Virtual Shopping Cart Segmentation for Multi-Store Order Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Co-operative store buyers face challenges in preparing orders with diverse shipping requirements and managing sales data effectively during buying shows, as they need to balance stock levels and make informed purchasing decisions across multiple stores.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a software application that provides product information, sales data, and ordering capabilities, allowing buyers to select and order items for multiple stores while attending buying shows, with features like shopping cart management for different priorities and destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buyers manually prepare orders with diverse shipping requirements, then they can manage multiple stores, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the order preparation process by creating separate virtual shopping carts for different stores and shipping destinations. Each cart can be independently configured with store-specific shipping requirements, allowing buyers to manage diverse shipping needs without confusion. The system divides the complex ordering process into manageable segments corresponding to individual stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing device (tablet computer or mobile device) that mediates between the buyer and the ordering system. This device automatically manages the complexity of diverse shipping requirements by providing an intuitive interface where buyers can select stores and shipping options without dealing with the underlying computational complexity.
2Reliability
If buyers attend buying shows to select products, then they can make informed purchasing decisions, but they lose real-time sales data access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading sales data, product information, and store inventory details onto portable computing devices before buyers attend the buying show. This ensures that all necessary information is readily available offline, allowing buyers to make informed decisions without needing real-time network connectivity during the show.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local copies of sales data and product information on portable devices. Instead of requiring continuous access to central systems, the buyer's device contains replicated data that can be accessed offline. This copying approach maintains information availability while reducing dependency on network infrastructure at the buying show.
3Productivity
If buyers use traditional ordering methods, then they can place orders, but time is lost in data entry and order management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling buyers to directly input and manage order information through portable computing devices. The system automatically captures product selections, quantities, and shipping requirements without requiring manual data entry into separate systems. The buyer's device serves itself by maintaining local order data and automatically transmitting orders when connectivity is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the product selection process with the ordering process by integrating the shopping cart functionality directly into the buying show interface. Buyers can select products and configure shipping options in a single unified workflow, eliminating the need for separate data entry steps and reducing overall order management time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If buyers manage inventory for multiple stores, then they serve more locations, but error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments multi-store inventory management into distinct virtual shopping carts, each dedicated to a specific store. This segmentation prevents confusion between stores by providing separate order contexts for each location. The system maintains clear boundaries between store orders while allowing buyers to efficiently manage multiple stores through a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for use by a buyer for a store includes a software application computer that is provided to the buyer at a buyer show. The application displays product features and pricing information and receives product order information from the buyer. The application displays information regarding sales of the products by the store. After completing an order, the application submits the order, and prints or transmits confirmation copies. The buyer leaves the computer at the show prior to departing. A virtual shopping cart is displayed on the computer into which goods are placed prior to submittal of the order. Multiple shopping carts can be opened by the user with differing shipping priorities and different shipping destinations for each cart. Multiple shopping carts can be used while the user is browsing an on-line catalog of products to be ordered.