Partner Account Debit Automation via Configurable Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional customer loyalty programs lack a seamless integration between member accruals and partner billing, requiring manual calculations for partner account receivables, which is inefficient and lacks automation.
Innovation Solution
A partner account debit process is introduced that standardizes loyalty unit calculations based on member and transaction attributes, using a configurable rules framework to automate the accrual and billing process, ensuring accurate and efficient calculation of partner receivables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual calculation methods are used for partner account receivables, then flexibility in handling complex criteria can be maintained, but operational efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation processes with an automated computer-based system that uses configurable rules frameworks to calculate partner account debits. The system automatically processes accrual transactions, applies pricing rules, and generates billing information without manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the partner account debit process automatically retrieves accrual data, applies relevant pricing rules, calculates debits, and generates billing information without requiring manual human intervention. The configurable rules framework allows the system to adapt to different scenarios autonomously.
2Device complexity
If manual partner account receivable calculations are used, then system complexity remains low, but automation extent and operational efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configurable rules framework that can be adjusted without changing the underlying system structure. The system adapts to different pricing scenarios, member types, and transaction characteristics by configuring rules parameters rather than requiring complex system redesign, thus enabling high automation while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partner account debit process is designed as a universal system that handles multiple types of accrual transactions, different member categories, various pricing scenarios, and diverse partner agreements through a single automated framework. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive automation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional manual processes are used for linking member accruals to partner billing, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but seamless integration and accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the member accrual process with the partner billing process into a single integrated automated workflow. The system directly links accrual transactions to partner debit calculations, ensuring data consistency and accuracy. This integration eliminates manual data transfer errors while maintaining implementation simplicity through a unified process design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where partner debit calculations automatically reference and validate against member accrual data. This closed-loop verification ensures accuracy in the integration between accruals and billing, with the system able to detect and correct inconsistencies automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A loyalty program business model includes entering into an agreement with loyalty program partners and agreeing on exchange rates between a variety of loyalty unit types. Partner accrual records (PAR's) arc accepted from the loyalty program partners related to the business activity of related loyalty program members. Loyalty units credits are calculated for a member from data obtained in the step of accepting. A partner loyalty account balance is updated according to the standardized loyalty unit debit obtained in the step of calculating. Then an invoice can be billed to a partner according to the partner loyalty account balance.