Mobile Sales GUI with Map-Based Targeting and Real-Time Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Door-to-door sales teams face inefficiencies in tracking and reporting sales data, leading to time wastage and inaccurate records, as salespeople often lack motivation to maintain records that do not directly impact their immediate sales efforts.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a graphical user interface (GUI) on mobile devices to provide a database for sales information, allowing sales representatives to query and update sales data in real-time, with visual maps and icons for geographic targeting, and enabling managers to view sales statistics efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper records are used to track sales contacts, then salespeople can maintain records, but the records are difficult to read, time-consuming to procure, and contain misstatements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based record-keeping system with an electronic digital system. Salespeople use mobile devices to enter sales contact information electronically, which is then stored in a database. This substitution eliminates the problems of paper records being difficult to read, time-consuming to procure, and prone to misstatements, while enabling real-time access and accurate data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables salespeople to self-service by directly entering and updating sales records on their mobile devices during their sales calls. The database automatically stores and retrieves this information, eliminating the need for manual compilation and review by management. This self-service approach improves both record accuracy and reduces time consumption.
2Productivity
If salespeople use paper records, then they can track contacts, but management must manually compile individual records into useful information, which is time-intensive and subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual sales records into a centralized database that automatically aggregates and organizes data from all salespeople. The system combines data storage, retrieval, and analysis functions into a single integrated platform, eliminating the need for management to manually compile individual records. This merging approach dramatically improves productivity and eliminates time-consuming manual compilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of compiling paper records is replaced with automated electronic data processing. The database system automatically queries, aggregates, and presents sales data in useful formats, replacing the time-intensive manual compilation process with instant electronic retrieval and processing.
3Productivity
If salespeople focus on immediate sales motivation, then they can maintain sales momentum, but they lack motivation to provide accurate records for future sales
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that show salespeople how their recorded information is used to improve future sales opportunities. The database provides real-time feedback by displaying relevant customer information, purchase history, and preferences that can be applied to subsequent sales calls. This feedback loop motivates salespeople to maintain accurate records by demonstrating direct utility for future sales success.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading customer information, contact histories, and product details into the database before sales calls. This advance preparation provides salespeople with ready-to-use information that motivates them to maintain accurate records, as the data is immediately available for enhancing their sales effectiveness without requiring post-call documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for facilitating effective sales via a graphical user interface (GUI). The method may include the act of providing a database that includes sales information for potential sales targets. In an embodiment, the method further includes querying the database to identify each of a plurality of potential sales targets within a pre-determined sales region. A step includes generating a first graphical user interface (“GUI”) at an electronic display of a mobile device, where the GUI includes an image of a map of the pre-determined sales region and visual icons depicted on the map at positions corresponding with the geographic location of each of the plurality of potential sales targets within the sales region. Further, providing a selectable report icon in the first GUI and, upon selection of the selectable report icon on the first GUI, querying the database to retrieve at least some of the sales information associated with a plurality of the potential sales targets in the sales region and displaying, in a second GUI, a visualization of the retrieved sales information.