| |
| United States Patent
|
7,386,484 |
| Cuzzocrea |
June 10, 2008 |
Buying method for retail establishments
Abstract
A system for improving and streamlining the evaluation and
purchase of products from salespeople by buyers. In particular,
methods for successfully managing interactions between buyers and
sellers in high volume retail environments by implementing a
standardized product offer proposal method and subsequent controls
on the buying decision-making process. It utilizes existing tools
and new software to improve buyer's efficiency by consolidating the
software systems tools into a single standardized user interface and
improves seller's efficiency by providing product offering proposal
preparation and presentation tools as well as buyer appointment
scheduling tools and generates revenue by buyers as an integral part
of the buying process.
| Inventors: |
Cuzzocrea; Lawrence A.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/867,996 |
| Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60478472 |
Jun., 2003 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26 ;
705/27 |
| Field of
Search: |
705/26-27 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Other References
"Support For True Team Computing," InformationWeek, p. 144,
Nov. 20, 1995. cited by examiner. |
Primary Examiner: Gart; Matthew S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Volk Patent Group Stoneman; Martin L. Volk, Jr.;
Michael D.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/478,472 filed Jun. 12, 2003,
entitled "BUYING SYSTEM FOR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS", the contents of
which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted
to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention
in this cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, relating to managing presentation of at least one
retail product offering by at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity to at least one for-retailer buying entity,
comprising the steps of: a) offering at least one buying management
system to such at least one for-retailer buying entity by at least
one offeror; b) wherein such at least one buying management system
comprises at least one proposal package for use by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; and c) authorizing such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use such at
least one proposal package to present such at least one retail
product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying entity; d)
wherein such step of authorizing such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to use such at least one
proposal package to present such at least one retail product
offering to such at least one for-retailer buying entity comprises
the steps of: i) receiving payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling, entity for such at least one
proposal package; ii) issuing at least one authorization to present
such at least one proposal package to such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; iii) associating such at
least one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying
entity; iv) preparing such at least one proposal package using such
at least one retail product offering by at least one sales
representative of such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; v) presenting such at least one prepared proposal package by
such at least one sales representative to at least one buying
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity; vi)
scheduling at least one appointment with such at least one buying
representative to present such at least one prepared proposal
package by such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; vii) remotely presenting such at least one prepared proposal
package to such at least one buying representative by such at least
one sales representative; and viii) recording completion of such
presentation of such at least one prepared proposal package.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein such step of authorizing
such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use
such at least one proposal package to present such at least one
retail product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity further comprises the step of authorizing such at least one
for-retailer buying entity to require such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to use such buying
management system for such at least one retail product offering
presentation.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein such step of authorizing
such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use
such at least one proposal package to present such at least one
retail product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity further comprises the steps of: a) calculating at least one
first portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one for-retailer buying entity; b) calculating at least one second
portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one offeror; c) paying at least one first portion of such at least
one payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
and d) paying at least one second portion of such at least one
payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one offeror.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein such step of authorizing
such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use
such at least one proposal package to present such at least one
retail product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity further comprises the step of recording decision about such
at least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative.
5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the step of recording
decision about such at least one presented proposal package by such
at least one buying representative comprises the steps of: a)
requesting at least one alteration to such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative; b)
notifying such at least one selling representative of such at least
one requested alteration to such at least one presented proposal
package; c) altering such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one selling representative; and d) presenting such at
least one altered proposal package by such at least one selling
representative to such at least one buying representative.
6. The method according to claim 4 wherein the step of recording
decision about such at least one presented proposal package by such
at least one buying representative comprises the steps of: a)
recording rejection of such at least one presented proposal package
by such at least one buying representative; and b) substantially
automatically notifying such at least one selling representative of
such rejection of such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one buying representative.
7. The method according to claim 4 wherein the step of recording
decision about such at least one presented proposal package by such
at least one buying representative comprises the steps of: a)
recording approval of such at least one presented proposal package
by such at least one buying representative; b) substantially
automatically notifying such at least one selling representative of
such approval of such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one buying representative; and c) substantially
automatically notifying at least one operations representative of
such at least one for-retailer buying entity of such approval of
such at least one presented proposal package.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of recording
approval of such at least one presented proposal package by such at
least one buying representative comprises the steps of: a) notifying
at least one buying review representative of such at least one
for-retailer buying entity; b) reviewing such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying review representative;
c) recording at least one comment by such at least one buying review
representative: and d) reviewing such at least one recorded comment
by such at least one buying review representative.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein such at least one
proposal package comprises at least one interest inquiry proposal
package.
10. The method according to claim 1 wherein such at least one
proposal package comprises at least one on-going product proposal
package.
11. The method according to claim 1 wherein such at least one
proposal package comprises at least one product introduction
proposal package.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein such at least one
product introduction proposal package comprises: a) at least one
standard presentation outline; b) wherein such at least one standard
presentation outline comprises at least five of the group consisting
essentially of i) product presentation control display, ii) product
offering key points display, iii) print advertising support plans
display, iv) television advertising support plans display, v) coupon
support plans display, vi) market research analysis display, vii)
demonstration support plans analysis, viii) product placement
recommendations, and ix) product offering summary display.
13. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of offering
such at least one buying management system to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity comprises the steps of: a) licensing such
at least one buying management system to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity by such at least one offeror; and b)
receiving license payment from such at least one for-retailer buying
entity by such at least one offeror.
14. The method according to claim 1 wherein such step of authorizing
such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use
such at least one proposal package to present such at least one
retail product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity further comprises the steps of: a) recording at least one
telephone log entry relating to at least one telephone call received
by such at least one buying representative; and b) recording such at
least one telephone log entry relating to at least one telephone
call placed by such at least one buying representative.
15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising the steps
of: a) identifying by such at least one buying representative, such
at least one telephone log entry as billable; b) substantially
automatically creating at least one invoice related to each such
identified telephone log entry; and c) receiving payment from such
at one retail-product-providing selling entity related to such at
least one invoice.
16. A method, relating to managing presentation of at least one
retail product offering by at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity to at least one for-retailer buying entity,
comprising the steps of: a) offering at least one buying management
system to such at least one for-retailer buying entity by at least
one offeror; b) wherein such at least one buying management system
comprises at least one proposal package for use by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; c) authorizing such at
least one for-retailer buying entity to require such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to use such buying
management system for such at least one retail product offering
presentation; d) receiving payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity for such at least one
proposal package; e) issuing at least one authorization to present
such at least one proposal package to such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity, f) associating such at
least one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying
entity; g) preparing such at least one proposal package using such
at least one retail product offering by at least one sales
representative of such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; h) scheduling at least one appointment with such at least
one buying representative to present such at least one prepared
proposal package by such at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity; i) remotely presenting such at least one prepared
proposal package to such at least one buying representative by such
at least one sales representative j) recording completion of such
presentation of such at least one prepared proposal package; k)
recording decision about such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buying representative; l) calculating
at least one first portion of such at least one payment from such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such
at least one for-retailer buying entity; m) calculating at least one
second portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one offeror; n) paying at least one first portion of such at least
one payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
and o) paying at least one second portion of such at least one
payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one offeror.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the step of recording
decision about such at least one presented proposal package by such
at least one buying representative comprises the steps of: a)
requesting at least one alteration to such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative; b)
notifying such at least one selling representative of such at least
one requested alteration to such at least one presented proposal
package; c) altering such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one selling representative; d) remotely presenting
such at least one altered proposal package by such at least one
selling representative to such at least one buying representative;
e) recording rejection of such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buying representative; f) substantially
automatically notifying such at least one selling representative of
such rejection of such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one buying representative; g) recording approval of
such at least one presented proposal package by such at least one
buying representative; h) wherein the step of recording approval of
such at least one presented proposal package by such at least one
buying representative comprises the steps of i) notifying at least
one buying review representative of such at least one for-retailer
buying entity, ii) reviewing such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buying review representative, iii)
recording at least one comment by such at least one buying review
representative, and iv) authorizing such at least one buying
representative to review such at least one recorded comment; i)
substantially automatically notifying such at least one selling
representative of such approval of such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative; and j)
substantially automatically notifying at least one operations
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity of
such approval of such at least one presented proposal package.
