Patent Publication Number: US-2003231604-A1

Title: System and method for configuring merchandise layout by way of mobile commerce

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to mobile commerce and systems and methods for arranging a layout of merchandise, and more particularly to a system and method that automatically facilitates adjustment of a layout of merchandise at a seller&#39;s premises.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0004] In the retailing industry, layout of merchandise for viewing by customers is very important. If the merchandise are organized and identified according to groups of products, levels of quality, or usage, then the merchandise can be more effectively promoted to customers. It is more convenient for customers to select their desired merchandise.  
       [0005] Since the advent of wireless enterprise business applications, many companies are realizing the benefits of using small wireless hand-held mobile devices, which have emerged as an ideal mobile sales assistant. With the ability of such mobile devices to access a company&#39;s data system and the advantages of portability and low cost of ownership, mobile electronic commerce is becoming increasingly popular, and promise to change traditional business models. Small wireless hand-held mobile devices can strengthen technical support, make communication between enterprises and customers faster and more accurate, and thus yield more client satisfaction.  
       [0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,755 entitled Merchandise Display System and Method discloses a merchandise display system and method for related types of products. Each product is provided with a package bearing an icon indicating the type of product, its intended use, and an indication of its level of quality. A display arranges the product packages in rows and columns based upon the icon and indication of quality of each package. However, customer feedback cannot be obtained promptly. Adjustment of the layout of merchandise cannot keep pace with customers&#39; changing purchasing habits.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for configuring a layout of merchandise at a storefront premises by using a mobile terminal.  
       [0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for configuring a layout of merchandise by way of mobile commerce which can ensure prompt adjustment of a desired quantity and arrangement of merchandise.  
       [0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for configuring a layout of merchandise by way of mobile commerce comprises a database server, a mobile commerce server linked with the database server for generating business schedules, and at least one mobile terminal linked with the mobile commerce server for downloading business schedules from the mobile commerce server and thereby assisting execution of commercial activities. Each mobile terminal comprises: a business schedule storing module for storing downloaded business schedules; and a merchandise displaying module for recording and adjusting layouts of merchandise and sales assistance tools at storefront premises of various sellers.  
       [0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for configuring a layout of merchandise by way of mobile commerce comprises the steps of: (a) downloading merchandise layout key information and commercial activities information; (b) displaying merchandise layout key information in the form of pictures; (c) recording a layout of merchandise and sales assistance tools; and (d) illustrating a merchandise layout adjustment advice.  
       [0011] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for configuring merchandise layout in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a database server, a mobile commerce server and at least one mobile terminal;  
     [0013]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of detailed infrastructure of the database server of the system of FIG. 1, and shows data communication between the database server, the mobile commerce server and one mobile terminal;  
     [0014]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of function modules of one mobile terminal of the system of FIG. 1;  
     [0015]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of executing mobile commerce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0016]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of details of one step of FIG. 4, namely assisting execution of commercial activities; and  
     [0017]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of determining an optimized layout of merchandise for a client&#39;s storefront premises. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0018] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the present invention in detail.  
     [0019]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for configuring merchandise layout in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system for configuring merchandise layout comprises a three-tier information system. The three-tier information system comprises a database server  101  (the bottom tier), an application server system  102  (the middle tier), and a plurality of distributed terminal workstations  109  (the top tier, only one shown). The application server system  102  of the preferred embodiment comprises a mobile commerce server  103 . Each terminal workstation  109  of the preferred embodiment is a mobile terminal  109 , which can be a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a pocket personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a smart phone or a notebook computer. A client information system  110  is connects with each of the mobile terminals  109  via a cable, infrared signals, or wireless communications. Each mobile terminal  109  connects with the mobile commerce server  103  via a cable, infrared signals, or wireless communications. The mobile commerce server  103  connects with the database server  101 , and is used for generating business schedules in accordance with data stored in the database server  101 . The mobile terminal  109  downloads a business schedule from the mobile commerce server  103 , for assisting execution of commercial activities. The mobile terminal  109  shows steps of required commercial activities in accordance with the business schedule, records data on execution of commercial activities, and uploads data on transactions,and on execution of commercial activities for updating of data stored in the client information system  1   10 .  
     [0020] The mobile commerce server  103  comprises a connecting module  104 , an identity validating module  105 , an application processing module  106 , a data processing module  107 , and a client serving module  108 . The connecting module  104  connects with the mobile terminal  109 , and is used for transferring data between the mobile terminal  109  and the mobile commerce server  103 . The identity validating module  105  checks identities of personnel such as sales representatives, and distributes various business schedules to various sales representatives. The application processing module  106  generates business schedules for every sales representative in accordance with data stored in the database server  101 , and updates data stored in the database server  101  in accordance with data sent from the mobile terminal  109 . The data processing module  107  connects with the database server  101 , and transfers data between the database server  101  and the mobile commerce server  103 . The client serving module  108  connects with the client information system  110  via the Internet  111 . The client serving module  108  sends information on mobile commerce to clients, and receives data on cooperating with clients and data on requirements of clients.  
