Patent Publication Number: US-2021174275-A1

Title: System and method for the design industry that enables creative teams to design, collaborate and connect with clients and track and manage progress of each client project providing client status to all interested parties

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIMS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/934,990 filed on Nov. 13, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,891, filed on Jun. 9, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The face of the design industry is changing, as a new guard of millennial design professionals are demanding a digital-first solution to run their workflows, from client communication to product purchasing. The $664 billion global design industry runs on archaic technology &amp; processes, and the luxury sector alone is transacting $30 billion a year predominantly offline via mailing checks and faxing back forms and mailing or express mailing color samples, fabric samples and wallpaper samples, not to mention magazine or press clippings. 
     It is estimated that approximately 20% of the design industry is based on creative and business development, while 80% is based on administrative processes such as: quoting; order processing and tracking; phone calls; and logistics. There is no e-commerce in luxury furnishings and building materials that means major opportunity to unlock this space. 
     The established model of the design industry is based on physical spaces known as design centers. These brick and mortar design centers are currently only found in major cities. In the design center, manufacturers must pay by the square foot for retail space. The showroom owner controls the visibility of manufacturers, and also regulates the products shown by these manufacturers. 
     At the center of the design industry is the Design Professionals, consisting of Senior Designers, Architects and Designer Assistants. The design professional is responsible for communicating with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and showrooms that are selling products. The average project requires approximately 300 items to source, coordinate, purchase and track. Transactions are done by phone, fax and mail, while project management is done through email and spreadsheet software. 
     The current workflow options used by the design industry begin at curating and collecting design inspiration. This is typically done using online aggregation platforms such as Pinterest (to store pictures of rooms, etc.) to get cohesive visual concepts for a new project. This inspiration is then shared with the team and client. Usually, designers tend to abandon their aggregated collections of design inspiration on these platforms as these collections don&#39;t connect or serve any additional purpose. 
     The next phase of the design process is the creative process, sourcing and budgeting. The scope of work and budget are typically done using software such as Excel or an online platform such as Google Docs. This can also be done in software such as Studio Designer &amp; Ivy, but the process is incredibly slow, and requires too much time to add every item one by one, assign a vendor and save it. This is especially problematic early on in the design process when the designer does not know the vendor or when the client may never purchase a particular item, which is a critical opportunity cost. 
     When a designer is sourcing products to sell, the designer searches approximately 50 to 80 websites to hunt through entire catalogs to source products for their projects. All are password protected and sharing links with team members is not an option. Taking screenshots of these products to create visuals and then tracking where those items came from in Excel is the normal process, but this proves to be very time consuming and frustrating. 
     The visual aspects of a design project created in software such as PowerPoint, Keynote or InDesign, and then shared with the design team and the client in Portable Document Format (PDF) format. The client doesn&#39;t know from this PDF what the design correlates with on the budget, unless complex tagging system is included. This creates client frustration as the PDF visuals and budget don&#39;t connect and have to be manually updated on both sides. Most designers abandon visuals after this as it&#39;s too much work to maintain, yet you still need to provide visuals for client reference. 
     The final phase of the design process involves invoicing and project management. Once the budget and design have been approved by the client, the designer has to put that information into a platform to generate an invoice. Designers tend to use Excel for this task, but QuickBooks, Ivy and Studio Designer are also commonly used invoicing platforms. Most designers must manually enter an average of 300 items per project into the invoicing platform. It can take weeks to get all the correct quotes needed phone, email, etc., for each item. Then, the designer must input all the details one by one into the software. This is an inefficient process where mistakes can easily be made, causing confusion for the client. 
     Project management is typically also done using Excel, Ivy, Studio Designer, or Basecamp. The problem is that all of this software requires manual entry. There is no automation and no connection to other phases of the design project. The designer is not able to set alerts or reminders or collaborate with the rest of the design team. The status of a project is not easily visible. The designer must hunt down each item individually or run a very complex report. The main issues in this phase are the complexities of manual entry and the repetitive work. 
     It is evident that current workflow software used by designers is fragmented and frustrating, resulting in inefficiency and countless hours of lost time, user error and dissatisfied clients. A designer must use multiple workflow platforms for one project, for example, a designer has to use separate platforms to: aggregate and save concepts and ideas; put together visual presentations for clients; budget; create invoices; and manage the project. This can result in disorganization and multiple mistakes. 
     The current online platforms that aim to address the designer&#39;s needs prove to be limited in terms of how they actually benefit the designer. Currently, the product marketplaces available for designers to search and buy products online include 1stDibs and Eporta. 1stDibs is the current leader in online antiques and vintage products, and big ticket items, proving that people will shop for furniture sight-unseen. Every day, at least 20 items over $10,000 are being sold on their platform. They are widely searched by designers but a very punitive business for brands, dealers, and sellers to participate in, as they tend to charge huge monthly fees, listing fees and commission. Many showroom owners have mandated that if a brand does go on 1stDibs, that brand will be dropped because the model was made for consumers, not business to business (B2B) sales. Since 1stDibs have not brought the showrooms online to begin with, the big brands will not use this platform. They also offer no options in terms of project management. 
     Eporta is an online marketplace that has aggregated some products, mostly in the Scandinavian/modern aesthetic, and mostly from brands that already have their own e-commerce platforms. Eporta requires the designer to get approved for an account for each brand before accessing product pricing. It is limiting in its global scope and aesthetic offering. Additionally, any product that is made to order cannot be sold via Eporta, so it functions mainly as a designer look book and sales tend to happen “offline.” Eporta charges more for products on their platform than if a designer buys direct, which tends to discourage any big brands from offering products on this platform. 
     The main online platforms that provide accounting and back office services to designers are Ivy and Studio Designer. Ivy was not developed by designers, and sold to Houzz, upsetting and alienating big design brands that did not want to have any association with this company. Despite having a clean and simple interface, all data entry is completely manual, and not as powerful for accounting tasks. Ivy is limiting as it cannot handle any projects with budgets of over a million dollars, so it is not useful to big design brands. 
