ERP System Customer Access via Segmented Permissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
ERP systems typically restrict access to their functions and data to authorized employees, limiting customers' ability to independently access and manage information related to product availability and purchasing processes, which can lead to inefficiencies in the shopping experience.
Innovation Solution
Configuring ERP systems to allow direct customer access through portable computing devices, enabling customers to input requests and perform specific functions, such as inventory inquiries and purchasing, while communicating with the system server to retrieve necessary information and execute transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ERP systems restrict access to authorized employees only, then system security and data protection are improved, but customer independence and shopping efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ERP system access into multiple levels: full employee access, limited customer access, and administrative access. Customers are granted segmented permissions to specific functions (inventory inquiry, order placement, tracking) while maintaining security through authentication and authorization protocols. This resolves the contradiction by allowing customer independence in permitted areas while preserving overall system security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary access layer between the ERP system and customers, implemented through web browsers and mobile devices with authentication mechanisms. This intermediary layer secures data transmission and controls access without preventing customer independence, as customers can autonomously interact with the system through this mediated interface.
2Loss of information
If customers interact with sales associates for ERP information, then accurate information retrieval is improved, but shopping time and process efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables customers to perform self-service by directly accessing ERP functions through their own devices. Customers can independently query inventory, check order status, and place orders without requiring sales associate intervention. This eliminates waiting time while maintaining information accuracy through direct system access, resolving the time-loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by providing customers with access to real-time ERP data before making purchasing decisions. Customers can search inventory, compare products, and prepare orders in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming interactions with sales associates during the shopping process while ensuring accurate information retrieval.
3Productivity
If ERP systems provide full functionality to customers, then customer capability and shopping efficiency are improved, but system complexity and security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of functionality to different user groups. Customers receive tailored access to specific ERP functions relevant to their needs (inventory search, order placement, tracking) while employees maintain full access. This localized functionality approach improves customer shopping efficiency without unnecessarily increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where customer permissions can be adjusted based on their role, purchase history, and current needs. The system dynamically grants or restricts access to specific functions, allowing customers to perform more operations as they become more engaged with the system while maintaining security. This dynamic approach enables increased productivity without permanent increases in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
To improve upon existing ERP and other business logic handling system implementations, the claimed system and method provides direct customer access to functionality and data available in a merchant's business logic handling system. The claimed method and system includes installing functions of the business logic handling system at a portable computing device provided by the merchant or owned by a customer, and downloading data corresponding to functions installed at the portable computing device. The customer inputs requests to perform functions of the business logic handling system, and the functions are performed at the portable computing device and/or a system server, and the output of the function is displayed to the custom at the device.