Automated Order Routing System for Multi-Provider Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic commerce systems for ordering goods and services are limited by requiring predetermined preferences, reliance on operators for service allocation, potential misinterpretation of location requests, and the need for third-party intermediaries, which can lead to inefficiencies and incorrect order fulfillment.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that allows buyers to send orders automatically, verifies and translates them for multiple providers, selects the best provider based on criteria like proximity and availability, and communicates order status, eliminating the need for intermediaries and operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a customer contacts a single taxi company directly, then the ordering process is simple, but the customer is limited to that company's fleet and may not get the best available taxi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (ordering platform) that receives customer requests and automatically selects from multiple provider fleets. This mediator enables customers to access multiple providers without directly contacting each one, resolving the contradiction between provider selection flexibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ordering platform serves multiple functions: receiving orders, selecting providers, translating orders to provider-specific formats, and tracking status. This multi-functional system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, enabling provider selection flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple providers are involved, then better service allocation is possible, but the customer must know contact information for all providers and contact them individually
Solution Approach 1:
The platform acts as a universal intermediary that abstracts away the complexity of contacting multiple providers. Customers interact with a single interface while the platform handles communications with multiple providers behind the scenes, maintaining ease of operation while enabling access to multiple providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex task of contacting multiple providers into manageable components: the customer segments their request to the platform, and the platform segments the provider selection process into automated evaluation and selection steps.
3Reliability
If an operator is used to make decisions and communicate with drivers, then service quality can be maintained, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the platform automatically translates orders to provider-specific formats and tracks status without human intervention. This eliminates the need for operators to manually communicate with drivers, reducing labor costs while maintaining reliability through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators with an automated computer-based system that performs decision-making and communication functions. This substitution maintains order fulfillment accuracy through consistent automated processes while eliminating labor costs associated with operators.
4Measurement precision
If GPS location is used for service allocation, then location accuracy is improved, but the system cannot handle requests for different locations or future timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static GPS-based location assignment to dynamic location selection where customers can specify any location and timing. The platform dynamically evaluates provider availability at the requested location and time, enabling location flexibility while maintaining accuracy through automated provider assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a computer system and method for facilitating a transaction between a buyer and a seller. The seller is one of multiple available providers of a product and/or service. Initially, the buyer sends out an order, and the order is automatically verified. A seller is then determined based on at least one desirable characteristic of that particular seller. Then, the order is automatically translated into a format understandable by the desired seller. The order is communicated to the desired seller and the status of the order is later communicated to the buyer.