     Studio Designer is currently the most widely used invoicing software for designers, however the platform is outdated and has low market adoption, as it&#39;s very complex and hard to use. It requires hours of training and experience with accounting to run it. Studio Designer functions similar to QuickBooks, and is not able to monetize purchasing. They have tried to integrate a ‘vendor portal’ that lacks any sort of functionality. Their customer base is primarily individual designers, not larger design firms. 
     When it comes to online platforms for order management for showrooms and brands and back office platforms for furniture makers and sellers, there is no viable solution currently available. Technology in this space is just as fragmented and outdated. Several different platforms have to be used to make a sale and track the shipment. Some big firms keep track of manual entry errors that create losses each month because of mistakes being made in the order entry process. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Platforms such as SalesForce and Odoo can be used but require lengthy and complex customization processes and costly initial build to get started, and still fail to meet the specific needs of furnishings manufacturers, brands and showrooms, such as lacking the ability to split a purchase order or facilitate the communication touch points that the design industry requires. 
     In the field of interior design in particular, there has existed historically the reliance upon handwritten notes and physical materials such as torn off magazine pages which depict desired design articles or aspects, fabric samples, wall paper samples, paint samples, photographs, and various accessories for color, texture and style matching. At times, various interior designers like to “hold onto” these notes as a way to prevent client migration or price shopping. 
     Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an essential business management and e-commerce tool, giving organizations valuable insights into their data and doing so with unprecedented velocity and accuracy. AI facilitates breakthrough innovation in a variety of fields while delivering significant acceleration in time to insight. Tremendous resources are being invested by enterprises, universities and government organizations to further develop and benefit from AI and Deep Learning (DL). 
     AI applications are built upon artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained to extract valuable information from the massive datasets presented to them. A specialized AI software framework will typically scan millions of parameters and billions or trillions of samples, to rapidly define and connect separate layers of nodes together, thereby establishing a data flow which yields valuable conclusions and powerful results. 
     The IT infrastructure supporting an AI-enabled datacenter must adapt and scale rapidly, efficiently and reliably, as data volumes grow and application workloads become more intense, complex and diverse. It must seamlessly and continuously handle transitions between different phases of experimental training and production inference in order to provide more accurate answers, faster. The IT infrastructure is key to realizing the full potential of AI in e-commerce. 
     Current enterprise datacenter IT infrastructures are woefully inadequate in handling the demanding needs of AI and DL. Designed to handle modest workloads, minimal scalability, limited performance needs and small data volumes, these platforms are highly bottlenecked and lack the fundamental capabilities needed for AI-enabled deployments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a Software as a Service (SAAS) platform for the design industry that provides a more efficient process of collaborating and buying products, whereby all aspects of workflow management and associated software are incorporated into one streamlined platform, including but not limited to: presenting visual concepts and aggregating design ideas; project budgeting; invoicing; and project management. 
     The present invention allows design professionals greater access to merchandise selection and optimization to enhance sales and end client satisfaction. According to some embodiments, designers can incorporate merchandise from a marketplace using drag-and-drop functionality right into their actual client presentations. The present invention features a digital product library that lets creative teams upload pictures and images from various online sources and share these same products and projects with their clients. Designers can also use the same platform to and are able to track client feedback, including managing the selection of design articles as a function of an overall budget established between the designer and end client. 
     The present invention serves as an imaging search and optimization engine for interior design. The platform of the present invention implements uploaded images of products such as furniture and home goods together with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for visualization, designer reference, and to help vendors and designers determine what products can sell optimally and where they can be implemented for the customer or client. This imaging data is collected and stored on the platform of the present invention and can be provided to both the vendor and designer to aid with sales and client design projects. Vendors can use this data to forecast future sales and optimize the current available products, such as how the products are being implemented by customers. Designers can use this data to optimize the interior design process for the client. 
     Various homeowners and designers work together at various levels. Often, designers are associated with larger firms or even product brands or homebuilder groups. For example, large multi-national home builders including luxury homebuilders often offer design services. According to the present invention, homeowners or home tenants may now project what their existing furniture will look like in a home intended for occupancy, or, what furnishings not yet purchased will look like in a home under consideration for occupancy. In this manner, homeowners or occupants may for the first time optimize what size and design of home will be desirable in view of the desired furnishings within a home, taking into account all costs, sizes, lead times and style, uniqueness and availability of accessories. AI is utilized to facilitate this process, as to date, it has been left to designers to manually visualize this optimization process, taking into account a virtually endless number of design criteria. 
     What is of paramount importance according to the present invention is the imaging of interior spaces that already exist, the design of spaces not yet constructed, versus the furnishings already owned or readily available, furnishings to be acquired or designed from scratch, including all the variables associated therewith, including price, lead times, options, dimensions available, finishes, and so forth. 
     In addition, according to the present invention, all constituencies are kept “on the same page”, so that the designers, end customers, manufacturers, and all the trades (installers, shippers, 3PLs, etc.) can track all design elements from inception, through creation and execution, shipping and delivery through installation, so that all design elements may be visualized in real time. 
     In one embodiment, the imaging engine of the present invention can be implemented to show the work in progress for the design project and the progress of the delivery of an order. Imaging can be used as a means of scanning the product to confirm delivery, as well as providing continuous updates on the status of a product installation or a design project that is in progress. Designers can provide clients with real time updated imaging data to improve client communication and streamline the interior design process. 
