Transaction Communication System for ERP Invoice Disputes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ERP systems lack an efficient method for buyers to easily and quickly communicate with sellers regarding invoice disputes, requiring manual contact through traditional means.

Innovation Solution

A transaction communication system that identifies relevant parties and enables instant messaging sessions, allowing buyers and sellers to communicate directly via instant messaging, with the option to save session content within the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional communication methods (mail, facsimile, telephone, electronic mail) are used to contact the seller about invoice disputes, then the communication can be established, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidtime to contact seller

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes communication channels and contact information for transaction parties within the ERP system. When an invoice dispute arises, the buyer can immediately access and initiate communication through pre-configured instant messaging channels, eliminating the time needed to search for contact information and set up communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical communication methods (physical mail, facsimile machines, telephone networks) with electronic instant messaging technology integrated into the ERP system. This substitution enables near-real-time communication, dramatically reducing the time required to contact the seller about invoice disputes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the buyer needs to determine an appropriate individual to contact at the seller location, then contact information must be searched and verified, but this adds complexity and time to the communication process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of contacting sellerVSAvoidcomplexity of communication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ERP system serves multiple functions: it manages transaction data, stores contact information, and provides communication capabilities all in one integrated platform. The buyer accesses the seller's contact information and initiates communication through the same system used for invoice management, eliminating the need to switch between different communication tools and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically provides the buyer with the appropriate seller contact information based on the transaction data. The buyer does not need to manually search for or verify contact details; the system self-service functionality presents the relevant seller representative's information and enables direct communication through the instant messaging channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8145714B2Method and system for transaction communication

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

A method and system for transaction communication are described. Using transaction data stored on a transaction system, communication between two parties is facilitated by identifying the relevant parties to each other and providing, through the transaction system, an option for them to communicate via instant messaging. The content of any instant messaging session may also be saved to the transaction system.