DE10033350A1 - Electronic data exchange method and device for executing e-commerce transactions makes it possible to do business and exchange business data between providers of products/services and large/intermediate consumers. - Google Patents

Abstract

An Internet device makes it possible to do business and exchange data for business and commercial issues between a provider of products/services and a large/intermediate consumer. Search facilities are available for products and articles for selecting them via a full text search. Single articles can be sought independently of groups of products. Open fields can be used in the upper half of the screen to search single items like 'sausage' within a product range.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing electrical tronic stores, hereinafter referred to as e-commerce. Under the catchphrase e- Commerce have known various solutions for many years, so that Providers of products / services with relevant customers, according to request these products / services electronically in Ge can make business contact.

For example, it is also known that entire catalogs are shipped by catalog houses not only in paper form, but also electronically via the ver different networks, such as the Internet, intranet, Ethernet, etc. are available.

Known solutions of this type have the disadvantage of being extremely confusing and are completely unusable if electronically, i.e. via the ver various electronic transmission media such as internet, ethernet, intranet  etc. between a producer of products / services and one Bulk consumers (business to business) are to be carried out, with last ones The manufacturer's products are further processed or conditioned and then on other intermediate or end customers. The previous e-commerce solutions are also very slow because downloading the product information and their Reception on the receiving side takes a lot of time (more than 10 seconds).

One example of this is the production of a wide variety of foods medium products. These are often used by producers to bulk consumers delivered in special containers and quantities, in accordance with the bulk consumer prepared for the end customer.

For example, if such foods are potato products, French fries, for example, so a large consumer can also buy a fast food Chain or a catering company, which in very large quantities French fries products ordered from and accepted by the producer and in the individual companies, the French fries in the amount requested by the end customer Form prepared and passed on to this.

It is an object of the invention for such business processes between a pro product / service provider and a large (intermediate) consumer electronic business processing and data exchange option available to provide, which ver the disadvantages of existing e-commerce solutions avoids and moreover extremely rational and very quick on the part of the Großver data transfer, product display and ordering of goods / Services.

The object is achieved with a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 14 solved. Advantageous further developments are in described the subclaims.  

The invention enables an extremely efficient Internet sales shop from Products / services of various grades and diversity.

It is not necessary that a potential buyer (second data source) is always confronted with all products (list / table 1) of the product / service provider (first data source), which requires a correspondingly long loading time for the data of these products / services , but that according to a list of goods (list / table 2) only those data of products / services are transmitted from the producer (first data source) to the consumer (second data source) for which the consumer has made a preselection (listing). Here, the list (table) of the listed goods is significantly shorter and contains considerably less data than list 1 of all goods / services.

In addition, a third list (list / table 3) of such data is created contain the information of previously ordered and / or delivered products, so that in the event of an order on the part of the consumer, this not only in the List of goods listed by the consumer, but also in the list of to the Goods / services delivered and / or ordered by consumers can see what makes ordering products / services easier, if a very large selection of products / services to be ordered / delivered performance is possible.

By providing a list of listed goods and / or ordered and / or delivered goods will allow the consumer to use his entire To conduct business activities with the producer in such a way that he does not Chen records needed more because the consumer with every access to first data source always all the data required for a possible order be made available and it also provides an overview of already Placed orders / deliveries for a certain period has what the overall planning of further orders easier.  

In addition, the consumer (second data source), if he over various whose regional branches have, also see in which branch what, when and in what quantity was ordered and delivered.

To safeguard against misuse it is useful if every consumer or his branch beyond his customer number also a key word (password) is assigned, which, however, then preferably only to one or are assigned to a limited number of computers on the part of the customer, so that a data transfer from the first to the second data source is only complete certain computers is possible.

Through the invention, the response time behavior in one with the invention Internet shop created can be significantly improved, the entire Internet shop can be significantly increased in attractiveness because of unnecessary response times are avoided. If unacceptable response times of the Internet shops (first data source) avoided when used by the customer , the operation of the internet shop is easier and faster and above all very rationally.