     In another embodiment, the imaging engine of the present invention can be used in partnership with home builders in model homes to showcase products for vendors and also serve as portfolios or inspiration to designers. Model homes can use image visualization to show products used in the context of the home. The imaging engine can close the gap and improve on the cohesion between the designer, the manufacturer or vendor, and suppliers. The client is able to view potential furniture purchases in 3D metadata in a virtual reality space. AI and image recognition are incorporated when the client is browsing products in a showroom and products are auto-categorized based on parameters such as product type. Marketplace products can be connected directly with designer projects and designer product libraries. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention incorporates a bulk upload feature on the online platform and mobile application for product images and relevant product information. The bulk upload feature is AI enabled for faster image recognition and product sorting and categorization in the product image library. Image categorization and tagging is used to supplement the present invention&#39;s AI engine in order to further understand and refine product subcategories, product tags, and brands. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosed technology start in the beginning of the design process, from inspiration through product purchasing. Products can be sourced through the digital product library, which allows design teams to save products they love in a central database to shop repeatedly. From the product library, designers can click into the product&#39;s detail page and get pricing, finish options, and chat with the product sales representative, resulting in a seamless purchasing integration. Designers can collaborate with their design team and clients from the projects function, tracking all communication and approvals so it&#39;s easy to reference certain products later in the design process, resulting in major time savings. 
     The present invention is a workflow software system that integrates several previously fragmented software platforms into one integrated solution. One platform is a CRM SAAS for design teams, allowing seamless integration between the design team and the clients, contractors, subcontractors and product showrooms. This platform mirrors the workflow from the initial design, to sales, manufacturing, ordering and installation. The second platform integrated into the present invention is the B2B Marketplace e-commerce portal, allowing for all parties in the design process to share the same product and order data and view the order status of all products in real time. This results in less redundancy, fewer manual entry errors and faster communication. 
     The present invention incorporates various embodiments into one streamlined workflow. Designers can upload all images of design inspiration to the digital product library and assign these specific images from the library to certain projects. Clients and other design team members can provide feedback by rating, approving or rejecting the images, and leave comments. The whole team can see what was liked or disliked about a certain image. 
     According to some embodiments, the design budget can easily be drafted in the platform budgeting module, and then shared with the client for review and approval. The budget can auto-update, allowing designers to quickly change an item and give updates throughout the design process once the invoicing stage has started. All members of the design team can also use this budget to shop for approved products. Click on each product within the budget links the designer directly to the digital product library or marketplace where that exact product can be purchased. In other embodiments of the invention, system integration is necessary with various EDI (Electronic data interchange) providers and associated ERP (Enterprise resource planning) resources so that the present invention may provide a frictionless data gateway between various good and services providers, including 3PL (Third-party logistics) involved in supply chain management. It is generally well-known in the art how various communications protocols may be oriented to obtain optimal results. While conventional network interfaces are largely anticipated, as an alternative, peer to peer or Blockchain orientations are just as available as a matter of design choice. 
     According to some embodiments, the designer can create visual presentations and project boards from the digital product library, with the ability to save, reuse and expand on previously created visual presentations and boards. This saves the designer time through the use of previously built design templates. Designers can shop from their budget in linked online showrooms to quickly source all items in the visual presentation. There is no need to copy, paste and keep track of product links in emails to other design team members and clients. Designers can use a virtual clipper tool to pull items from around the web and integrate them into the visual presentation. This function can also allow designers to shop through all images that have already been uploaded to the digital product library. 
     According to some embodiments, the designer can also create instant invoices using online marketplace items that are linked to product data. This results in significant time savings as the designer can click to buy online and no longer has to call each showroom directly for quotes. Invoices from one project can easily be used in other projects. Product images are linked in the invoice so clients can easily follow the project budget. Budget reports can be quickly generated and shared for design team and client review based on workflow. 
     According to some embodiments, the workflow software features automated project management tools, such as shared portals from showrooms and product brands and manufacturers, to manage product orders. Product information can be updated on one end and visible to all parties in real time. Designers can also set alerts, for example, when there are any changes to specific products, payment due dates and shipping status updates. This allows for easier management of large-scale projects where hundreds of items are required. 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the designer project management portal allows the designer to set dates pertaining to product purchasing and project deadlines. The project management workflow software tracks all aspects of the product delivery for the designer. 
     According to some embodiments, the present invention operates on a cloud-based system, and users of the platform can be separated by geographic locations as well as by user groups. The workflow platform operates on a hierarchy of users that can be separated into several groups: the designer; the client; product manufacturer or retailer; builders; architects; sub-contractors and workrooms; and, shipping and receiving. All user groups can control the workflow of a project, resulting in increased efficiency and work product. Notably, key stakeholders may each have access to the system according to the present invention so that clients, internal design teams, vendors or suppliers, 3PL interests or shippers and installers in the field are all synchronously informed and polled to make certain that client expectations are met and that all status reports of ongoing activity are updated in real-time or period as desired. Importantly, the present invention may be modified to include any number of key stake holders. 
     According to some embodiments, the workflow software allows designers to share a design project with a client and allow the client to access the marketplace so that client can browse through a greater variety of products. The client can add more items from the online marketplace to the project to be reviewed by the designer. However, the client cannot initiate the purchase of any product within the online marketplace, this is done by designer. An end user can sign up for the online platform to upload a project without marketplace access. This software mimics the current design industry model of the relationship between the designer and the manufacturers at physical design centers and showrooms, as the designer is the primary purchaser of goods. 
     According to some embodiments, the workflow software allows the designer to be able to view client login data and activity data within the designer portal. This gives the designer better management capabilities of clients and client projects and allows the designer to steer the client and influence them towards certain items based on designers being able to see what client has been browsing in marketplace. This enables the designer to manage client interest and expectations to achieve the best possible results. These capabilities also allow for improved management of the project budget. The designer and creative vision can be protected through watermarking functions. When a designer shows visual presentations or suggests products to the client, the designer is able to watermark all presented work such as images and presentations, to prevent the client from using the designer&#39;s work without the designer&#39;s knowledge or permission. This watermarking function can be incorporated through pixel modulation of the shared files or embedded serial number technology. 
     According to some embodiments, the workflow software parameters are not limited or governed primarily by the actual project budget as it was initially outlined to the client. An initial budget is generated but does not limit the browsing and purchasing actions for both the client and the designer within the online marketplace. The designer has the overall influence on the design aspects and preferences for each project. The designer leads the client based on creativity and optimal design. 
