AU2007249151B2

AU2007249151B2 - Collaborative commerce hub

Info

Publication number: AU2007249151B2
Application number: AU2007249151A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Patrick Byrne
Original assignee: SPC Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SPC Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-11-15
Filing date: 2007-12-20
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-15
Also published as: AU2007249151A1

Abstract

COLLABORATIVE COMMERCE HUB 5 A server acts as the hub of a collaborative commerce system. Suppliers of goods or services self publish information to the hub. Buyers are able to query the hub for product and service availability, price etc. Buyers are able to integrate real time multi product and multi service orders from multiple suppliers, carriers and field serve providers and thus secure available goods as well as the delivery and installation of those 10 goods from the records available on the hub. Once an order is complete to the buyer's satisfaction, the order is transmitted to the hub. The hub then transmits the appropriate information to the relevant suppliers, carriers and installers as required. The system also provides for a system of virtual partitioning of a supplier's inventory.

Description

S&F Ref: 616427AUD1 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address SPC Holdings Pty Limited, of Applicant: an Australian company, ACN 111 734 108, of Suite 105, 304-318 The Kingsway, Caringbah, New South Wales, 2229, Australia Actual Inventor(s): Patrick Byrne Address for Service: Spruson & Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 35 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Invention Title: Collaborative commerce hub The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 5845c(1071424_1) COLLABORATIVE COMMERCE HUB TECHNICAL FIELD The invention pertains to the management, distribution and supply of goods and services, and to software and business methods which facilitate and integrate the 5 co-ordination of suppliers, buyers, carriers and service providers (installer, field service warranty, call centres, third party warehousing) of goods/services with respect to a customer (end user). BACKGROUND ART A single conventional order for goods or services may comprise the purchase 10 of a variety of different kinds of goods or services. Several different suppliers may be required to fulfil a particular order. Accordingly, several different carriers may be required to transport the goods from supplier through to the final delivery address or addresses. The final delivery addresses might be the same as or different than an installation address. In some situations, no delivery or installation is required. 15 SUMMARY According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central server using a computer network, the method comprising the steps of compiling in advance of a buyer query 20 self-published, real-time information from a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers onto the common transaction platform on the central server of the network, the central server having a database storing the compiled, self published information and being accessible using the network, the self-published information comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, area, 25 product, price, service area, category, class and quality; creating a real-time inventory on the common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider, the real-time inventory creating step comprising compiling in advance of a buyer query at least one self-published partitioned inventory by the at least one product supplier 30 and/or the at least service provider, the partitioned inventory being an inventory consigning by the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual partition to create the partitioned inventory; granting a plurality of 616427AUDI (5374686_1):wxb 2 buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction platform on the central server over the network, the buyers, the products from product suppliers and/or the services from the service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply chain management system in a many-to 5 many-to-many relationship using the common transaction platform on the central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's participation and the transactions allowed for 10 that entity, the entities within the supply chain participate without middleware applications or point-to-point messaging, the partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at least one buyer in real-time; accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server from at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product 15 supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider; responding using the self-published information on the common transaction platform on the central server to the at least one query of the at least one buyer over the network as to the real-time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service; accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server at least one confirmed order for at 20 least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from the at least one buyer, the order confirmed from the self-published information existing on the common transaction platform on the central server, transaction processing occurring on the central server and not on an entity's server; allocating part or all of the partitioned inventory to the 25 at least one buyer; decrementing the allocated partitioned inventory in response to the at least one buyer placing the confirmed order and automatically transmitting the at least one confirmed order to the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider using the common transaction platform on the central server. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system 30 for executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central server using a computer network, comprising a central server coupled to the network; a common 616427AUDI (5374686_1):wxb 2a transaction platform implemented on the central server; means for compiling in advance of a buyer query self published, real-time information from a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers onto the common transaction platform on the central server of the network, the central server having a 5 database storing the compiled, self-published information and being accessible using the network, the self-published information comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, area, product, price, service area, category, class and quality; means for creating a real-time inventory on the common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product supplier 10 and/or at least one service provider, the real-time inventory creating means comprising means for compiling in advance of a buyer query at least one self published partitioned inventory by the at least one product supplier and/or the at least service provider, the partitioned inventory being an inventory consigning by the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual 15 partition to create the partitioned inventory; means for granting a plurality of buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction platform on the central server over the network, the buyers, the products from product suppliers and/or the services from the service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply chain management system in a many-to-many-to-many 20 relationship using the common transaction platform on the central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's participation and the transactions allowed for that entity, the 25 entities within the supply chain participate without middleware applications or point to-point messaging, the partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at least one buyer in real-time; means for accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server from at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product supplier and/or a service 30 from at least one service provider; means for responding using the self-published information on the common transaction platform on the central server to the at least one query of the at least one buyer over the network as to the real-time availability 616427AUDI (5374686_1):wxb 2b of the at least one product and/or at least one service; means for accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server at least one confirmed order for at least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from the at least one buyer, the order 5 confirmed from the self-published information existing on the common transaction platform on the central server, transaction processing occurring on the central server and not on an entity's server; means for allocating part or all of the partitioned inventory to the at least one buyer; means for decrementing the allocated partitioned inventory in response to the at least one buyer placing the confirmed order and 10 means for automatically transmitting the at least one confirmed order to the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider using the common transaction platform on the central server. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a medium readable by a computer having stored therein application software modules, 15 executable by the computer in a database environment, for executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central server using a computer network, the modules comprising an application software module for compiling in advance of a buyer query self published, real-time information from a plurality of product 20 suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers onto the common transaction platform on the central server of the network, the central server having a database storing the compiled, self-published information and being accessible using the network, the self-published information comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, area, product, price service area, category, class, and quality; 25 an application software module for creating a real-time inventory on the common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider, the real-time inventory creating step comprising compiling in advance of a buyer query at least one self published partitioned inventory by the at least one product supplier and/or the at 30 least service provider, the partitioned inventory being an inventory consigning by the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual partition to create the partitioned inventory; an application software module for 616427AUDI (5374686_1):wxb 2c granting a plurality of buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction platform on the central server over the network, the buyers, the products from product suppliers and/or services from the service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply chain management system 5 in a many-to-many