Web-Based POS Terminal Consolidating Online and In-Store Order Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small businesses face challenges in adapting to a networked world due to the high cost of dedicated systems for online order placement and management, limiting their ability to provide efficient customer service and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A web-based point of sale and store management system that allows customers to place orders online or via mobile devices, integrates with social media, and provides centralized inventory management, reducing the need for expensive hardware and software, while enabling in-store WiFi access and order fulfillment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dedicated systems are provided for online order placement and management, then order processing capability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional point of sale terminal that combines online ordering reception, order management, payment processing, and inventory tracking into a single device. This universal terminal serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated systems, thereby improving order processing capability while controlling system cost through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses software-based virtual terminals and web-based interfaces that replicate the functionality of expensive dedicated hardware systems. By using software copies and cloud-based platforms instead of proprietary hardware, the system achieves similar order processing capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If traditional point of sale systems are used, then order management is simplified, but customer wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder management simplicityVSAvoidcustomer wait time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows customers to place orders in advance through online ordering interfaces before arriving at the store. Orders are pre-processed and queued in the system, so when customers arrive, their orders are already prepared or near completion, significantly reducing wait time while maintaining simple order management through automated workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical point of sale processes (manual order taking, paper tickets, physical queue management) with automated digital systems. Online ordering platforms, electronic order queues, and automated kitchen display systems eliminate manual steps and reduce processing time while keeping the interface simple for staff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11488129B2Systems and methods to implement point of sale (POS) terminals, process orders and manage order fulfillment

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 BYTEDANCE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods to integrate point of sale processing, online order processing, and supply chain and store management over the Internet. In one aspect, a central server provides point of sale, online order processing, and supply chain and store management functions via browser based interfaces. The system enables users to enter orders from remote locations for order fulfillment at brick and mortar retail locations, where the POS terminals configured based on the browser based interfaces can be changed into a self service mode to allow customers to place orders for themselves at the retail locations.