     According to some embodiments, the present invention can host an unlimited amount of virtual design centers, while at the same time enabling design centers to make better use of the current physical design center model because this platform creates more retail options. Brands can create online virtual showrooms, and these showrooms can be controlled and augmented by the software administrator to allow for efficient flow of products and information to the designer. The present invention expands the reach of physical design centers through virtual spaces, supplementing and potentially revolutionizing the current physical design center model. 
     According to some embodiments, the present invention can incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) elements to provide aggregated knowledge-based feedback to the user. For example, certain products may be made out of a specific material that can be affected by climate conditions or not suitable for a certain room type such as a bathroom. Through the use of AI and aggregated user experience, the user can be notified regarding a specific product before implementing that product into the overall project. Natural Language Processing can help facilitate communications between the platform and users by analyzing unstructured text and extract data to recommend responses to clients and vendors including showrooms and manufacturers. Through the same AI elements, a knowledge base or data storage with historical data is created as part of the platform that can store other influential factors such as designer aesthetics and preferences. In addition, the platform will be able to recommend potential products based off of user inputted two or three dimensional room elements and project level data. For example, the user can upload a computer aided design (CAD) file to the platform which can identify room dimensions and recommend specific brands and products that correspond to the items or products identified as needed for the project, optimized for lead times, delivery schedules, and budget parameters set in the system. This knowledge can be used to recommend or curate similar products for the designer over time. The system can be the “smartest sales rep a brand could have” as it can pull from all the answers that usually one human shares with one human and then be able to provide those answers to anyone in the future. As AI or machine learning code is developed, adaptation to the present invention is widely anticipated. 
     The revenue model of the present invention can change and adapt over time. According to some embodiments, the current revenue model of the present invention is subscription based. This will prevent certain manufacturers to become advertising sponsors from purchasing advertisements on the platform that can distort marketplace results and workflow for designers. Designers are able to monetize the platform through project-based commissions. 
     A primary purpose of the present invention is to use imaging and associated data collection to build a database which enables interior designers and their clients to minimize the need for paper handwritten notes and promote the ability to imagine fabrics and wall papers, etc., so that all involved in the design process are kept up to date as to the progress of each project. 
     The present invention can be accessed across multiple platforms, including mobile smartphone devices, mobile tablet devices and wearable technology such as a smart watch that syncs with a mobile smartphone device or interactive glasses that allow the user to store data on an external server. A smart watch or smartphone can function as a geolocation and tracking device for the user. Interactive glasses function as a means of checking in to a location and collecting photographic data of the event. Interactive glasses or smartphone can be later used to present design to user using augmented reality. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention, are specifically set forth in, or will become apparent from, the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of user flow through the platform of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram that shows different modules of the platform which are available directly or indirectly through Application Programming Interface (API). 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of the platform architecture of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an overview of the services of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an overview of various user services of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of the platform of the present invention in relation to other current platforms and services. 
         FIG. 7  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention relating to the digital library storage as to available products or design elements. 
         FIG. 8  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting a design firm&#39;s product library or inventory. 
         FIG. 9  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting detailed information about a product. 
         FIG. 10  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting an online retailer collection of product offerings available to users of the platform according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein various client orders are being tracked according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein various client payments are being tracked according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein an entire client project progress is being tracked according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention and is a portal set up to enable each designer using the present invention to group together its projects. 
         FIG. 15  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention and is a portal set up to enable users to view various products grouped by collection and with pricing data for budget analysis. 
         FIG. 16  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables new products to be entered into the product database according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables the entering of the project budget. 
         FIG. 18  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables the budgeting tool with multiple interactions according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a list of statuses. 
         FIG. 20  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the status set of a product. 
         FIG. 21  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a list of comments and statues on the product overlay. 
         FIG. 22  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a product overlay with a calendar for specific status change. 
         FIG. 23  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the product tile with a calendar. 
         FIG. 24  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page. 
         FIG. 25  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the panel to add a new workspace and add items to that workspace. 
         FIG. 26  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page with product status. 
         FIG. 27  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page for room and product details. 
         FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of the application image upload process flow. 
         FIG. 29  is a flow diagram of the mobile manual image categorization process. 
         FIG. 30  is a flow diagram of image categorization aided by AI machine learning. 
         FIG. 31  is a diagram of the revenue model of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram of projected annual revenue growth of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of user flow through the platform of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform  100  consists of an online marketplace  102 , analytics engine  104  and designer tools  106 . The online marketplace  102  is used by manufacturers and brands  122  as an online extension of their physical showrooms  120 , whereby they can market and sell their physical products  116  on the platform marketplace  102 . The platform marketplace  102  provides feedback to manufacturers and brands  122  by providing analytics, sales and orders  118  from the platform  100 . Items from the marketplace can be stored in the product library  110  within the designer tools  106 . The marketplace  102  also shares analytics data  104  with the projects module  112  of the designer tools  106 . The projects module  112  features project approvals, budgets and presentations  124  that can be viewed by the client  126 . Designer tools  106  consist of an inspiration library  108 , a product library  110 , and saved projects  112 . The designer tools  106  also feature an upload tools functionality  114  that allows for designer  130  and subcontractor  132  users to upload new items to the designer tools  106 . The designer tools can also be accessed through invitations  128  by users outside of the design team for collaboration. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of the Application Programming Interface (API) of the platform of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform API  200  consists of: a search engine module  202 ; a projects module  204 ; upload tools  206 ; an image library  208 ; a marketplace module  210 ; a budget and invoicing module  212 ; a presentations module  214 ; an orders and tracking module  216 ; and a recommendation engine module  218 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of the platform architecture of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overall platform architecture  300  is centered around the platform API  302 . The platform API  302  consists of: an authentication engine  304 ; an image library  306 ; designer projects  308 ; upload functionality  310 ; and the product marketplace  312 . The image library  306  is stored in the File Storage  326 . Meta-information about images is stored in the Database  330 . The platform database  330  communicates with the admin interface. The projects module  308  uses a Search Engine to optimize search time across different products. Search Engine in turn uses database  330  as the source of information. The platform upload functionality uploads data into the file storage  326  and then uses SQS to communicate with the thumbnail creator  334 . Meta information about images and thumbnails and their relations with specific products are stored within the platform database  330 . The product marketplace  312  facilitates purchase orders through a payment microservice  314  that interfaces with an external provider to process credit cards. Additionally, microservice  314  uses payment database server  316  to store information about purchases. Users can access the platform via API  302 , admin interface  306  and payment microservice  314  through the load balancer  318  using either online browser  320  or mobile phone application  322 . External cloudfront server  324  is used as CDN (Content Delivery Network) to speed up delivery of a static content such as images, thumbnails, javascript, css-files to end user. 
