product within a single locale.
[0098] Other more complex wallets are also possible. For instance,
rows 602 can represent, for example, a single product/service,
multiple products/services, or a family of products/services. Rows
602 can, for example, represent the purchases of a single client, a
subsidiary of a client, subsidiaries within a given locale of a
client, all subsidiaries globally of a client, or even multiple
clients.
[0099] Similarly, other wallets are possible by varying columns
604. For clients that have a single office, or purchase
products/services within a single locale, their wallet could be
displayed with a single column 604. Furthermore, the granularity of
locales provided in columns 604 can vary, e.g., wallet data might,
for example, be available on an office-by-office, city-by-city, or
country-by-country basis.
[0100] Wallet data estimates can be computed using algorithms known
to those skilled in the art that combine an individual client's
financials and transactions data. These algorithms can vary by
product and by industry sector, and are continuously being refined
and improved within the art. New algorithms for previously
unmodeled products or industry sectors are preferably created in
close association with product managers 106 and relationship
managers 104 experienced in the relevant industry sector.
[0101] For public corporations, most of this information is
available electronically through a range of data vendors. For
private companies, the source information must come through other
channels (oftentimes an enterprise's own interaction with the
client) which vary depending upon the type of company. The results
are estimates (actuals for some products) of the overall wallet for
each client, a breakdown of this wallet by major product, a
comparison to industry and size segment average, as well as the
enterprise's share of this wallet. In a preferred embodiment, these
estimates are validated with the clients themselves. For example, a
sample of clients is preferably interviewed at the finance director
level to identify any major gaps in the overall wallet estimate and
industry behavior.
(b) Account Plan
[0102] Creating account plans within an enterprise is key to the
successful alignment of clients, products, and geographies in the
context of the GRM invention. The term account plan as used herein
preferably refers to a client profile, a client wallet, and a set
of account objectives. The client profile provides general
information related to a particular client 108, including issues
and constraints related to doing business with the client,
historical information, client business strategies and
institutional objectives, and other relatively static information
related to the client.
[0103] The client wallet was described in the previous section. In
the context of the account plan, the client wallet should not only
reflect the best estimates or actuals related to a client's
spending patterns, it should also reflect a client service team's
specific wallet goals. For example, a client wallet should indicate
not only that the client service team currently has a ten percent
share of wallet for a particular product, it should also indicate
that within the context of the overall account plan the client
service team intends to increase their wallet share to twenty
percent.
[0104] The account objectives are an articulated set of goals,
expectations, and to do lists, for example, that describe what a
client service team 204 intends to accomplish and how it plans to
achieve these accomplishments. The account objectives should take
into account a client's wallet, and should express target wallet
goals. The account objectives preferably identify, for example,
those responsible for delivering results, key issues facing the
client in the near future, business line strategies and
deliverables (product development), and resource requirements to
successfully implement a marketing strategy. Defining account
objectives that have clear targets for each client service team 204
provides a concrete means for measuring performance. Objectives
also serve to solidify in the minds of each member of the client
service team what is expected of them individually, and what is
expected of the team as a whole.
[0105] An account plan can be directed to, for example, a client
subsidiary, global client, local product, global product, family of
products, local, or group of locales. For example, the client
service team dedicated to a particular local client will develop an
account plan including a profile of the local client, a wallet for
the local client, and a set of account objectives describing what
goals the client service team plans to accomplish and how they
intend to accomplish these goals. Similarly, the client service
team dedicated to a particular global client will develop an
account plan including a profile of the global client, a wallet for
the global client (including aggregate data of all global client's
subsidiaries), and a set of account objectives describing goals and
a plan of action. As a further example, the global product managers
will develop an global product account plan including a global
product wallet, and a set of global product account objectives
describing goals and a plan of action related to sales of the
global product.