On the part of the first data source, almost all database queries are so-called te "Stored Procedures" implemented, ie as precompiled, parameterized SQL-Ab questions stored on a database server of the first data source. Through the The well-known WEB application "ColdFusion" uses predefined procedures direct to. In contrast to direct SQL queries from third parties, this allows applications with 20 to 50 times higher query speeds to reach.

When displaying the query results, i.e. the data transferred from the first to second data source, in tabular form, for example listing all (Potato) products or (delicatessen) products, partial tables are formed, such as they can be seen in the attached drawings. The definition of the size of the  Partial tables are solved via a variable parameter in the database, which is the Speed by the number of rows allowed in a table regulates. Several sub-tables form an overall table (overall list).

The first part table (s) (for example, the one with the product name or Pro product number) are already displayed while the ones below Subtables or table blocks still calculated for display (spreadsheet) become.

This enables faster display times than if the whole Result a query is displayed in a single overall table, because here the Browser of the second data source (customer) calculate the total table in advance would and the receipt of the overall table on the side of the second data source presupposes.

The invention therefore not only allows data transmission, but also also display subtables before displaying the entire table for the second data source is completed or calculated.

The method according to the invention and the entire device according to the invention allow the automatic preparation of all customer business transactions the merchandise management system of the producer (first data source) for the network (Internet) retrieval.

With the invention, essential data can be stored on the side of the second data source from past business transactions (e.g. in the last 365 days) can be researched immediately without doing this from research activities sides of the second data source. As a result, existing Unsi Securities in the customer's ordering behavior eliminated. With such exist so far the uncertainties (e.g. because the customer never files with orders again so far) has led the customer to contact the producer by phone  extensively informed, which on the part of the producer also leads to a significant Leads to additional stress. This may also result in incorrect ordering of the customer, as a result of which certain products do not work at all are delivered, but in any case there are losses in sales.

Not only can considerable time advantages be achieved with the method according to the invention be achieved, but also the security in the ordering behavior who improves the.

As already mentioned, it is among other things the aim of the invention, the customer (second data source) very fast access to the data from the first To enable data source (provider). If you look at the internet sales sites of previous e-commerce solutions, one will find that it is often very takes a long time until all data on the part of the product provider on the part of the customer (second data source) are downloaded and that it is accordingly very much it takes a long time until product information on the part of the second data source can be displayed and orders can be placed.

The present invention avoids such long unattractive waiting times. For this purpose, the data, for example the first, second and / or third Product list, as usual on the Internet in so-called HTML format figure assigned, but the computer must be on the side of the second data source do not wait for the receipt of all data, then with the calculation and To start creating the pages to display, but on the part of the first Data source, the respective table (list) is divided into blocks or partial tables the end of each program command such as "table end" (or "page end") is set. At the beginning of each block there is a corresponding program "Table start" command. The entire list (table) of data is therefore the first, second and / or third product list in several blocks confection niert, the size of a block is designed so that this as a side on the Playback device (monitor) can be shown essentially completely.  

The consequence of this is that after receiving a first block, a List of these blocks calculated on the side of the second data source and immediately displayed can be shown if the data of other blocks of the list are also transferred and can be calculated for the display.

The fact that a further calculation takes place will also benefit the customer displayed by, for example, a cursor field, depending on how many sub-blocks have already been calculated with an increasing number of calculated partial blocks (continuously) decreases in area. The size of the scroll box is therefore the Number of blocks calculated (inversely) proportional.

The quasi-immediate display of the first table block in a list means that that the immediate processing and thus the immediate ordering of products can begin. Meanwhile, the calculation is running in the background Preparation of the entire table, which regularly takes several seconds but is found to be very annoying when you click on the display of the first Table side must wait until the entire table is calculated to the end has been.

As already mentioned, the orders placed by a customer or deliveries to a specific customer accordingly in a customer oriented database stored on the side of the first data source so that the each customer can find out at any time which order he (on whatever way) and which delivery was made when.

