System for managing customer orders and methods of implementation

Patent 7058596 Issued on June 6, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 22, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Lykes Bros., Inc.

Application

No. 09083681 filed on 05/22/1998

US Classes:

705/26, Electronic shopping (e.g., remote ordering)705/27, Presentation of image or description of sales item (e.g., electronic catalog browsing)705/28, Inventory management705/30, Accounting705/34, Bill preparation235/375, SYSTEMS CONTROLLED BY DATA BEARING RECORDS700/96, Integrated system (Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)707/100DATABASE SCHEMA OR DATA STRUCTURE

Examiners

Primary: Hafiz, Tariq R.
Assistant: Irshadullah, M.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Womble Carlyle

Foreign Patent References

WO99/19819 WO 04/01/1999

International Class

G06F 17/60

Abstract

The system of this invention manages customer orders using vendor supplied software systems interfaced on a real time basis to touch the data in each system on a real time basis. In effect, there is horizontal communication between the various components of the system such as inventory, purchasing, order management and receipt, logistics and inventory to have continual data flow without using a vertical software interface. As a result, customer orders are received on a real-time basis using screens that are user friendly to promptly take orders, and to verify customer data and verify the ability to meet those orders. Transmission of documents within the system is minimized thereby making it more efficient, timely and cost efficient.

Other References

More Security For Your Blanket, Thomas E. Skopal, Sales Management, May 5, 1975, V114, n2, pp. 52 and 55.
A Buyers' Guide To Software For Purchasing. (buyers guide). Purchasing, v111, n1, p77(5), Jul. 18, 1991.
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