18. The method according to claim 16 wherein such at least one
proposal package comprises: a) at least one interest inquiry
proposal package; b) at least one on-going product proposal package;
c) at least one product introduction proposal package; d) wherein
such at least one product introduction proposal package comprises at
least one standard presentation outline; e) wherein such at least
one standard presentation outline comprises at least five of the
group consisting essentially of i) product presentation control
display, ii) product offering key points display, iii) print
advertising support plans display, iv) television advertising
support plans display, v) coupon support plans display, vi) market
research analysis display, vii) demonstration support plans
analysis, viii) product placement recommendations, and ix) product
offering summary display.
19. The method according to claim 16 wherein the step of offering
such at least one buying management system to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity comprises the steps of: a) licensing such
at least one buying management system to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity by such at least one offeror; and b)
receiving license payment from such at least one for-retailer buying
entity by such at least one offeror.
20. The method according to claim 16 further comprising the steps
of: a) recording at least one telephone log entry relating to at
least one telephone call received by such at least one buying
representative; b) recording such at least one telephone log entry
relating to at least one telephone call placed by such at least one
buying representative; c) authorizing such at least one buying
representative to identify such at least one telephone log entry as
billable; d) substantially automatically creating at least one
invoice related to each such identified telephone log entry; and e)
receiving payment from such at one retail-product-providing selling
entity related to such at least one invoice.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for improving and
streamlining the evaluation and purchase of products from
salespeople by buyers.
A major activity of retail establishments is the wholesale purchase
of the products they place on the shelves. The number and types of
products can mount into the tens of thousands, particularly in the
case of a large store, such as a supermarket or large department
store. Large retail establishments employ a staff of buyers whose
job is to evaluate products, typically presented by salespeople, to
choose and order new products and replacement products. This is an
extremely time-intensive and costly procedure, as large numbers of
salespeople are constantly vying for the attention of the buyer in
order to have their products purchased and placed on the shelves of
the retail establishment. The buyers have many different duties,
tasks and procedures during the course of a workday.
Phone operations are currently performed on regular phones or on
cell phones. The called and calling parties of the buyers (acting
for retailers) require separate programming and entries in their
respective address books. There exists a need to immediately track
such things as the length of a call, and the ability to directly
bill the salesperson for the time spent interacting with them.
Moreover, simple instructions for the use of systems for tracking
time and party names do not exist. Furthermore, the use of multiple
programs to perform the above standard operations requires a number
of different operations to produce the same end function. This is
all tedious, inefficient, and time-consuming. Furthermore, when
responding to FAX, E-Mail, letters and memos, and the return of
such, the use of multiple programs and procedures requires a number
of different operations by a buyer to produce the same end function.
Again, this is tedious, inefficient, and time-consuming.
In regard to maintaining the confidentiality of information and
communications, current security systems generally require separate
computer applications to be opened and separately configured for
security scans, encryption, and scrambling. The selection process
and the configuring are time-consuming and tedious.
In addition to the above, additional problems exist during the
course of the buyers' viewing presentations given by the salespeople
(acting for the retail product providers) presenting products. For
example, the current method of doing business is to present to
buyers physically in their place of business, i.e., at the buyer's
department office for the retail establishment. The physical calling
on the buyer at the buyer's place of business is inefficient,
time-consuming, has security issues involved with it, and is, from a
time management standpoint, uncontrollable. Additionally, when
dealing with the presentation's quality and completeness, due to the
varying knowledge, ability, attention to detail, and selling
professionalism of the individual salesman, the presentations are
widely disparate. Thus, the current presentation procedure is
clumsy, inconsistent, incomplete in many cases, and also requires
ground-up preparation for each presentation by the salesman.
Additionally, buyer requests for corrected forms, clarifications,
and representations are very time-consuming for all parties
involved. Further yet, from the salesperson's standpoint, there are
significant fixed costs involved with every presentation. Depending
on the size and complexity of the presentation, the costs associated
with it can be in the thousands of dollars. And even after such a
high cost, there is no guarantee that the presentation will be
complete when it is presented to a buyer.
Additional problems exist following presentations. The
communications after each salesperson's presentation are difficult,
as most large retail establishments do not have integrated
communications-forwarding systems or procedures to notify key
players of the decision to buy, or not to buy. Also, once a buy
decision is made, the current retail establishment systems do not
have automatic billing capabilities. Billing has to be done on an
individual job or purchase-order basis set-up by each buyer
individually. This billing or order must then be input into the
internal system of the retail establishment, which may only log it
to the accounting department. The buyer, in many cases, has to
personally do the direct billing, or an assistant has to complete
the process. This is time-consuming and ponderous. Further yet,
currently no program exists that ties the costs associated with
reviewing a presentation made to a buyer with an actual charge-back
or billing to the presenting salesperson.
In addition to the above, retail establishments currently have a
myriad of reports, top level and otherwise, to track their business.
However, in most cases, the key reports that allow one to look at
the retail establishment business quickly and concisely do not
exist, and most are not available on a computer system or on-line.
In some cases, it takes combining two and three reports to see the
whole picture. This lack of concise and easily-assembled reports is
extremely frustrating and time-inefficient for the buyers and their
management.
Yet a further problem is that the buyers for retail establishments
currently do not have means at their disposal for the management of
their own time and the presenters' time. Contributors to this
problem include such things as the lack of standardization within
the retail establishment and the associated product sales companies
with regard to presentation of products; i.e., each salesperson and
the company that salesperson represents produce different product
presentations oftentimes varying from product to product. Thus,
waste of the buyer's time and the presenter's time occurs. In
addition, the physical presentation process for products is not
time-efficient, and any even small presence or use of computer
procedures and programs in this area is inefficient or completely
lacking.
Recently, a wide range of interactive devices has been developed to
provide information to consumers via communications networks. These
interactive devices include, for example, computers connected to
various computer on-line services, interactive kiosks, interactive
television systems and the like. In particular, the popularity of
computer on-line services has grown immensely in popularity over the
last decade. Computer on-line services are provided by a wide
variety of different companies. In general, most computer on-line
services are accessed via the Internet. The Internet is a global
network of computers. One popular part of the Internet is the World
Wide Web, or the "Web." The World Wide Web contains computers that
display graphical and textual information. Computers that provide
information on the World Wide Web are typically called "Web sites."
A Web site is defined by an Internet address that has an associated
electronic page, often called a "home page." Generally, a home page
is an electronic document that organizes the presentation of text,
graphical images, audio and video into a desired display. These Web
sites are operated by a wide variety of entities, which are
typically called "providers."
A user may access the Internet via a dedicated high-speed line or by
using a personal computer (PC) equipped with a conventional modem.
Special interface software, called "browser" software, is installed
within the PC. When the user wishes to access the Internet by normal
telephone line, an attached modem is automatically instructed to
dial the telephone number associated with the local Internet host
server. The user can then access information at any address
accessible over the Internet. Two well-known web browsers, for
example, are the Netscape Navigator browser marketed by Netscape
Communications Corporation and the Internet Explorer browser
marketed by Microsoft Corporation.