     [0021]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of detailed infrastructure of the database server  101 , and shows data communication between the database server  101 , the mobile commerce server  103  and one mobile terminal  109 . The database server  101  is a central database of an entire enterprise. The database server  101  comprises: a client database  201  for storing data on clients; a merchandise database  202  for storing data on merchandise sold by the enterprise; a transaction database  203  for storing transaction data on the enterprise; an employee database  204  for storing employee data including data on all sales representatives; and an information issuing database  205  for storing information issued by the enterprise. The application processing module  106  of the mobile commerce server  103  integrates data stored in the client database  201 , data stored in the merchandise database  202 , and data stored in the transaction database  203  to create transaction data  207  and market analysis data  206 . The transaction data  207  and the market analysis data  206  are stored in the mobile commerce server  103 . The transaction data  207  and data stored in the employee database  204  are processed by the application processing module  106  to generate business schedules  208  for sales representatives. The business schedules  208  are stored in the mobile commerce server  103 . During the process of downloading data from the mobile commerce server  103 , the business schedules  208 , the market analysis data  206 , data stored in the client database  201 , and data stored in the information issuing database  205  are transferred to the mobile terminal  109  via the connecting module  104  of the mobile commerce server  103 .  
     [0022]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of function modules of one mobile terminal  109 . The mobile terminal  109  comprises: a business schedule storing module  301  which is used to record work flow and clients that a sales representative visits; a merchandise storing module  302  which is used to store all merchandise information on the enterprise as a reference for the sales representative to inquire of; an executing data storing module  303  which is used to record data on execution of commercial activities; an issued information storing module  305  which is used to store information on the enterprise&#39;s current news, merchandise shortage notes, and newly promoted products; a bar code scanning module  314  which is used to scan and identify various clients&#39; bar codes which respectively represent various clients; and a merchandise displaying module  304  which is used to record and adjust merchandise layouts at storefront premises of various clients.  
     [0023] The business schedule storing module  301  comprises a client data storing module  306 , and a pending event storing module  307 . The client data storing module  306  stores commercial activities information on clients, including client basic data such as name, address and phone number, client ordering data, and accounts receivable. The pending event storing module  307  is used to remind the sales representative of matters that need to be attended to. For instance, such matters may be orders that need conducting, collection of accounts receivable, and market investigation. The merchandise storing module  302  comprises merchandise general data  308  and merchandise storage data  309 . The merchandise general data  308  includes basic merchandise data such as name, serial number and specification, merchandise price data and key merchandise data. The merchandise storage data  309  includes corresponding merchandise inventory volume and distribution information. The executing data storing module  303  stores transaction data  310  and investigation data  311 . The information in the executing data storing module  303  is sent to the mobile commerce server  103 , and is processed by the application processing module  106 . The information in the database server  101  is updated accordingly. The merchandise displaying module  304  comprises a merchandise layout recording module  312  and a merchandise layout adjusting module  313 . The merchandise layout recording module  312  is used for recording layouts of merchandise at storefront premises of various clients, and sales assistance tools. The merchandise layout adjusting module  313  is used for adjusting layouts of merchandise at storefront premises of various clients, and sales assistance tools. All data recorded by the mobile terminal  109  is subsequently uploaded to the database server  101  for storing.  
     [0024]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of execution of mobile commerce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Firstly, in step S 402 , before a user enters the system, the mobile terminal  109  authorizes access for the user. In step S 403 , if the user cannot successfully enter the system, then the procedure returns to step S 402 . If the user successfully enters the system, then in step S 404 , the mobile terminal  109  inquires whether or not the user wants to upload and/or download data. If the user does not want to upload or download data, then the procedure proceeds directly to step S 408  described below. Otherwise, in step S 405 , the mobile terminal  109  downloads data including a business schedule from the mobile commerce server  103 , and/or uploads data on execution of commercial activities already completed to the executing data storing module  303  of the mobile commerce server  103 . These download and upload operations can be performed individually and separately. If the mobile terminal  109  only uploads data, then the procedure proceeds directly to step S 408  described below. If the mobile terminal  109  downloads data, then in step S 406 , when all the data have been downloaded, the mobile terminal  109  displays the downloaded data and a summary prepared by the user of items needed by the user for executing commercial activities. The user compares the downloaded data with the needed items, and marks any outstanding needed items. Then, in step S 407 , the business schedule storing module  301  determines whether all the downloaded data are prepared having regard to the user&#39;s mark, if any. If the downloaded data are not prepared, then the procedure returns to step S 405 , and the outstanding wanted data are downloaded. If the downloaded data are prepared, then the procedure proceeds directly to step S 408 . In step S 408 , the actual commercial activities are performed, and the executing data storing module  303  records corresponding operations during the process of execution of the commercial activities. When the commercial activities are finished, in step S 409  the business schedule storing module  301  determines whether all required visits to clients have been completed. If all required client visits have not been completed, then the procedure returns to step S 408  and the sales representative continues to visit other clients. If and when all required client visits have been completed, then in step S 410 , the executing data storing module  303  collects and analyzes all client visit information on the business schedule, and generates a consolidated report for the sales representative to review.  
