Co-branded Card Carrier Single Barcode POS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require lengthy and expensive point-of-sale (POS) changes to enable co-branded cards from different entities to share distribution channels, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single card carrier with two distinct cards, each associated with a retailer, valued by a single barcode, allowing for a 3-way data match to facilitate co-branded partnerships with minimal POS intervention, involving data entry, processing, and encoding of magnetic stripes and barcodes to link accounts across different entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If co-branded cards from different entities are implemented to share distribution channels, then business synergy and distribution efficiency are improved, but POS system complexity and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple entity cards (co-branded cards from different retailers) into a single physical card carrier that presents as one unified item to the POS system. The card carrier aggregates cards from multiple entities while maintaining a single barcode and account structure, allowing the POS to process it as one transaction rather than requiring separate processing for each card.
Solution Approach 2:
The card carrier serves multiple functions: it physically holds cards from different entities, provides a single barcode for POS scanning, maintains multiple account numbers for different retailers, and enables unified processing while preserving individual card functionalities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for POS systems to handle multiple separate cards.
2Device complexity
If traditional separate card systems are used for different retailers, then POS system simplicity is maintained, but distribution channel sharing and business synergy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The card carrier acts as an intermediary between multiple retailer cards and the POS system. It translates multiple separate card identities into a single unified interface that the POS can process easily, while internally maintaining the distinct account information for each retailer. This intermediary layer preserves POS simplicity while enabling multi-entity functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cards are issued for co-branded partnerships, then entity-specific functionality is preserved, but activation and valuation processes become lengthy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the relationships between card numbers and account numbers during card production. The card carrier is pre-configured with all necessary account numbers and barcodes before distribution, so that when a card is activated, the system already has the framework in place to quickly validate and process multiple entities without lengthy setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each card within the carrier entity-specific with its own account number and magnetic stripe data, while the overall carrier maintains a unified barcode and account structure. This allows each card to function independently for its specific retailer while the carrier as a whole enables efficient bulk processing and activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A card carrier is displayed for sale with at least two independently redeemable cards affixed thereto. A barcode is displayed on the package that is associated with an account number encoded on a magnetic stripe or barcode of each of the cards. Both cards are valued at a point of sale by a sales clerk scanning in the single bar code on the package. The cards can then be redeemed at a merchant associated with each of the cards.