Information exchanged over the Internet is typically encoded in
HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML) format. The HTML format is a
scripting language that is used to generate the home pages for
different content providers. In this setting, a content provider is
an individual or company that places information (content) on the
Internet so that others can access it. As is well known in the art,
the HTML format is a set of conventions for marking different
portions of a document so that each portion appears in a distinctive
format. For example, the HTML format identifies or "tags" portions
of a document to identify different categories of text (e.g., the
title, header, body text, etc.). When a web browser accesses an HTML
document, the web browser reads the embedded tags in the document so
it appears formatted in the specified manner.
An HTML document can also include hyperlinks, which allow a user to
move from one document to another document on the Internet. A
hyperlink is an underlined or otherwise emphasized portion of text
that, when selected using an input device such as a mouse, activates
a software connection module, which allows the user to jump between
documents or pages (i.e., within the same Web site or to other Web
sites). Hyperlinks are well known in the art, and have been
sometimes referred to as anchors. The act of selecting the hyperlink
is often referred to as "clicking on" the hyperlink.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
An object and feature of this invention is to overcome the
above-stated problems, and others, of the prior art.
It is also an object and feature of the present invention to
streamline the evaluation and the purchase of products from
salespeople by buyers.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to utilize
computer system(s) and program(s) to efficiently integrate and
enable tasks performed by buyers in the course of evaluating
products, placing orders for the products, and communicating those
decisions to involved parties.
It is yet another object and feature of the present invention is to
utilize hardware and software to enable specific computer commands
as they relate to specific system tasks involved in the process of a
product buyer interacting with product salespeople, the
salesperson's products and product presentations to the buyer.
It is a further object and feature the present invention to utilize
standardized button screen controls, which react to mouse clicking,
keyboard inputs, touch screen input, or preferably, voice input
commands and preferably located in standardized positions upon the
computer screen(s) to simplify and streamline these interactions.
Yet another object and feature of the present invention includes
automatic logging of all phone entries, security entries, and other
key system activities to allow tracking and security control within
embodiments of the present invention.
Another object and feature the present invention is the partition of
a computer monitor's viewable screen area into control areas and
their association with particular programs or program modules to
control specific functions of the programs operating within the
system.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to act as a
control point for the preparation and presentation of product
proposals to buyers by salesmen.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
integrate private branch exchange telephone systems functions with
the software related functions of the system to permit integrated
conferencing and network conferencing Caller-ID, call forwarding,
Voice-Mail, and call encryption.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide features and objects that allow for the attachment of notes
to sales presentations, automatic creation of letters and memoranda,
and scanning and filing of documents, artwork and photographs
related to sales presentations.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide
the ability to enable totally or specifically encrypted voice
communications and data communications.
Yet another object and feature of the present invention is to
generate revenue to buying organizations through the sale to selling
organizations of "presentation opportunities" which permit the
presentation of a product proposal in a defined structure to
streamline and standardize the buying process.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a billing module capability that enables automatic billing of time
and presentation charges as determined by the buying organization.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to build
the system around generally accepted computer operating systems and
widely used application software which operates in an Internet-based
communications environment.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to increase
the speed of operation on the part of the buyer and the sales
organizations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a method, relating to managing presentation of at least one
retail product offering by at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity to at least one for-retailer buying entity,
comprising the steps of: offering at least one buying management
system to such at least one for-retailer buying entity by at least
one offeror; wherein such at least one buying management system
comprises at least one proposal package for use by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; and authorizing such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use such at
least one proposal package to present such at least one retail
product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying entity.
Moreover, it provides such a method wherein such step of authorizing
such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use
such at least one proposal package to present such at least one
retail product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity comprises the steps of: receiving payment from such at least
one retail-product-providing selling entity for such at least one
proposal package; issuing at least one authorization to present such
at least one proposal package to such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; associating such at least
one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
permitting preparation of such at least one proposal package using
such at least one retail product offering by at least one sales
representative of such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; and permitting presentation of such at least one prepared
proposal package by such at least one sales representative to at
least one buying representative of such at least one for-retailer
buying entity. Additionally, it provides such a method further
comprising the steps of: permitting scheduling at least one
appointment with such at least one buying representative to present
such at least one prepared proposal package by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; permitting remote
presentation of such at least one prepared proposal package to such
at least one buying representative by such at least one sales
representative; and recording completion of such presentation of
such at least one prepared proposal package. Also, it provides such
a method further comprising the step of permitting such at least one
for-retailer buying entity to require such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to use such buying
management system for such at least one retail product offering
presentation. In addition, it provides such a method further
comprising the steps of: calculating at least one first portion of
such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one for-retailer buying entity; calculating at least one second
portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one offeror; paying at least one first portion of such at least one
payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
and paying at least one second portion of such at least one payment
from such at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to be
paid to such at least one offeror. And, it provides such a method
further comprising the step of recording decision about such at
least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative. Further, it provides such a method wherein the step
of recording decision about such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buying representative comprises the
steps of: permitting requesting at least one alteration to such at
least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; notifying such at least one selling representative
of such at least one requested alteration to such at least one
presented proposal package; permitting alteration of such at least
one presented proposal package by such at least one selling
representative; and permitting remote presentation of such at least
one altered proposal package by such at least one selling
representative to such at least one buying representative. Even
further, it provides such a method wherein the step of recording
decision about such at least one presented proposal package by such
at least one buying representative comprises the steps of: recording
rejection of such at least one presented proposal package by such at
least one buying representative; and substantially automatically
notifying such at least one selling representative of such rejection
of such at least one presented proposal package by such at least one
buying representative. Moreover, it provides such a method wherein
the step of recording decision about such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative
comprises the steps of: recording approval of such at least one
presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; substantially automatically notifying such at least
one selling representative of such approval of such at least one
presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; and substantially automatically notifying at least
one operations representative of such at least one for-retailer
buying entity of such approval of such at least one presented
proposal package. Additionally, it provides such a method wherein
the step of recording approval of such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative
comprises the steps of: notifying at least one buying review
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
permitting review of such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one buying review representative; recording at least
one comment by such at least one buying review representative; and
permitting such at least one buying representative to review such at
least one recorded comment. Also, it provides such a method wherein
such at least one proposal package comprises at least one interest
inquiry proposal package. In addition, it provides such a method
wherein such at least one proposal package comprises at least one
on-going product proposal package. And, it provides such a method
wherein such at least one proposal package comprises at least one
product introduction proposal package. Further, it provides such a
method wherein such at least one product introduction proposal
package comprises: at least one standard presentation outline;
wherein such at least one standard presentation outline comprises at
least five of the group consisting essentially of product
presentation control display, product offering key points display,
print advertising support plans display, television advertising
support plans display, coupon support plans display, market research
analysis display, demonstration support plans analysis, product
placement recommendations, and product offering summary display.
