Wireless Inventory Data Collection with Geo-Fencing Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data collection systems for account representatives (ARs) are inefficient, costly, and prone to inaccuracies due to reliance on paper forms and manual data entry, which decreases productivity and customer satisfaction, and lacks definitive proof of store visits, leading to scheduling challenges and potential mismanagement of inventory and sales information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless telecommunications network system using customized forms on cellular phones or PDAs that auto-populate data, require geo-fencing for accurate submission, and enable real-time communication, ensuring ARs visit stores and providing comprehensive reporting and scheduling improvements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If paper forms and manual data entry are used, then data collection can be performed, but productivity decreases and time is lost due to tedious manual entry processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for data entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry processes with automated electronic data capture using wireless devices. ARs use mobile devices to electronically collect and transmit inventory and sales data directly from stores, eliminating the need for paper forms and manual typing, thereby dramatically improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data collection where the wireless device automatically captures and processes information. The device stores data locally and automatically uploads it when connected, reducing the need for manual intervention and follow-up data entry steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If electronic devices are used for data entry, then data collection speed improves, but device cost and maintenance expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection speedVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes universally available wireless devices such as cellular phones and PDAs that ARs already possess or can easily access. These multi-functional devices serve both personal communication needs and professional data collection purposes, eliminating the need for specialized expensive equipment while maintaining high data collection speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs inexpensive, widely available wireless devices rather than costly specialized equipment. Even if devices need replacement or upgrading, the low cost of standard wireless devices makes this economically viable compared to specialized industrial equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of time

If ARs input data without visiting stores, then data entry time is reduced, but data accuracy decreases and customer satisfaction suffers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry timeVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by requiring ARs to physically visit stores and capture data on-site using wireless devices with location verification capabilities. The device records store location and visit timing before data submission, ensuring data authenticity while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback through the wireless device, confirming successful data capture and transmission in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures data accuracy by allowing ARs to verify information immediately at the store location before moving to the next task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If comprehensive data collection forms are used, then information completeness improves, but form complexity and difficulty to navigate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidform complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments comprehensive data collection into multiple simple, organized forms or data entry screens within the wireless device application. Each form focuses on specific categories (inventory, sales, store conditions), making navigation intuitive while ensuring complete data capture through systematic progression through segmented data collection tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8919646B1Efficient inventory and information management

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 INTEGRATED DIGITAL IP LLC

AI summary

Methods and computer-readable media provide for efficient inventory and information management over a wireless network. A form customized for a specific business is received at a wireless data input device. The form is completed and a command to send the completed form to a remote server is received. Stored location data for the business corresponding to the form to be sent is compared to location data corresponding to the wireless data input device. If the comparison indicates that the wireless input device is within a specified threshold distance of the business, the wireless data input device is permitted to send the completed form to the server. If the wireless input device is outside the specified threshold distance, the wireless data input device is not permitted to send the completed form.