JP6522635B2 - Supply chain management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to electronic commerce, and more specifically to electronic management of supply chain networks between product suppliers, online retailers, and product distribution centers, but this is not necessarily all.

  Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce, involves the purchase and sale of products or services on electronic systems such as the Internet. E-Commerce utilizes a number of technologies, including mobile commerce, electronic money transfer, supply chain management, online marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Do.

  Traditionally, e-commerce has been conducted through e-commerce websites using various business models. Under one model, online sellers provide their own products to online consumers through their own vendor-specific e-commerce websites. These websites are considered vendor-specific because they do not allow vendors to sell products on third parties. In this model, vendors own and manage their own product inventory. For example, an online seller offers a range of products to consumers through its own vendor-specific e-commerce website. Once sold, the online seller ships the product from its warehouse to the buyer.

  Under other models, a third party e-commerce website allows the online seller to provide the product but under the seller's own name. This type of third party website may include an auction-type website and a classified-type website. In some cases, these third party websites provide the online seller with their own virtual point of sale. However, under this model, online sellers are required to manage online transactions with their consumers, which typically include payment, warehousing inventory, and shipping.

  More recently, another model has been developed to allow online sellers to post products on third party websites in a manner that is almost transparent to consumers. For example, an e-commerce website owned by a large retailer and previously vendor specific opened its door to a third party vendor. These types of websites are known in the industry as third-party marketplaces. Under this model, reputable online retailers can increase consumer experience by partnering with distributors and broadening product choices and putting them on their e-commerce website . Typically, the products of both the e-commerce website operator and the seller selling on the website receive equal treatment in the search results. Third-party marketplaces are particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized merchants who do not have the resources to operate an e-commerce website. Examples of large online retailers operating third party marketplaces include Overstock.com, Amazon.com, Sears.com, Ebay.com, Walmart.com, and Buy.com. In addition, it is predicted that more third party marketplaces may be available in the near future.

  While third-party marketplaces have benefited sellers and online retailers, several drawbacks still exist. For example, distributors offering products through multiple third party marketplaces must manage accounts for each marketplace separately, which can result in excessive supply chain management costs. Due to these excessive supply chain management costs, some vendors may artificially limit the number of third party marketplaces they offer products. Therefore, providing a supply chain management system with a single integration point that lowers the supply chain management costs in a way that benefits third-party marketplaces and distributors is an improvement and improvement. It will be.

  Another drawback that exists for sellers is that even the seller using a third party marketplace requires almost immediate delivery of the product purchased from the online retailer as the consumer becomes familiar. is there. In fact, total delivery time is becoming an increasingly differentiating feature and a defining feature for online buyers. While large online retailers can have sufficient resources to establish a large distribution network, retailers of this size are few. Many third-party marketplaces require distributors to consolidate and manage their inventory directly across multiple distribution centers, which adds cost to the entire supply chain and is a favorite for many distributors. It becomes a barrier. However, due to cost, sellers are often limited to one distribution center. In addition, the distributor must decide how much inventory should be allocated to each third party marketplace, and also carries the risk of unsold inventory being locked into one retail store. It will be. Thus, providing an automated supply chain management system that provides distributors with a single point of integration and allows access to a large number of third party marketplaces and distribution centers is a further improvement. I will.

  Thus, the prior art is characterized by various drawbacks, and the present disclosure addresses these drawbacks. The present disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the aforementioned failure and other problems by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein.

  The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure without undue experience. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, which is presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a framework of a supply chain management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a supply chain management program according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example display of a retail hire / exclusion list created by the supply chain management system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example display of an inventory allocation list created by the supply chain management system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example display of an inventory allocation list created by the supply chain management system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 is an illustration of an example display of an e-marketplace formed by the supply chain management system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a supply chain management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates an example method of managing a supply chain using a supply chain management system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of managing a supply chain using a supply chain management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

  For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, it is understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. All variations and other modifications of the inventive features set forth herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles of the present disclosure set forth herein, will be familiar to those skilled in the relevant art or who possess the present disclosure. It shall be regarded as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as normally recalled and claimed.

  In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" designate plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be noted that it includes. As used herein, “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, “having”, “characterized”, and the like. Grammatical equivalents are inclusive, ie open-ended, and do not exclude additional elements, elements not listed, or method steps.

  As used herein, the term "partner" may refer to any entity that offers products for sale on a third party e-commerce website, including third party retail marketplaces. Yes, usually at the wholesale level. That is, a partner is a retail store on the website of a product supplier, distributor, distributor, wholesaler, importer, manufacturer, or any other entity, or a retail outlet such as a third party marketplace. Or it could be one of the individuals offering the product for sale to the consumer. The partner can process a sales management computer program running on a sales management computer server.

  As used herein, the terms "retail store" or "retail market place" may refer to an entity that provides products for sale to consumers, at the retail level, sometimes referred to as end users. it can. A retail store may configure an e-commerce company that offers products to consumers through a network such as the Internet. That is, an e-commerce company includes an e-commerce computer server connected to a publicly accessible network. The e-commerce computer server hosts an e-commerce website that allows consumers to purchase products. Products offered for sale by a retail store may include products for sale by the partner, products purchased from the partner, and a title for the product, even if the title of the product has not been officially transferred to the retail store. It can include the provided product.

  As used herein, the term "distribution center" may refer to a process that includes a warehouse for storing and managing product inventory. As used herein, a distribution center may or may not be associated with a partner or retailer or other distribution center. That is, the distribution center may be operated independently. In embodiments, the distribution center may physically manage the inventory of products provided for sale by others, including partners and retailers. That is, the distribution center can carry out shipping orders from retailers and partners.