Even further, it provides such a method wherein the step of offering
such at least one buying management system to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity comprises the steps of: licensing such at
least one buying management system to such at least one for-retailer
buying entity by such at least one offeror; and receiving license
payment from such at least one for-retailer buying entity by such at
least one offeror. Moreover, it provides such a method further
comprising the steps of: recording at least one telephone log entry
relating to at least one telephone call received by such at least
one buying representative; and recording such at least one telephone
log entry relating to at least one telephone call placed by such at
least one buying representative. Additionally, it provides such a
method further comprising the steps of: permitting such at least one
buying representative to identify such at least one telephone log
entry as billable; substantially automatically creating at least one
invoice related to each such identified telephone log entry; and
receiving payment from such at one retail-product-providing selling
entity related to such at least one invoice.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a buying management system for computer-managing
at least one product offering presentation by at least one plurality
of retail-product-providing selling entities to at least one
for-retailer buying entity comprising, in combination: at least one
desktop integration computer-program module adapted to manage
essentially simultaneous access to at least one plurality of
computer-based software systems; and at least one product proposal
computer-program module adapted to control such at least one product
offering presentation to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity. Also, it provides such a buying management system wherein
such at least one product proposal computer-program module
comprises: at least one presentation preparation computer-program
module adapted to control information content of at least one
product proposal; at least one presentation scheduling
computer-program module adapted to schedule at least one appointment
between at least one selling representative of at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity of such plurality of
retail-product-providing selling entities and at least one buying
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity; and
at least one presentation management computer-program module adapted
to permit remote presentation of such at least one product proposal
by such at least one selling representative to such at least one
buying representative. In addition, it provides such a buying
management system further comprising, in combination: at least one
for-retailer buying entity decision computer-program module adapted
to require at least one for-retailer buying entity decision
regarding such at least one presented product proposal; and at least
one for-retailer buying entity decision notification
computer-program module adapted to electronically communicate such
at least one for-retailer buying entity decision to at least one
operations representative of such at least one for-retailer buying
entity. And, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising, in combination; at least one accounting computer-program
module adapted to distribute payments made by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to such at least one
for-retailer buying entity and at least one buying management system
licensor; and at least one reporting and analysis computer-program
module adapted to create at least one analysis report on request by
such at least one buying representative. Further, it provides such a
buying management system wherein such at least one reporting and
analysis computer-program module adapted to create at least one
analysis report on request by such at least one buying
representative comprises: at least one department quota analysis
report; at least one retail-product-providing selling entity
analysis report; at least one five-year trend analysis report; and
at least one parameter-based analysis report controlled by input
from such at least one for-retailer buying entity. Even further, it
provides such a buying management system wherein such at least one
at least one desktop integration computer-program module is adapted
to manage essentially simultaneous access to at least one plurality
of computer-based software systems comprising, in combination; at
least one visual display manager adapted to simultaneously display
functions provided by at least one plurality of computer-based
software systems; and at least one external computer-program module
communication manager adapted to permit interactive selection of
displayed functions performable by such at least one computer-based
software system. Moreover, it provides such a buying management
system wherein such plurality of computer-based software systems
comprises: at least one personal time management system; at least
one email system; at least one Internet-based collaboration system;
at least one private branch exchange telephone system; such at least
one presentation scheduling computer-program module; such at least
one presentation management computer-program module; such at least
one product offering approval computer-program module; such at least
one approval notification computer-program module; such at least one
accounting computer-program module; and such at least one reporting
and analysis computer-program module.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a buying management system for computer-managing
at least one product offering presentation by at least one plurality
of retail-product-providing selling entities to at least one
for-retailer buying entity comprising, in combination: computer
processing means for managing essentially simultaneous access to at
least one plurality of computer-based software systems; and computer
processing means for controlling such at least one product offering
presentation to such at least one for-retailer buying entity.
Additionally, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising, in combination: computer processing means for
controlling information content of at least one product proposal;
computer processing means for scheduling at least one appointment
between at least one selling representative of at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity of such plurality of
retail-product-providing selling entities and at least one buying
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity; and
computer processing means for permitting remote presentation of such
at least one product proposal by such at least one selling
representative to such at least one buying representative. Also, it
provides such a buying management system further comprising, in
combination: computer processing means for requiring at least one
for-retailer buying entity decision regarding such at least one
presented product proposal; and computer processing means for
electronically communicating such at least one for-retailer buying
entity decision to at least one operations representative of such at
least one for-retailer buying entity. In addition, it provides such
a buying management system further comprising, in combination;
computer processing means for distributing payments made by such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to such at least
one for-retailer buying entity and at least one buying management
system licensor; and computer processing means for creating at least
one analysis report on request by such at least one buying
representative. And, it provides such a buying management system
wherein such computer processing means for creating at least one
analysis report on request by such at least one buying
representative comprises computer processing means for providing: at
least one department quota analysis report; at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity analysis report; at least
one five-year trend analysis report; and at least one
parameter-based analysis report controlled by input from such at
least one for-retailer buying entity. Further, it provides such a
buying management system wherein such computer processing means for
managing essentially simultaneous access to at least one plurality
of computer-based software comprises computer processing means for
managing; simultaneous display functions provided by at least one
plurality of computer-based software systems; and interactive
selection of displayed functions performable by at least one of such
at least one plurality of computer-based software systems. Even
further, it provides such a buying management system wherein such
plurality of computer-based software systems comprises: at least one
personal time management system; at least one email system; at least
one Internet-based collaboration system; at least one private branch
exchange telephone system; such at least one presentation scheduling
computer-program module; such at least one presentation management
computer-program module; such at least one product offering approval
computer-program module; such at least one approval notification
computer-program module; such at least one accounting
computer-program module; and such at least one reporting and
analysis computer-program module.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a buying management computer-program system,
relating to computer-assisting of utilizing a plurality of proposal
packages to manage presentation of at least one product offering by
at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to at least one
for-retailer buying entity, comprising computer-assisting the steps
of: recording receipt information relating to at least one proposal
package payment from such at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity; issuing at least one authorization to present such
at least one proposal package to such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity, associating such at least
one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
and authorizing such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to use such at least one proposal package to present such at
least one product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity. Moreover, it provides such a buying management system
further comprising the steps of: consolidating presentation of at
least one plurality of computer-based software modules into at least
one standardized computer-based display; permitting, essentially
simultaneous access to such at least one plurality of computer-based
software modules by at least one buyer representative of such at
least one for-retailer buying entity; wherein such at least one
plurality of computer-based software modules comprises at least one
first computer-based software module related to such buying
management system, and at least one second computer-based software
module unrelated to such buying management system; accepting at
least one selection of at least one of such at least one plurality
of such computer-based software modules; and reconfiguring such at
least one standardized computer-based display based on such at least
one selection by such at least one buyer representative.
Additionally, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising the steps of: storing such at least one product offering
by such at least one sales representative of such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; formatting such at least
one product offering into such at least one proposal package;
storing such at least one proposal package; storing at least one
presentation appointment between such at least one buyer
representative and such at least one sales representative;
permitting remote presentation of such at least one product proposal
package to such at least one buyer representative by such at least
one sales representative; and storing completion of presentation of
such at least one proposal package. Also, it provides such a buying
management system further comprising the steps of: calculating at
least one first portion of such at least one payment from such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such
at least one for-retailer buying entity; and calculating at least
one second portion of such at least one payment from such at least
one retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to at least
one buying management system licensor. In addition, it provides such
a buying management system further comprising the steps of: storing
at least one request for alteration to such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buyer representative;
notifying, substantially automatically, such at least one sales
representative of such at least one request for alteration to such
at least one presented proposal package; permitting alteration of
such at least one presented proposal package by such at least one
sales representative; storing such at least one altered presented
proposal package; and permitting remote presentation of such at
least one altered presented proposal package to such at least one
buyer representative by such at least one sales representative. And,
it provides such a buying management system further comprising the
steps of: recording rejection of such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buyer representative; and
notifying, substantially automatically, such at least one sales
representative of such rejection. Further, it provides such a buying
management system further comprising the steps of: recording
approval of such at least one presented proposal package by such at
least one buyer representative; notifying, substantially
automatically, such at least one sales representative of such
approval; and notifying, substantially automatically, at least one
operations representative of such at least one for-retailer buying
entity of approval of such at least one presented proposal package.
Even further, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising the steps of: permitting review of such at least one
presented proposal package by at least one buying review
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
recording at least one comment by such at least one buying review
representative; and permitting such at least one buyer
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity to
review such at least one recorded comment. Moreover, it provides
such a buying management system wherein such at least one proposal
package comprises at least one for-retailer buying entity interest
inquiry proposal package. Additionally, it provides such a buying
management system wherein such at least one proposal package
comprises at least one on-going product proposal package. Also, it
provides such a buying management system wherein such at least one
proposal package comprises at least one product introduction
proposal package. In addition, it provides such a buying management
system wherein such at least one product introduction proposal
package comprises at least one program to manage each of at least
five of the group consisting essentially of: product presentation
control display; product offering key points display; print
advertising support plans display; television advertising support
plans display; coupon support plans display; market research
analysis display; demonstration support plans analysis; product
placement recommendations; and product offering summary display.
