Automated Proposal Engine with Secure Deep Web Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation of quotes and proposals is laborious and lacks automation, with customers being resistant to providing login credentials for accessing networked proposals, and non-sophisticated users face difficulties in designing and selecting proposal content and branding.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automates the preparation of quotes and proposals, utilizing a server computer with a network communication interface and a proposal engine to generate a Deep Web network address for secure, private presentation, allowing users to select items and branding without requiring login credentials, and enabling feedback and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If login credentials are required to access proposals on a network site, then privacy is maintained, but customer acceptance and access rates decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure token or session-based authentication mechanism as an intermediary between the customer and the proposal content. Instead of requiring persistent login credentials, the system generates temporary access tokens that grant viewing rights without exposing underlying authentication details, thus maintaining privacy while improving ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates secure copies of proposal content that can be viewed without requiring the customer to log in to the main network site. These copies are generated with restricted access permissions and can be delivered through alternative channels such as email or mobile notifications, bypassing the need for credential presentation
2Productivity
If automation is applied to proposal preparation, then productivity increases, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal template system that serves multiple functions: it structures proposal content, enforces branding guidelines, calculates pricing, and manages version control. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single automated platform, increasing productivity while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service capabilities where the automated proposal generation engine automatically retrieves customer data, applies appropriate templates, calculates pricing based on predefined rules, and generates final documents without requiring manual intervention for each step. This self-service automation significantly increases productivity while the modular architecture manages system complexity
3Ease of operation
If non-sophisticated users are allowed to design proposal content and branding, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the proposal design process into segmented, pre-defined templates with distinct sections for content, branding, pricing, and formatting. Non-sophisticated users can select from these segmented options without needing to understand the underlying complexity, while the system ensures that each segment maintains consistent quality standards through enforced template structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change high-level parameters such as template selection, branding theme, and content categories through simplified interfaces. Behind the scenes, these parameter changes trigger automated processes that ensure consistent application of formatting rules, pricing calculations, and quality standards, maintaining manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a proposal engine configured to present quotes and/or proposals to customers at a network site.