[0106] Relationship managers 104 and product managers 106 enter
account objectives into CRM system 102 via user terminals 110. CRM
system 102 interconnects each relationship manager 104 and product
manager 106 within a particular client service team 204, allowing
each member of the team to collaboratively form these account
objectives, ensuring that both local and global concerns are
addressed.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment, each member of the client service
team indicates their acceptance of the objectives, both personal
objectives and team objectives where applicable. This acceptance,
referred to herein as "sign-off," is preferably done by an
electronic signature via the user terminal GUI, such as a
point-and-click operation followed by a password. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that other alternative signatures,
electronic or otherwise, could be used to indicate sign-off on
account objectives. Each relationship manager 104 and product
manager 106 signs off on each objective by attaching their
electronic signature, and by doing so, they then become accountable
for achieving these objectives. Thus, CRM system 102 provides an
enterprise with a clear and established procedure for creating
accountability within a client service team.
[0108] Establishing client service team account objectives also has
the effect of aligning relationship managers 104 with product
managers 106. In other words, everyone on the team is working
towards the same recognized set of objectives. It is then readily
apparent where joint agreement has been obtained.
(c) Client Related Activity Data
[0109] Client-related activities are tracked using CRM system 102
during the execution of the account objectives. Members of a client
service team enter client activity data using user terminals 110.
The term "client activity data" is used herein to refer to any
information that describes activities engaged in by client service
team members that are related to a client. For example, client
activity data includes, but is not limited to, transactions, deals,
reports, opportunities, marketing activity, calls, appointments,
meetings, letters, faxes, email, to do lists, and expense
reports.
[0110] Relationship managers 104 and product managers 106 enter
client activity data via the user terminal GUI. In a preferred
embodiment, the functionality associated with commercially
available personal information management (PIM) software products
is included within the user terminal GUI.
[0111] CRM system 102 preferably provides for pipeline management
of deals and transactions. Relationship and product managers enter
their own deals and transactions via user terminals 110, when can
then be reported, for example, by client, product, and country.
This provides each client service team member with a leading
indicator of revenue. Each deal can be linked to an account
objective to which it relates, providing an indication of the
degree to which the account plan is being adhered to.
[0112] 5. Rolling Up Data
[0113] Data entered via user terminals 110 is "rolled-up" within
CRM system 102. As used herein, rolling-up data refers to the
process whereby wallets, account plans, and client-related activity
data developed at the local level is passed up through network 112
to relationship and product managers at the global level, and any
levels in between when they exist.
[0114] FIG. 7 depicts an example distribution of data throughout
CRM system 102 for an example global client. The example global
client has subsidiaries within locales 202A, 202B, . . . , 202N.
The client service team within each locale 202 develops an client
account plan 702 and one or more product account plans 704. For
example, a client service team within locale 202A develops a client
account plan 702A and product account plans 704A-1, 704A-2, . . . ,
704A-X, for the client's local subsidiary. Client account plan
702A, as described above, includes a client wallet and account
objectives describing the local client service team's goals with
respect to the local subsidiary and how the local client service
team plans to achieve the goals. Client service teams in locales
202B, . . ., 202N all develop client account plans 702 and product
account plans 702 in parallel for their local client
subsidiaries.
[0115] These local client account plans 702 and product account
plans 704 are then rolled-up to the global relationship manager 104
and global product managers 106 with responsibility for the global
client. In other words, CRM system 102 collects the account plans
702 and product account plans 704 at locales 202A, . . . , 202N,
and presents an aggregate of this data to the global managers. For
example, global relationship manager 104 can access via user
terminal 110 any of the client account plans 702 or product account
plans 704 for any of the client's subsidiaries. Global relationship
manager 104 can also generate reports via user terminal 110
showing, for example, wallet data that is a composite of multiple
subsidiaries, or multiple products. Similarly, global product
managers 106 can generate via user terminal 110 local or global
reports on product account plans. The CRM invention is therefore a
"bottom-up" system where account plans generated at the local level
can be viewed and aggregated at the global level.
[0116] These tools aid global managers when they determine global
account plans. Global relationship manager 104 determines a global
client account plan 706, including a global client profile, global
client wallet, and global account objectives. The components of the
global client account plan address the buying patterns, goals, and
execution plans for the global client as a whole. Similarly, global
product managers 106 determine a global product account plan 708
for each global product sold to the global client. For the example
client shown in FIG. 7, global product managers 106 determine
product account plans 708-1, . . . , 708-M.