  Based on the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods for providing supply chain management over a network, and a single point of integration. And have the advantage of providing partners with access to multiple retailer marketplaces and distribution centers. For example, various embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention include partners using a number of integrated input methods including EDI, AS2, API, and web user interface. Allows you to submit a partner date. Partner data from any of these input methods is processed to produce standardized output transactions. Based on the partner configuration, standardized output transactions are sent only to the endpoints with which the partner has entered into a transactional relationship, ie, the retail marketplace.

  The systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention can facilitate various transactions between partners, retail stores, and distribution centers. For various transactions, purchase instructions, shipping instructions, inventory master, advanced shipping notice, shipping confirmation, receipt, inventory control, inventory allocation, total inventory, product definition, product Attributes include, but are not limited to, attributes, product binary data, and product costs.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, the partner product is for each of the products that the partner wants to offer for sale or import into their inventory. You can also create a definition. Product definitions can be stored in a centralized database, which is made available to one or more retail marketplaces that offer products for sale to consumers through the e-commerce website . The product definition can include product dimensions, weight, and quantity. Retail marketplaces can download product definitions from a centralized database so that partners only need to upload product definitions once.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, a partner may include or exclude individual retail marketplaces to provide their products. The market preference can be defined as follows. For example, a partner may employ or exclude individual retail marketplaces or retail stores by making a selection from the list of available retail marketplaces created by the supply chain management system. Establish a transactional relationship between the partner and the retail marketplace based on the partner's marketplace designation.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, suggesting recommended physical locations for product distribution points to partners based on transactional relationships with partners' retail marketplaces. it can. In addition, the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention may propose cost estimates and also suggest inventory allocation recommendations for each of the retail marketplaces where the partner has entered into a transactional relationship.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the present systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods, the present invention provides products, partners, retail marketplaces, and distribution centers, once transactional relationships have been defined and product locations determined. Establish a four-way relationship between them. This relationship can be stored and used to route all subsequent transactions. For example, e-commerce transactions through retail marketplaces can be dispatched based on relationships of products, partners, and retail stores. These transactions may include purchase instructions, shipping instructions, inventory ledgers, advance shipping notifications, shipping confirmations, receipts, inventory adjustments, inventory allocation, and comprehensive inventory.

  Various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention provide partners with comprehensive inventory information about multiple distribution centers, even if the distribution centers are operated by independent third parties. Be done. Partner and retail marketplaces can receive standardized and comprehensive transactions regardless of the location of the distribution center or the number and type of suppliers. For example, if the partner has products located at three warehouses, each warehouse provides daily inventory updates. The present invention can identify inventory transactions by partners to create one inventory update.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, a comprehensive transaction file is provided to participating partners, distribution centers, and retail marketplaces. For example, the present invention processes orders from all participating retail marketplaces, then determines the location of the product, and then produces one transaction payload for each distribution center.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, the participating partners can define inventory allocation rules. For example, partners can define inventory allocation rules that best reflect their sales strategies. The partner is provided with a list of available stock allocation algorithms and can be selected from this list.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, retail stores and marketplaces are provided with consolidated product interfaces and product catalogs.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, a first-cost marketplace is formed and provided to a retail marketplace. For example, a partner uploads a product catalog that includes related product attributes that include costs. The retail marketplace may make this catalog available, and the retail marketplace may create business logic to help select related products to make available on site.

  In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, the retail marketplace defines a product level business logic / data model. This model consumes partner product data, evaluates product attributes, and qualifies a product relative to retail-provided product specifications or business logic. Qualified products can then be provided on the appropriate retail marketplace. Products qualified and accepted by the retail store are automatically aggregated and included in subsequent inventory transactions. In various exemplary embodiments of the systems, computer readable media, programs, and methods of the present invention, the partner is provided with a consolidated distribution service, thereby eliminating costs from the supply chain and providing one partner with the partner. I will provide a.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an example embodiment of a framework 10 of a supply chain management environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. By implementing the disclosed integration standards and performing unbiased transaction processing, framework 10 manages warehouse storage, distribution, inventory allocation, and sales through multiple independent online retail channels. To provide an easy-to-use, cost-effective system, process, and computer readable medium. In the exemplary embodiment, the framework 10 of the present disclosure provides retailers with the ability to reduce overall supply chain costs and reduce delivery time to the consumer. In the exemplary embodiment, framework 10 facilitates the formation of an electronically interconnected community of partners, retailers, and distribution centers.

  Framework 10 may include a central supply chain management system 12. It should be noted that system 12 includes a computer system, computer readable medium, computer, such that system 12 provides partners with access to one integrated point and multiple independently operated retail marketplaces and distribution centers. It will be appreciated that it may include a collection of programs and computer implemented processes.

  In the exemplary embodiment, system 12 may include supply chain management server 100. Server 100 includes a processor 102 coupled to memory 104. Memory 104 is loaded with a program containing computer readable instructions executable by processor 102. The program includes an operating system 108, as known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the memory 104 is also loaded with a supply chain management program 110.

  Supply chain management program 110 includes computer readable instructions that, when executed by processor 102, cause processor 102 to perform the functions and features of supply chain management system 12 described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, an operator can input commands and information to the server 100 via an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. In the exemplary embodiment, server 100 is connected to a network, such as the Internet, to provide access to remote computing devices utilized by partners, retail stores, and distribution centers. The computer server 100 is connected to a database 112 contained in an electronic storage device, such as a hard drive or an array of hard drives well known to those skilled in the art.

  In the exemplary embodiment, supply chain management server 100 includes a collection of computer servers, each having its own processor. Computer servers are connected to an internal or external network in what is commonly referred to as a "server farm", where each server performs a unique task, or a group of servers share the load of many tasks. Each server of the server farm may include a processor coupled to memory. As is known to those skilled in the art, server farms are scalable to address the large demand in supply chain management system 12. For example, server 100 may include a server farm having a plurality of servers, wherein a first portion of these servers is dedicated to perform the functions and mechanisms provided to the partner. The part is dedicated to perform the functions and mechanisms provided to the retail store, and the third part of the server is dedicated to perform the functions and mechanisms provided to the distribution center. The supply chain management server 100 can also host a website accessible from remote computers.

