P/00/012 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: "atOnce web 2.0 portal with integrated lead management & feedback loop" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification INNOVATION PATENT atOnce web 2.0 portal with integrated lead management & feedback loop The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: atOnce.com is a procurement web 2.0 portal consisting of a directory, lead management system (job engine), job tracker, feedback and social framework. Users are able to search a directory of service providers in their local area, read business profiles, feedback & reviews & get directions to the business address. atOnce also matches user requests with Service Providers that are able to perform the jobs they need done. Users are able to specify the type of service, description of service, budget, images, due date and time as well as their service address and preferred method of contact. Service providers who subscribe to the service can receive job leads via SMS, email or dashboard within the web portal. Job leads can be viewed in further detail via email or within the web portal itself. If interested, Service Providers can purchase the job lead for a nominal fee to receive User contact details. Users are notified and provided with business profiles from the Service Providers who have purchased their job lead. This enables them to make an informed decision.
When a service provider completes the service request, users are able to action a feedback & review form via email or within the web portal to capture the user experience and relative feedback regarding the services rendered. When completing feedback, users are encouraged to select a community group that receive a portion of the fee charged for each Job Lead. Title atOnce web 2.0 portal with integrated lead management & feedback loop Technical Brief The invention entails a service provider creating a listing on an online directory, including their business profile information and service area. Service provision leads are orchestrated by matching their profiles with user needs for a small fee, generated by a unique algorithm. Users are able to do this via the web, phone or smart phone and are provided with profile information to assist them in making an informed decision. Aspects of the invention include methods, computer systems, mobile applications, software and a social framework. Background Traditionally, people have sourced and procured services by referring to paper based and online directories, local newspapers or word of mouth. This invention (atOnce.com) has been specifically designed in order to provide intuitive, simple, informed procurement of services by putting Users in touch with Service Providers whilst adhering to an essential social responsibility framework by supporting the community with every placement. Although there exists similar claims in the market, the atOnce system intrinsically differs as it is based on a collaborative input to financially support the community and complete the process. Summary of the invention According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a system for sourcing and procuring services comprising: a database in communication with a communications network for storing at least one job lead provided via a web portal accessible via a computing device in communication with the communications network; and a server having a processor operatively coupled to the database for: retrieving the at least one job lead from the database in from the database in response to a job request submitted via the portal accessed by one or more computing devices in communication with the communications network; displaying the at least one job lead on the computing device to allow at least one service provider to purchase the job lead; uploading at least one quote and/or at least one performance documentation from the one or more computing device via the portal for viewing and acceptance by a user; displaying a job tracker for monitoring the progress of completion of a job; and a social network accessible via the web portal, the social network having at least one community group wherein a nominated community group is issued with a donation upon completion of a job lead. Preferably, the donation is a percentage of a purchase fee paid by the service provider. Preferably, the user submits feedback and selects the nominated community group. According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a method for sourcing and procuring services including the following steps: storing at least one job lead provided via a web portal accessible via one or more computing devices in communication with a communications network; retrieving the at least one job lead from the database in response to a job request submitted via the web portal accessed by the one or more computing devices; displaying the at least one job lead on the one or more computing devices to allow at least one service provider to purchase the job lead; uploading at least one quote and/or at least one performance documentation from the one or more computing device via the portal for viewing and acceptance by a user; displaying a job tracker for monitoring the progress of completion of a job; and providing a social network accessible via the web portal, the social network having at least one community group wherein a nominated community group is issued with a donation upon completion of a job lead.
According to a further aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the invention resides in an apparatus for sourcing and procuring services comprising computer readable program code components configured to cause: storing at least one job lead provided via a web portal accessible via one or more computing devices in communication with a communications network; retrieving the at least one job lead from the database in response to a job request submitted via the web portal accessed by the one or more computing devices; displaying the at least one job lead on the one or more computing devices to allow at least one service provider to purchase the job lead; uploading at least one quote and/or at least one performance documentation from the one or more computing device via the portal for viewing and acceptance by a user; displaying a job tracker for monitoring the progress of completion of a job; and providing a social network accessible via the web portal, the social network having at least one community group wherein a nominated community group is issued with a donation upon completion of a job lead. For Service Providers: * 25% of the lead fee collected is donated by atOnce to the beneficiary (Community Group) selected by the User when completing feedback; * Are able to nominate a Referral Agent when joining atOnce to receive an on going benefit (12.5% of the lead fee) each time they perform a job * A Referral Agent is an organisation or Industry Group that subscribes or refers the Service Provider to the atOnce portal. Brief description of drawings The atOnce Portal 01 is a self-service portal enabling enterprise collaboration and white labelling. It comprises of several distinct functions so as to deliver a convenient procurement application and user experience whilst supporting a social framework. The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which: Figure 1 is an illustration (schematic) of the computer system used with the invention; and Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the method of the current invention.