[0117] Global client account plans 706 and global product account
plans 708 are distributed via CRM system 102 to each local client
service team. The local client service team can then determine
whether their local client and product account plans are in
alignment with the global client and global product account plans.
The CRM invention is therefore also a "top-down" system where
account plans generated at the global level are distributed to
local client service teams. Therefore, overall, CRM system 102 is
both a bottom-up and top-down client management system. This
bottom-up and top-down flow of client and product account plans
creates alignment of the local and global client service team
across multiple locales 202 and multiple products.
[0118] 6. Performance Measurement
[0119] CRM system 102 provides a rich set of performance
measurement tools via user interface 110 for relationship managers,
product managers, and management at each level. These tools provide
a clear view of what is taking place, and where there is potential
for things to go wrong. Broad aggregates, charts and graphs provide
the big picture overview and trends, but it is also important to be
able to hone in on individual details.
[0120] Report generator 306 can provide data illustrating the
following: (i) whether the account objectives are realistic in
light of the wallet estimates, (ii) what percentage of the account
objectives have been signed-up to by team members, (iii) where the
account objectives are aimed, and whether the resources are
available to deliver upon these objectives, (iv) how much of a
marketing effort is directly aimed at achieving the account
objectives, and how much is required just to maintain existing
business, (v) whether an account is being over-or-under-managed in
light of the wallet potential, (vi) whether the respective product
areas actually conducting calls and deals in view of the objectives
they have signed-up to, (vii) how the various locales and products
compare, (viii) at what stage in the pipeline are most of the
pending transactions, and (ix) whether cross-sell is taking place
relative to the wallet potential.
[0121] CRM system 102 allows an enterprise to measure the degree to
which client service teams are being successful, which is critical
to maintaining accountability. Report generator 306 can be used to
compare, for example, the predicted revenue based on account
objectives by product and locale, against the current predicted
revenue from the deal pipeline. This allows management early on to
identify whether revenue targets are on track. At the end of each
reporting period, the degree to which the objectives were met can
be measured. The failure points can be identified, and the
responsible parties made accountable if applicable.
[0122] Tracking wallet data can indicate possibilities for
leveraging a strong sales presence in one product/service to
achieve sales in other products/services where the enterprise's
share of wallet is less strong. This is referred to herein as an
opportunity for cross-sell. Maximizing cross-selling means to sell
more products, in more locations, to more clients. This is critical
to grow revenues ahead of costs. Wallet data also provides an
indication of a client's spending patterns in terms of where
products/services are being purchased. For example, this data could
indicate that a client is spending more money in country A than in
country B. This data would allow an enterprise to readjust its
marketing efforts if more effort was being expended in country B
chasing fewer dollars than in country A.
[0123] Tracking client related activity provides members of a
client service team with valuable information. For example, a
global relationship manager can monitor the level of activity with
respect to a particular client. This can be particularly valuable
when determining a correlation between client related activity and
revenue. If revenues for a particular client are below the account
objectives, a global relationship manager can determine, for
example, how many calls have been placed to that client, or how
many meetings set up. A low level of activity might correlate to
low revenues. Alternatively, a review of the client related
activity might show that several deals are in the pipeline that
will produce the expected revenues. Accountability for meeting
account objectives is therefore reinforced
[0124] 7. Client Service Team Display
[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the user terminal GUI displays
the client service team upon request by the user. The names of the
client service team are displayed along with their picture.
Displaying each member's picture increases the familiarity between
team members, which is particularly important for very large client
service teams, or whenever a user seeks information on another
unfamiliar team. More importantly, displaying one's picture tends
to increase accountability within a service team. Senior managers
are able to display performance reports and correlate performance
directly with the name and picture of the responsible team member.
Including the pictures in the client service team display
personalizes an otherwise anonymous interface. More closely
associating team members with the responsibility for achieving
objectives increases accountability within an enterprise.