relationship using the common transaction platform on the central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's participation and the transactions allowed for 10 that entity, the entities within the supply chain participate without middleware application or point-to-point messaging, the partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at least one buyer in real-time; an application software module for accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server from the at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a 15 product from at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider; an application software module for responding using the self published information on the common transaction platform on the central server to the at least one query of the at least one buyer over the network, as to the real-time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service; an application software module for 20 accepting using the common transaction platform on the central server at least one confirmed order for at least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from the at least one buyer, the order confirmed from the self-published information existing on the common transaction platform on the central server, transaction processing occurring 25 on the central server and not on an entity's server; an application software module for allocating part or all of the partitioned inventory to the at least one buyer; an application software module for decrementing the allocated partitioned inventory in response to the at least one buyer placing the confirmed order and an application software module for automatically transmitting the at least one confirmed order to 30 the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider using the common transaction platform on the central server. 616427AUD1 (5374686_1):wxb 2d The action of automatically transmitting may comprise forwarding the at least one confirmed order using an e-mail message from the central server to the at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider. The central server may comprise one or more of the following software 5 modules: a software module that facilitates the generation of invoices and the settlement of accounts over the network; a software module that facilitates the coordination of returns in real time; a software module that facilitates the registration of warranty information and automation of a warranty claims process; a software module that facilitates the supply of spare parts and provides for the self publication 10 of spare part information selected from the group consisting of spare parts inventory, availability, pricing, shipping status, multi supplier integrated ordering, and fulfilment; a software module that enables a product supplier to supply or multicast product information to at least one buyer and a software module that enables a service provider to supply or multicast service information to at least one buyer. 15 At each node of the supply chain multiple entities may independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively or competitively. A particular entity at a particular node may adopt an operating model or structure that is different from other entities on that same node. At least one entity may choose to participate selectively. 20 Data from a plurality of entities may be exported into the central server, each entity having a different legacy system, and data from the central server may be received by the plurality of entities through a common transaction platform on the central server and at least one common adaptor. The action of automatically transmitting may comprise forwarding a message 25 service (SMS) text message to a mobile phone or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device. The business rules may be at least one of codified in software; capable of being selectively applied and applied to both the transaction and to the process of execution of that transaction. 30 The business rules may be capable of being changed to accommodate the needs of specific supply chain entities while preserving a common structure in the transaction processing. 616427AUD1 (5374686_1):wxb 2e A plurality of supply chains may be integrated into a network of supply chains. At least one entity may bulk upload data into the central server without the need to re-key data. 5 Business rules may be applied to bulk data to be exported from a legacy system of an entity into said central server. The business rules may be applied to the data of completed transactions, which is exported from the central server back to a particular entity's legacy system as input data to that legacy system. 10 An entity may offer at least a portion of its products and services, or at least a portion of its capability and capacity, and may be adapted to change these dynamically. The business rules may be capable of being changed to accommodate the needs of specific supply chain entities while preserving a common structure in the 15 transaction processing. A plurality of supply chains may be integrated into a network of supply chains. At least one service provider may be selected from the group consisting of a carrier, an installer, and a field service provider. 20 Simultaneous multiple queries as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider may be accepted. Simultaneous multiple queries may be responded to using the self-published information on the common transaction platform on the central server as to the real 25 time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service. Simultaneous multiple confirmed orders from the at least one buyer may be accepted using the common transaction platform on the central server in real-time or may concurrently automatically transmitted to a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers. 30 Accepting the at least one confirmed order may comprise integrating information about the at least one order in one screen and confirming the at least one order by the at least one buyer by clicking a button in a graphical user interface. 616427AUD1 (5374686_I):wxb 2f Creating real-time inventory may comprise creating a virtual partition within a legacy warehouse management system of at least one product supplier and consigning by the at least one product supplier and/or the at least one service provider inventory into the virtual partition to create a partitioned inventory. 5 The part or all of the partitioned inventory may be dynamically allocated to said at least one buyer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. I is a schematic diagram illustrating the type of prior art message switching is alleviated by the present invention; 10 Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of the methods associated with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the current supplier single order process; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the methods of the present 15 invention; Fig. 5 is a work order form with integrated customer care questionnaire; Fig. 6 is a web based submission form for customer responses gathered in the questionnaire depicted in Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a web based service provider viewable quality assurance rating; 20 Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-process integrated order; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating rejected order processing; and Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating real time inventory. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides methods, business methods, hardware and 25 software for collecting, integrating, and interpreting order information, then multicasting orders to one or more suppliers, shipping advices to one or more carriers and installation advices to one or more service providers. In preferred embodiments, the orders and advices are multicast to the appropriate parties according to a combination of self-published product supply 30 factors including product data, category data, class data, capability data, capacity data, availability data and geographic service area or any combination of these factors. 616427AUDI (53746861):wxb 2g In other embodiments, supplier data (including stock availability by product, warehouse location and buyers), carrier data (such as capability, capacity and availability by product, category, class, geographic area, quality of service and buyer), and service provider data (such as capability, capacity and availability by 5 product, category, class, geographic area, quality of service and buyer) are published to buyers from an interactive searchable database, over a network such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the execution of a single or multi supplier, carrier and service provider final order is completed and actioned, once compiled, with a single 10 instruction, from a single mouse click in a graphical user interface. The invention provides an end-to-end supply chain management system and business methods designed to deliver financial benefits in real time to 15 20 25 30 STHE NEXT PAGE IS PAGE 31 616427AUDI (53746861):wxb 3 trading partners that operate in diverse vertical industries. Together and loosely defined, the presently discloses methods, software and hardware and is referred to, for convenience, as a system. The system coordinates cross-trading partners processes via a suite of software solutions. 5 The methods can be used simultaneously by multiple trading partners, on a many to many basis, allowing users to access the same functionality in real time. This allows multiple buyers to enter multi product - multi supplier integrated orders to coordinate the fulfilment of 3rd party field services (where applicable). 10 The present system does not rely on trading partner application-to-application message-switching systems to complete business transactions. As shown in Figure 1, message switching comprises a sequence of messages which are exchanged between a buyer 300 and the other participants in the supply chain such as the seller 301, carrier 302 and Service Provider 303. The first message 15 304 passes between the buyer and the seller and request whether or not a particular product is available. The seller responds with a message 305, for example indicating that the product is available. Next the buyer places an order for the product 306. The seller confirms receipt of the product order with a separate message 307. The process continues with a series of exchanges 20 between the buyer and the carrier 308. An exchange of messages is also conducted with the service provider 309. The process finishes with the carrier 302 sending proof of delivery 310 to the buyer and with the service provider forwarding proof of service 311 to the buyer. By eliminating the need for message switching: 25 * The system does not require expensive, technically complex IT communications support traditionally required for applications message switching and backend integration.