  In the exemplary embodiment, multiple partners 120 can access the supply chain management system 12 from a remote computer through a website hosted by the server 100. Specifically, each of the partners 120 can access the supply chain management server 100 from the partner management system 122 through a network such as the Internet. Each partner 120 management system 122 can include a computer having a processor and memory, as is known to those skilled in the art.

  Partner 120 can access the features of server 100 through a web browser running on partner management system 122. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of partners 120 completes the registration process with server 100 to create a user account with system 12. Account information for the partner 120 may be stored by the server 100 in the database 112.

  Each of partner management system 122 may also include a database to store product listing information, the product listing information about product images, product descriptions, product attributes, and products provided by partner 120. Contains pricing information for It will be further appreciated that each of the partner management systems 122 can exchange data with the supply chain management system 12, as will be described in more detail below.

  In the exemplary embodiment, multiple retail stores 130 can also access the supply chain management system 12 from a remote computer through a web site hosted by server 100. Specifically, each of the retail stores 130 can access the supply chain management server 100 from the e-commerce system 132 through a network such as the Internet. Each e-commerce system 132 can include a computer having a processor and memory, as is known to those skilled in the art. Retail store 130 may access the features of server 100 through a web browser executing on a computer of e-commerce system 132. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of retail stores 130 complete the registration process with server 100 to create a user account 12 with system 12. The account information of the retail store 130 can be stored by the server 100 in the database 112.

  It should be appreciated that the e-commerce system 132 at the retail store 130 may provide an e-commerce website that enables e-commerce transactions with consumers, as is well known to those skilled in the art. . In the exemplary embodiment, e-commerce system 132 of each of retail outlets 130 authorizes partners, including partner 120, to provide products for sale on the retail outlet 130 e-commerce website. Provide a third party marketplace. Furthermore, each of the e-commerce systems 132 may also include a database for storing product listing information, which may be a product image, product description, product, as is known to those skilled in the art. Contains attributes and pricing information. It will also be appreciated that each of the e-commerce systems 132 can exchange data with the supply chain management system 12, as will be described in more detail below.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, retail store 130 provides products for sale on its e-commerce website. For example, using a web browser operating on a remote computer, a consumer can access a web site hosted by e-commerce system 132 at retail store 130. Through this website, consumers can browse the product list on the e-commerce website. The e-commerce website may be equipped with a search mechanism that allows the consumer to search for the desired product on the website, as is known to those skilled in the art.
In addition, the e-commerce website can also provide an interactive hierarchical product list. Additionally, each of the websites hosted by the e-commerce system 132 comprises a checkout procedure that allows the consumer to purchase the product from the retail store 130. As is well known to those skilled in the art, online checkout procedures typically require the consumer to enter their name, payment information, and a shipping address.

  In the exemplary embodiment, multiple distribution centers 140 can also access the supply chain management system 12 from remote computers through a web site hosted by server 100. Specifically, each of distribution centers 140 may access supply chain management server 100 from performance management system 142 through a network such as the Internet. Each performance management system 142 may include a computer having a processor and memory, as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Distribution center 140 may access the features of server 100 through a web browser executing on the computer of performance management system 142. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of distribution centers 140 completes the registration process with server 100 to create a user account with system 12. The account information of the distribution center 140 can be stored in the database 112 by the server 100.

  The distribution center 140 can manage product inventory for the third party. Specifically, a third party such as partner 120 can ship the product to distribution center 140. Product information about the product can be input to performance management system 142. Product information may include owner information, common product identification, and quantity. Further, the product information may also include information including product dimensions and weights necessary to ship the product through a common carrier. Products received at the distribution center 140 can be stored at the fulfillment center 144. Performance center 144 may store the product until it receives a shipping instruction from system 12. In response to the command, performance center 144 packages and ships the product, as described in more detail below. Performance management system 142 may exchange data with system 12 as described in more detail below.

  It will be appreciated that the partner 120, the retail store 130, and the distribution center 140 can form a community of electronically connected users on the system 12. As described further below, system 12 allows partners 120, retail stores 130, and distribution centers 140 to easily create business and transaction relationships.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the supply chain management program 110 can include a partner module 202, a retail store module 204, a distribution center module 206, a transaction module 208, and an account management module 210. The functions and mechanisms provided by these modules 202-210 when executed by processor 102 are described below.
Partner Module Partner module 202 allows partner 120 to interface and exchange data with system 12. Specifically, partner module 202 provides access to features and functions of system 12 for partner 120. In this regard, partner module 202 acts as a gateway to system 12 to exchange data for partner 120 using partner management system 122.

  In the exemplary embodiment, partner management system 122 may include a remote computing device having a processor and memory. It is appreciated that the remote computing device may include a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smart phone, server computer, or any other smart device with computer networking capabilities. You see. In the exemplary embodiment, the remote computing device of partner management system 122 can access system 12 through a publicly accessible network, such as the Internet.

  Through partner management system 122, partner 120 interfaces with system 12. In the exemplary embodiment, partner module 202 provides partner 120 with a number of integrated input methods to exchange data with system 12. Integrated input methods include, but are not limited to, EDI, AS2, API, and web UI. The partners 120 can receive subsequent transactions depending on the integration method they select, and is not limiting, and integration methods include AS2, EDI, CSV, XML, mobile, and email. It will be appreciated that the data exchange between partner management system 122 and system 12 may use any data exchange method now known or to be known.

  Partner module 202 receives data from partner management system 122 using any of the foregoing input methods and creates a standardized output transaction. The standardized data is then stored in the database 112. Based on the configuration of the partner 120, standardized output transactions are sent to the endpoint entities with which the partner 120 has entered into a transactional relationship, ie, the retail store 130 and the distribution center 140.