And, it provides such a buying management system further comprising
the steps of: recording at least one telephone log entry relating to
at least one telephone call received by such at least one buyer
representative; recording such at least one telephone log entry
relating to at least one telephone call placed by such at least one
buyer representative; wherein such at least one telephone log entry
comprises at least three of the group consisting essentially of the
following items date call start time call end time call duration
telephone number of called person telephone number of calling
person. Further, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising the steps of: recording identification of such at least
one telephone log entry as billable by such at least one buyer
representative; and creating, substantially automatically, at least
one invoice related to such at least one identified telephone log
entry.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a buying management computer system, relating to
computer means relating to assisting of utilizing a plurality of
proposal packages to manage presentation of at least one product
offering by at least one retail-product-providing selling entity to
at least one for-retailer buying entity, comprising, in combination:
computer interface means for recording receipt information relating
to at least one proposal package payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; computer processor means
for issuing at least one authorization to present such at least one
proposal package to such at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity, computer processor means for associating such at
least one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying
entity; and computer processor means for authorizing such at least
one retail-product-providing selling entity to use such at least one
proposal package to present such at least one product offering to
such at least one for-retailer buying entity. Even further, it
provides such a buying management system further comprising:
computer processor means for consolidating presentation of at least
one plurality of computer-based software modules into at least one
standardized computer-based display; computer processor means for
permitting essentially simultaneous access to such at least one
plurality of computer-based software modules by at least one buyer
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
wherein such at least one plurality of computer-based software
modules comprises at least one first computer-based software module
related to such buying management system, and at least one second
computer-based software module unrelated to such buying management
system; computer processor means for accepting at least one
selection of at least one of such at least one plurality of such
computer-based software modules; and computer processor means for
reconfiguring such at least one standardized computer-based display
based on such at least one selection by such at least one buyer
representative. Moreover, it provides such a buying management
system further comprising: computer data-storage means for storing
such at least one product offering by such at least one sales
representative of such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; computer processor means for formatting such at least one
product offering into such at least one proposal package; computer
data-storage means for storing such at least one proposal package;
computer data-storage means for storing at least one presentation
appointment between such at least one buyer representative and such
at least one sales representative; computer interface means for
permitting remote presentation of such at least one product proposal
package to such at least one buyer representative by such at least
one sales representative; and computer data-storage means for
storing completion of presentation of such at least one proposal
package. Additionally, it provides such a buying management system
further comprising: computer processor means for calculating at
least one first portion of such at least one payment from such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such
at least one for-retailer buying entity; and computer processor
means for calculating at least one second portion of such at least
one payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to at least one buying management system licensor.
Also, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising: computer data-storage means for storing at least one
request for alteration to such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buyer representative; computer
processor means for notifying, substantially automatically, such at
least one sales representative of such at least one request for
alteration to such at least one presented proposal package; computer
processor means for permitting alteration of such at least one
presented proposal package by such at least one sales
representative; computer data-storage means for storing such at
least one altered presented proposal package; and computer interface
means for permitting remote presentation of such at least one
altered presented proposal package to such at least one buyer
representative by such at least one sales representative. In
addition, it provides such a buying management system further
comprising: computer processor means for recording rejection of such
at least one presented proposal package by such at least one buyer
representative; and computer processor means for notifying,
substantially automatically, such at least one sales representative
of such rejection. And, it provides such a buying management system
further comprising the steps of: computer processor means for
recording approval of such at least one presented proposal package
by such at least one buyer representative; computer processor means
for notifying, substantially automatically, such at least one sales
representative of such approval; and computer processor means for
notifying, substantially automatically, at least one operations
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity of
approval of such at least one presented proposal package. Further,
it provides such a buying management system further comprising:
computer processor means for permitting review of such at least one
presented proposal package by at least one buying review
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
computer processor means for recording at least one comment by such
at least one buying review representative; and computer processor
means for permitting such at least one buyer representative of such
at least one for-retailer buying entity to review such at least one
recorded comment. Even further, it provides such a buying management
system wherein such at least one proposal package comprises at least
one for-retailer buying entity interest inquiry proposal package.
Moreover, it provides such a buying management system wherein such
at least one proposal package comprises at least one on-going
product proposal package. Additionally, it provides such a buying
management system wherein such at least one proposal package
comprises at least one product introduction proposal package. Also,
it provides such a buying management system wherein such at least
one product introduction proposal package comprises at least one
module to manage each of at least five of the group consisting
essentially of: computer processor means for product presentation
control display; computer processor means for product offering key
points display; computer processor means for print advertising
support plans display; computer processor means for television
advertising support plans display; computer processor means for
coupon support plans display; computer processor means for market
research analysis display; computer processor means for
demonstration support plans analysis; computer processor means for
product placement recommendations; and computer processor means for
product offering summary display. In addition, it provides such a
buying management system further comprising: computer processor
means for recording at least one telephone log entry relating to at
least one telephone call received by such at least one buyer
representative; computer processor means for recording such at least
one telephone log entry relating to at least one telephone call
placed by such at least one buyer representative; wherein such at
least one telephone log entry comprises at least three of the group
consisting essentially of the following items date call start time
call end time call duration telephone number of called person
telephone number of calling person. And, it provides such a buying
management system further comprising: computer processor means for
recording identification of such at least one telephone log entry as
billable by such at least one buyer representative; and computer
processor means for creating, substantially automatically, at least
one invoice related to such at least one identified telephone log
entry.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method, relating to managing presentation of at
least one retail product offering by at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to at least one for-retailer
buying entity, comprising the steps of: offering at least one buying
management system to such at least one for-retailer buying entity by
at least one offeror; wherein such at least one buying management
system comprises at least one proposal package for use by such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity; permitting such
at least one for-retailer buying entity to require such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to use such buying
management system for such at least one retail product offering
presentation; receiving payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity for such at least one
proposal package; issuing at least one authorization to present such
at least one proposal package to such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; associating such at least
one authorization with such at least one for-retailer buying entity;
permitting preparation of such at least one proposal package using
such at least one retail product offering by at least one sales
representative of such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity; permitting scheduling at least one appointment with such at
least one buying representative to present such at least one
prepared proposal package by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; permitting remote
presentation of such at least one prepared proposal package to such
at least one buying representative by such at least one sales
representative; recording completion of such presentation of such at
least one prepared proposal package; recording decision about such
at least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; calculating at least one first portion of such at
least one payment from such at least one retail-product-providing
selling entity to be paid to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity; calculating at least one second portion of such at least one
payment from such at least one retail-product-providing selling
entity to be paid to such at least one offeror; paying at least one
first portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one for-retailer buying entity; and paying at least one second
portion of such at least one payment from such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity to be paid to such at least
one offeror. Further, it provides such a method wherein the step of
recording decision about such at least one presented proposal
package by such at least one buying representative comprises the
steps of: permitting requesting at least one alteration to such at
least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; notifying such at least one selling representative
of such at least one requested alteration to such at least one
presented proposal package; permitting alteration of such at least
one presented proposal package by such at least one selling
representative; permitting remote presentation of such at least one
altered proposal package by such at least one selling representative
to such at least one buying representative; recording rejection of
such at least one presented proposal package by such at least one
buying representative; substantially automatically notifying such at
least one selling representative of such rejection of such at least
one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; recording approval of such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative; wherein
the step of recording approval of such at least one presented
proposal package by such at least one buying representative
comprises the steps of notifying at least one buying review
representative of such at least one for-retailer buying entity,
permitting review of such at least one presented proposal package by
such at least one buying review representative, recording at least
one comment by such at least one buying review representative, and
permitting such at least one buying representative to review such at
least one recorded comment; substantially automatically notifying
such at least one selling representative of such approval of such at
least one presented proposal package by such at least one buying
representative; and substantially automatically notifying at least
one operations representative of such at least one for-retailer
buying entity of such approval of such at least one presented
proposal package. Even further, it provides such a method wherein
such at least one proposal package comprises: at least one interest
inquiry proposal package; at least one on-going product proposal
package; at least one product introduction proposal package; wherein
such at least one product introduction proposal package comprises at
least one standard presentation outline; wherein such at least one
standard presentation outline comprises at least five of the group
consisting essentially of product presentation control display,
product offering key points display, print advertising support plans
display, television advertising support plans display, coupon
support plans display, market research analysis display,
demonstration support plans analysis, product placement
recommendations, and product offering summary display. Even further,
it provides such a method wherein the step of offering such at least
one buying management system to such at least one for-retailer
buying entity comprises the steps of: licensing such at least one
buying management system to such at least one for-retailer buying
entity by such at least one offeror; and receiving license payment
from such at least one for-retailer buying entity by such at least
one offeror. Even further, it provides such a method further
comprising the steps of: recording at least one telephone log entry
relating to at least one telephone call received by such at least
one buying representative; recording such at least one telephone log
entry relating to at least one telephone call placed by such at
least one buying representative; permitting such at least one buying
representative to identify such at least one telephone log entry as
billable; substantially automatically creating at least one invoice
related to each such identified telephone log entry; and receiving
payment from such at one retail-product-providing selling entity
related to such at least one invoice.