According to the invention, it is also proposed that when placing an order of products / services also the respective sales and sales stored in a customer-oriented manner and that a customer, but also the customer Providers of the products (i.e. the first data source) - if desired - constantly an immediate overview of current sales / sales figures / data in comparison at other times (e.g. to the previous year).  

The sales made with an order and delivery for the products / services are stored on the part of the first data source, if necessary for certain periods (e.g. a week, a month, a year) and then at the customer's request ( second data source) accordingly in a menu, e.g. B. a fourth list (list 4 ) is displayed.

This means, for example, that a customer can also update sales and order updates on a daily basis Create set statistics as an HTML list or as an Excel download, which on the part of the Customers considerably easier to create such information and hardly anymore Effort.

To secure customer information from third party access In addition, usual security measures are taken, such as SSL, firewalls, Web server authentication and cookies. But for security reasons it is also particularly advantageous if a customer’s password is quasi with a specific computer (PC) of a customer is closely linked and therefore the customer can only get access to the electrical shop if he does so operated the predetermined and selected computer. This then sends to Access to the electronic shop not only the password to the first data source, but also your own computer / program identification data on the part the first data source to be checked for accuracy. Both Computer-specific data can also be identification data on the Computer running software, for example operating system software (then the corresponding operating system identifier).

In particular, the storage of all data in an Informix database has proven to be proven very functional and successful. All data, including, for example Online master data, online shop information data (sales / sales / data, order data, delivery data etc.) as well as online shop orders can be made via a So-called ODBC interface on the part of the first data source from the existing which ERP system are adopted.  

The hardware components for setting up the electronic shop are common, and previously known hardware components such as web browsers, web Server, shop server product database, ERP systems, accounts receivable housing, Internet applications, firewall and possibly high availability systems are used.

The invention is based on various exemplary embodiments in Illustrations explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a typical start page of an Internet sales shop according to the invention. The page shown in FIG. 1 is the so-called guest access, with which a guest can obtain information about the overview of all products from a product catalog of the first data source.

In order to be able to enter an order, the guest must make his personal addition Register your course details to the shop (for new registration).

Fig. 2 shows a start page (after the new registration) with the personal access data of a customer in the Internet sales shop. When placing an order, the customer (second data source) can also select the delivery date of an order.

The delivery address and other customer data (data the second data source).

The individual main product groups are shown in the left half of the screen provides. In addition, the current offers from the category also appear here "Fresh" and "special". In the navigation menu at the top of the screen, the customer can the menu items displayed there (goods, deliveries, direct orders, general terms and conditions etc.) select directly. By entering a word in the "Search" status specific product groups, such as French fries, are searched, so that their pages are displayed immediately.  

In addition, there is also an e-mail connection through which the customer (second data source) may have the opportunity to make requests and suggestions, however also send questions to the producer (first data source).

Fig. 3 shows the possibility of making different orders with the inventive Internet shop.

On the one hand, the order can be placed via existing product groups. by who the customer chose a main group, for example delicatessen, will be the pages belonging to this main group of the subgroups (e.g. delicatessen) darge provides. If a subgroup is now selected, those for this subgroup appear existing articles grouped by individual article groups. The representation of the individual sub- or main groups are based on the preparation and closing compilation of the respective product data on the part of the first data source. at all articles with a certain label, for example a red one Star, are an article from a special offer program. If an article is to be provided with a lead time, this will be indicated by a corresponding note. The article can then go to the selected delivery date cannot be ordered. The delivery date is from the customer changed, the note text also changes accordingly.

FIG. 4 shows a further detailed view of an Internet sales shop page, in which a product is also shown graphically.

Fig. 5 shows the representation of a page after clicking the icon "delivery". The range of products delivered for the past three months is shown. Here, all items that the customer's business (second data source) has received in the last three months are displayed.

The display of the order and delivery of the last 30 days is primarily used for the information of the customer. Here the orders are the deliveries  compared. When choosing an order and delivery, the order Quantity fields are filled with actual quantities and are thus called "repeat orders "can be ordered.

