U.S. patent application number 13/914492 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-17 for computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business operations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Edible Arrangements, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tariq Farid. Invention is credited to Tariq Farid.
Application Number | 20130273505 13/914492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42172327 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130273505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farid; Tariq |
October 17, 2013 |
Computer Implemented Method for Facilitating Proscribed Business
Operations
Abstract
In a computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed
business operations, software operable with a computer having a
display associated therewith includes a training module and an
instruction module, each accessible by a user. The training module
includes at least one training session selectable by the user, and
the instruction module includes at least one instruction set
selectable by the user. Upon selection of one of the training
sessions step-by-step training instructions are displayed for
performing one or more tasks. The software is operable to record
and store information relevant to the selected training sessions in
a database. Upon selection of one of the instruction sets, the
software is operable to display step-by-step instructions for
performing one or more tasks. The software is remotely changeable
and remotely updatable.
Inventors: |
Farid; Tariq; (Chesire,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Farid; Tariq |
Chesire |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Edible Arrangements, LLC
Wallingford
CT
|
Family ID: |
42172327 |
Appl. No.: |
13/914492 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12272843 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
8460000 |
|
|
13914492 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 10/0875 20130101; G09B 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/107 |
International
Class: |
G09B 5/00 20060101
G09B005/00 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed
business operations comprising: providing software operable with a
computer having a display associated therewith, said software
including a training module and an instruction module, said
training module and said instruction module being accessible by a
user, said training module including at least one training session
selectable by said user, and said instruction module including at
least one instruction set selectable by said user; said software,
said computer, and said display operating to provide and display
step-by-step training instructions for performing one or more tasks
upon selection of one of said training sessions by said user; said
software being operable to cause information relevant to said
selected training sessions to be stored in a database; and upon
selection of one of said instruction sets said software, said
computer, and said display being operable to provide and display
step-by-step instructions for performing one or more tasks; and
wherein said software is remotely changeable.
2. A method as defined by claim 1 comprising the further steps of:
populating said database with information relevant to one or more
user's; and requiring said user to enter identifying information in
order to gain access to at least one of said training module and
said instruction module.
3. A method as defined by claim 2 wherein said step of populating
said database with information relevant to one or more users
includes, populating said database with information specific to at
least one of said users.
4. A method as defined by claim 1 further comprising the step of
limiting one or more user's access to at least one of predetermined
training sessions and predetermined instruction sets.
5. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein: said software is
operable to allow for the entry of order information, and said
method further includes displaying step-by-step instructions on
said display, said step-by-step instructions being directed to
completing at least a portion of said order.
6. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein: said training module is
operable to administer a test upon a user completing a training
session; said method including the further steps of; administering
said test to said user upon completion of one or more of said
training sessions; and scoring said test and determining if said
user passed or failed said test based on predetermined
criteria.
7. A method as defined by claim 1 comprising the further step of:
requiring said user to pass said test before being allowed to
access other training sessions.
8. A method as defined by claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
receiving communications for at least one of updating, changing or
modifying at least one of said software and said database.
9. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said step of providing
software operable with a computer includes said software residing
on a server and said software being operable with said computer so
that upon receipt by said server of a request from said computer,
said software operates to allow said computer to access at least a
portion of said software on said server.
10. A method as defined by claim 9 further comprising the steps of:
said software being operable to broadcast an alert to said
computer, said alert being at least one of audible and visible on
said display associated with said computer.
11. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein at least one of said
training sessions and said instruction sets includes at least one
of an audio component and a video component.
12. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said method further
includes receiving information relevant to an order, at least a
portion of said information being storable in a database; and said
software being operable to cause instructions relevant to said
order to be displayed upon retrieval by said user.
13. A method as defined by claim 1 comprising the further steps of:
receiving information relevant to at least one order, at least a
portion of said information being stored in said database; causing
materials needed to complete said at least one order to be
displayed; and causing said steps required to at least partially
process said order to be displayed.
14. A method as defined by claim 1, said method further comprising
the steps of: maintaining information relevant to an amount of
inventory for one or more items; tracking said inventory as orders
are fulfilled; and providing an alert when said inventory reaches
predetermined levels.