GLOSSARY OF GENERAL TERMS AND ACRONYMS
The following terms and acronyms explained below as background and
are used throughout the detailed description:
Buying Review Representative. As used herein, a person charged with
responsibility for reviewing and or approving buying decisions on
proposals from brokers and manufacturers made by individual buyers.
This term may also represent members of buying committee which may
make final buying decisions on proposals from brokers and
manufacturers.
Client-Server. A model of interaction in a distributed system in
which a program at one site sends a request to a program at another
site and waits for a response. The requesting program is called the
"client," and the program which responds to the request is called
the "server." In the context of the World Wide Web, the client is
typically a "Web browser" which runs on a user's computer; the
program which responds to Web browser requests at a Web site is
commonly referred to as a "Web server."
Domain Name System (DNS). An Internet service that translates domain
names (which are alphabetic identifiers) into IP addresses (which
are numeric identifiers for machines on a TCP/IP network).
Experience. This term is used interchangeably with the term
"subject" and is intended to have the same definition.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML). A standard coding convention and
set of codes for attaching presentation and linking attributes to
informational content within documents. During a document authoring
stage, the HTML codes (referred to as "tags") are embedded within
the informational content of the document. When the Web document (or
"HTML document") is subsequently transferred from a Web server to a
Web browser, the codes are interpreted by the Web browser and used
to parse and display the document. In addition to specifying how the
Web browser is to display the document, HTML tags can be used to
create links to other websites and other Web documents (commonly
referred to as "hyperlinks"). For more information on HTML, see Ian
S. Graham, The HTML Source Book, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1995
(ISBN 0471-11894-4).
HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP). The standard World Wide Web
client-server protocol used for the exchange of information (such as
HTML documents, and client requests for such documents) between a
Web browser and a Web server. HTTP includes a number of different
types of messages that can be sent from the client to the server to
request different types of server actions. For example, a "GET"
message, which has the format GET, causes the server to return the
document or file located at the specified Universal Resource Locator
(URL).
Internet. A collection of interconnected (public and/or private)
networks that are linked together by a set of standard protocols to
form a distributed network. While this term is intended to refer to
what is now commonly known as the Internet, it is also intended to
encompass variations which may be made in the future, including
changes and additions to existing standard protocols.
Internet Information Server (IIS). Microsoft Corporation's Web
server that runs on Windows NT platforms.
Java. A general purpose programming language developed by Sun
Microsystems. Java has a number of features that make the language
well-suited for use on the World Wide Web. Small Java applications
are called Java applets and can be downloaded from a Web server and
run on a personal computer by a Java-compatible Web browser, such as
Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer.
Java Servlets. A small Java-based program designed to perform a
specific task within a Web server environment. Java Servlets are
analogous to Java applets except they are designed to only run on
the Web server.
Java Virtual Machine. A set of applications that create a run time
environment for executing Java code.
JRun. A server-side extension that allows a Web server to execute
Java Servlets for the processing and display of information. JRun is
a widely adopted engine for developing and deploying server-side
Java applications that use Java Servlets and Java Server Pages
(JSP).
Java Database Connectivity (JDBC). A Java API developed by JavaSoft,
a subsidiary of Sun Microsystems of Mountain View, Calif. JDBC
enables Java programs to execute SQL statements, which allows Java
programs to interact with any SQL-compliant database. Since many
relational database management systems (DBMSs) support SQL, and
because Java itself runs on most platforms, JDBC makes it possible
to write a single database application that can run on different
platforms and interact with different database management systems.
JDBC is similar to ODBC but is designed specifically for Java
programs, whereas ODBC is language-independent.
Open Data Base Connectivity (ODBC). A database access method
developed by Microsoft Corporation. ODBC allows an application to
access data from a database by translating the application's data
queries into commands that the database management system (DBMS) can
understand.
Operations Representative. As used herein, the term is used to
generally represent personnel within a retail organization whose
responsibilities may include shipping/receiving, accounts payable,
purchasing, product distribution, etc. In general, personnel in
these areas must be informed of buying decisions to successfully
meet their responsibilities.
Product Program Offering. A combination of physical product,
time-based promotional programs, demonstration support, product
placement recommendations and pricing incentives presented as a
"package" to a retailer. Promotional programs may include coupon
programs, print advertising and television advertising.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). A standard
Internet protocol (or set of protocols) which specifies how two
computers exchange data over the Internet. TCP/IP handles issues
such as packetization, packet addressing, handshaking and error
correction. For more information on TCP/IP, see Volumes I, II and
III of Corner and Stevens, Internetworking with TCP/IP, Prentice
Hall, Inc., ISBNs 0-13-468505-9 (vol. I), 0-13-125527-4 (vol. II),
and 0-13-474222-2 (vol. III).
Uniform Resource Locator (URL). A unique address which fully
specifies the location of a file or other resource on the Internet.
The general format of a URL is protocol://machine
address:port/path/filename. The port specification is optional, and
if none is entered by the user, the Web browser defaults to the
standard port for whatever service is specified as the protocol. For
example, if HTTP is specified as the protocol, the Web browser will
use the HTTP default port. The machine address in this example is
the domain name for the computer or device on which the file is
located.
World Wide Web ("Web"). Used herein to refer generally to both (1) a
distributed collection of interlinked, user-viewable hypertext
documents (commonly referred to as "Web documents", "Web pages",
"electronic pages" or "home pages") that are accessible via the
Internet, and (2) the client and server software components that
provide user access to such documents using standardized Internet
protocols. Currently, the primary standard protocol for allowing
applications to locate and acquire Web documents is the HyperText
Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the electronic pages are encoded using
the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). However, the terms "World Wide
Web" and "Web" are intended to encompass future markup languages and
transport protocols which may be used in place of or in addition to
the HyperText Markup Language and the HyperText Transfer Protocol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is diagrammatical overview of the Internet communications
used in the instant system according to preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is diagrammatical overview of the website computer system
according preferred embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the parties and their
relationships according to preferred embodiments of the present
invention. As shown, at least one salesperson representing at least
one product obtains a presentation packet from the system licensor.
The system then communicates that fact to a respective buyer, or
buyers. The salesperson completes the presentation packet and
communicates that presentation packet to the respective buyer(s).
This relationship, as shown, may be repeated with multiple buyers
and sellers in combination.