       FIG. 4  is an overview of the services of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform  400  is able to provide a multitude of services in one platform to the client  412 . The platform  400  can: save and aggregate client ideas for designer inspiration  402 ; create and track project budgets  404 ; provide visuals of products  406  for the client project; allow the designer to invoice  408  the client for the project; and streamline all aspects of project management  410 . 
       FIG. 5  is an overview of various user services of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform  500  allows for designers and clients  502  to save products to an image library  504 . The image library features products from showrooms and sales teams  506 , that populate the platform marketplace  508  with said products made available for sale. The marketplace  508  consists of brands and manufacturers  510 , which profit from sales  512  of their products on the marketplace  508  and purchased by designers and clients  502 . Designers also have the option of creating an e-commerce from their own product library. The product library can be curated for internal use for designer clients and projects, with the option to turn the designer product library into a consumer facing e-commerce store. The designer can incorporate their own pricing margin to the items curated in the product library with the ability to resell these items to a wider audience. Designers can use this e-commerce option to sell curated items without the need to have a contractual client project agreement with said consumers. 
     Importantly, various user interfaces well known in the art may be deployed to accommodate any number of key stakeholders according to the present invention. For example, smartphones via iOS or Android, tablets, associated with or with standalone cameras may capture video images for uploading to and transmission from the platform according to the present invention. Likewise, audio notes or transcriptions or GPS data may be uploaded and downloaded for “geo-tagging” available resources or even their position within the supply chain. Notably, key stakeholders may each have access to the system according to the present invention so that clients, internal design teams, vendors or suppliers, 3PL interests or shippers and installers in the field are all synchronously informed and polled to make certain that client expectations are met and that all status reports of ongoing activity are updated in real-time or period as desired. Importantly, the present invention may be modified to include any number of key stake holders, so that fixed and mobile resources may be deployed as needed globally, and alerts as to time and geo-fencing as to position established for all desired status and monitoring of conditions. It is well known in the art that RFID technology, for example, may be used to track resources in real time globally and with the advent of tracking systems which utilize artificial intelligence, such systems will dramatically improve as a user group according to the present invention utilizes the present invention. One example of a personalized artificial intelligence is provided by Amazon, consisting of loading data, inspecting data, identifying features, selecting or creating algorithms, selection of hyper-parameters, training models, building feature stores, hosting models and creating real time caches. However, it is also anticipated that the current invention will play a substantial role in migrating its users, for the very first time, away from physical record keeping (handwritten notes, photocopies and magazine clippings, etc.) to electronic media. Consequently, economies of scale may be rapidly achieved, according to the present invention, by for the first time utilizing the input parameters of each stakeholder: cameras, GPS transceivers, local and cloud memory, audio recording and transcription resources, geo-tagging, RFID resources and other 3PL data resources, and most importantly, the synchronous data management between all key stakeholders as defined on a real time or near real time basis globally. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of the platform of the present invention in relation to other current platforms and services. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform  600  is based on providing users with new products from an online marketplace  602  (as opposed to a vintage marketplace  604 ), while also providing users with a variety of automated workflow tools  606 . Other similar web-based programs are primarily centered around providing an e-commerce marketplace  608 , with a lack of SAAS workflow tools  606  for users. 
       FIG. 7  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention relating to the digital library storage as to available products or design elements. The product library  700  allows the user to aggregate and view images and information of all products that may be used in a design project. Products stored in the product library can be categorized  702  based on the type of product, for example: furniture pieces that are primarily used for storage and display, further categorized to cabinets and bookcases. The user is able to upload  704  any product to the product library  700 . The user can filter  706  all products based on specific factors and sort  708  the displayed products based on specific parameters. Items can also be filtered by what each individual team member has uploaded to the digital library. This feature helps with the on-boarding process of new team members on the design team, as these new members are able to now have a cohesive visual reference of the design firm&#39;s aesthetic by easily viewing what has been uploaded to the library by higher level senior designers. The digital library eliminates the need for saving documents on multiple platforms by allowing all design team members to collaborate on products that they want to use and sell. 
       FIG. 8  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting a design firm&#39;s product library or inventory. The design firm product library  800  allows the designer user to upload  802  and save any products that can serve as inspiration for designer projects. The products uploaded  802  to the product library  800  can be tagged  804  so that they can be found easily. Product filters  804  include but are not limited to: location; city; inspiration; style; and project. The designer can create inspiration libraries  806  to catalog the overall creative vision of the design firm, and envisioning a new project for a client. 
       FIG. 9  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting detailed information about a product. Clicking on a product will allow the user to access an information page  900  for each product in the marketplace  902 . The information page contains multiple images of the product  904 , as well as the model name of the product  906  , information about the brand selling the product  908 , and a contact link to message the sales representative for the brand  910 . The product information page  900  also lists the Designer Net (DNET) wholesale price of the product  912  and product dimensions  914 . Additional relevant information can also be listed, such as: the product lead time  916 ; where the product is shipped from  918 ; inventory information  920 ; and customization options  922  available to the designer. 
