Customer Verification System for Confidential Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to verify a customer's identity and ensure they are not a potential competitor before exchanging information and providing a price quotation, especially in industries like integrated circuit manufacturing where pricing information is confidential.
Innovation Solution
A method where a potential customer provides identifying information, and if not a competitor, they can receive technical information and a price quotation, with the option to develop a design cooperatively, and agree to a non-disclosure agreement before proceeding with the transaction, all facilitated through electronic communication networks like the Internet or extranets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pricing information is made accessible to potential customers via the Internet, then customer service and information accessibility are improved, but confidentiality and competitive advantage are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary verification system that sits between the customer and the pricing information. The system acts as a gatekeeper that authenticates customer identity, checks competitor status, and verifies non-disclosure agreements before allowing access to pricing data. This intermediary layer enables public accessibility while maintaining confidentiality through controlled information release.
2Loss of information
If customer identification and verification procedures are implemented, then confidentiality and competitive advantage are protected, but process complexity and time required for transactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing customer verification, competitor status checking, and non-disclosure agreement validation before any pricing information is disclosed. These verification steps are completed in advance as prerequisites for accessing the information, streamlining the overall process by establishing trust and authorization upfront rather than during information exchange.
3Loss of information
If detailed customer verification is performed before providing pricing information, then competitive advantage and information security are maintained, but transaction time and processing duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by allowing customers to automatically provide their own identifying information and undergo verification through an automated online process. The customer inputs their data, the system automatically verifies their identity and competitor status, and provides instant access to pricing information if verification succeeds, eliminating manual review delays while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is taught of determining if a potential customer is a desirable customer. The manufacturer can determine if the potential customer is a potential competitor. If the potential customer can receive technical information from the potential customer and provide a price quotation for certain goods (or services). The manufacturer can determine if the potential customer intends to use a product other than for its intended application. In an embodiment, the potential customer can initially contact the manufacturer through an electronic communication network.In accordance with one feature of the invention, a design is prepared. The design can be prepared in cooperation between the manufacturer and the potential customer or a third party can be included. In accordance with another feature, the potential customer can agree not to disclose technical information. In accordance with a feature of the invention the manufacturer can communicate with the potential customer and internal organizations as the method progresses. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a customer can track work-in-progress after manufacturing has begun. A feature also allows a customer to approve a sample received from the manufacturer.