[0126] The GUI also allows a user to navigate through various
levels of local and global client service teams, in order to
simplify the display. This is particularly useful for global
clients for whom multiple client service teams, at the local and
global level, are assigned. For example, an opening display can
depict the global client service team with their respective
pictures, along with an icon depicting each of the client's local
subsidiaries. Selecting a subsidiary icon brings up another display
depicting the local client service team and their respective
pictures for that subsidiary. In any event, for very large client
service teams, whether local or global, only selected key members
of the team are displayed in order to simplify the display.
[0127] Similarly, user terminals 110 also have the capability of
depicting pictures of various personnel within a particular client
108. This display is preferably organized according to the
hierarchy of the client, with pictures for each of the key
personnel.
C. Method for Aligning Clients, Products, and Geographies
[0128] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart 800 that describes a method for
integrating and aligning client, products and geographies according
to the CRM invention. In step 802, wallet data is collected and
analyzed. This analysis allows an enterprise to align their
products and services with the spending patterns of its clients
through a better understanding of client demand across the spectrum
of products and services offered by the enterprise. An enterprise's
strategy must reflect what its clients buy and what they spend.
Relationship managers 104 and product manager 106 enter wallet data
into CRM system 102 via user terminals 110.
[0129] In step 804, account objectives are determined to which each
member of the client service team then signs-up. The tern account
objectives is used herein to refer to an articulated set of goals,
expectations, and to do lists, for example, that describe what a
client service team 204 intends to accomplish and how it plans to
achieve these accomplishments.
[0130] In step 808, client-related activities are tracked using CRM
system 102 during the execution of the account objectives. Members
of a client service team enter client activity data using user
terminals 110. The term client activity data is used herein to
refer to any information that describes activities engaged in by
client service team members that are related to a client. For
example, client activity data includes, but is not limited to,
transactions, deals, reports, opportunities, marketing activity,
calls, appointments, meetings, letters, faxes, email, to do lists,
and expense reports.
[0131] In step 810, results are measured against the account
objectives established in step 804. CRM system 102 provides
management at each level with a clear view of what is taking place,
and where there is potential for things to go wrong. Broad
aggregates, charts and graphs provide the big picture overview and
trends, but it is also important to be able to hone in on
individual details.
[0132] In step 806, client, products, and geographies (locales) are
aligned. The alignment of clients, products, and geographies can
best be described as a global sales productivity process. The
objective of this process is to result in the optimization of
capital.
[0133] FIG. 9 depicts 806 in further detail, though these steps do
not necessarily have to occur in any particular order. In step 902,
a product is selected to sell to client 108. This determination is
made based on which will bring about the greatest revenue and
profitability. Tools present in CRM system 102 that are
particularly useful are the wallet and the product delivery history
(i.e., fulfillment history of critical account objectives in this
product area). This will maximize the return on sales effort.
[0134] In step 904, a locale is selected. As in step 902, this
determination is made based on which will bring about the greatest
revenue and profitability. Tools present in CRM system 102 that are
particularly useful are the wallet, and the product delivery
history and the competitive structure of the wallet.
[0135] In step 906, the correct personnel within the enterprise to
effectively deliver the product are selected. The product manager
objective fulfillment rate and relationship manager objective
fulfillment rate can be used along with the sensitivity of the
sales process.
[0136] In step 908, the price is selected. The correct price is
preferably a function of the available wallet, the competition for
this wallet, and the historical performance with this client on
this product.
[0137] In step 910, the client selection is confirmed. The client
determination is again based on the available wallet and the
prospect of earning sustainable returns.
[0138] II. Interfacing Clients with Relationship Management
Accounts
A. Client Manager Portals
[0139] The present invention is directed to methods and systems for
interfacing clients with client account managers and/or client
management account databases are now described.
[0140] FIG. 10 illustrates an example client manager enterprise
1010, which can be any type of client manager enterprise including,
without limitation, a bank, or any other financial services
enterprise, or any other type of enterprise which manages clients
and any other enterprise which maintains client accounts.
[0141] Client manager enterprise 1010 includes a client account
database 1012, which can be any type of client management account
database including, without limitation, a client relationship
manager account database as described above.