       FIG. 10  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention depicting an online retailer collection of product offerings available to users of the platform according to the invention. The brand page  1000  for every marketplace  1002  online retailer allows for the designer to browse and shop  1004  for all other products sold by a specific brand. The brand page  1000  also features information on the brand and product designers through the brand spotlight  1006 , allowing the designer to learn more about the brand and whether or not it fits with the designer&#39;s vision. 
       FIG. 11  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein various client orders are being tracked according to the present invention. All client orders in progress can be tracked by the designer through the orders in progress page  1100 , allowing the designer to track all active orders in one page. The designer can also manually add products  1102  to the active orders page  1100 . Each active order displays the following information: the name of the project  1104 ; a description of the ordered item  1106 ; the current status of the order  1108  in real time; the shipping status of the order  1110 ; the room the item is to be placed in  1112 ; the product brand  1114 ; the date the order was placed  1116 ; the order lead time  1118  displayed in weeks; the estimated shipping date of the order  1120 ; the total cost of the product  1122 ; the balance due  1124 ; tracking information  1126  once the order has shipped; quantity of products in the order  1128 ; order notes  1130  from the vendor, additional notes  1132  made by the designer; the design firm&#39;s purchase order (PO) number  1134 ; and the platform (SR) order number  1136 . The user also has the option of downloading the order summary as a spreadsheet in csv format  1138 . Importantly, information pertaining to vendors, shipping or 3PL or installation in the filed may be entered into the overall material and workflow according to the present invention. Once the designer orders through the platform of the present invention, the order is automatically entered and tracking is enabled in the system. The system then automatically follows up on the order based on the parameters of the sale, such as lead time, etc. Showroom and manufacturer user groups can login to the system and edit certain order details such as: lead time, the remaining balance due, and tracking information. The central order database system of the present invention allows for all three stakeholders, the designer, the showroom and sales team, and the brand, to access order information simultaneously without the need for additional external software. 
       FIG. 12  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein various client payments are being tracked according to the present invention. The payments overview page  1200  allows the user to enter new client payments manually  1202 , as well as edit  1204  client payments and upload additional client products  1206  that are pending payment. The payments overview page  1200  can be used to track client payments, as well as vendor payments and shipping payments in one place. Each pending order  1208  displays information such as: the total amount of the order  1210 ; the amount received  1212 ; the balance due  1216 ; the unapplied amount  1214 ; the name of the project  1218 ; and the date the payment was received  1220 . The user can also track pending deposits  1222  on an order through the payment log  1224 . 
       FIG. 13  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention wherein an entire client project progress is being tracked according to the present invention. Each client project has a dedicated page  1300  that displays the products  1302  that have been uploaded  1304  and categorized by the specific room  1306  that product is meant for. Designers also have the ability to add rooms  1308  to the project as needed. The products displayed can also be filtered  1310  by designated product keywords. 
       FIG. 14  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention and is a portal set up to enable each designer using the present invention to group together its projects. The projects overview page  1400  shows the name of each project  1402  and the number of items  1404  that have currently been selected for that project. The user can create new projects  1406  and filter projects  1408  based on set filtering parameters such as keywords. 
       FIG. 15  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention and is a portal set up to enable users to view various products grouped by collection and with pricing data for budget analysis. The product collection page  1500  can be searched  1502  by: the product type  1504  (for example, storage furniture); the brand  1506 ; the product price  1508 ; the product dimensions  1510 ; or the style of the product  1512 . The products can also be sorted  1514  in order by designated parameters such as relevance. 
       FIG. 16  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables new products to be entered into the product database according to the present invention. The product upload page  1600  allows the user to upload  1602  an image and select the item type  1604  (for example, if the uploaded image is a product, design inspiration, or image of the project site). If the uploaded image is a product, the user is required to enter the type  1606  of product to allow for image categorization, with the option of also adding a product sub-type  1608 . The user can also add tags  1610  to enable search filtering, and a description of the product  1612 . Additionally, the user can add other relevant product information such as: the name of the item  1614 ; the web address uniform resource locator (URL)  1616  of the product; the brand or vendor  1618  selling the item; the item price  1620  ; the price type  1622  such as the designer (DNET) price or the retail price; and any other additional user notes  1624 . 
       FIG. 17  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables the entering of the project budget. The project budget page  1700  is a budgetary overview for one client project. It shows the target budget  1702 , the estimated budget  1704 , and the total client spend  1706  to date. The user can filter  1708  the budget grid based on certain set parameters, upload new items  1710  and add additional rooms  1712  to the budget. The user can also edit the project budget settings  1714  to customize the budget overview as they see fit. The budget page can also be set to alert the user once specified parameters have been exceeded. This budget threshold alert can be used as products are being added to the project. If the budget threshold is triggered, the user can edit the costs in order stay within the budget and avoid having to go back to manually re-calculate later. Designers are able to view the budget for each room of the project. Filters can also be applied to the budget. These filters can be based on key words that narrow the budget down to a specific type of product. These filters can also be based on status, for example, payment or installation status. 
       FIG. 18  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which enables the budgeting tool with multiple interactions according to the present invention. The project budget page  1800  can be accessed through the project overview page  1802 . The user can edit the project budget page  1800  by accessing the project budget settings panel  1804 . The user can set up optional target budget parameters  1806 , ranging from a low to high figure. The user can also set the budget against a specific target amount  1808 . The user can apply a percentage-based client price  1810 , and include budget notes  1812 . 
     Within the project budget page  1800 , the user can also select specific products from each room to add to the budget  1814 . From the project budget page  1800 , the user can also add in the cost of labor  1814  to each room of the project. The labor budget panel  1814  allows the user to enter a label for the labor  1816 , add a description of labor  1818 , add in a target labor budget  1820 , and enter the actual labor budget  1822 . 
     Within the project budget page  1800 , the user can also add any additional cost for each product in the budget  1824 , such as additional taxes and customization costs associated with each product. Also within the project budget page  1800 , the user can add associated items to each product in the budget  1824 . These associated item costs can include the cost of additional labor  1826  or any new items  1828  that are associated with a particular product. 