15. A method for facilitating proscribed business operations, said
method comprising the steps of: establishing a website having
software operable therewith; said website and said software being
operable to provide information related to proscribed business
operations upon or subsequent to accessing said website; providing
means for allowing said authorized user to access, via said
website, one of a training module and a step-by-step instruction
module, said training module including at least one training
session selectable by said user, and said step-by-step instruction
module including at least one instruction set selectable by said
user; providing step-by-step training for performing one or more
tasks upon selection of one of said training sessions; said
programming tracking information relevant to said selected training
sessions and storing said information in a database; providing
step-by-step instructions for performing one or more tasks upon
selection of one of said instruction sets; and providing means for
allowing changes or additions to be made to at least one of said
website and said software.
16. A method as defined by claim 15, wherein said method further
includes: receiving information relevant to an order; at least a
portion of said information relevant to said order being storable
in a database; and said software being operable to cause
instructions relevant to said order to be displayed upon retrieval
by a user.
17. A method as defined by claim 16, wherein: said website in
cooperation with said software is operable to display one or more
orders to be processed; and wherein said method includes the
further steps of displaying information relevant to at least one
order.
18. A method as defined by claim 17 wherein said step of displaying
information relevant to at least one order includes: causing
materials needed to complete said at least one order to be
displayed; and causing said steps required to at least partially
process said order to be displayed.
19. A method as defined by claim 15 wherein: said training module
is operable to administer a test upon a user completing a training
session; said method including the further steps of; administering
said test to a user upon completion of one or more of said training
sessions; and scoring said test and determining if a user passed or
failed said test based on predetermined criteria.
20. A method as defined by claim 19 comprising the further step of:
requiring said user to pass said test before being allowed to
access other training sessions.
21. A method as defined by claim 15 wherein said step of providing
means for allowing changes or additions to be made to at least one
of said website and said software includes: receiving
communications for at least one of updating, changing or modifying
at least one of said software and said database; and said
communications being transmitted remotely from said computer.
22. A method as defined by claim 15, further comprising the steps
of: maintaining information relevant to an amount of inventory for
one or more items; tracking said inventory as orders are fulfilled;
and providing an alert when said inventory reaches predetermined
levels.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally directed to conducting
training and/or giving instructions and is more specifically
directed to a computer implemented method for providing said
training and instruction.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Consistency among related businesses, remotely located
facilities associated with a particular business, and/or among a
franchisor and franchisees is sometimes challenging to achieve. In
addition, ensuring that instructions and information is
disseminated to such entities in an appropriate and timely manner
can also prove difficult. For example, in franchisor/franchisee
relationships, it may be important that business practices be
conducted in the same manner and as instructed by the franchisor,
in each franchisee location. Once a franchisor issues such
instructions, it can prove difficult and time consuming to update
such instructions or to ensure that the instructions were conveyed
in the proper manner.
[0003] The same logic is true where personnel undergo training at
remote and/or various different locations. In general, training for
one or more proscribed business operations should be conducted
consistently and in the same or a desired manner. Ensuring that
such training is accomplished in the desired manner can be
difficult to monitor. In addition, it can also prove difficult to
ascertain whether or not such training was completed successfully
and whether those being trained retained what they were taught.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect a method is described for facilitating
proscribed business operations whereby software is provided and is
operable with a computer having a display associated therewith. The
software includes a training module and an instruction module. The
training and the instruction module are accessible by a user via
the computer. As used herein, the term "computer" should be broadly
construed to mean, but not be limited to, laptop, notebook and
desktop computers, as well as, personal digital assistants,
cellular phones, smart phones, blackberry phones, and the like. The
training module includes at least one training session that is
selectable by the user. Similarly, the instruction module includes
at least one instruction set that is selectable by the user. Upon
selection of one of the training sessions by the user, the
software, the computer, and the display cooperate to provide and
display step-by-step training instructions for performing one or
more tasks. The software is operable to record information relevant
to the selected training sessions and store at least a portion of
that information in a database. Upon selection of one of the
instruction sets, the software, the computer, and the display are
cooperable to provide and display step-by-step instructions for
performing one or more tasks. The software can be remotely changed
and updated.
[0005] The present invention resides in another aspect in a method
for facilitating proscribed business operations whereby a website
is established having software operable therewith to provide
information related to the proscribed business operations. The
information can be provided upon, or subsequent to accessing the
website. Means are provided to allow users to access, via the
website, a training module and an instruction module. The training
module includes at least one training session that is selectable by
the user. Similarly, the instruction module includes at least one
instruction set that is selectable by the user. Upon selection of
one of the training sessions, the user is provided with
step-by-step training regarding the performance of one or more
tasks. Information regarding selected training sessions can be
tracked and stored in a database. Upon selection of one of the
instruction sets, step-by-step instructions are provided for
performing one or more tasks. In addition, means are provided for
allowing changes or additions to be made to at least one of the
website and the software.