4 " The system handles multiple transaction volumes in comparison to individual point-to-point message switching/middleware solutions. " The system present trading partners with a major competitive advantage. 5 The system software is written in Cold Fusion and currently running in a SQL 7.0/2000 environment, though could equally run, for example, on an Oracle or DB2 platform as the applications business logic is database independent. As shown in Figure 2, the system enables participants to self publish real time information via dynamic catalogues. The system then processes the 10 transaction (in real time) and systematically notifies the relevant users of the resulting supply chain events. The system allows all supply chain partners to securely integrate and process their transactions in a shared environment. The system enables incremental implementation by each trading partner, with the system capable of being customised to suit individual users. The 15 system currently comprises 10 individual software modules. Inventory Enables suppliers, in real time, to publish their stock availability to order or promise (e.g. advance shipping notice) - by product, sub product, category, class, location and buyer, on a 24 x 7 day basis, and receive orders electronically. Ordering Enables buyers to integrate in one order - multi product, multi supplier, multi carrier, multi service provider, multi sub orders in real time; then multicast only the relevant information to each supply chain partner. 25 Scheduling Enables carriers and service providers to publish their capabilities, capacities, availability and pricing by product, category, class, service area (e.g. postal or zip code) and 5 buyer. Automated work orders are then dynamically generated at the point of sale and received by the relevant supply chain partner. Settlement Enables trading partners to receive orders, generate invoices and settle accounts on line. Returns Enables buyers, suppliers carriers and service providers to coordinate the returns process (in real time), including management of return authorities, product disposition and test and repair facilities. Warranty Enables end user registration on line, establishing ownership, location and purchase dates. Links the end user, service centre and supplier automating the warranty claims process. Build Enables build to order, configure to order and ship to order at buyers point of sale; linking buyers, suppliers, carriers and 3rd party installers (in real time), to customise client orders, deliver and install them directly without intermediaries. Spares Brings inter-operability to suppliers and their service network in the areas of spare parts inventory, availability, pricing, shipping status, multi supplier integrated ordering, fulfilment and warranty/sales reconciliation. Also allows suppliers to broadcast service literature, service tips, product modifications, assembly delays/variations. Forward Enables one time data capture, dynamic concurrent workflows, and track and trace for freight forwarders, suppliers, manufacturers, domestic carriers, 3rd party warehousing and customs clearance agents.