  Using partner module 202, partner 120 uploads product information for each of the products that they offer for sale or want to include in their inventory. Specifically, product information may be uploaded from the database of partner management system 122 by partner module 202 and stored in database 112. Product information may be standardized by partner module 202 prior to storage in database 112. Product information may include product images, product attributes, product descriptions, prices, ratings, and any other information to facilitate sales of products to consumers.

  Product information may also include product dimensions, weight, and the number available. Product information may be stored in database 112 in association with an account of partner 120 with system 12. In the exemplary embodiment, product information may be stored in database 112 in association with the product catalog of partner 120. Partner module 202 can be provided with electronic input forms and interfaces to facilitate uploading of product information from partner management system 122. Uploading of product information to the system 12 can be performed manually or by an automated process.

  In the exemplary embodiment, partner module 202 can create a list 300 of available retail stores 130 registered on system 12, as can be seen in FIG. This list 300 is displayed on the display 302 of the partner management system 122. Using the interactive, searchable, and re-sortable list 300, the partner 120 selects from the retail store 130 what it wants the transaction 120 to enter into a transactional relationship. That is, through the interface, partner 120 can enter a retail store preference to include and exclude retail store 130. The retail store 130 selected by the partner 120 can provide the products listed in the database 112 by the partner 120 for sale. On the other hand, the retail store 130 excluded by the partner 120 is prohibited from offering the products listed in the database 112 by the partner 120 for sale. The choice of adopting or excluding at any particular retail store 130 can be based on the purpose of the business. Based on the qualification process and the recruitment / exclusion designation of the partners 120, a transactional relationship is concluded between each partner 120 and one of the retail outlets 130 selected or included by them.

  In the exemplary embodiment, partner 120 can use partner module 202 to allocate different inventory among those selected from retail store 130. That is, the partner 120 can define product allocation priorities that allocate more inventory to one retail store 130 than others. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, partner module 202 may create an exemplary list 310 of selected from retail outlets 130 on display 302 of partner management system 122.

  In the exemplary embodiment, partner module 202 can provide multiple inventory allocation methods, allowing partner 120 to select an inventory allocation method that best reflects these sales strategies. This selection provides a range of options designed to maximize the available inventory across multiple retail stores 130 and minimize short-ship. In an exemplary embodiment, without limitation, options include the following.

・ Minimize unshipped shipment: Retail store stock = (Available_lnventory-(Total_SKU _Sales / Time_in_Period)) / Count_of_Retailers
・ Maximization of inventory: Retail store inventory = ((Available_lnventory * Count_of_Retailers)-(Total_SKU_Sales / time_in_period)) / Count_of_Retailers
-Absolute reservation: Retail store stock = (Available_lnventory-Partner_Reserve) / Count_of_Retailers
-Retail store reservation (Retailer Reserve): Retail store stock = Retailer_Reserve + ((Available_lnventory-S (All_Retailer_Reserves)) / Count_of_Retailer)
-Weighted retail store: retail store stock = (Retailer_SKU_Sales / Time_in_Period) + (Available_lnventory-S (All_Retailer_SKU_Sales / Time_in_Period) / Count_of_Retailer)
It will be appreciated that other inventory allocation methods may be utilized with the present invention. The inventory allocation method can be selected for the entire product catalog or for each product.

  Based on transactional relationships and selected inventory allocation methods, partner module 202 analyzes network data, recommends those selected from distribution center 140 for product distribution, provides cost estimates, and can be used across different distribution centers Make stock allocation recommendations. In particular, distribution center 140 may be selected for each partner 120 based on geographic proximity to retail store 130 consumers. For example, shown in FIG. 5 is a list 400 of recommended distribution centers 140 for product A, and a recommended inventory allocation list 402, shown on display 302 of partner management system 122. The partner 120 can then ship the product to the identified one from the distribution center 140 according to the recommended inventory allocation.

Once a transactional relationship has been established between the partner 120 and the retail store 130 and the location of the product distribution center has been identified, the partner module 202 may be configured with the product, the partner 120, the retail store 130, and the distribution center (s). A four-way relationship is concluded between 140. These relationships are stored in database 112 and are used to dispatch all subsequent transactions, as described in more detail below.
Retail Store Module Retail store module 204 enables retail store 130 to access features and functions of system 12 from a remote computing device, ie, from a computer associated with e-commerce system 132. As mentioned above, once retail store 130 has registered with system 12, partner 120 may select retail store 130 as deemed eligible for selling the product of partner 120 to the consumer. Similarly, retail store 130 may select from the products of partner 120 that they want to offer on their respective e-commerce system 132. In order to perform this mechanism, retail store module 204 defines a customized e-product marketplace in database 112 for each retail store 130. The customized e-product marketplace selects products from all of the partners 120 that the retail store 130 has chosen to include the retail store 130 in the list of retail stores identified as eligible. Make it possible.

  For example, if partners A and B were able to select retail store A as their eligible retail store, retail store module 204 creates a customized e-product marketplace for retail store A . This marketplace contains the products of both Partner A and B that were previously uploaded to database 112. That is, it may be appreciated that retail store module 204 forms a unique, customized e-product marketplace for each retail store 130. That is, each e-product marketplace individually selects products from the qualifying products provided by the partner 120 to the retail store 130.

  In the exemplary embodiment, once the retail store 130 accesses the customized e-product market, the retail store 130 can browse through the system 12 the products offered for sale. For example, retail store 130 may view product images and review product information, pricing information, and inventory information stored in database 112.

