Unified SaaS Platform for Multi-Vendor Event Payment and Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event management systems lack a unified platform for vendors to manage inventory and orders across multiple events and integrate with a unified payment process, and attendees face difficulties in finding and ordering from multiple vendors at unorganized events with varying payment methods.
Innovation Solution
A unified Software as a Service (SaaS) platform and mobile application that allows event coordinators to manage vendors and events, enables vendors to submit applications and manage inventory and orders, and facilitates attendees to view vendor locations and place single orders across multiple vendors using a unified payment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendors use different payment processes at various vendors, then each vendor can maintain their preferred payment method, but attendees experience frustration and cannot place a single order across multiple vendors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vendor payment processes into a single unified payment gateway that processes aggregated orders across multiple vendors simultaneously. This allows attendees to place one payment for items from multiple vendors while the system automatically distributes funds to respective vendors, resolving the contradiction between payment flexibility and ordering convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified payment gateway serves multiple functions: it acts as a common payment interface for all vendors, an aggregation point for multiple orders, and a distribution system for fund allocation. This multi-functional approach enables a single payment process to handle diverse vendor requirements while simplifying the attendee experience.
2Quantity of substance
If vendors are scattered in an unorganized outdoor setting, then the venue can accommodate more vendors, but attendees cannot find what vendors are available or where they are located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between attendees and vendors. The app provides a digital map and directory that displays vendor locations, available items, and event information, allowing attendees to easily locate vendors scattered throughout the venue without physical signage or organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from physical organization (requiring vendors to be arranged in accessible patterns) to digital organization (providing location information through a mobile application interface). This adds a digital dimension to vendor-attendee interaction, allowing scattered physical layouts to be effectively navigated through software-based information delivery.
3Loss of time
If attendees place orders in advance to avoid long lines, then waiting time is reduced, but there is no system to manage aggregated orders across multiple vendors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables attendees to place orders in advance through the mobile application before arriving at the venue or before approaching vendor locations. This preliminary ordering allows the system to prepare orders ahead of time, reducing or eliminating in-line waiting time while the backend automatically manages the complexity of aggregating and coordinating multiple vendor orders.
4Reliability
If event coordinators manually manage vendor participation, then control over vendor selection is maintained, but the process of soliciting and selecting vendors is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service vendor application system where potential vendors can independently submit applications, upload their menus and business information, and register for events through the platform without requiring manual coordination. Event coordinators retain approval authority but are freed from repetitive data collection and initial screening tasks, significantly improving onboarding efficiency while maintaining control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are directed to an event management platform which unifies event coordinators, vendors, and mobile application users. In an example implementation, such systems and methods can involve providing an event coordinator interface configured to receive input for first information from an event coordinator for an event, the first information comprising an event location and a start date for the event; providing the event on the event management platform for access to one or more vendors; and providing a vendor interface configured to display the first information for the event and receive input for second information from ones of the one or more vendors registering for the event, the second information comprising a list of proposed products to be sold at the event.