By clicking on an order and delivery accordingly exactly understand the composition of an order or delivery become.

Fig. 6 shows such a presentation by clicking on a specific order or delivery.

Fig. 7 shows how a product (article) search is carried out. There is a convenient option for article selection using a full-text search. Individual desired articles can be searched independently of individual product groups. To do this, the text to be searched for (for example "sausage") must be entered in the free field in the upper half of the screen. If the search is now started, the system looks for an article in which the term searched for in the blue article text, e.g. B. "sausage" occurs.

All product groups, where articles with the corresponding search term are found are displayed for selection. In addition, all individual items, where the relevant search term was found is displayed for ordering.

Fig. 8 shows the ordering of articles about delivered or listed articles. Within the "Your range" product group, a customer can find out about the customer-specific range of articles (listed articles (list 2 )) and order the articles requested by the customer. On the other hand, a customer can use the display of the list "Delivered items" (list 3 ) to display all items that the customer or his company has received from the producer (first data source) within the last 365 days (delivered items). Here, too, it is possible to enter orders and order quantities.

Fig. 9 shows the implementation of a direct order. Via this item in the navigation menu in the upper edge of the screen, a customer can easily place an order using the product article number.

After entering the article number or several article numbers, with commas the "Search" button must be pressed. After that the requested article with the usual article line for ordering.

Fig. 10 illustrates the completion of an order process. By selecting the button (icon) "shopping cart", the customer is shown the entire contents of the shopping cart (which includes his order). All items can be changed again in terms of quantity or composition, or they can be completely deleted from the shopping cart.

If the desired delivery date is wrong, the customer can choose another one Select delivery date.

FIG. 11 shows the triggering of ordering online shop. Before the order is sent to the respective producer branch, all the necessary information is displayed on one page (at the customer). This information includes the number of items ordered, the listing of the individual items with description, quantity, unit price and item value, the desired delivery date and the order value in DM and euros. In addition, the customer receives information about where (fax connection or e-mail address or postal address) the confirmation is sent by the first data source.

Fig. 12 shows the display page for registering a customer for the internet shop. Before a customer can order in the Internet sales shop via the Internet, he must first register as an "online customer" with the producer (first data source). The customer sends the registration application ( Fig. 12) as an e-mail to the producer, where he is entered as an internet shop customer. The shop access then consists of a user name and a customer-specific password for the customer. These important shop access data are communicated to the customer by telephone via a telephone hotline. Every internet user must be listed as an active customer with the producer, i.e. a valid customer number must be available. Several shop users can be registered per customer number. Every user ID is PC-dependent. This means that access to the internet shop is only possible from the PC on which the first login to the internet shop was made. Registration can only be made in writing (by e-mail / fax) via the producer.

The registration for the internet shop takes place via the online registration form the producer homepage. This registration form should always be in cooperation between the customer and an employee of the producer discussed, executed and sent.

After registration by the producer (first data source) the user (second data source) calls his individual access data divided.

The internet shop will be accessible to the user from the following working day. All delivery dates of the past few months (regardless of whether the delivery is too has already been ordered via the Internet) will be immediately available to the shop customer Information and processing provided.

Fig. 13 shows the technical configuration on the part of the customer (second data source) and the producer (first data source).

Fig. 14 is a block circuit diagram of an organizational structure on the side of the first data source, which may occur in bidirectional connection by electronic means with the second data source.

On the side of the first data source, there is a data input and a ver bound computer and database structure provided. On this computer itself several databases are configured or the computer can access them Access databases.

The first database contains a list (List 1 ) with the information of all products / services of the product / service provider.

The second database contains a second list. This list 2 contains the data of such products / services that the customer (second data source) can even consider for possible orders (listed products). In the second database, both the data of the products in the second list can be completely contained or, alternatively, the list only contains an assignment of those products / services to the data in the first database (first list), so that when the second list is called only those data of the first database (first list) are transmitted to the second data source, which are determined by the second list.

