Automated Sales Lead Distribution System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for processing sales leads in the insurance industry are inefficient due to subjectivity, manual decision-making, and a lack of systematic tracking, leading to inefficiencies and adverse attitudes among agents, as well as inadequate monitoring of agent-generated business and poor lead maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system that automates the distribution and processing of sales leads by using a decisioning process to assign leads to agents, incorporating a scoring system to determine the most suitable recipient, and providing a web-based tool for agents to access and manage leads, enabling real-time updates and tracking of lead activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual decision-making and subjective assignment methods are used for lead distribution, then agents can exercise judgment and flexibility in lead assignment, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLead assignment processVSAvoidLead processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of lead assignment with an automated computer-based system. The system uses algorithms to automatically assign leads to agents based on predefined criteria such as agent expertise, geographic location, and lead characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining fairness and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing agents to access their assigned leads and update their status independently through a web-based interface. Agents can view lead information, mark outcomes, and track their own performance without requiring manual allocation or supervision, thereby improving both efficiency and agent autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If paper-based lead cards are used for lead distribution and tracking, then a physical record system is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and lacks real-time tracking capability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLead record keepingVSAvoidTime for lead processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical paper lead cards with digital copies stored in a centralized database. Each lead is represented as a digital record that can be accessed, updated, and tracked in real-time by authorized users. This digital copying system eliminates the need for physical paper handling while maintaining data reliability through centralized storage and version control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically moving and updating paper lead cards is replaced with an automated electronic system. The web-based platform allows agents to access leads, update statuses, and track progress electronically, eliminating the time-consuming physical handling of paper documents while maintaining reliable records through digital storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional manual lead processing methods are used, then simplicity in system implementation is maintained, but comprehensive tracking and monitoring of lead activities cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLead processing systemVSAvoidLead activity tracking data
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional web-based system that combines lead assignment, lead tracking, agent performance monitoring, and data analysis in a single platform. The system serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it assigns leads automatically, tracks agent activities, maintains lead history, and provides reporting capabilities, thereby preventing information loss while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically track and record lead activities throughout the sales process. Each agent action on a lead is captured and stored, creating a comprehensive audit trail. This feedback loop ensures that no lead activity information is lost, as the system continuously monitors and records all interactions between agents and leads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7546243B2Systems and methods for distribution of sales leads
Publication Date: 2009.06.09 GENWORTH HLDG
  • US7546243B2 patent drawing
  • US7546243B2 patent drawing
  • US7546243B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides systems and methods for processing sales leads. Illustratively, the invention provides a method for distributing sales leads, the method comprising: inputting a sales lead, having lead information, to a lead processing portion; performing a decisioning process relating to assignment of the sales lead, the decisioning process determining the recipient of the sales lead for working the sales lead, wherein at least a call center is included in the decisioning process as a possible recipient; and outputting information regarding the sales lead from the lead processing portion to the recipient of the sales lead for access and working of the sales lead by the recipient.