  In the exemplary embodiment, retail store 130 may manually select the desired product in the e-product marketplace created and maintained by server 12. That is, if retail store 130 decides on its e-commerce website to offer one of the products offered by partner 120 for sale, then retail store 130 does its product at the e-product marketplace. Choose In the exemplary embodiment, retail store 130 also selects the number of each product that it wants to offer for sale.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the listed products for sale in the e-Product Marketplace can be presented in a catalog format. Retail store module 204 includes a search mechanism that enables retail store 130 to search for desired products. In addition, retail store module 204 also includes a browse mechanism. In addition, retail store module 204 may also provide a list of the most purchased products, the highest ratings, or any other useful product catalog.

  In the exemplary embodiment, retail store module 204 comprises an interface that allows retail store 130 to enter business logic. Business logic defines a product selection preference that is utilized to select the products to be sold on the e-commerce website operated by the retail store 130. Business logic can also define product attributes of the desired product. For example, if a retail e-commerce website sells products primarily related to horses, business logic specifies product attributes commonly associated with horses, such as harnesses, hutches, saddles, etc. be able to. The product attributes defined by the business logic are then compared to the product attributes of the products listed in the e-product marketplace to find product matches.

  In the exemplary embodiment, retail store module 204 automatically matches products with retail store 130 using business logic defined by retail store 130 and retail store adoption / exclusion parameters defined by partner 120. Do. In other words, matchmaking is performed by the retail store module 204 by (1) business logic or product selection criteria defined by the retail store 130, and (2) retail store adoption / exclusion defined by the partner 120. It involves matching the products in database 112 with retail store 130 based on the designation. Again, the retail store module 204 can automatically select products in the database 112 for each retail store 130 based on these two factors. It will be appreciated that the matching process described above significantly facilitates and automates product selection.

  In the exemplary embodiment, retail store 130 may then manually accept or reject the products identified in the verification process. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, retail store module 204 may create a list 500 of products identified by the matching process on display 502 of e-commerce system 132. Retail store 130 may then manually accept or reject the product for adoption for sale on e-commerce system 132. Products may be accepted or rejected for each product by product catalog, by partner, by price, by product attribute, or in any other product classification.

  Once the product is selected, either manually or by the verification process described above, the retail store module 240 then directs the download of relevant product information to the destination indicated by the retail store 130. Using the provided product information, retail store 130 can use the downloaded product information to list products for sale on their respective e-commerce websites. Importantly, the retail store 130 does not ship the product, even if the product is offered for sale on the retail store 130 e-commerce website. In the exemplary embodiment, e-commerce service 132 at retail store 130 dynamically creates a product web page. The product web page links to product information in database 112 such that retail store 130 does not need to maintain product information separately.

  It should be appreciated that retail store module 204 may provide consolidated product interfaces and catalogs for multiple retail stores and / or marketplaces. Retail store module 204 corresponds to various integration methods including web services, XML, CSV, API, http, and https. In the exemplary embodiment, retail store module 204 creates a cost or wholesale marketplace. That is, partner 120 can upload its entire product catalog with associated product attributes including cost to database 112. The retail store 130 can access the catalog when qualified by the partner 120, and business logic, ie, product selection, to facilitate selection of related products to be made available on its website. You can create criteria.

In the exemplary embodiment, retail store module 204 includes product level business logic / data models. Business logic consumes partner product data, evaluates product attributes, and determines product eligibility for product specifications presented by a retail store. Products that are determined to be valid and accepted by the retail store 130 are automatically aggregated and included in subsequent inventory transactions.
Distribution Center Module Distribution Center Module 206 enables distribution center 140 to access the features and functions of supply chain management system 12 from a remote computing device, ie, the computer of performance management system 142. In the exemplary embodiment, distribution center module 206 consolidates multiple distribution centers 140 and associated inventory into one access point.

  In the exemplary embodiment, partner 120 delivers product inventory to distribution center 140. Partner 120 can ship inventory according to the inventory allocation recommendations generated by partner module 202. If the consumer places an order at the retail store 130, the retail store 130 creates a shipping instruction. Shipping instructions are sent through the system 12 to the appropriate distribution center 140. Distribution center 140 then ships the product to the consumer specified in the shipping instruction. The distribution center 140 then creates a pre-shipment notice. This is sent through the system 12 to the retail store 140 that sold the product. Briefly speaking, the distribution center ships the product to the consumer who ordered the product through the retail store 130 website. In addition, distribution center module 206 corresponds to various integration methods including EDI and AS2.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the primary function of distribution center 140 is to dispatch transactions based on product, partner, and retail store transaction relationships defined by the system's database. Transactions processed by the distribution center 140 may include purchase instructions, shipping instructions, inventory ledgers, advance shipping notifications, shipping confirmations, receipts, inventory adjustments, inventory allocation, and total inventory. In the exemplary embodiment, partners 120 and retailers 130 receive standardized and aggregated transactions regardless of the number or type of distribution center 140 locations or providers.

  For example, if Partner A places the product in three distribution centers 140, each distribution center 140 provides daily inventory updates. Distribution center module 206 identifies inventory transactions for each partner 120 and aggregates the data into one aggregated inventory update.

In the exemplary embodiment, retail store 130 and / or partner 120 provide an aggregate transaction file. Distribution center module 206 processes orders from all participating retail stores 130 to determine the optimal product location, and distribution center module 206 then creates one transaction payload for each distribution center 140. In the exemplary embodiment, the optimal product location is the distribution center 140 closest to the product's destination shipping address. In the exemplary embodiment, retail store 120 may select distribution center 140 to ship the product and include this information in the shipping instructions.
Account Management Module The account management module 210 provides the registration process for its users: the partner 120, the retail store 130, and the distribution center 140. It will be appreciated that the number of partners 120, retail stores 130 and distribution centers 140 registered with the supply chain management system 12 may be unlimited and may only follow the capacity requirements of the system 12. In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the partner, the retail store, and the distribution center are independent entities that operate independently.

