Automated Retail Item Database Creation from Negotiated Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual entry of negotiated product attributes into retail item databases is error-prone and costly, leading to poor inventory control due to ad hoc negotiations using different tools.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented negotiation system that coordinates bidding rounds, locks attribute values upon negotiation completion, and automatically uploads them to an item database, providing tools for bid comparison and history tracking while allowing custom attributes and multi-tier negotiations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of negotiated product attributes is used, then flexibility in negotiation process is maintained, but error rate increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing and storing negotiated attribute values in a negotiation database during the negotiation process, preparing the data for later transfer to the item database without requiring manual re-entry, thus ensuring accuracy while maintaining process flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
A negotiation database serves as an intermediary between the negotiation process and the item database, temporarily storing attribute values with locked status indicators. This intermediary structure enables automatic data transfer while maintaining data integrity and reducing errors associated with manual entry
2Productivity
If manual entry of negotiated attributes is used, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capture and validation during the negotiation process itself, storing attribute values in the negotiation database with locked status before the negotiation concludes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual re-entry operations later
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by automatically transferring locked attribute values from the negotiation database to the item database upon negotiation completion, ensuring uninterrupted data flow and eliminating idle time between negotiation and inventory system updates
3Reliability
If attribute values are locked after negotiation, then data integrity is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing different data modification rules for different data states: attribute values with locked status cannot be modified to ensure integrity, while attribute values without locked status can be modified. This localized quality control maintains integrity where needed while preserving flexibility where appropriate
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a plurality of attribute headings for a product and storing the product and the associated attribute headings as part of a negotiation. A request for products associated with the negotiation is received and in response, a user interface listing at least one of the attribute headings for the product and providing controls for entering an attribute value for the listed at least one attribute heading is generated and transmitted. An attribute value for the listed attribute heading is received as part of a bid during the negotiation and is stored. An indication that the negotiation is complete is received and in response, the attribute value for the listed attribute heading is locked. An instruction to create a new item in an item database is received and in response to the received instruction, a request is sent to retrieve the locked attribute value and store the locked attribute value in an item database used by retail systems to acquire information about products for sale in a retail enterprise.