The computer also has access to a third database (third list). This list contains all data about orders placed and / or deliveries and is flat if, in turn, linked to product information related to a particular ordered or delivered in the previous period.

Furthermore, a fourth list (list 4 ) is provided, which contains sales and sales statistics of a particular customer. This database is then accessed when the customer wishes the data in this database to be displayed.

On the side of the second data source (customer), besides the usual - is not shown - Hardware features to connect the customer's computer with the computer Each of the first data source has a data input and a corresponding one Customer computer (PC) provided. This is connected to a screen.  

Depending on the operation on the part of the second data source, the Internet pages or lists 1-4 of the first data source shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 can be displayed and orders can be placed.

When placing orders, the corresponding order data from transmitted from the second data source to the first data source and then by the first data source confirmed accordingly.

Fig. 15 shows the core components of the online store, wherein as an additional com ponents the internet application, firewall and optionally high Available keitsssysteme come into question. However, there are a variety of ways to configure such an online shop.

Fig. 16 shows the division of a list of 1 or 2 (or the products listed) into a plurality of individual tables / pages / individual blocks.

The program command "End of table" is set at the end of each individual block and arn the beginning of each individual block the program command "table start".

If a list e.g. B. contains the data of more than 1000 products, everyone can individual block (parts table) contain about 10-20 product notes, so there is a correspondingly large number of individual blocks / individual parts tables / partial lists.

When transferring the entire table (all blocks) from the first to the second The data source is already calculated when the first display page (corresponds to the size of the data content of the first block) when the over All data in the overall table has not yet been completed. This is possible because with the program command "table end" on the side of the second Data source calculates the data of the completed block and then on the Screen can be displayed.  

The data of a block are preferably in the form of an HTML page, that is to say a format which is quickly used by practically all computers connected to the Internet can be worked.

If a list is now received on the side of the second data source and the first page or one of the first pages of this list is already displayed, the calculation of the further pages (blocks) takes place in the background for the customer. At the same time, an order can be placed by operating and entering data on the displayed pages. The fact that the calculation continues practically in the background is also displayed to the customer by then, when the final calculation of the individual blocks has been completed, the scroll field (also known as the cursor field), with which the scroll position (bottom sheet position) is usually used - see Fig. 3 - is displayed, reduced.

So if the first list contains data from several thousand products, then as soon as the first page is received, it is sent to the second data source displayed. The scroll field is then still very large (several centimeters long). With the completion of the calculation (in the background) takes more success blocks the scroll field area continues to decrease proportionally until z. B. only a few Is millimeters long, or reaches a predetermined size, so that the customer then knows that the entire list has been received and for display already has been calculated. The calculation can also be completed by a special shape or color of an element z. B. the scroll box be shown.

The inventive method for electronic data exchange and Electronic shopping allows, for example, a bulk consumer He can look at the data of all products, but only for orders to carry out such products on the part of the bulk consumer during production ten are listed. So if a buyer at the bulk consumer gets the first list  with the list of all products and service data, he can look in this Mode do not place an order. This is only possible if he is the second Download the list with the details of the bulk consumer products listed invites. Of course, orders are also available after downloading the third List possible that contains information about previous orders and deliveries.

For the transfer of the fourth list (list with sales statistics and others Evaluations), it can be advantageous if the input of another Password is necessary, because not everyone on the part of the wholesale user can look at such sales statistics, only those Persons who also have the authority to do this and who also have the appropriate authority Know the password for this. In this regard, it is then advantageous that the down load the fourth list from the first to the second data source by entering a requires additional password (this password is a matter of course agreed between the first and second data source).

In addition, statistics can also be kept on the side of the first data source when the internet shop is operated by which computer has been, even if only for displaying any product data. Derlei Information can be saved in a further list and by ent speaking call from the bulk consumer to be transferred to this. Here, too, it may make sense to download and display a corresponding password is required to enter this data.