[0006] In an embodiment that employs either of the above-described
methods, means are provided that allow for the entry of order
information and the processing of orders. Upon receipt of an order,
information relevant thereto is entered into the database. The
software associated with the database can determine such things as
the equipment and materials needed to complete the order. In
addition, step-by-step instructions can be provided to the user on
a display, such as, but not limited to a standard monitor or a
touch-screen monitor. Orders may also be tracked and alerts
provided to a user when an order needs to be prepared. If several
orders are to be prepared within a given time frame, the software
can be operable to display what is needed and/or what needs to be
prepared within the time frame.
[0007] For example, if cut fruit arrangements are to be prepared,
the orders for a given day can be accessed and the number and types
of fruit to be cut, as well as the decorative cuts to be made can
be displayed. The instructions for preparing the cut fruit as well
as the equipment needed can also be shown. The software and
database can also be operable to track inventory and provide alerts
when supplies and/or other items need to be ordered or otherwise
reach predetermined levels. Information regarding quantities to be
ordered can also be displayed or otherwise provided. The alerts can
be made via e-mail, text messaging, by telephone, fax or the
like.
[0008] In another embodiment, the training module is operable to
administer a test upon a user completing a training session. The
training module and the software associated therewith are further
operable to score the test to determine if the user passed or
failed the test based on predetermined criteria. Preferably, the
user is required to pass the test before being allowed to access
other training sessions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The sole FIGURE in this application is a flowchart
illustrative of an embodiment of a computer implemented method for
facilitating proscribed business operations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] As shown in the sole figure, an exemplary embodiment of a
computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business
operations is generally designated by the reference number 10. The
method 10 includes establishing a website 12 accessible by one or
more users. Software 14 and a database 16 are in communication with
as well as operable with the website 12. The software 14 includes a
training module 18 and an instruction module 20, each accessible by
one or more users via the website 12.
[0011] A user upon accessing the training module 18 can choose from
one or more training sessions 22 on any one of a variety of
different topics and/or methods. For example, if the user is a
franchisee and the website is hosted by or affiliated with a
franchisor who desires consistent training among the franchisees,
the franchisee can access the training module 18 and choose one or
more training sessions 22.
[0012] By way of example only, and not to be construed in a
limiting sense, the franchisor could be in the business of
franchising the sale and production of cut fruit arrangements.
Accordingly, the franchisor would desire to have each of the
franchisees make and sell the same cut fruit arrangements. In
addition, the franchisor would likely require that the cut fruit
arrangements be made in the same manner, using the same equipment,
amongst all of the franchisees. Accordingly, it may be desirable
that the franchisees all receive the same training instruction.
[0013] Accordingly upon accessing the website 12, a user can choose
one or more training sessions 22. This may be accomplished in any
one of a number of different ways depending on how the website 12
is set up. For example, drop-down menus, clicking, via a mouse or
other pointing device, on an item that may direct the user to
another web page that provides a list of selectable training
sessions, and the like may be employed.
[0014] A user, upon, or subsequent to accessing the website 12 may
be required to enter security protocols, such as, for example,
entering a user name and password. The present invention is not
limited in this regard as other security-protocols such as
biometrics and card swiping devices may also be employed.
[0015] Once a training session 22 is selected, the software is
operable to cause step-by-step training instructions to be
displayed on a computer display at a user's location. The training
session can be interactive with the user having to select displayed
items, make choices, and the like. However, the present invention
is not limited in this regard as the instructions may simply be
displayed on the screen with the user being able to advance to the
next instruction by clicking an icon, hitting a key on a keyboard
operable with the display, or where a touch screen display is
employed, the user can advance the instruction by touching the
screen in an appropriate location.
[0016] The training module may be configured so that if the user
completes a training session, as indicated by element 24, the user
can select another training session 22. However, if the user does
not complete the training session, as indicated by element 26, the
user can be returned to the training session 22 and will not be
able to advance to another training session until the prior session
is completed. In addition, the above-described software is operable
to accommodate supervisory personnel, or others, determining the
training sessions a user can access. Such training sessions can
then be taken by the user. The software can be configured to
operate such that a user is required to complete a training session
prior to accessing another training session. The software can also
be configured to allow the supervisory personnel to monitor the
user's progress in real time. The user can also be prevented from
accessing training sessions other than those proscribed by the
supervisory personnel until such time as the proscribed training
sessions are completed.
