Mobile Purchase Order Generation via ERP Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for generating purchase orders require users to manually write down and input product information, leading to errors and inefficiencies, especially in inventory management, as they need to remember or write down details before accessing an ERP terminal, which can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using mobile devices to remotely generate purchase orders by receiving user input, which is then wirelessly transmitted to an ERP system for processing, allowing for the generation of vendor-specific orders without the need for users to be physically present at an ERP terminal, utilizing thin-client software and location identification to reduce errors and increase efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually write down and input product information at an ERP terminal, then the purchase order can be generated, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of purchase order dataVSAvoidtime to generate purchase order

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual writing and typing process with an optical scanning system. Barcode scanners or RFID readers automatically capture product information optically or electromagnetically, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing both time and errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to scan products and automatically generate purchase orders without requiring manual intervention for data entry. The system automatically retrieves product details from the database and completes the purchase order creation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If users need to remember or write down product details before accessing an ERP terminal, then the purchase order can be generated, but the process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of purchase order creationVSAvoidcomplexity of the process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual processes with automated scanning technology. The scanner directly interfaces with the ERP system, eliminating the need for intermediate steps like writing down information or manually navigating through forms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the data capture function from the ERP terminal and places it at the point of need (the storage location). Portable scanning devices are taken out to where the products are stored, allowing data capture to occur directly at the source without returning to a terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If dedicated ERP terminals are used for purchase order generation, then the system is reliable, but the cost and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliability for purchase ordersVSAvoidaccessibility of purchase order system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ERP system universally accessible by enabling multiple device types (scanners, mobile devices, tablets) to connect to and interact with the ERP system. This allows the same system to serve multiple functions and be accessed from various locations and devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces portable scanning devices as intermediaries between the user and the ERP system. These devices act as mediators that capture data at the point of need and transmit it to the ERP system, bridging the gap between the storage location and the centralized system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8306862B2Creating purchase orders with mobile devices

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 SAP SE

AI summary

Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method of remotely generating a purchase order is to be initiated. The method includes receiving a communication in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The ERP system has a purchasing transaction configured for communicating with each of multiple vendor systems for performing the acquisitions. The received communication is sent wirelessly from a mobile device operated by a user. The mobile device is configured for obtaining information from the user in a process compatible with the purchasing transaction for generating a purchase order in the ERP system. The method includes generating the purchase order in the ERP system. The purchase order includes an instruction to a vendor operating a first vendor system to deliver a quantity of a product type. The method includes forwarding the purchase order from the ERP system to the first vendor system.