6 Marketing Enables suppliers to video stream, multicast product information, training promotion and product launches to individual or many buyers. Buyers can issue request for catalogue inclusions and suppliers can respond. The system's software platform contains all of the above specified business processes and work flows within its core. Members need only self publish their data to specific modules within the core. As shown in Figure 2, the Hub or central server 320 integrates and co-ordinates the actions of a buyer 321 a product supplier 322, a carrier or deliverer 323 and installer or other service Ie provider 324 and ultimately the consumer 325. Using Figure 2 as an overview, it can be seen that the supplier 322 self publishes dynamic product catalogues and real time inventory availability 326 electronically and into the Hub 320. This allows the seller or buyer 321 to access the self published catalogues in real time and place a confirmed order or multi order 327 with the Hub 320. This same multi product order may be accompanied by a multiple delivery and installation orders and instructions. The Hub forwards the appropriate delivery instructions 328 to the appropriate carrier and simultaneously provides work orders for installations 329 to the appropriate service providers 324. Service providers is intended to refer to installers or other field service providers. %Q Ultimately, the Hub co-ordinates the delivery schedule of the carrier 323 with the installation schedule of the service provider 324 so that the ultimate consumer 325 receives the appropriate products and service at the correct time. Further small freight forwarding company, using the system, can combine the services of other members within the network , offering an end-to-end 5' fulfilment service to their customer. In effect, providing all of the benefits of a large multinational freight forwarder, but without the unwelcome financial overhead. The freight forwarder, when combined with other clustered 7 networked partners, is then able to present as a virtual organisation to the marketplace. The system's software modules are based upon open systems technology. The system offers the user increased flexibility and easy integration 5 to other networks. As a network centric system, users can choose to connect to the system via intranet, Internet or Virtual Private Network (VPN). The system provides for self-registration, self-regulation and end user management, which allows for rapid implementation of any supply chain strategy. The system scales from a thin client (browser based PC) requiring no 10 data mapping, through to full back end legacy systems integration. Thus, the system facilitates high-speed scalability for any supply chain network participants. The system is network centric and customer centric (at its presentation layer); there are no geographic or industry impediments to the global reach and 15 usefulness of the system. As shown in Fig 3, the prior art single order process 10, as seen from the buyer's perspective, commences with a buyer querying the internal computer system for the status of the selected goods 11, that is, whether or not the selected goods are in stock. If the goods are in stock/store 12, the next step 14 20 is to arrange delivery with the store driver or other delivery company and contact the customer to advise of a delivery date and supply the customers with the identity of the installer(s), if required. At this point, the customer would arrange the installation themselves directly with the service provider 14. Finally, the goods are delivered to the customer 15. Installation occurs 16 some time after 25 delivery is effected. If the goods are out of stock, then the buyer's query 11 is followed by multiple phone calls and faxes to suppliers 17. Enquiries to suppliers will 8 generally be restricted to normal business hours (e.g. Monday - Friday 9 - 5pm) however in the case of late night or weekend trading, it is expected that the supplier will respond on the next business day, perhaps later. A negative response from the supplier will require the selection of an alternate supplier, 5 which further delays the delivery of stock. Once the relevant enquiries are made 17, the buyer awaits confirmation from the supplier of stock availability by telephone or facsimile 18. Upon confirmation, the buyer advises the customer of the status by telephone or facsimile and receives a customer decision 19. If the customer 10 decides not to proceed, the sale is lost and the order is cancelled 20. If the order is to proceed, it is placed by telephone or facsimile 21. Eventually, the stock is delivered to the buyer store 22 and from this point on, the process follows the same path as an order which is in stock 12, that is, proceeding to eventual delivery to the customer 15 and installation 16 of product, if required. 15 It is worth noting that the above referenced conventional method requires stock delivery to the buyer store/warehouse prior to customer delivery. Further, the prior method is relatively inflexible as to the timing of matter such as delivery and installation, old product removal, and packaging removal. As shown in Fig 4, the present invention proposes methods which are 20 available at all times of the day and night, every day of the year. This is because all parties to the system can connect to a 24 hours x 7-day central hub of a network and interact with the scalable system using either an Internet browser or systems integrated software. The method commences with a buyer querying a remote database with 25 regard to stock availability, as dynamically self published by the goods suppliers 100 in advance. The database is accessible over the Internet and uses a conventional browser, based on the entry of the appropriate user ID and 9 password. In the alternative, the system may be systems integrated into a buyer, supplier, carrier, or service provider's enterprise resource system (ERP). If a particular product is out of stock, the buyer is notified on-line immediately 101 and proceeds to re-enter a new query based on other goods and/or 5 suppliers. If the database indicates that the selected goods are in stock then the buyer proceeds to the next step 102. This next step requires the buyer to input the customer selections, that is, the suppliers and models of the selected goods as well as the times and dates for delivery, installation, removal of packaging and the removal or disposal of the old product. Once this data is entered and 10 integrated on one screen, the buyer proceeds to the next and final step 103. The buyer presses a single "button" in a graphical user interface, which initiates a multicast. The multicast comprises of orders which are issued to multiple appropriate suppliers, as well as multiple shipping advices to the appropriate carriers required to transport the