API Catalog Management Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in efficiently obtaining and compiling product information, particularly for numerous products and local offerings, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in updating internal databases, which limits online visibility and product management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an internal product catalog database, an external product catalog database, and an application program interface (API) that allows for user searches, pre-population of new item files, and image-based data collection, enabling efficient management and updating of product catalogs through mobile applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual entry method is used to write down product details in notepad or offline spreadsheet, then buyers can record product information during buying trips, but this results in inconsistency, missed details, and potential overlap with existing product acquisitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical entry methods (notepads, offline spreadsheets) with an automated mobile application system that performs barcode scanning, automatic database searching, and digital data capture. This substitution eliminates manual typing and copying, ensuring consistent product information entry while maintaining ease of operation through mobile device interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service product information capture where the mobile application automatically searches databases, retrieves existing product data, and populates forms without requiring manual data entry. The system serves itself by automatically checking for existing products and preventing duplicates, reducing the need for manual verification.
2Loss of information
If product catalog does not provide visibility to online-only products during buying trips, then buyers can focus on in-store products, but online-only product details remain invisible and cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal product catalog with external online product databases into a unified search system. The mobile application simultaneously queries both internal and external databases, consolidating visibility of both in-store and online-only products into a single interface, eliminating the need for separate catalog systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The product catalog system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides visibility for in-store products, online-only products, and emerging products. The unified database structure and search capability allow the same system to handle diverse product types without requiring separate specialized catalogs.
3Productivity
If local product offerings are added to internal database through manual entry process, then local store products can be incorporated, but this is an inefficient and time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of local product entry with automated mobile application functionality. The system uses barcode scanning, automatic database searching, and digital form population to rapidly incorporate local products into the internal database, eliminating time-consuming manual typing and verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for existing products in both internal and external databases before creating new entries. This preliminary search prevents duplicate entries and pre-populates product information from existing records, significantly reducing the time required for local product incorporation.
4Loss of information
If duplicate product information is manually entered into the database, then all product details can be captured, but this results in data redundancy and increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary database searches for existing products before allowing new product entry. By automatically checking both internal and external databases for matching products based on barcode or product attributes, the system prevents duplicate information entry while ensuring complete product information is captured from existing records.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users when a product already exists in the database. The mobile application displays search results and existing product information, allowing users to review and confirm whether to create a new entry or update an existing one, thereby preventing unnecessary duplication while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing and updating an internal product catalog, including an internal product catalog database, at least one external product catalog database, and an application program interface. The internal product catalog database includes a plurality of existing item files in which each existing item file is associated with a product and includes at least one attribute of the product. The at least one external product catalog database includes a plurality of external item files in which each external item file is associated with a product and includes at least one attribute of the product. The application program interface is communicatively coupled with the internal product catalog database and the at least one external product catalog database. The application program interface is configured to accept a user search request to search for a new product in which the user search request includes at least one attribute of the new product.