In an exemplary embodiment, the registration process can be completed online, such as through the Internet. For example, partner 120, retail store 130, and distribution center 140 can access system 12 through a website. The partner 120, the retail store 130, and the distribution center 140 can be provided with a secure login ID and password, as known to those skilled in the art.
Off-Network Retail Store Referring to FIG. 1, supply chain management system 12 enables partner 120 to ship products from distribution center 140 to consumers for purchases made through off-network retail store 160 Can be provided. As used herein, an off-network retail store 160 is a retail store that offers products for sale of one or more partners 120 on the e-commerce system 162. The off network retail store 160 is not registered with the system 12. When a consumer purchases a product from an off-network retail store 160, the off-network retail store 160 can send shipping instructions to the appropriate partner 120. The partner 120 can then create an off-network shipping indication, which is sent to the system 12. The system 12 then generates shipping instructions and sends them to the appropriate distribution center 140. The distribution center 140 then ships the order to the consumer, while the partner 120 is supplied with a shipment confirmation through the system 12.
Off-Network Distribution Center Referring to FIG. 1, supply chain management system 12 enables partner 120 to ship products to consumers from off-network distribution center 150 for purchases made through retail store 130. A mechanism can be provided. As used herein, an off-network distribution center 150 is a distribution center that performs shipping instructions for one or more partners 120 but is not registered with the system 12. In an embodiment, the off-network distribution center 150 can include a performance management system 152 and a performance center 154 that are similar to the performance management system 142 and the performance center 144, respectively. In an embodiment, the off-network distribution center carries an inventory of products offered for sale by one or more partners 120. If the retail store 120 registered in the system 12 creates a shipping instruction, the system 12 sends it back to the appropriate partner 120. The partner 120 can then send a shipping instruction to the off-network distribution center 150.
Transaction Modules Referring to FIG. 1, various data exchanges between the partner 120 and the supply chain management system 12 are described in Table 1 below. This data exchange may be performed by transaction module 208 or any other appropriate module of system 12.

  Thus, with further reference to FIG. 1, various data exchanges between the retail store 130 and the supply chain management system 12 are described in Table 2 below. These data exchanges can be performed by the transaction module 208 or other modules of the system 12.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, various data exchanges between the distribution center 140 and the supply chain management system are described in Table 3 below. These data exchanges can be performed by the transaction module 208 or other modules of the system 12.

It will be appreciated that the transactions identified in Tables 1-3 may be performed on a network such as the Internet.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a supply chain management system 12A is shown. This is also suitable for use in the framework 10 of FIG. System 12A includes partner subsystem 202A, retailer subsystem 204A, distribution center subsystem 206A, transaction subsystem 208A, and account management subsystem 210A. It will be appreciated that partner subsystem 202A performs the same functions and mechanisms as partner module 202 described above. Further, it should be appreciated that retail subsystem 204A may perform similar functions and mechanisms as retail module 204 described above. Further, it should be appreciated that the distribution center subsystem 206A performs the functions and mechanisms for the distribution center module 206 described above. Further, it will be appreciated that transaction subsystem 208A performs the same functions and mechanisms as transaction module 208 described above. Further, it will be appreciated that the account management subsystem 210A performs the same functions and mechanisms as the account management module 210 described above.

  It will be appreciated that many of the functional units described in this specification will be referred to as "sub-systems" in order to further emphasize the independence of their implementation. For example, the subsystem may be implemented as a hardware circuit that includes custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. Also, subsystems may be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc.

  Subsystems may also be implemented in software code, sometimes referred to as computer readable instructions, for execution by various types of processors. If the subsystem includes software code, the subsystem also includes one or more processors and memory. For example, if the subsystem is identified to be executable code, the subsystem may include one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions and may, for example, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. However, the execution of identified subsystems need not be physically co-located, but may include completely different instructions stored in different locations, and when these instructions are logically merged, It is sufficient to configure the subsystem and to achieve the stated purpose for this subsystem.

  In fact, the executable code subsystem may be an instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed among different programs and across different memory devices, even across different different code segments. May be Similarly, operational data may also be identified and illustrated within the subsystem herein, embodied in any suitable form, and may be organized in any suitable type of data structure. Operational data may be collected as one data set, or may be distributed across different locations, including across different storage devices, and at least partially present as mere electronic signals on the system or network You may do it.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram of a process performed by system 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. At step 600, multiple partners, retailers, and distribution centers can be registered with the centralized supply chain management system. Multiple partners, retailers, and distribution centers can form a community of electronic interconnect users. In step 601, multiple partners can upload product information to the supply chain management system. The product information may relate to the product provided for sale by the partner. Product information may include product images, product descriptions, product attributes, and pricing information. The product information may relate to the product provided for sale by the partner. The supply chain management system can store product information in a database in a product catalog.

  At step 602, a list of retailers registered with the supply chain management system can be presented to a partner on a computer display. These retailers can operate an e-commerce system that performs e-commerce with consumers. Retail stores may allow third parties to offer goods for sale on their e-commerce system. In an exemplary embodiment, the retail e-commerce system can include a third party marketplace mechanism.

  The partner can use the computer's input device to select a preferred retailer from the list. Specifically, the selected retailer constitutes a retailer that the partner wishes to do business. Partners may select retailers based on business objectives. Specifically, the partner may also choose to hire or exclude retailers based on the partner's business model.

  At step 604, the supply chain management system can receive product selection criteria or business logic from the retail store. In an exemplary embodiment, product selection criteria are utilized to narrow down the products stored in the database based on retail business objectives. The product selection criteria can define product attributes.

  At step 606, the supply chain management system catalogs the qualified products customized for each retail store based on the retailer adoption / exclusion designation provided by the partner and the product selection criteria provided by the retailer. Create Each retail store may also have its own customized e-marketplace. Qualified products per retail store may define an e-marketplace.