goods directly to the customer or agent, as well 15 as multiple installation advices to the one or more appropriate service providers which may be required to complete the order, by customer defined date and time schedules at the point of sale. A distinguishing feature of the invention is the way that suppliers, carriers and service providers are selected (capability, capacity, availability, area, 20 product, category, class and quality) to complete an order once the customer related data is entered into the system. With respect to installations, each service provider will be provided with a work order 110 (Fig. 5), which is a physical form, which is carried into each installation. In order to get paid, the service provider must obtain a quality report in the form of a customer care 25 questionnaire 111 (Fig. 5) from the appropriate customer. The customer is presented with a form and asked to rate the service provider according to the quality of the job performed. Factors which might be considered include 10 promptness, tidiness, quality of installation, courteousness etc. The service provider is then required to fax a copy of the quality report 110 and 111 to a central place of reporting. The service provider also inputs the data from the customer's report into an electronic form 112 (Fig. 6) or Internet based system 5 with the proviso that the hard copy also be faxed as mentioned above. A service provider is thereby rated according to the quality of his work by the customer. A service provider may log onto the system and view their own quality rating 113 (Fig. 7) as evaluated by their various customers. Where the order data entry step 102 (Fig. 4) determines that two or more service providers are suitable for a 10 particular order, the one with the highest quality rating may be selected to fulfil the order. Selection of the appropriate carrier may be performed in much the same way. A carrier may be selected according to their capability, capacity or price but a carrier may also be selected according to their quality as it is evaluated by 15 their customers and input to a central record keeping location as mentioned above. Selection of a suitable supplier of goods may also be performed on a quality-rating basis. A supplier can be rated according to their consistency and timeliness of supply, rate of product returns or other factors, which form a 20 reasonable basis for performing a quality evaluation. In this way, a supplier with a higher quality rating can be selected over a supplier with a lower quality rating with regard to the fulfilment of any particular order. From the above description it will be appreciated that the ability to search a database of real time multi supplier published available inventory information 25 coupled with the ability to integrate multi supplier, multi carrier and multi service provider orders, with customer defined date and time schedules in one screen and then generate various multicasts to suppliers, carriers and service providers 111 in a one click process, provides a process transformation with enormous flexibility and streamlined operation when compared to prior methods. The business processes outlined are applicable to any industry, for example, Information Technology & Telecommunications (ITT), Automobile, Insurance, 5 Freight Forwarding etc., where facilitation, integration and co-ordination of suppliers, buyers, carriers, and service providers (Installer, Field Service Warranty, Call Centres, Third Party Warehousing) of goods/services with respect to the customer (end user). Figure 8 illustrates particular examples and specific details of the 10 methods associated with the present invention. As previously described, the process of initiating a multi-process integrated order may be seen as beginning at the point of sale 201 to a one with the buyer logging into a central server from, for example, conventional PC running conventional browser software. The buyer then enters the order number 202 and the customer details 203. At this 15 point, and using the browser software, the buyer can confirm (from existing published information) in real time the multi product and multi supplier product availability 204. The buyer is then able to define single or multi deliver point instructions, single or multi carrier service instructions and single or multi service provider service instructions 205. Once these details are entered through the 20 browser interface, the buyer clicks a single button, for example, a "next" button 206 and this causes the processing of the order in real time 207. The result of the order processing is that carriers and service providers are selected automatically on the basis of self published capability, capacity, availability, service area, category, class, price, and quality of service 208. Once the order 25 has been fully processed and prepared (206, 207 and 208) the pressing of a single confirmation type button 209 causes the execution of the order in its entirety. Once the order is confirmed 209 this causes the execution, 12 dynamically and in real time of a concurrent series of supply chain events, particularly the multicasting of the relevant details to the relevant participants in the supply chain 210. Confirmation 209 and the subsequent execution 210 causes the relevant product orders to be multicast to each applicable supplier, 5 the relevant consignment notes to be multicast to each applicable carrier, the relevant service work orders to each applicable service provider. As further shown in Figure 8, confirmation 209 causes, for example, the suppliers to receive email notifications 211 with hyper links to log into the system to retrieve orders. Consequently, the orders are retrieved 212 whereupon the 10 supplier accept purchaser orders and makes products available for dispatch to end users 213. The order is acknowledged by email, the date and time stamp being recorded 214. Similarly, upon confirmation, 209 service providers receive email notification with hyper links to log into the system to retrieve orders 215. The 15 service provider retrieves orders and where applicable, special job instructions 216. The service providers then accept and print orders 217. When installation is physically completed, the service provider confirms by completing electronically the quality assurance sheet which is provided by the system 218. As further shown in Figure 8, upon confirmation 209, carriers receive 20 email notification with hyper links to log into the system to retrieve orders 219. This causes the retrieving of orders and where applicable, special job instructions 220. The carrier accepts orders 221 (or rejects them 222) and when accepted, picks up products and delivers them to the end users 223. The carriers confirm delivery by completing electronically, a quality assurance form 25 provided by the system 224.