FIG. 4 is a general schematic illustrating the preferred primary
software components and preferred external systems that are
preferably available to a buyer using the instant system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a general diagram illustrating the overall standardized
buyer's screen configuration which preferably encompasses access to
the primary functions included or accessed through the buying system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an overview block diagram illustrating the primary buying
system components and their relationships according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an overview block diagram illustrating the buying system
implementation and usage business method according to preferred
embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 8 through 8K are diagrammatic views which illustrate each of
the primary functions and their location within the preferred
buyer's screen configuration shown in FIG. 5 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred buyer's
login screen according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
security settings screen used to set the levels of security in
selected functional areas of the buying system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
additional security settings screen used to set the levels of
security in selected additional functional areas of the buying
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred user
set up screen which permit a system administrator to add authorized
users to the system and establish each user's primary security
settings and passwords according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred user
management screen which permits authorized users and their passwords
and voice prints for each primary functional area of the instant
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred screen
presentation when a personal calendaring and email application, such
as Microsoft Outlook, has been loaded into the active screen area of
the instant system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation when a personal calendaring and email application, such
as Microsoft Outlook, has been loaded into the active screen area of
the instant system and the phone log area of the screen has been
excluded according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation when the personal calendar of a personal calendaring
and email application, such as Microsoft Outlook, has been loaded
into the active screen area of the instant system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation when the task list of a personal calendaring and email
application, such as Microsoft Outlook, has been loaded into the
active screen area of the instant system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation when an analysis report has been requested and is
displayed in the active screen area of the instant system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation when the task list of a personal calendaring and email
application, such as Microsoft Outlook, has been loaded into the
active screen area of the instant system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred broker
set up screen used to capture the basic profile for each broker and
the product manufacturer which the broker represents according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred buyer
set up screen used to capture the basic profile for each buyer and
their position according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
manufacturer set up screen used to capture the basic profile for
each manufacturer's representative according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred the
buyer internal information page used to display information
necessary for internal set up and communications according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred user
management screen which permits authorized users and their passwords
and voice prints to login to primary functional areas of the instant
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred buyer
interest inquiry screen prepared by a sales person to elicit
interest by a buyer in the represented product which provides only
basic information about the product offering according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred start
screen (controls the presentation and decision making process) for a
product offering presentation to a buyer in the active screen area
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred key
points (product offering overview) screen for a product offering
presentation to a buyer in the active screen area according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred print
advertising support screen for a product offering presentation to a
buyer in the active screen area which provides a summary and details
of print advertising plans for the product offering according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
television advertising support screen for a product offering
presentation to a buyer in the active screen area which provides a
summary and details of television advertising plans for the product
offering according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred coupon
support screen for a product offering presentation to a buyer in the
active screen area which provides a summary and details of coupon
plans for the product offering according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred market
potential analysis screen for a product offering presentation to a
buyer in the active screen area which provides a summary and details
of market potential analysis for the product offering according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred product
demonstration support plans screen for a product offering
presentation to a buyer in the active screen area which provides a
summary and details of product demonstration support plans for the
product offering according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
schematic (store location and display) recommendations screen for a
product offering presentation to a buyer in the active screen area
which provides a summary and details of schematic (store location
and display) recommendations for the product offering according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
presentation (product offering) recap screen for a product offering
presentation to a buyer in the active screen area which provides a
summary and details of the seller's product offering presentation
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred usage
of a "partial screen cover" used to hide a sensitive portion of the
active screen area of screen without modifying or losing the
underlying information displayed on the screen according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred usage
of a "full screen cover" used to hide a sensitive portion of the
active screen area of screen without modifying or losing the
underlying information displayed on the screen according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred first
phone log system set up options screen for setting each buyer's
preferences for how the phone log system will behave according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred second
phone log system set up options screen for setting each buyer's
preferences for how the phone log system will behave according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred third
phone log system set up options screen for setting each buyer's pop
up preferences for how the phone log system will behave according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred phone
call logging options set up screen for setting each buyer's phone
call logging and security preferences according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred phone
call billing set up screen for setting the billing parameters of
automatically billing sellers for logged phone calls to a buyer
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred main
log all callers screen for managing call settings for individual
callers according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred main
bill to callers screen for managing billing settings for individual
callers according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred log of
all calls made or received by a buyer which the buyer uses to
identify calls to be billed according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
expanded log of all calls made or received by a buyer which the
buyer uses to identify calls to be billed according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred log of
all calls made or received by a buyer for a selected date range
which the buyer uses to identify calls to be billed according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred log of
all calls made or received by a buyer for a selected manufacturer or
broker which the buyer uses to identify calls to be billed according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred log of
voice mail messages received by a buyer for selective review and
return according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred sales
analysis report for a department available to a buyer according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
brokerage analysis report for a department by year available to a
buyer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
brokerage analysis report for a manufacturer by year available to a
buyer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a preferred
personal management screen for use by buyers for their own personal
notes, calls, expense reports, etc., according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
In the accompanying drawings, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form in order to provide an understanding of
the interrelationship between components and the flow of information
and control throughout the depicted preferred embodiment of the
present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art
from the teachings herein that the invention may be practiced with a
variety of different specific components, without detraction or
departure from the scope of the present invention, provided to serve
the generalized block diagram description. Specific statements made
with respect to any of these operations are intended to clarify the
nature of the operation being performed, but should not be taken as
a limitation of the operation should an alternative operation be
desired in a substantially similar situation or setting.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagrammatical overview of the Internet
communications used in the instant system according to preferred
embodiments of the present invention is shown. The present invention
preferably comprises a computer system 108. The computer system 108
comprises input and output devices as is well known in the art. For
example, the computer system 108 preferably comprises a display
screen or monitor 104, a keyboard 116, a printer 114, a mouse 106,
etc. The computer system 108 further preferably comprises a database
102 for storage of the data and software comprising preferred
embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 108 is
preferably connected to the Internet 112 that serves as the
presently preferred communications medium. The Internet 112
comprises a global network of networks and computers, public and
private which permits communication and the exchange of information
between individual computers and web servers. The Internet 112 is
the preferred connection method to the users 118, 120, 122 and nnn
in preferred embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, a diagrammatical overview of the website
computer system according to preferred embodiments of the present
invention is shown. This figure shows the preferred relationships
between a user 118 (exemplary of any number of users 118, 120, 122,
nnn), the Internet 112, the web server 126, the application server
125 and the database server 124. As shown, a user 118 requests a
page from the web site of the present invention. The user 118 is
preferably connected via the Internet 112, and the web page request
preferably is received by the web server 126 which then initiates a
call via an LAN connection 134, or similar local connection, to the
application server 125 on which the present invention is
implemented. The present invention may then preferably retrieve the
requested data via an LAN connection 134, or similar local
connection, from the database server 124, and preferably generate an
HTML page. The application server 125 then passes the completed HTML
page to the web server 126 which, in turn, preferably transmits the
completed HTML page containing the data requested by the user 118
through the Internet 112 to the user 118. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as request volumes and the numbers of user 118 (exemplary of
any number of users 118, 120, 122, nnn) other arrangements may
suffice, such as, combining web server 126, database server 124 and
application server 125 into a single computer.
Referring to FIG. 3, the figure is a block diagram showing the
parties and their relationships according to preferred embodiments
of the present invention. Preferably, system licensor 301 markets
the present system and business method to a company which offers
merchandise at retail, preferably a grocery retailer, represented by
retailer 1 309 (exemplary of any number of retailer 2 311, retailer
n 313). If the retailer 1 309 agrees to the use of the system
preferably the retailer 1 309 receives authority to use the present
system and business method in exchange for a license fee as
represented by license exchange 319. Preferably, the retailer 1 309
will then notify all sellers (acting for retail product providers)
as represented, for example, by manufacturer/broker 1 303 (exemplary
of any number of manufacturer/broker 2 305, manufacturer/broker n
307) that the system and business method must be used for any
product offering presentation to retailer 1 309.