Best mode of the Invention Referring to Figure 1, the portal 01 is hosted on a virtual server (a layer of abstraction onto physical hardware) that is connected to the Internet. The portal 01 sits on an enterprise web platform and packages applications in an enterprise application framework to deliver a single solution. It can be operated with different permission types, Administrators 04 & Operators 05. The portal 01 continuously communicates with the Database 02 to query, store and retrieve information regarding User 03, job requests, Feedback 14, budgets, service provider details, listing information, accepted and completed jobs, personal and industry metrics, industry categories and sub-categories, community group profiles and statistical data including key performance indicators. User 03 is able to access the portal 01 (website) via an Internet connection 10 or smart phone 11. They are able to access the features comprising of the Invention via a single sign-on process. Similarly, Service Provider 06 can access the portal (website) via the Internet 10 or a Smart phone 11 to access features of the Invention. The features and functionality of the Portal 01 will now be described in use. Subscribing to the website User 03 is not required to subscribe to the website when performing a business 'Search' or performing a 'Job Request'. However, they have the option to do so in order to manage their request. This entails providing an email address and password, which required verification. Once verified via Email, User 03 is able to access the 'Job Tracker' to edit or cancel jobs, view 'Service Provider' details about those that have responded to their request. Action 'Feedback 14' when appropriate record personal details for future use including contact information, default service address and nominated Community Group 07. These additional features are accessed via single sign-on enablement. All information is stored on the Database 02 under a unique clientid. A Service Provider 06 must become a member of the website prior to creating a business listing. Once verified via Email, Service Provider 06 is able to create a free business listing in several steps. Creating a listing involves completing various fields that request location & contact information including additional addresses, service type, categories serviced, website address, listing name, abn, business description, call-out rates, tagline, business logo, additional images, insurances, licences & accreditations, availability & service locations and credit card details. Payment details are collected for service lead purchases. Once completed, the listing is published to the web within 48 hours. Listings are screened and verified prior to publishing. These additional features are accessed via single sign-on enablement. All information is stored on the Database 02 under a unique supplier id and friendly url. 'Post a Job' User 03 (any type) is able to 'Post a Job' (service request) by completing a form within the Portal 01 or via a smart phone. The form specifically requests that the User 03 select a Service Category and indicate whether the request pertains to a Commercial or Residential requirement. User 03 is required to input a title for the job along with a description. In addition, User 03 is directed to indicate a job budget and is able to submit several photos or files to assist Service Provider 06 in better understanding their requirements. User 03 is also required to input a due date for the service request. The online form requests the User 03 contact details and service address, contact hours as well as their preferred method of contact. Once completed, User 03 is able to 'Post a Job' request. The request is then processed and the job is allocated using a unique algorithm to Service Provider 06 capable of meeting their request. User 03 can perform this function without the need to join, however, User 03 may do so in order to access the 'Job Tracker' should they wish to better manage the job request. Matching the Service Provider 06 The unique algorithm ensures that leads are offered to Service Provider 06 irrespective of business size, it disseminates suitable candidates based on qualities such as location, rating, skills, availability and propensity to accept the offer. Other detail's upon which the algorithm operates includes accreditations and licensing. The algorithm populates a list of suitable Service Providers 06 and issues the job lead via SMS 13, Email 12 and/or Smart phone 11. It performs this wave of offers at timed intervals up to three cycles or less, until the User 03 request (number of quotes) is achieved. Should the cycle fail to provide the desired number of Service Providers 06 prepared to quote, an Email 12 is sent to the User 03 in addition highlighting ten search results from the 'Directory' (Database 02) based on the request. The 'System' (01, 02) closes the job lead offer once the requested number (number of quotes) is allocated. Allocated job leads are those that are purchased by Service Providers 06 during the offer period. The successful allocation is based on a 'first-in' ruling, those Service Providers 06 that opt in and purchase the lead are tagged by the 'System (01, 02)' and receive the opportunity (job contact details), those that respond late miss out and are notified accordingly via Email 12. Receiving a 'Job Lead' Service Providers 06 are offered 'Job Leads' orchestrated by the 'system (01, 02) s' algorithm when a User 03 makes a 'Job