13 As shown in Figure 9, the rejection of an order by a service provider or carrier 222 causes the system to re-allocate the order to the next available service provider 225 or next available carrier 226. As shown in Figure 10, the implementation of the software and methods 5 of the present invention provide a process of electronically managing, presenting and dynamically allocating real time inventory availability to an order or a promise (Advance Shipping Notice) across a supply chain network with multi suppliers and multi buyers utilising the same functionality, simultaneously. In order to do this, a supplier creates a virtual partition within their Legacy 10 Warehouse Management System 230. The supplier then consigns inventory into that partition ready to be loaded into the system of the present invention 231. As part of the real time inventory process, the systems administrator defines categories and classes by industry and/or supply chain 232, 233. Consequently when a supplier logs in 234 they are able to add new products 15 including product characteristics 235. The supplier may also add a new warehouse, including warehouse characteristics 236 and a warehouse service area 237 and warehouse opening hours 238. This gives the supplier the ability to dynamically consign and allocate products to each buyer 239. Thus, when a buyer logs into the system 240 they are able to allocate an internal product code 20 and resale price 241 which enables the placement of an order 242 (see Figure 8). The placement of an order 242 causes the inventory to be decremented by the system whereupon the supplier is notified of an electronic order 243. Accordingly, the supplier receives the order and is able to pick the order from the virtual partition within their legacy warehouse management system 244. 25 When a supplier receives an order and dynamically consigns or allocates a product to a buyer 239 the process proceeds according to a business rule for dynamically decrementing stock 245. To decrement stock, a supplier 14 dynamically decrements stock within the system, whereupon stock is decremented within the virtual partition 230. Similarly, a business rule applies to the incrementing of stock 246. To increment stock, suppliers consign stock into the virtual partition 231 whereupon stock is dynamically consigned and allocated 5 within the system. The present invention provides numerous benefits to customers when compared to existing processes. From the preceding description it will be appreciated that customers are able to check and confirm the availability of products on-line. Unlike existing processes customers are able to arrange 10 delivery and installation, on the spot, at the point of sale. Thus customers are able to, at one time, shop for, complete a purchase, arrange for delivery and installation and arrange for disposal of no longer needed goods and packaging. From the customers perspective, delivery is scheduled at the point of sale to suit the customers time schedule as the date and time of scheduling of delivery and 15 installation are accomplished at the point of sale. Because both the old product and the packaging disposal can be arranged at the point of sale to occur when the new product is delivered, the customer is removed from the disposal process. This helps ensure that large appliances like fridges, washing machines and stove, etc are removed and disposed of according to environmental 20 standards. The retailer, buyer or commercial buyer also is delivered benefits by practicing the methods and teachings of the present invention. Productivity is enhanced because stock availability is immediately available on-line from suppliers. The system also allows for multi-supplier order integration, multi 25 service provider advice integration and multi-delivery point shipping advice to carriers, all on one screen. Further, the system provides for the multi-cast of all orders and advice notes in a "one click" process. The buyer is also able to 15 participate in the system using only a web browser and can therefore trial the system on a risk free basis. The trial system is fully scalable to a full systems integration utilising the buyers ERP systems. Further, store inventory orders can be scheduled (date and time slot) to suit buyers and then reconciled 5 electronically. From a storage perspective, the invention results in a reduction of inventory, associated overheads and working capital requirements. The system boosts sales productivity by providing on-line supplier stock availability, on-line supplier ordering at the point of sale and is fully traceable if anything goes wrong with ordering or delivery. 10 For the supplier of goods (or services) there are numerous advantages. The supplier can forecast dynamically against actual sales, rather than the "just in case" model being used today. Risks are produced by providing a large reduction in excess inventory, and price protection for buyers and inventory right-downs. Warehousing and distribution productivity are improved by 15 providing dynamic inventory availability which is published to all participating buyers. Accordingly, the warehouse is open to buyers on a 24 hour come 7 day a week basis. The system also provides the aforementioned dynamic allocation of inventory to buyers. The system also provides suppliers with a digital record of purchase date and quality of product at the time of delivery for warranty 20 purposes. Suppliers are also provided with on-line instant access to a warranty database. As for the sellers, systems integration can be implemented after the system has been tried, tested and proven to be cost effective, trials being conducted with a conventional browser. Delivery schedules for buyers are pre booked reducing the instances of refused deliveries at the buyer store or 25 distribution centre level. Further, all returns can be sorted, classified and disposed of without the supplier being involved in the handling of the product.