[0142] Typically, client account database 1012 is protected with
one or more devices, such as firewall devices. In accordance with
the invention, a client manager portal 1014 is provided to allow a
client 1016 to access client account database 1012. Client manager
portal 1014 can be any interfacing method or device including,
without limitation, an internet server/web site, or any other
communications portal. Where client manager portal 1014 is a web
server or web site, client 1016 accesses client account database
via the internet.
[0143] Typically, a security system or device is included at one or
both of client manager enterprise 1010 and client 1016 to perform
suitable identification and/or handshaking to ensure that only
authorized clients 1016 are permitted to access client account
database 1012.
[0144] FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation of client
account database 1012 as a client relationship manager (RM) account
database 1112. Client RM account database 1112 includes a plurality
of client entries 1114 through 1116. Each client entry 1114 through
116 includes a plurality of data entry fields 1113. Other
embodiments of client account databasee 1012 are contemplated and
within the scope of the present invention. Based on the description
herein, one skilled in the relevant art(s) will understand that
other databases can be employed as well.
[0145] In FIG. 11, client manager enterprise 1010 includes one or
more optional filters 1118. Filter 1118 is intended to restrict the
fields of data which are accessed by the client 1016.
[0146] In FIG. 12 illustrates client manager enterprise 1010 with a
plurality of filters 1118 through 1214. In this embodiment,
additional clients 1212 can access their associated client accounts
in client RM account database 1112 through the client manager
portal 1014.
[0147] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, a separate
filter 1118 through 1214 is provided for each client 1212. This
allows the client manager enterprise 1010 to vary the level of
access provided to different clients. In an alternative embodiment,
a single filter 1118 can be provided for a plurality of clients so
that each client has access to the same data fields of their
respective accounts.
[0148] In many situations a client will have relationships with
multiple client manager enterprises. For example, a client may
purchase services and/or products, such as banking or financial
services and products, from multiple client management
enterprises.
[0149] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention where a
client 1016 interfaces with multiple client manager enterprises
1304 through 1306 through separate client manager portals 1308
through 1310. Optionally client 1302 is provided with software for
storing and/or displaying account information from enterprises 1304
through 1306 on a single display and/or on a series of displays,
for easy viewing and/or to enable client 1302 to compare client
account data from multiple client manager enterprises.
[0150] Additional clients can access their respective accounts in
account databases 1304 through 1306 through enterprise portals 1308
through 1310.
B. Client Portals
[0151] In an embodiment, a client portal is provided to allow a
client to simplify a client's access to multiple client account
databases. FIG. 14 illustrates an example client portal 1410 that
interfaces a client 1412 to multiple client manager enterprises
1414 through 1416. In an embodiment, client portal 1410 is
implemented as a web based server or web site. In an embodiment,
client portal 1410 is dedicated to client 1412 and can be
maintained by client 1412. In an alternative embodiment, client
portal 1410 is maintained separate from client 1412, for example,
by a third party internet service provider.
[0152] In an embodiment, when client portal 1410 is maintained
separate from client 1412, client portal 1410 provides access to
client manager enterprises 1414 through 1416 for multiple clients
1412.
[0153] An advantage of client portals, such as client portal 1412,
is that client 1410 can access multiple client manager databases
simultaneously and/or from a single display screen and with what
appears to client 1412 to be a single communications interface
connection. In an embodiment, client 1412 and/or client portal 1410
includes software that allows client 1410 to display client account
data from multiple client manager enterprises.
[0154] III. Permission Marketing
[0155] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method
and system for permission marketing. In an embodiment, permission
marketing offers consumers incentives to accept advertising
voluntarily. Permission marketing enables companies to develop
long-term relationships with customers, create trust, build brand
awareness, and improve chances of making a sale. Permission
marketing is described in, for example, Seth Gordon, Permission
Marketing, Turning Strangers Into Friends, and Friends Into
Customers, (Simon and Schuster, 1999), incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
A. Method for Permission Marketing
[0156] Permission marketing can be implemented with various levels
of interaction between a enterprise and a client. At one end of the
spectrum, there is minimal interaction between the enterprise and
the client. At the other end of the spectrum, there is complete
interaction and joint knowledge of one another.
