Patent Publication Number: US-2003233285-A1

Title: System and method for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce, and more particularly to a system and method that automatically generates orders and sales analysis reports using a mobile terminal.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0004] Traditional communication means such as letters, telephones, and faxes are used in a typical conventional business model. In such model, many people waste time on data collection and information transfer. Human error leads to serious mistakes being made, which can cause huge damage to an enterprise. There are also other difficulties including providing adequate technical support, high costs, and low customer satisfaction when mistakes occur.  
       [0005] Since the advent of wireless enterprise applications, new business models have appeared on the market. These business models alter the nature of a company&#39;s interactions with outside entities. Today, companies around the globe 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 promises to further change traditional business models. Typically, mobile electronic commerce is conducted using a personal computer connected to the Internet via an Internet service provider. A wide variety of different commercial opportunities are thus made possible.  
       [0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,887 entitled Computer System and Method for Electronic Commerce discloses a business method to promote merchandise via the Internet. Firstly, an enterprise presents product promotion information on its website for customers to access. If a customer visits the website and chooses to view detailed information on a product, the enterprise&#39;s host computer promptly uploads the product&#39;s price and other detailed data to the customer&#39;s computer terminal for viewing. Accordingly, the customer can select a desired product and place orders on line. However, the commercial transaction takes place without any interactive communication between the customer and the enterprise. The customer cannot obtain further information on the product, and the enterprise cannot obtain detailed information on customers&#39; product demands and related needs.  
       [0007] Accordingly, a new business model is desired to make communication between enterprises and clients faster and more accurate, to strengthen technical support, and to yield more client satisfaction. In such business model, sales representatives of the enterprise would use mobile computer terminals as sources of information instead of bulky, heavy and inconvenient paperwork.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an end-to-end system and method for generating purchase orders to assist promotion of merchandise using a mobile terminal.  
       [0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for generating sales analysis reports to assist promotion of commercial activities using a mobile terminal.  
       [0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a database server, a mobile commerce server incorporating an application processing module, a client information system, and at least one mobile terminal. The database server stores information including client information and merchandise information. The application processing module is used to generate a business visit schedule based on data downloaded from the database server. Each mobile terminal downloads merchandise information from the database server and from the client information system. The mobile terminal comprises an order processing module which is used to generate purchase orders based on merchandise data, and an executing data storing module which is used to record all information on business activities. The generated purchase orders are stored in the mobile commerce server.  
       [0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) generating a computer advisory order in accordance with verified merchandise inventory information; (b) generating a sales representative advisory order in accordance with merchandise data and merchandise inventory information which is downloaded from a client information system; (c) generating a formal order in accordance with a quantity of merchandise and a category of merchandise which have been checked and/or modified; and (d) displaying a credit quota warning message. A further preferred step comprises: (e) compiling business visit information and generating an analysis report.  
       [0012] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be drawn from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with the attached drawings, in which:  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce 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;  
     [0014]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;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of function modules of one mobile terminal of the system of FIG. 1;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of executing mobile commerce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of details of one step of FIG. 4, namely assisting execution of commercial activities;  
     [0018]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of promoting merchandise in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0019]FIG. 7 is a flow chart of providing analysis reports in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0020]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of details of one step of FIG. 6, namely generating a sales representative advisory order; and  
     [0021]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of details of another step of FIG. 6, namely displaying a credit quota warning message. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained by use of the accompanying drawings.  
     [0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system for facilitating sales by way of mobile commerce 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 present invention is a mobile terminal  109 , which can be a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a pocket personal computer (pocket PC), a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a smart phone or a notebook computer. A client information system  110  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  110 .  
     [0024] 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  creates 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.  
     [0025]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 .  
     [0026]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 businesses or 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 an order processing module  304  which is used to process data and generate orders.  
     [0027] 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, client ordering data and accounts receivable. The client basic data includes client name, address and phone number. 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 order processing module  304  comprises a data conducting module  312  and an order generating module  313 . The data conducting module  312  is used for processing merchandise data downloaded from the database server  101  and the client information system  110 . The order generating module  313  is used to generate computer advisory orders, sales representative advisory orders and formal orders in accordance with the data processed by the data conducting module  312 . All the data on orders is subsequently uploaded to the database server  101  for storage.  
     [0028]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of executing 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 businesses such as 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.  
     [0029]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 such as name, address and phone number.  