  At step 607, the retailer is presented with a list of qualified products on the computer display to accept or reject the qualified products listed in the catalog. That is, retailers can accept or reject products in their respective customized catalogs.

  At step 608, product information for the product accepted in the product catalog is downloaded from the supply chain management system to the e-commerce system associated with the retail store. The retailer can then use the product information to provide the consumer with products for sale on the retailer's e-commerce system.

  At step 610, the supply chain management system receives shipping instructions for products sold on the retail e-commerce system. The shipping instruction may identify the sold product, the buyer, the quantity, the shipping address, and optionally, the distribution center designated to pick up the product.

  At step 612, the supply chain management system sends a shipping instruction to the distribution center identified in the shipping instruction. Alternatively, the supply chain management system selects a distribution center based on the shipping address. For example, the supply chain management system may select the distribution center closest to the shipping address by an automated process. At step 614, the supply chain management system receives a shipment confirmation from the distribution center and provides it to the retailer who sold the product and the listing partner who provided the product.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of a process performed by system 12 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In step 700, multiple partners, retailers, and distribution centers can be registered with the centralized supply chain management system. Multiple partners, retailers, and distribution centers can form a community of electronic interconnect users. At step 702, multiple partners can upload product information to the supply chain management system. The product information may relate to the product provided for sale by the partner. The product information may include product images, product descriptions, and pricing information for the products. The product information may relate to the product provided for sale by the partner. The supply chain management system can store product information in a database in a product catalog.

  At step 704, the central control system selects inventory allocation priorities to provide to partners. The inventory allocation priority allows the partner to specify the inventory allocation method used in the allocation of products stored at the distribution center between retailers. At step 706, the central control system receives inventory allocation priorities from the partners. At step 708, the selected inventory allocation priority is applied among the plurality of retail outlets. This may include providing inventory allocation recommendations to the partner.

  In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are combined into one illustrative embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosed method should not be interpreted to reflect the intent of the claimed disclosure to require more features than explicitly stated in each claim. Conversely, as the following claims indicate, inventive aspects may apply without all the features of one of the exemplary embodiments disclosed above. That is, the following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the detailed description of the present disclosure, and each claim stands as a separate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It shall be.

It should be understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Many modifications and alternative constructions may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and spirit of the present disclosure, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and constructions. Do. That is, although the present disclosure is specifically and in detail shown in the drawings and described above, it is not limited to the size, material, shape, shape, function and operation aspect, variation in assembly and use, but is not limited thereto It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications of can be made without departing from the principles and concepts specified herein.
Additional Specification Support In accordance with the above disclosure details, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that a literal description of the embodiments that follow is presented and supported.

Embodiment 1. A supply chain network management method for e-commerce transactions, said method comprising
Registering a plurality of partners and retailers with the supply chain management system, the supply chain management system comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory having operation instructions stored therein; The chain management system further comprises a database present in the electronic storage medium,
Maintaining in a database product information about products provided by the partner, the product information including product attributes of the products;
Receiving a retailer adoption / exclusion designation from each partner, wherein the retailer adoption / exclusion designation designates for each partner a selected one from the retailer;
Receiving product selection criteria from each retail store, the product selection criteria specifying product attributes of the desired product;
Determining a qualified product for each retail store based on the product selection criteria provided by the retail store and the retail store adoption / exclusion designation provided by the partner using at least one processor;
including.

Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of registering a plurality of distribution centers with the supply chain management system.
Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 2 further comprises the step of making an inventory allocation recommendation to the partner.

Embodiment 4. The method of embodiment 2 further includes the step of defining the relationship between the product, the partner, the retail store, and the distribution center in the database.
Embodiment 5. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of generating transaction information.

  Embodiment 6. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of defining inventory allocation for the one or more retailers in the database based on the inventory allocation priority received from the partner.

Embodiment 7. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises
Receiving inventory information from a plurality of product distribution centers;
Calculating inventory information, and
Creating an inventory report,
including.

Embodiment 8. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises
Receiving a shipping instruction from two or more of the retail stores;
Aggregating shipping instructions,
Generating one transaction payload for one or more distribution centers;
including.

Embodiment 9. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of defining, in the database, inventory allocation rules selected by each partner.
Embodiment 10. In the method of embodiment 9, the inventory allocation rules include minimizing unshipped shipments, maximizing inventory, absolute reserve, retail store reservations, and weighted retail stores.

Embodiment 11. The method of embodiment 1 further includes the step of creating a customized product catalog for each retail store.
Embodiment 12. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of receiving an upload of product information having associated product attributes from each partner.

Embodiment 13. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises reordering the products based on the product attributes identified by the retail store.
Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 1 further comprises the step of downloading product information for the qualified product to each remote computing device of the retail store.

Embodiment 15. A system for managing supply chain networks,
The system
At least one processor,
A memory coupled to at least one processor,
Operation instructions stored in memory;
Including
When the operation instruction is executed, at least one processor causes (i) registration of a plurality of partners and retailers to the system, (ii) maintenance of product information in a database, and products for which product information is provided by the partners Product attributes, (iii) receive retailer adoption / exclusion designations from each partner, (iv) receive product selection criteria from each retailer, and the product selection criteria specify desired product product attributes, (V) Allow retailers to determine qualified products based on retailer product selection criteria and partner retailer adoption / exclusion designations.

  Embodiment 16: In the system of embodiment 15, the action instructions are further operable to cause the at least one processor to define in the database the relationships between the product, the partner, the retail store, and the product distribution center.

  Embodiment 17: In the system of embodiment 15, the at least one processor is further operable to cause the partner to make an inventory allocation recommendation at the distribution center when the operating instruction is executed.

  Embodiment 18: In the system of embodiment 15, when the operating instruction is executed, the system is further operable to cause at least one processor to create transaction information regarding the product offered for sale.

