Self-Service Order Management System for Closed Venues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote ordering and ordering fulfillment systems in closed retail environments, such as airports and stadiums, are inefficient due to requirements for user accounts, pre-arranged payments, and complex operational setups, limiting customer convenience and operational efficiency, especially in fast-paced environments where customers lack time for multiple steps in the purchasing process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a self-ordering, self-payment, and order-fulfillment system that communicates via a wireless network, allowing customers to place orders and make payments without assistance, using computing devices to generate menus based on customer information, identify delivery stations, and manage order fulfillment efficiently with minimal personal interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user accounts and authentication are required for remote ordering, then order security and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and customer convenience deteriorate due to multiple setup steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects customer identity through device identifiers and location data without requiring manual authentication. The customer device itself serves as the authentication mechanism, eliminating the need for separate account creation and login steps while maintaining secure order placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Customer identity and payment information are established in advance through automatic device recognition before the ordering process begins. The system pre-configures the ordering environment based on device type and location, so no authentication steps are needed during the actual ordering moment.
2Reliability
If pre-arranged payments and escrowing are required, then financial reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex payment setup steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and configures payment methods based on pre-stored customer preferences and available funds. Payment authorization is obtained through automatic device recognition and location verification, eliminating the need for customers to manually set up payment arrangements or escrow accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system supports multiple payment methods (cash, card, mobile payment) through a unified automatic selection mechanism that adapts to the customer's device type and location, providing financial reliability without requiring customers to choose or configure specific payment arrangements in advance.
3Reliability
If hardcoded device identification and extensive operational setup are required, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines device identifiers and locations using real-time data from sensors, network information, and GPS rather than relying on hardcoded values. This dynamic approach maintains system reliability through adaptive identification while eliminating complex manual configuration and setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its identification and configuration parameters based on the customer's device type, location, and ordering history rather than using fixed hardcoded values. This parameter adaptation maintains reliability for different scenarios while simplifying the operational setup to automatic detection and configuration.
4Reliability
If customers must remain assigned to a specific device, then order tracking reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as customers cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reassigns orders to different devices based on real-time customer location data from mobile devices and wearables. As customers move through the facility, the system automatically updates the delivering device assignment to maintain proximity, ensuring reliable order tracking while allowing complete customer mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives location feedback from customer devices and adjusts device assignments in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that the order tracking remains reliable by always associating the order with the customer's current location device, while the customer remains free to move without restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.