As shown, the authorization exchange 315 between the
manufacturer/broker 1 303 and system licensor 301 preferably
comprises a presentation package payment by manufacturer/broker 1
303 to system licensor 301 for which the manufacturer/broker 1 303
preferably receives authorization to prepare and present a product
offering to one buyer representative of retailer 1 309 using the
pre-defined presentation package structure (embodying herein wherein
such at least one buying management system comprises at least one
proposal package for use by such at least one
retail-product-providing selling entity; and authorizing such at
least one retail-product-providing selling entity to use such at
least one proposal package to present such at least one retail
product offering to such at least one for-retailer buying entity).
Preferably a presentation package comprises authorization to prepare
and present a presentation package for one product offering to one
retailer. However, the same product offering may be prepared and
presented to a different Retailer 1 309 by the same manufacturer if
a presentation package is purchased by the manufacturer/broker 1
303.
A sales representative of manufacturer/broker 1 303 then preferably
completes a presentation package for the product offering for the
retailer 1 309. As noted, Manufacturer/broker 1 303 may buy a
presentation package for retailer 2 311 for the same product
offering and re-use of the product offering content from the
presentation packages presented to retailer 1 309.
As represented by the presentation exchange 317, manufacturer/broker
1 303 remotely presents the presentation package to a buyer
representative of retailer 1 309 using licensor's system. At the
conclusion of the remote presentation retailer 1 309 notifies
manufacturer/broker 1 303 of acceptance or rejection of the product
offering. Additionally, licensor 301 receives notice of completion
of the presentation of the product offering and allocates payment
made by manufacturer/broker 1 303 to system licensor 301 on a
pre-agreed basis between retailer 1 309 and system licensor 301.
As shown, this presentation exchange 317 relationship may be
repeated in any combination between each retailer 1 309 requiring
use of licensor's system and each manufacturer/broker 1 303 wishing
to present product offerings to retailer 1 309. Benefits to
manufacturer/broker 1 303 include multiple use of product offering
information in multiple presentation packages, reduced preparation
time; reduced travel because the presentation package is completed
presented remotely. Benefits to retailer 1 309 include enforcement
of consistency in competing product offering which improves
comparability of offers, time savings because each presentation must
be scheduled and revenue generation from each presentation completed
by manufacturer/broker 1 303.
Referring to FIG. 4, this is a general schematic illustrating the
preferred primary software components and preferred external systems
that are preferably available to a buyer representative of Retailer
1 309 using the instant system according to the preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, the instant system permits
integration on of various internal modules and external systems
commonly used by buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 in their
normal duties into a standardized and functional single point of
access. Preferably, the primary point of integration is the Buying
System 401 where a buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 may access
any of the required systems or modules from a standard screen
display. Additional system and module inter-operability integration
preferably occurs between several systems and modules as well. The
Buying System 401 preferably operates within a typical Hardware
Operating System 403. Preferably, the instant system is capable of
operating within the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems
such Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP. Additionally,
under appropriate circumstances, the instant system preferably
operates with other operating systems such as Linux. Preferably, the
operation of the instant system is therefore not specifically
dependent on a particular Hardware Operating System 403.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 provides authorized buyer representative of
Retailer 1 309 access to the module Set Up and Maintenance 405. This
point of integration with the Buying System 401 preferably permits
security level modifications, user set up and modification of
display standards within the instant system. Preferably, Set Up and
Maintenance 405 also permits authorized users to create and manage
the profiles of each of the brokers and manufacturers for use in
presentation as well as ordinary telephone calls.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 interfaces with at least one Email & Contact
System 407. The preferred Email & Contact System 407 is Microsoft
Outlook. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as variations in
installed systems and computer operating systems environments other
arrangements may suffice, such as, interfacing the Buying System 401
with other applications which preferably permit buyer representative
of Retailer 1 309 to access the other applications from pre-defined
buttons on the Buyer Desktop 501. Preferably, the interface between
the Buying System 401 and the Email and Contact System 407 provide
the buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 direct access and display
of email messages, personal calendar and address book information
within the Buying System 401. The interface is preferably designed
to permit access and input to the Email and Contact System 407 from
the Buying System 401.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 integrates with the Buyer Presentation System 409
to permit the buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 to view product
offering presentations and control a product offering prepared by
sellers through approval by the Retailer 1 309.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 also provides an interface to the Internal
Management Systems 411. Preferably, the Internal Management Systems
411 is a customized interface which permits an authorized user to
access selected internal systems used by the retailer. Preferably,
these internal systems are determined during initial installation of
the customization of the instant system.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 provides access to the Billing System 413 which
preferably provides the capability to bill a Manufacturer/Broker 1
303 for telephone call time and for extensions of time beyond the
allotted presentation time. Preferably, the Billing System 413 is a
module of the Buying System 401 which operates in conjunction the
Phone Logging System 415 to create invoices to Retailer 1 309 when
requested by a buyer representative of Retailer 1 309.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 provides access to the Phone Logging System 415.
The Phone Logging System 415 is a module within the Buying System
401 which maintains a database containing all incoming and outgoing
calls for each buyer representative of Retailer 1 309. Preferably,
the Phone Logging System 415 obtains the required call information
from the Buying System 401 which maintains a data interface with the
telephone system used by the Retailer 1 309 to capture the call
data.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 provides a buyer representative of Retailer 1 309
direct control of particular features of the Telephone System 417
used by the Retail 1 309. Preferably, for example, a buyer
representative of Retailer 1 309 may answer a call by selecting the
answer button on the display of the Buying System 401 rather that
picking up the hand set from the desk set. Additionally, preferably
the integration of the Buying System 401 with the Telephone System
417 permits the display of an image of the caller based on
recognition by the Telephone System 417 of the telephone number of
the caller.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 will optionally permit the definition and
implementation of access points to Other Internal Systems 419 used
by Retailer 1 309. Preferably, the Other Internal Systems 417 is a
customized interface which permits an authorized user to access
selected internal systems used by Retailer 1 309. Preferably, these
internal systems are determined during initial installation of the
customization of the instant system.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Buying System 401 provides an interface to Filing and Notes 421.
Filing and Notes 421 is a module of the Buying System 401 which
permits a buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 to enter notes
about a product offering from manufacturer/broker 1 303 and link
them with the presentation package. Similarly, Filing and Notes 421
provides the capability to attached other documents or images to a
presentation package presented by manufacturer/broker 1 303.
Referring to FIG. 5, is a general diagram illustrating the Buyer's
Desktop 501, an overall standardized screen configuration which
preferably encompasses access to the primary functions included or
accessed through the Buying System 401 according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The display methods and
organization of Buying System 401 utilizes a standardized desktop
organization of the systems and modules of the Buying System 401
most commonly used by a buyer representative of Retailer 1 309 in
the course of his or her daily work. As shown in FIG. 5, this
approach is illustrated by the Buyer Desktop 501 which preferably
provides standard locations within the structure of a computer
display. This is accomplished by defining the central screen area as
the Active Screen Area 515, then arranging the buttons and displays
for the systems and modules around the periphery of the Active
Screen Area 515. The Active Screen Area 515 permits the display of
the usual user interface of a selected application or module while
retaining the other areas on the screen. For example, if the buyer
representative of Retailer 1 309 chooses to view his or her email
the usual listing of messages in the email "inbox" is displayed in
the Active Screen Area 515. An example of the preferred screen
organization is depicted in FIG. 8. As can be seen, each buyer
representative of Retailer 1 309 is presented with all the necessary
tools to manage his or her daily work from a single presentation of
all required system functions. Each functional area is identified
and described in further detail below.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
area for Set Up & Management 503 is located along |