     [0025]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of details of step S 408  of FIG. 4, namely assisting execution of commercial activities. Firstly, in step S 502  the mobile terminal  109  validates a client&#39;s identity, and displays corresponding client information. The client&#39;s identity can be validated by either scanning the client&#39;s bar code, or manually entering the client&#39;s name, code or other details. The client information includes basic information on the client.  
     [0026] In step S 503 , the mobile terminal  109  assists the user in inspecting the client&#39;s storefront premises. Matters examined may include verification of the enterprise&#39;s merchandise inventory, checking of the client&#39;s merchandise information, investigation of merchandise prices, investigation of fake products, and compiling of questionnaires. The executing data storing module  303  records the client visit and noteworthy matters arising from the visit. All this information is transferred to the mobile commerce server  103 , so that the next business schedule can be arranged. In step S 504 , the business schedule storing module  301  displays the client&#39;s accounts receivable information, and reminds the sales representative to collect any outstanding payments. The application processing module  106  of the mobile server  103  computes a new optimized storefront layout of merchandise, based on the enterprise&#39;s sales strategy, the client&#39;s current storefront layout, the client&#39;s previous storefront layouts, and previous storefront layouts of other clients. In step S 505 , the new optimized storefront layout is stored in the business schedule storing module  301 , and is shown on the mobile terminal  109 . The new optimized storefront layout is used to guide the client to adjust its layout of merchandise at its storefront premises. In step S 506 , the business schedule storing module  301  displays the enterprise&#39;s scheduled commercial activities on the mobile terminal  109 . Such scheduled activities are used to assist the client to make its own sales strategy.  
     [0027] In step S 507 , the mobile terminal  109  assists the sales representative to enter into a sales agreement with the client. Firstly, the executing data storing module  303  automatically creates a sales order in accordance with verified merchandise inventory information and a merchandise sales record of the client. The sales representative modifies the order in light of consultations with the client. When a final order is created, the mobile terminal  109  displays a notice advising whether the total price of the order is within the client&#39;s credit allowance. If the client wants to return merchandise, the executing data storing module  303  records data on returned merchandise.  
     [0028] Finally, in step S 508  the executing data storing module  303  compiles information on the client, and generates a report on the client for the sales representative to check. All such information and the report are sent to the mobile commerce server  103 , and processed by the application processing module  106 . Subsequently, the processed information is transferred to the database server  101 , and the application processing module  106  updates all data stored in corresponding databases.  
     [0029]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of determining an optimized layout of merchandise for a client&#39;s storefront premises. Firstly, in step S 602 , the mobile terminal  109  displays merchandise layout key information and a client&#39;s commercial activities information downloaded from the database server  101  in the form of pictures, for the sales representative to preview. The merchandise layout key information includes merchandise layout regulations data, sales assistance tools data, and storefront layout data. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the merchandise layout regulations data is automatically input to the mobile terminal  109  on a daily basis. The commercial activities information includes activity name, activity specification, activity schedule, client code, and corresponding image file. In step S 603 , the mobile terminal  109  records data on a current layout of merchandise at the client&#39;s storefront premises. The data on a current layout of merchandise include client code, sales representative code, recording date, merchandise category, and merchandise quantity in the layout. In step S 604 , the mobile terminal  109  records data on a current layout of sales assistance tools at the client&#39;s storefront premises. The data on a current layout of sales assistance tools include client code, sales representative code, recording date, tool name, and tool position. Subsequently, the mobile terminal  109  transmits the recorded data to the database server  101  for analysis. Finally, in step S 605  the mobile terminal  109  illustrates a merchandise layout adjustment advice for the sales representative to review.  
     [0030] Although only preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications to the preferred embodiments are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are deemed to be covered by the following claims and allowable equivalents of the claims.