[0157] Below are four example implementations of permission
marketing, which can be implemented in a process, preferably a
computer based processed. Permission marketing, as implemented in
accordance with the present invention, is not limited to the
examples provided below. One skilled in the relevant art will
understand, based on the description herein, that permission
marketing can include or omit various features from more than one
of the example embodiments provided below.
[0158] In a first example embodiment, permission marketing is
implemented using a catalog of services approach, where the client
manager enterprise posts information on its product offerings,
distributes research, and posts contact information. In this
embodiment, permissioning marketing is substantially a one way,
read only process.
[0159] In a second example embodiment, permission marketing is
implemented using a client centered approach that is similar to the
catalog of services approach described above, but personalized for
the client. This example embodiment includes, for example, access
to relevant research, summary transaction information etc.,
prepared for one or more specific clients.
[0160] In a third example embodiment, permission marketing is
implemented using a client centered approach, including two-way
dialog for some lines of businesses (LOBs), but were two or more
LOBs act independently of one another.
[0161] In a fourth example embodiment, permission marketing is
implemented as a full client strategy process, where there is
substantial, if not complete, alignment of client coverage, account
management and planning, product execution and delivery. In this
embodiment, the client manager enterprise and the client have the
full view of each others relationship and value propositions.
B. Example Permissioning System
[0162] FIG. 15 illustrates a client manager enterprise 1502,
including an example permission marketing module 1504, which can be
implemented to provide various levels of client permission
marketing. Example implementations of permission marketing module
1504 are provided below. However, permission marketing module 1504
is not limited to the examples provided below. One skilled in the
relevant art will understand, based on the description herein, that
permission marketing module 1504 can include or omit various
features from more than one of the example embodiments provided
below.
[0163] In a first example embodiment, permission marketing module
1504 is implemented using a catalog of services approach, where the
client manager enterprise 1502 posts information on its product
offerings, distributes research, and posts contact information. In
this embodiment, permission marketing module 1504 provides a
substantially one way, read only system to a client.
[0164] In a second example embodiment, permission marketing module
1504 is implemented using a client centered approach that is
similar to the catalog of services approach described above, but
personalized for the client. This example embodiment includes, for
example, access to relevant research, summary transaction
information etc., prepared for one or more specific clients.
[0165] In a third example embodiment, permission marketing module
1504 is implemented using a client centered approach, including
two-way dialog for some lines of businesses (LOBs), but were two or
more LOBs act independently of one another.
[0166] In a fourth example embodiment, permission marketing module
1504 is implemented as a full client strategy center, where there
is substantial, if not complete, alignment of client coverage,
account management and planning, product execution and delivery. In
this embodiment, client manager enterprise 1502 and the client have
the full view of each others relationship and value
propositions.
[0167] 1. Integrated Permission Marketing System and Client Manager
Portal
[0168] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of permission marketing
module 1504 integrated with a client manager portal 1706 in a
client manager enterprise 1706. In this example, permission
marketing module 1504 includes communication module 1618, which
includes an optional filter 1708, for restricting data fields from
the view of a client 1702. Typically, all communications between
client enterprise manager 1706 and client 1702, including
non-internet communication, are recorded in permission marketing
module 1504, and preferably in communication module 1618.
[0169] 2. Integrated Permission Marketing System and Client
Portal
[0170] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of permission marketing
module 1504 integrated with a client manager portal 1810 and a
client portal 1806. Client portal 1806 interfaces a client 1808
with multiple client manager enterprises 1802 through 1804.
[0171] In the example of FIG. 18, client manager enterprise 1804
does not include a permission marketing module. In alternative
embodiments, client manager enterprise 1804 includes a permission
marketing module.
[0172] Additional clients can interface with one or more of client
manager enterprise 1802 and client manager enterprise 1804 through
client portal 1806 or another client portal.
[0173] IV. Conclusions
[0174] While various embodiments of the Present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the Present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents.
[0175] The previous description of the preferred embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present invention. While the invention has been particularly shown
and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
in form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
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