     [0030] 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. In step S 505 , 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 by other clients. The new optimized storefront layout is stored in the business schedule storing module  301 , and is displayed 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  shows the enterprise&#39;s scheduled commercial activities on the mobile terminal  109 . Such scheduled activities are used to assist the client to formulate its own sales strategy.  
     [0031] 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 generates 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.  
     [0032] 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.  
     [0033]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of promoting merchandise. Firstly, the mobile terminal  109  downloads a client&#39;s current verified merchandise inventory data from the client information system  110 , and scans key merchandise information and average weekly merchandise sales information. The key merchandise information includes merchandise serial number, merchandise category, merchandise quantity, and merchandise price. The average weekly merchandise sales information is calculating from sales history records. In step S 602 , after comparing the inventory data with the key merchandise information and the average weekly merchandise sales information, the mobile terminal  109  automatically generates a computer advisory order which includes order date, client code, sales representative code, merchandise quantity, merchandise name, merchandise price and total price of the order. In step S 603 , the sales representative amends the computer advisory order according to data downloaded from the client information system  110 , to thus generate a sales representative advisory order. In step S 604 , the mobile terminal  109  generates and prints a formal order after the client confirms the category and quantity of merchandise specified in the sales representative advisory order. The formal order is stored in the executing data storing module  303 , and sent to the mobile commerce server  103  to update data stored in the database server  101 . In step S 605 , the mobile terminal  109  automatically determines whether the total price of the formal order is within the credit quota. If the total price of the formal order exceeds the credit quota, the mobile terminal  109  displays a credit quota warning message for the attention of the sales representative. In step S 606 , the mobile terminal  109  scans bar codes of returned merchandise with a bar code scanner, obtains merchandise serial numbers and merchandise names from downloaded merchandise basic data, and records the quantity and other details of returned merchandise. Such other details include client codes, merchandise serial numbers, merchandise names, merchandise comments and merchandise return dates. Finally, the returned merchandise information is uploaded to the mobile commerce server  103  and stored.  
     [0034]FIG. 7 is a flow chart of providing an analysis report. Firstly, in step S 702 , the mobile terminal  109  compiles all visit data on the client, and generates an analysis report in accordance with a target portfolio and cash receipts target data that are downloaded from the mobile commerce server  103 . The analysis report includes a merchandise general part and a merchandise target completion part. The merchandise general part includes merchandise price survey data, merchandise questionnaire survey data, fake merchandise survey data, returned merchandise information, and a total amount of accounts receivable. The merchandise target completion data includes a merchandise target summary and merchandise target analysis data. In step S 703 , the mobile terminal  109  automatically displays the merchandise general part of the analysis report for the sales representative. In step S 704 , the mobile terminal  109  displays the merchandise target summary and the merchandise target analysis data in that order. Finally, in step S 705 , the client visit schedule finishes, and all data on the analysis report are stored in the executing data storing module  303 .  
     [0035]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of details of step S 603  of FIG. 6, namely generating a sales representative advisory order. Firstly, in step S 802 , the mobile terminal  109  illustrates information on a computer advisory order as a graphic image. In step S 803 , the mobile terminal  109  downloads related merchandise information from the client information system  110  as a reference for the sales representative. The order processing module  304  processes data downloaded from the database server  101  and the data downloaded from the client information system  110 . In step S 804 , merchandise inventory information is displayed for the sales representative to preview. In step S 805 , after the sales representative checks and/or modifies a quantity of the computer advisory order, the order processing module  304  generates a sales representative advisory order, and the data of the sales representative advisory order is stored in the executing data storing module  303 . The sales representative advisory order includes order date, client code, sales representative code, merchandise name, merchandise quantity, merchandise price, and total price of the order. Finally, in step S 806 , the mobile terminal  109  prints the sales representative advisory order.  
     [0036]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of details of step S 605  of FIG. 6, namely displaying a credit quota warning message. Firstly, in step S 902 , the mobile terminal  109  downloads a client&#39;s basic data and accounts receivable information from the client information system  110 . In step S 903 , the order processing module  304  automatically calculates a total price of an order. Then the mobile terminal  109  downloads the client&#39;s credit quota information from the client information system  110 . In step S 904 , the mobile terminal  109  automatically determines whether the total price of the order exceeds the client&#39;s credit quota. If the total price of the order does not exceed the credit quota, the procedure is finished. If the total price of the order exceeds the credit quota, then in step S 905  the mobile terminal  109  displays a credit quota warning message for the attention of the sales representative.  
     [0037] Although various embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that they are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.