     Within the project budget page  1800 , the user can view the budget status  1830  of each stage of the project, including the team status and the client status. The user can also customize the project budget page even further by color coding  1832  the stage the budget. 
       FIG. 19  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a list of statuses. The status panel  1900  displays the dimensions  1902  of a specific space. The status panel also shows the current internal team status  1904  as well as the client status  1906  (i.e., client approval, deposit requests, balance requests, and client payment status). 
       FIG. 20  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the status set of a product. The status of every product added to a project can be viewed on the individual product status set page  2000 . Each product can be filtered  2002  based on set parameters or keywords. Each product shows the client funding status  2004  for that product, as well as the approval status  2006  of the design team. The user can also view, add and respond to comments  2008  from other users related to that specific product. 
       FIG. 21  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a product overlay with comments. The product overlay comment panel  2100  allows the user to view the team status  2102  and client status  2104  for each product in the project. The user can also view comments left by the team  2106  and comments left by the client  2108  for each product, as well as enter new comments  2110  for each product. 
       FIG. 22  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows a product overlay panel with a calendar. The product overlay panel  2200  also features a calendar function  2202  that allows the user to update the status date on a monthly calendar for each product used in the project. 
       FIG. 23  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the product tile with a calendar. The status of every product added to a project can be viewed on the individual product status set page  2300 . The individual status page panel for  2302  for a product also features a calendar function  2304  that allows the user to update the status date on a monthly calendar for each product used in the project. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention also features workspaces in the workflow software of the present invention. These workspaces are formed within the connective UI/UX layer and facilitate how each of the five key user groups interact within the workflow of the platform of the present invention. Also, these workspaces can accommodate thir¬d party systems through a data push (one way or two way) including EDI/ERP via APIs of the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page. The project overview page  2400  of the workspaces module allows the user to divide a design project up by rooms  2406 , with the option to add rooms as needed  2404 . The user adds products or items  2408  to each room. The user can also upload photos of the site or room  2410  to serve as design references. The workspaces overview page  2400  features a filtering function  2402 , based on parameters such as filtering by room type, item or product type, inspiration images and site photos. The workspaces project overview page  2400  also features a section of products for consideration  2412  that have not been assigned to a specific room but are saved in the workspace for reference. 
       FIG. 25  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the panel to add a new workspace and add items to that workspace. The add workspace panel  2500  allows the user to select or create a new item  2502  to be uploaded to the new workspace. This panel guides the user to set the parameters for the items they need for the project. The user can then specify the purchase status  2504  of the item, if the item is to be made or if it is already owned by the client. The user can then specify a date that the item is needed by  2506 , using a calendar function  2508 . The user can also enter the estimated or fixed budget  2510  for the item, and add any additional notes  2512  related to the item. In terms of project management, the workspaces feature user notes and commenting functionality that allows designers to easily leave notes or comments for personal reference or to be viewed by other team members. New notes or comments for the team can show up in a different color so that each team member is aware that new notes have been added for review. Team members can use color-coded text or different font sizes in order to visually differentiate notes based on priority. This improves on current efficiency software that lacks the options for the user to color code or customize font size, resulting in some notes or comments being overlooked by other team members. 
       FIG. 26  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page with product status. Each item  2602  added to the workspaces project overview page  2600  displays: the procurement status of the item (i.e., if the item is to be purchased, to be made, or if it is already owned by the client) and date that the item is needed by  2604 ; the source status of the item  2606 ; and the current location of the item  2608 . 
       FIG. 27  is a screenshot of the platform of the present invention which shows the workspaces module project overview page for room and product details. Within each room page  2700  in the workspaces module, sections of the room can be sub-divided into additional workspaces based on the item or area in the room  2702 . An item workspace  2704  can display: the image of the item or area of the room  2706 ; the item source  2708 ; the item action or status  2710 ; the item location  2712 ; the need by date for the item  2714 ; the budget for the item  2716 ; and product requirement notes for the item  2718 . Each item can workspace  2704  also have a section of items for consideration  2720  related to that specific item or area workspace. Each item workspace  2704  can also have associated product workspaces  2722  that are related or relevant to the design of that specific item or room area. These workspaces also serve as a workflow tool, where users can choose items for each workspace, and then promote certain selected items that will be purchased. These promoted items are then re-ordered so that they are displayed at the top of the workspace, in order to facilitate workflow and project efficiency. All relevant data is then re-ordered in the workspace based on the status of an item, such as: quoting phase; sharing phase; ordering; shipping; and installation. 
       FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of the application image upload process flow. Using the image upload module  2800 , the user can upload content to the library if no content has been previously uploaded  2804 , or access the content that has been previously uploaded  2802  by accessing the image library  2806  of the present invention. Images uploaded to the library  2806  are sorted by image categories that can be matched  2808  using the image library search module  2810 . Once a category  2812  is selected, the user is presented with a list of subcategories  2814  to help refine image categorization. 
     Once a subcategory has been selected  2814 , the user can access a list view all uploaded images  2816  that have been categorized within that subcategory  2814 . The user can select an image from the library  2814  to view all details associated with that image  2822 . The user can also select an image using a long press input  2818  in order to view a specific image from the subcategory in a different tab or image quickview  2820 . 
       FIG. 29  is a flow diagram of the mobile manual image categorization process. The manual image categorization module of the present invention  2900  allows the user to manually capture an image  2902  using a smartphone camera. The image is uploaded to the image repository of the present invention as a new product  2904 , whereby the user is prompted to categorize the image  2906  by selecting from a list of categories. Once a category  2906  has been selected for the image, the user can then manually select a subcategory  2908 . Once the image has been manually categorized  2908 , the user can also input additional details  2910  for the image such as the image name, brand, price and tag. 