Request'. They can receive a job lead in several ways. Based on their preference, they are able to receive a 'job lead' via SMS 13, Email 12 or directly to their Smart phone 11. They are able to view a brief description of the job via SMS 13, including job type, location, budget and timing. Further detail is provided and accessed via Email 12, Smart phone 11 or the websites 'Job Tracker'. Here, they are able to view a detailed description, job type, location, budget and photos provided by the 'User 03'. At this point, Service Providers 06 can decide to purchase the lead and receive 'User 03' contact details, or opt out at no cost. If a Service Provider 06 purchases the lead, they can access the 'User 03' contact details, contact preference and suitable times of contact. A Service Provider 06 can access and print a 'Job Sheet' from the 'Job Tracker', which includes job details, 'User 03' conditions and directions to the job location populated by the Google API. Making the Introduction Upon successful placement of the desired number of Service Providers 06 requested by the 'User 03' to quote, the 'System' (01, 02) advises the 'User' via Email of the matched Service Providers 06 that have agreed to provide a quote based on their preferences. Contained within the Email 12 are links to the friendly url each Service Providers 06 has (allocated during sign-up) where 'User 03' can review Service Provider 06 profile details including other 'User 03' ratings (if any). This feature enables 'User 03' to take comfort in knowing which Service Provider 06 will contact them, background information regarding their experience, skills and ratings to ensure they can make an informed decision. 'User 03' can obtain quotes from the matched Service Providers 06 and are able to make a choice to engage them or store the quote for future reference. There is no obligation to engage the Service Provider 06. Capturing 'Feedback 14' to complete the request 'User 03' is prompted by the 'system (01, 02) ' to provide 'Feedback 14' to signal job completion. 'Feedback 14' is automatically requested via Email 12 at triggered timings from the 'Job Request' date, being, fourteen and twenty-one days respectively. Should the 'System' (01, 02) fail to capture 'Feedback 14' via these two rounds, an 'Operator 05' is notified to contact the 'User 03' to complete the process. 'User 03' has the ability at each round to define a suitable date to be reminded to leave 'Feedback 14', hence overriding the triggered event. 'Feedback 14' can also be completed at any time via the 'Job Tracker' or smart phone 11 application by selecting the completed job within either application. 'User 03' is requested to select several responses when completing 'Feedback 14'. These include: - Service Provider 06 selected - Price range of the job - Reason for selection - Community Group 07 to receive a financial benefit from atOnce - Likeliness to recommend the service to others - Rate from 1 to 5 "Quality of work" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Responsiveness" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Professionalism" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Adherence to schedule" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Adherence to quote" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Value for money" - Rate from 1 to 5 "Use of atOnce" - Further comment (that remains unpublished) 'User 03' advises the 'System (01, 02) ' that the job is complete by submitting 'Feedback 14', the results are recorded against the Service Provider's 06 profile and added to the Database 02 for public access.
Once 'Feedback 14' is captured, Service Providers 06 are billed a success fee based on a pre-defined amount relative to the job value, captured during 'Feedback 14'. "Social Framework" According to a further embodiment of the invention, is the community benefit funded by atOnce and selected by the 'User 03' when leaving 'Feedback 14'. The 'Community Group 07' selected receives 25% of the lead fee each time a 'Job Request' is completed and 'Feedback 14' is recorded. This embodiment is central to the business process and values of atOnce. The linkages between 'User 03', 'Service Provider 06', 'Community Groups 07', 'Industry Groups 08' and 'Local Government 09' and the act of giving back to the Community comprise of the 'Social Framework'. 'Directory Search' Aside from being able to procure services via a single request, User 03 is able to search a directory from the 'System' (01, 02) of Service Providers based on specific service categories. The Portal 01 requires the User 03 to enter a location to commence their search request. Once a service category and subcategory are selected, a list of relevant Service Providers 06 is displayed - allowing User 03 to view contact details, profile information as well as recent User 03 reviews. In addition, User 03 is able to action directions within the 'contact' detail - which integrates with the Google Maps API, enabling a User 03 to obtain directions to the business address. 'Job Tracker' The Portal 01 contains a job 'Tracker' which displays a User 03 service requests. In addition, Service Providers 06 can view new 'Job Leads' including service requirements and images provided by User 03. Service provider 06 can purchase such job leads if interested for a nominal fee. Once purchased, the status of these leads are termed 'Accepted' and can be viewed in further detail (including user contact details) under a tab labelled the same.