  Embodiment 19: In the system of embodiment 15, when the operation instruction is executed, at least one processor is further caused to define an inventory allocation for each of the retail stores in the database based on the product allocation priority received from the partner. It is operable as.

Embodiment 20. In the system of embodiment 15, when the operation instruction is executed, further, at least one processor,
Receive inventory information from multiple distribution centers,
Aggregate inventory information,
Make inventory report,
It is operable as.

Embodiment 21. In the system of embodiment 15, when the operation instruction is executed, further, at least one processor,
Process orders from retailers for products offered for sale in the e-product marketplace,
Let's tally order
Generate one transaction payload per distribution center,
It is operable as.

  Embodiment 22. In the system of embodiment 15, when the operating instruction is executed, further, at least one processor is operable to cause the database to define a product allocation priority selected by each partner.

Embodiment 23. In the system of embodiment 22, the product allocation priority is
Includes post-stack shipping minimization, maximizing inventory, absolute reserve, retail store bookings, and weighted retail stores.

  Embodiment 24. In the system of embodiment 15, the execution instruction is further operable to cause the at least one processor to generate a connected product interface.

  Embodiment 25. In the system of embodiment 15, the action instructions are further operable to cause the at least one processor to create a customized product catalog for each retail store.

  Embodiment 26. In the system of embodiment 15, when the operation instruction is executed, the system is further operable to cause at least one processor to receive and upload a product catalog having associated product attributes including cost from each partner.

  Embodiment 27. In the system of embodiment 15, the action instructions are further operable to cause the at least one processor to select a product based on the product attribute identified by the retail outlet.

  Embodiment 28. In the system of embodiment 15, when the operation instruction is executed, the at least one processor is further caused to determine the eligibility of the product in the e-product market place based on the product attribute specified by the retail store. It is operable.

Claims (17)

An inventory management method for e-commerce transactions using a supply chain management system, comprising:
Registering a plurality of partners and retailers with a supply chain management system, said supply chain management system comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory in which operating instructions are stored, The supply chain management system further comprising a database residing on an electronic storage medium;
Entering product information about products provided by the partner into the database, the product information including product attributes of the products;
Receiving a retailer adoption / exclusion designation from each partner, wherein the retailer adoption / exclusion designation designates for each partner a selected one from the retailer;
Receiving product selection criteria from each retail store, the product selection criteria specifying product attributes of the desired product;
Using the at least one processor to generate a catalog of qualified products for each retail store based on product selection criteria provided by the retail store and retail store adoption / exclusion designations provided by the partner;
Receiving an accepted product from at least one of the retail outlets based on the catalog;
Downloading product information for the accepted product to the at least one retail e-commerce network using the supply chain management system;
Receiving shipping instructions for products sold on the e-commerce network of the at least one retail store, wherein the shipping instructions are received and processed by the supply chain management system ,
Using the supply chain management system to ship shipping instructions to a distribution center corresponding to a partner offering the sold product;
Method, including.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of defining, in the database, inventory allocation for one or more retail stores based on inventory allocation priorities received from a partner. The method of claim 1, further comprising
Receiving inventory information from a plurality of product distribution centers;
Aggregating the inventory information;
Creating an inventory report,
Method, including.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of defining, in the database, inventory allocation rules selected by each partner. 5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the inventory allocation rule is:
Methods, including minimizing unshipped shipments, maximizing inventory, absolute reserve, retail store reservations, and weighted retail stores.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an upload of product information having associated product attributes from each partner.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of sorting the products based on product attributes identified by the retail store.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of downloading product information for the qualified product to each of the remote computing devices of the retail store. A system for managing inventory using a supply chain management system,
The system
At least one processor,
A memory coupled to the at least one processor;
Operation instructions stored in the memory;
Including
The execution instruction causes the at least one processor to (i) register multiple partners and retailers with the system, (ii) maintain product information in a database, the product information being the partner Including product attributes of the product provided by (iii) receiving a retail adoption / exclusion designation from each partner, and (iv) receiving a product selection criterion from each retailer, said product selection criterion being the desired product Specify product attributes and (v) generate a catalog of eligible products for each retailer based on the retailer's product selection criteria and the partner's retail adoption / exclusion designation, (vi) based on the catalog Receiving an accepted product from at least one of the retail stores, (vii) using the supply chain management system Product information for the accepted product is downloaded to the at least one retail store e-commerce network, and (viii) shipping instructions for the at least one retail store product sold on the e-commerce network The shipping instruction is received and processed by the supply chain management system, and (ix) using the supply chain management system, the shipping instruction is the sold product. Send to the distribution center corresponding to the provided partner,
system. 10. The system of claim 9 , wherein, when the operation instruction is executed, the at least one processor is further configured to the each of the retail stores in the database based on product allocation priorities received from the partner. A system operable to cause inventory allocation to be defined. The system according to claim 9 , wherein, when the operation command is executed, the at least one processor further receives inventory information from a plurality of distribution centers.
Aggregate the stock information,
Make inventory report,
As operable, the system. 10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the operating instructions, when executed, are further operable to cause the at least one processor to define product allocation priorities selected by each partner in the database. ,system. The system according to claim 12 , wherein the product allocation priority is
A system that includes unshipped shipment minimization, inventory maximization, absolute reserve, retail store reservations, and weighted retail stores. The system of claim 9 , wherein the operational instructions are further operable to cause the at least one processor to generate a connected product interface. 10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the operating instructions, when executed, further cause the at least one processor to receive and upload a product catalog having associated product attributes including cost from each partner. System that is possible. The system of claim 9 , wherein the operating instructions are further operable to cause the at least one processor to select a product based on a product attribute identified by a retail outlet when executed. . 10. The system of claim 9 , wherein, when the operation instruction is executed, the at least one processor further includes product eligibility in the e-product marketplace based on product attributes identified by a retail outlet. A system that is operable to make the

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