[0017] Moreover, the software can also be operable to allow a user
to stop a training session before finishing and the next time that
user logs on to the software, the training session will continue
from the point at which the user stopped it.
[0018] Upon successful completion of a training session 22, the
software can be operable to administer a test 28 to ascertain if
the user has retained the information conveyed in the training
session. Upon completion of the test 28, the software is operable
to score the test. If the user receives a passing score 30, the
user can be allowed to select another training session 22.
Conversely, if a failing score 32 is received the user can be
prevented from accessing additional training sessions until such
time as the failed test 32 is passed. Information relevant to the
training sessions 22 that have been accessed, completed, passed and
failed can be stored in the database 34. The database 34 and the
database 16 could be the same or different databases. The stored
information therein may be accessible by an entity, such as, but
not limited to a franchisor. In addition, the software can be
operable to alert, via email, fax, voice message, text message, and
the like, a supervisor, should a user fail a test or otherwise not
meet desired training session requirements.
[0019] Similarly, the software can be configured to provide alerts
remotely entered. For example, if the software is operable on
several computers and/or at more than one location, an alert can be
broadcast to each computer. The alert can take the form of a
warning concerning an undesirable or dangerous condition, or can
simply be used to convey a general message. Audible or visual
signals can be employed to provide notification of an alert.
[0020] The software 14 also includes an instruction module 20
accessible via the website 12 in the same manner as described above
regarding accessing the training module 18. Upon accessing the
instruction module 20, a user can select, via mouse click, other
pointing device, touch screen, and the like, an instruction session
36 relevant to a particular operation. The instruction session 36
could be directed to any one of a number of things, such as but not
limited to product preparation, equipment cleaning and maintenance,
order entry, equipment operation, combinations thereof, and the
like. Information relevant to the selected instruction session(s)
can be stored in the database 34.
[0021] The above-described software 14, database 16 and website 12
can also be operable and co-operable to facilitate the entry and
processing of orders. Upon receipt, an order 38 can be entered into
the database 16 or other database operable with the software 14.
Information such as the products or services ordered, quantities,
delivery dates, and the like can be stored in the database 16. To
process an order 40, a user can access the order via the website 12
in much the same manner used to access the above-described training
and instruction modules, 18 and 20 respectively. Once accessed, one
or more orders can be viewed on a display. Depending on what is
ordered one or more instruction sessions 36 may be relevant. The
user can access the appropriate instruction session(s) 36 and
proceed to process the order. Upon accessing an order the software
14 can be operable to provide a list of materials and equipment
needed. Where several orders are to be fulfilled in a given time
frame, an equipment and materials list can be displayed for all of
the orders. For example, where the orders pertain to the provision
of cut fruit arrangements, accessing said orders could include
displaying a list of the fruits and amounts thereof needed, as well
as the number of different cut pieces required to fulfill the
orders.
[0022] The software 14 could also be employed to track inventory.
As orders 38 are fulfilled, and inventory depleted, the software 14
can provide a user with information on current inventory levels as
well as provide alerts when inventories reach predetermined levels.
Moreover, the software 14 and database 16 can be updated by
supervisory or other authorized personnel. In this manner, new
instruction sets, training sessions, products, and the like can be
added. In addition, messages and other information can be uploaded
and thereby made accessible, for example, by all of the franchises
of a particular business.
[0023] While the method set forth herein has been described as
operating in cooperation with a website, it is not limited in this
regard. The above-described software and database can also be
resident on a single computer, or can be resident on a server
forming part of a network. The network can be an intranet wherein
one or more computers are in communication with the server. The
server can also be resident at one location and in communication
with one or more remotely located computers. The communication with
the server can be accomplished via a wireless connection, over a
virtual private network, or the like. The remotely located
computers can be configured so that software that is only
sufficient to provide access to the server is resident on the
remotely located computers. The software containing the
above-described training module and instructions module can be
resident on the server so that should a remotely located computer
be damaged or stolen, data as well as the software are still intact
on the server. As used herein, the term "server" should be broadly
construed to include more than one server or computer.
[0024] In the above-described embodiments, said instruction sets
and said training sessions can include one or more of a video
component, pictorial component, graphics component, textual
component and an audio component.
[0025] While the invention has been described with reference to
various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *