Promotional Program Management via POS Rule Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discount systems, such as paper coupons and card-based programs, lack dynamic management and editing capabilities, making it difficult for customers to redeem multiple offers or coupons, and require manual calculation by cashiers for applicable discounts and final payment amounts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing promotional programs using a point-of-sale (POS) device and a substantiation platform with a rule engine to determine eligibility and calculate payment information for items associated with promotional cards, allowing for dynamic management and application of multiple offers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If paper coupons are used for discounts, then customers can receive discounts for purchasing certain products, but the system lacks dynamic management and editing capabilities and cannot handle multiple offers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronic copies of coupons stored on customer accounts and promotional cards, replacing physical paper coupons. This allows the system to dynamically manage and edit discount criteria while customers can receive multiple offers, eliminating the limitations of paper-based systems without requiring complex physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper coupon system with an automated electronic system that uses databases, processors, and communication networks. The system automatically determines eligibility, calculates discounts, and applies multiple offers without manual intervention, providing dynamic management capabilities while reducing operational complexity
2Productivity
If cashiers manually determine applicable offers and calculate discounts, then multiple offers can be applied to transactions, but the process requires significant manual time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining which offers apply to which items in a transaction. The processor examines the items being purchased, matches them against eligible offers in the database, calculates discounts, and applies them automatically. This eliminates the need for cashiers to manually determine applicable offers and calculate discounts, significantly reducing processing time and increasing transaction speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing card-based discount programs are used, then discounts can be provided to customers, but the programs lack dynamic management and editing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic promotional programs where discount criteria, eligible items, and offer parameters can be modified in real-time through the database system. Promotional cards store electronic references to these programs, allowing the issuer to dynamically update offer details, add new promotions, or modify existing ones without reissuing cards. This provides both adaptability for program changes and ease of operation through centralized digital management
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to managing promotional programs. A promotion card is associated with at least one promotional program. Eligibility of one or more items is determined based on rules associated with the promotional program. A payment amount is calculated based on the eligibility of the items and the rules of the promotional program.