Claims

1. A method of executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central 5 server using a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: compiling in advance of a buyer query self-published, real-time information from a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers onto said common transaction platform on said central server of said network, said central server having a database storing said compiled, self-published information and being 10 accessible using said network, said self-published information comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, area, product, price, service area, category, class and quality; creating a real-time inventory on said common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product supplier and/or at 15 least one service provider, said real-time inventory creating step comprising compiling in advance of a buyer query at least one self-published partitioned inventory by said at least one product supplier and/or said at least service provider, said partitioned inventory being an inventory consigning by said at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual partition to create said 20 partitioned inventory; granting a plurality of buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction platform on said central server over said network, said buyers, said products from product suppliers and/or said services from said service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply chain 25 management system in a many-to-many-to-many relationship using said common transaction platform on said central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's participation and 30 the transactions allowed for that entity, said entities within said supply chain participate without middleware applications or point-to-point messaging, said 616427AUDI (5374686_I):wxb 17 partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at least one buyer in real time; accepting using the common transaction platform on said central server from at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a product from 5 at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider; responding using said self-published information on the common transaction platform on said central server to said at least one query of said at least one buyer over the network as to the real-time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service; 10 accepting using the common transaction platform on said central server at least one confirmed order for at least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from said at least one buyer, said order confirmed from said self-published information existing on the common transaction platform on said central server, transaction processing 15 occurring on said central server and not on an entity's server; allocating part or all of said partitioned inventory to said at least one buyer; decrementing said allocated partitioned inventory in response to said at least one buyer placing said confirmed order; and automatically transmitting said at least one confirmed order to said at least 20 one product supplier and/or at least one service provider using the common transaction platform on said central server.

2. A system for executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central 25 server using a computer network, comprising: a central server coupled to said network; a common transaction platform implemented on said central server; means for compiling in advance of a buyer query self published, real-time information from a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service 30 providers onto said common transaction platform on said central server of said network, said central server having a database storing said compiled, self-published information and being accessible using said network, said self-published information 616427AUDI (5374686_I):wxb 18 comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, area, product, price, service area, category, class and quality; means for creating a real-time inventory on said common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product 5 supplier and/or at least one service provider, said real-time inventory creating means comprising means for compiling in advance of a buyer query at least one self published partitioned inventory by said at least one product supplier and/or said at least service provider, said partitioned inventory being an inventory consigning by said at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual 10 partition to create said partitioned inventory; means for granting a plurality of buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction platform on said central server over said network, said buyers, said products from product suppliers and/or said services from said service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply 15 chain management system in a many-to-many-to-many relationship using said common transaction platform on said central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's 20 participation and the transactions allowed for that entity, said entities within said supply chain participate without middleware applications or point-to-point messaging, said partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at least one buyer in real-time; means for accepting using the common transaction platform on said central 25 server from at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider; means for responding using said self-published information on the common transaction platform on said central server to said at least one query of said at least 30 one buyer over the network as to the real-time availability of the at least one product and/or at least one service; 616427AUDI (5374686_I):wxb 19 means for accepting using the common transaction platform on said central server at least one confirmed order for at least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from said at least one buyer, said order confirmed from said self-published 5 information existing on the common transaction platform on said central server, transaction processing occurring on said central server and not on an entity's server; means for allocating part or all of said partitioned inventory to said at least one buyer; means for decrementing said allocated partitioned inventory in response to said at least one buyer placing said confirmed order; and 10 means for automatically transmitting said at least one confirmed order to said at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider using the common transaction platform on said central server.

3. A medium readable by a computer having stored therein application 15 software modules, executable by said computer in a database environment, for executing a business transaction comprising at least one order on behalf of at least one buyer on a common transaction platform on a central server using a computer network, said modules comprising: an application software module for compiling in advance of a buyer query 20 self published, real-time information from a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers onto said common transaction platform on said central server of said network, said central server having a database storing said compiled, self-published information and being accessible using said network, said self published information comprising one or more of capability, capacity, availability, 25 area, product, price service area, category, class, and quality; an application software module for creating a real-time inventory on said common transaction platform available to order or promise across a supply chain for at least one product supplier and/or at least one service provider, said real-time inventory creating step comprising compiling in advance of a buyer query at least 30 one self-published partitioned inventory by said at least one product supplier and/or said at least service provider, said partitioned inventory being an inventory 616427AUDI (5374686 1):wxb 20 consigning by said at least one product supplier and/or at least one service supplier into a virtual partition to create said partitioned inventory; an application software module for granting a plurality of buyers simultaneous access to the same real-time functionality on the common transaction 5 platform on said central server over said network, said buyers, said products from product suppliers and/or services from said service providers being integrated into a single end-to-end supply chain management system in a many-to-many relationship using said common transaction platform on said central server, the length of the supply chain being longer than two nodes, and each node having a depth of at least 10 one entity, at least one node a plurality of entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively, or competitively, and a set of business rules governing each entity's participation and the transactions allowed for that entity, said entities within said supply chain participate without middleware application or point to-point messaging, said partitioned inventory being simultaneously accessible to at 15 least one buyer in real-time; an application software module for accepting using the common transaction platform on said central server from the at least one buyer at least one query as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider; 20 an application software module for responding using said self published information on the common transaction platform on said central server to said at least one query of said at least one buyer over the network, as to the real-time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service; an application software module for accepting using the common transaction 25 platform on said central server at least one confirmed order for at least one product from at least one product supplier and/or at least one service from at least one service provider in real-time from said at least one buyer, said order confirmed from said self-published information existing on the common transaction platform on said central server, transaction processing occurring on said central server and not on an 30 entity's server; an application software module for allocating part or all of said partitioned inventory to said at least one buyer; 616427AUD1 (5374686_1):wxb 21 an application software module for decrementing said allocated partitioned inventory in response to said at least one buyer placing said confirmed order; and an application software module for automatically transmitting said at least one confirmed order to said at least one product supplier and/or at least one service 5 provider using the common transaction platform on said central server.

4. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein automatically transmitting comprises forwarding said at least one confirmed order using an e-mail message from said central server to said at least one product supplier and/or at least one 10 service provider.

5. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the central server comprises one or more of the following software modules: a software module that facilitates the generation of invoices and the 15 settlement of accounts over the network; a software module that facilitates the coordination of returns in real time; a software module that facilitates the registration of warranty information and automation of a warranty claims process; a software module that facilitates the supply of spare parts and provides for 20 the self publication of spare part information selected from the group consisting of spare parts inventory, availability, pricing, shipping status, multi supplier integrated ordering, and fulfillment; a software module that enables a product supplier to supply or multicast product information to at least one buyer; and 25 a software module that enables a service provider to supply or multicast service information to at least one buyer.

6. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein at each node of the supply chain multiple entities independently operate collaboratively, co-operatively or 30 competitively. 616427AUDI (5374686_I):wxb 22

7. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a particular entity at a particular node adopts an operating model or structure that is different from other entities on that same node. 5

8. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein at least one entity chooses to participate selectively.

9. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein data from a plurality of entities are exported into said central server, each entity having a different legacy 10 system, and data from the central server is received by said plurality of entities through a common transaction platform on said central server and at least one common adaptor.

10. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein automatically transmitting 15 comprises forwarding a message service (SMS) text message to a mobile phone or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device.

11. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein said business rules are at least one of: 20 codified in software; capable of being selectively applied; and applied to both the transaction and to the process of execution of that transaction. 25

12. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the business rules are capable of being changed to accommodate the needs of specific supply chain entities while preserving a common structure in the transaction processing.

13. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a plurality of supply chains 30 are integrated into a network of supply chains. 616427AUD1 (5374686_1):wxb 23

14. The invention of claim 9, wherein at least one entity bulk uploads data into the central server without the need to re-key data.

15. The invention of claim 9, wherein business rules are applied to bulk 5 data to be exported from a legacy system of an entity into said central server.

16. The invention of claim 15, wherein said business rules are applied to the data of completed transactions, which is exported from the central server back to a particular entity's legacy system as input data to that legacy system. 10

17. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein an entity offers at least a portion of its products and services, or at least a portion of its capability and capacity, and is adapted to change these dynamically. 15

18. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the business rules are capable of being changed to accommodate the needs of specific supply chain entities while preserving a common structure in the transaction processing.

19. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a plurality of supply chains 20 are integrated into a network of supply chains.

20. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein at least one service provider is selected from the group consisting of a carrier, an installer, and a field service provider. 25

21. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein simultaneous multiple queries as to the real-time availability of a product from at least one product supplier and/or a service from at least one service provider are accepted. 30

22. The invention of claim 21, wherein simultaneous multiple queries are responded to using said self-published information on the common transaction 616427AUDI (5374686_I):wxb 24 platform on said central server as to the real-time availability of at least one product and/or at least one service.

23. The invention of claim 22, wherein simultaneous multiple confirmed 5 orders: from said at least one buyer are accepted using the common transaction platform on said central server in real-time; or are concurrently automatically transmitted to a plurality of product suppliers and/or a plurality of service providers. 10

24. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein accepting said at least one confirmed order comprises: integrating information about said at least one order in one screen; and confirming said at least one order by said at least one buyer by clicking a 15 button in a graphical user interface.

25. The invention of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein creating real-time inventory comprises: creating a virtual partition within a legacy warehouse management system of 20 at least one product supplier; and consigning by said at least one product supplier and/or said at least one service provider inventory into said virtual partition to create a partitioned inventory.

26. The invention of claim 25, wherein said part or all of said partitioned 25 inventory is dynamically allocated to said at least one buyer. DATED this 27th Day of June, 2011 SPC Holdings Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 30 SPRUSON & FERGUSON 616427AUD1 (5374686_1):wxb