Claims (22)

1. Process for electronic data exchange and electronic purchasing - e-commerce - between a first data source that sends data electronically, in particular data about products and services electronically, and a second data source that sends data to the first data source and has the possibility of making the data transmitted electronically from the first data source visible in front of a screen, the data input of the second data source being carried out via a computer (computer) to which a keyword is assigned, which enables the second data source to be connected to the first Data source can enter into data exchange, the first data source storing a first list ( 1 ) of data, in which data of a multiplicity of products and services offered by the first data source are contained, that on the side of the first data source a second list ( 2 ) is saved, which is smaller in scope as the first list and contains the data of goods / services that are to be arranged preferably by the second data source, that a third list ( 3 ) is preferably stored by the first data source, in which the data of ordered and / or delivered goods for the services are included, in an electronic data connection after entering the keyword in the computer of the second data source, the data of the first, second and / or third list are transmitted from the first data source to the second data source. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the placing of orders only after receipt or possible when displaying the second and / or third list of the first data source is, but not when displaying the first list.   3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the third list of the ordered and / or delivered goods / services contains significantly less data (elements) than the second list ( 2 ). 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third list is a data overview of the one past period, for example three months or 365 days of delivery contains / services. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third list is an overview of the one in front contains certain goods / services ordered in the past, orders that are not considered are also taken into account in the overview have been made electronically. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by corresponding input at the second Data source the delivery date of ordered goods can be specified, whereby a delivery date proposed by the first data source by appropriate Input in the second data source can also be postponed to the future can. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion of graphic data in the first, second and / or third list below 10% of all data, preferably below 5% of all of the data from the first data source to the second data source. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the first data source to the second data source  transferring lists for ordering products / services contain the necessary data. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the lists do not contain price information for the products / Services included. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual products / services of second list assigned price information customers individually with the first dates source are stored and on request by the second data source only to this and assigned to the respective products. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input via the second data source Order data on the part of the first data source directly into the material / product management shaft and / or production system. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data of the first data source in one data bank servers are stored and precompiled as well as parameterized SQL queries are also by means of a web application, for example "ColdFusion" can be fed directly. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display on the side of the second data source the data of a list (s) of the first data source are available in table form, where each table consists of several sub-tables and a first sub-table already can be displayed while further subtables are displayed for display by a Computer calculated in conjunction with a table preparation program become.   14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the size of the subtables is variable Parameter in the database is resolved, the speed of the transfer the subtable by displaying rows within a table established. 15. The method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the first data source to the second data source transmitting data are configured in HTML format and that the data are assembled so that the receiving end already has the second data source who started viewing and editing a page with product data This can be the case if not all data has been calculated for the display. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that on the side of the second data source the display of Data from the first data source can already take place if there is still data from the first are transmitted to the second data source. 17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a list with the data of the products by the first to the second data source is transferred into a multitude of pages below is divided, with a "table end" or "end" program Command is set so that after transmission of such with the aforementioned Command characterizing page the preparation of the data of this page and their Display can take place if further data of the complete list are transmitted become. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the fact that there are other pages in their Structure on the side of the second data source are calculated, this also on the side the second data source is displayed.   19. Device for performing the method according to one of the preceding the claims, with a computer arrangement on the part of the first data source (Producer), which is the data provided by the first data source stores, with a second computer arrangement on the side of the second data source (consumer) that from the first data source to the second data source stores transmitted data and makes it available for playback, as well as data input for the input of data which are transmitted to the first data source, if an order for products / services is to be carried out. 20. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the first list with the data of all offered Products / services are stored in a different storage facility than the second list and / or third list of data. 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second and third lists by means of digital identification drawing, for example, digitally coded customer data associated with each other and only by entering a specific keyword on the page the second data source are transferable to it. 22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a computer on the side of the second data source a specific keyword is assigned and that a data query from Data from the first data source from this computer only by entering this Keyword is possible, with a database query on the first data source the input keyword as well as an assigned computer identification is transmitted on the part of the first data source on the presence of certain Data are checked and a data transfer from the first to the second Data source only occurs when the key is properly assigned words for computer recognition are determined on the part of the first data source can.