       FIG. 30  is a flow diagram of image categorization aided by AI machine learning. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, images can also be categorized through an AI categorization module  3000 . An image can be captured  3002  using a smartphone camera. The captured image is processed through an artboard image processing algorithm for likely category matches  3004 , based on similar previously uploaded and categorized images. The AI categorization module suggests a category  3006  that can then be confirmed by the user  3008 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention facilitates orders through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), defined as the electronic interchange of business information using a standardized format, a process which allows one company to send information to another company electronically rather than with paper. Business entities conducting business electronically are called trading partners. Many business documents can be exchanged using EDI, but the two most common are purchase orders and invoices. At a minimum, EDI replaces the mail preparation and handling associated with traditional business communication, and standardizes the information communicated in business documents, resulting in a “paperless” exchange. Most companies create invoices using a computer system, print a paper copy of the invoice and mail it to the customer. Upon receipt, the customer frequently marks up the invoice and enters it into its own computer system. The entire process is a transfer of information from the seller&#39;s computer to the customer&#39;s computer. 
     A traditional document exchange of a purchase order normally takes between three and five days. The buyer makes a buying decision, creates and prints the purchase order, and mails this purchase order to the supplier. The supplier receives the purchase order and enters it into the order entry system. The buyer calls supplier to determine if purchase order has been received, or the supplier mails the buyer an acknowledgment of the order. EDI can minimize or eliminate the manual steps involved in this transfer. An EDI document exchange of a purchase order normally occurs overnight and can take less than an hour. The buyer makes a buying decision and creates the purchase order but does not print it. EDI software creates an electronic version of the purchase order and transmits it automatically to the supplier. The supplier&#39;s order entry system receives the purchase order and updates the system immediately on receipt. Then, the supplier&#39;s order entry system creates an acknowledgment an transmits it back to confirm receipt, resulting in greater order efficiency. The platform of the present invention incorporates several different purchase cycles, including but not limited to: client to designer; designer to showroom; showroom to brand; and brand to manufacturer. 
     EDI is the standardization of exchanging electronic business documents. This is one step of the process standardizing communication and documentation between two parties. Once that information is passed to one entity&#39;s internal system it can be synced or automated into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as NetSuite. ERP is a type of a system to facilitate the flow of information throughout all the business functions within the boundaries of the organization and to manage all the interactions to outside partners. ERP can be integrated into brand and showroom systems. EDI can be mapped out through the data feeds of the present invention to proprietary ERP systems developed by brands and showrooms to provide seamless integration of order processing, tracking and delivery through APIs of the present invention and third party EDI &amp; ERP solutions. 
       FIG. 31  is a diagram of the revenue model of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the revenue model  3100 , is comprised of: the business to consumer (B2C) marketplace  3102 ; the business to business (B2B) marketplace  3104 ; and the SAAS operating system for creative users  3106 . At the top level, the B2C marketplace  3102  is the direct use of the platform of the present invention by the individual consumer. This marketplace is based on the shared interest to help businesses and creative users use the platform market their goods and services directly to the individual consumer. 
     At the mid-level, the B2B marketplace  3104  is the use of the platform of the present invention by businesses. This marketplace  3104  includes the sale of products such as: furniture; lighting; textiles; plumbing; appliances; flooring; art; and other miscellaneous home decor items and accessories. The revenue structure of the present invention at the B2B marketplace tier  3104  can range from a 2.5% to 15% commission of every sale facilitated through the marketplace and paid by the brand. 
     The base level of the revenue model  3100  is comprised of the SAAS operating system for creative users  3106 . The creative users of the platform are comprised of: design professionals  3108 ; showrooms  3110 ; and brands  3112 . Each of these different types of users pay a monthly subscription fee to use the platform SAAS operating system  3106 . Design professionals  3108  have the lowest monthly subscription rate of the three types of creative users  3106 , with a projected cost of $49 per month. Showrooms  3110  have a higher monthly subscription rate compared to design professionals  3108 , with a projected cost of $199 per month. Brands  3112  have the highest monthly subscription rate compared to design professionals  3108  and showrooms  3110 , with a projected cost of $399 per month. 
     The revenue model of the present invention can change and adapt over time. According to some embodiments, the current revenue model of the present invention is subscription based. This will prevent certain manufacturers to become advertising sponsors from purchasing advertisements on the platform that can distort marketplace results and workflow for designers. Designers are able to monetize the platform through project-based commissions. 
       FIG. 32  is a diagram of projected annual revenue growth of the present invention. In accordance with present invention, projected annual revenue  3200  is based on unlocking early markets and product sales by design firms. Within the first year of launching the present invention  3202 , the projected number of design firm users is approximately  1000  firms. This would generate an estimated $500 million in total project value. In the second year of platform operation  3204 , the projected number of design firm users increases to  2500 , generating an estimated $2 billion in total project value. Of the total project value at the end of the second year, the platform of the present invention is projected to earn a revenue of $10 million at a 5% commission rate, and 10% of all purchases facilitated through the platform. In the third year of platform operation  3206 , the projected number of design firm users increases to 10,000, generating an estimated $6.75 billion in total project value. Of the total project value at the end of the third year, the platform of the present invention is projected to earn a revenue of $50 million at a 5% commission rate, and an increased rate of 15% of all purchases facilitated through the platform. Overall, this projected growth would result in $3 billion worth of Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 2 years  3208 . 
     As more designers are adding more projects and products to the platform, the platform itself increases purchasing power. The present invention is able to determine what brands and products are not available through the platform, refining the present invention&#39;s brand acquisition strategy. As more brands and products are added to the marketplace of the platform of the present invention, this results in an increase of product coverage in designer projects and can facilitate connecting supply and demand in the platform marketplace to generate increased revenue. 
     While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. For example, the present invention may incorporate artificial intelligence and EDI tracking (and may also incorporate transportation tracking (with GPS location services and imaging) so that client satisfaction may be monitored and managed, and expectations met, and expectations maintained in a reasonable manner, taking into account past feedback and then adapting future expectations accordingly. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.