WO2015166437A1

WO2015166437A1 - System and method for collecting, transforming and sharing pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data

Info

Publication number: WO2015166437A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/053130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garry Edwards
Original assignee: Le R&D Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2015-11-05

Abstract

A system, comprising: a market server connected to a market data warehouse by a network; wherein the market server is configured to: collect pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data relating to geographically separate livestock sales; store the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data in the market data warehouse; receive livestock market search parameters from clients connectable to the market server; transform the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data stored in the market data warehouse into pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics; and provide the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics to the clients.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING, TRANSFORMING AND SHARING PRE-SALE, REAL-TIME AND POST-SALE LIVESTOCK MARKET DATA

Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a system and method for collecting, transforming and sharing pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data in real and/or virtual (or electronic) livestock marketplaces.

Background

[0002] Existing livestock market data ecosystems are highly fragmented because livestock sales are typically conducted at geographically separate points in livestock supply chains, such as geographically separate livestock saleyards, livestock markets, livestock selling centers, and livestock exchanges. Currently, livestock market data is generally collected, managed and reported by individual geographical locations. This fragmentation of market information inhibits information flow, market transparency, price discovery and demand-supply matching in geographically dispersed livestock markets.

[0003] Currently, livestock buyers, sellers and agents cannot access livestock market data before, during and after livestock sales at multiple, geographically separate saleyards, either easily or at all. The disadvantages of existing livestock market data ecosystems create significant market inefficiencies and high transaction costs.

[0004] In this context, it is desirable to improve the collection, management and sharing of pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data from geographically separate points in livestock supply chains, such as livestock saleyards, livestock markets, and livestock exchanges.

Summary

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a system, comprising: a market server connected to a market data warehouse by a network;

wherein the market server is configured to:

collect pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data relating to geographically separate livestock sales;

store the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data in the market data warehouse;

receive livestock market search parameters from clients connectable to the market server;

transform the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data stored in the market data warehouse into pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics; and

provide the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics to the clients.

[0006] The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may be collected by the market server from one or more of a server, a client, a data feed, and a database associated with one or more of a buyer, a seller, an agent, an advertiser, an auctioneer, and a saleyard of livestock.

[0007] The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may be segmented by livestock market categories. The livestock market categories may comprise one or more of breed, sex, weight range, geographical region, marketing attributes, physical attributes, and geo-spatial attributes, relating to livestock markets.

[0008] The pre-sale livestock market data may relate to pre-sale listings at multiple, geographically separate livestock markets.

[0009] The real-time livestock market data may relate to live sale lots at the multiple, geographically separate livestock markets.

[0010] The post-sale livestock market data may relate to post-sale data from the multiple, geographically separate livestock markets. [001 1 ] The client may be one of a server computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet.

[0012] The livestock market search parameters may be received by the market server via user interfaces and search filters presented on the clients by a web application (or app), a mobile app, a web service, or a combination thereof.

[0013] The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics may be provided by the market server to the clients via the user interfaces.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method, comprising:

collect, by a market server, pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data relating to geographically separate livestock sales;

store, by the market server, the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data in a market data warehouse connected to the market server by a network;

receive, by the market server, livestock market search parameters from clients connectable to the market server;

transform, by the market server, the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data stored in the market data warehouse into pre-sale, real-time and post- sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics; and

provide, by the market server, the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics to the clients.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of example systems for collecting, transforming and sharing pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example method implemented by the system; and Figures 4 to 14 are wireframes of example mobile app user interfaces presented by the system during implementation of the method.

Detailed Description

[0016] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate example systems 100 for collecting, transforming and sharing pre-sale, real-time (either live or substantially real-time) and post-sale livestock market data according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 may comprise a market server 102 connected to a market data warehouse 104 and multiple clients 108 by a network 1 10. The market server 102 and the market data warehouse 104 may comprise one or more computer servers and one or more storage devices distributed in a cloud-based processing and storage platform. The network 1 10 may be comprise an intranet, an extranet and the Internet. The clients 108 may comprise desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets.

[0017] The market server 102 is configured by processor-executable instructions to perform operations of an example method 200 illustrated in Figure 2. At step 202, the market server 102 collects, receives and aggregates pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data relating to multiple, geographically separate points in livestock supply chains, such as livestock saleyards, livestock markets, and livestock exchanges 1 12, 1 14. Referring to the livestock market data ecosystem 100 illustrated in Figure 1 , the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may be collected by the market server 102 from servers 1 12, 1 14, clients 108, network interfaces, data feeds, file transfers, and databases associated with buyers, sellers, agents, advertisers, auctioneers, and saleyards of livestock. Other equivalent modes of data transmission and aggregation may also be used.

[0018] The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may be segmented by livestock market categories. The livestock market categories may generally comprise one or more of breed, sex, weight range, geographical region, marketing attributes, physical attributes, geo-spatial attributes, and location (which may include geo-coordinates), relating to livestock markets. Further or alternative segmentations or more detailed categories of livestock market data may also be used. For example, the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may comprise one or more of: seller; agent; quantity (head); lot; pen; mark; weight range; breed; sex; muscle and fat score; price (including sale method - dollars per head or cents per kilogram); buyer; region; image; quality; animal type; genetic profile or attributes; organic status; pregnancy status; growth promotant status; description; value added attributes or traits; colour; market category; vendor bred; market eligibility, such as lifetime traceability status; European Union Accredited; pasture fed; historic animal husbandry information; pedigree; estimated or actual carcass characteristics; unique identifier, such as link to either an individual electronic identification (including radio frequency identification); visual identifier; group; mob; flock; property identifier; etc. Other equivalent livestock market data may also be used.

[0019] The pre-sale livestock market data may relate to pre-sale listings or catalogues at multiple, geographically separate livestock markets. The market server 102 may collect the pre-sale livestock data from livestock sellers, advertisers, marketers and agents via user interfaces presented on the clients 108 by an installed desktop application, a web application (or app) or a mobile app, or via application programming interface (API) calls made by authorised third party systems. Figures 8 and 9 are example smartphone user interfaces for collecting pre-sale livestock listings from sellers and agents. The market server 102 may progressively collect and update pre-sale livestock catalogues from the saleyard servers 1 12, 1 14 by periodic pre-sale file or data transfers. Further or alternatively, the market server 102 may collect the pre-sale livestock data from livestock sellers, advertisers, marketers and agents on an ad hoc basis as and when new livestock are listed.

[0020] The real-time livestock market data may relate to live sale lots at the multiple, geographically separate livestock saleyards. The market server 102 may dynamically collect live livestock sale data in actual, near or substantially real-time (e.g., in 15 minute intervals) from the saleyard servers 1 12, 1 14 by a live data feed. The real-time livestock market data from different saleyard servers 1 12, 1 14 may be synchronised in real-time in the market data warehouse 104 by the market server 102. [0021 ] The post-sale livestock market data may relate to post-sale analysis, reports and statistics from the multiple, geographically separate livestock markets. The market server 102 may collect live livestock sale data from the saleyard servers 1 12, 1 14 by periodic post-sale file or data transfers.

[0022] At step 204, the market server 102 stores the pre-sale, real-time and post- sale livestock market data in the market data warehouse 104. The market data warehouse 104 may be a SQL database. The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data may be in XML format. Other equivalent database and data schema may also be used.

[0023] At step 206, the market server 102 receives livestock market search parameters from clients 108 connectable via the network 1 10 to the market server 102. The livestock market search parameters may be received via user interfaces and search filters presented on the clients 108. Figures 3 to 7 are example smartphone user interfaces and search filters for receiving livestock market search parameters from users of the system 100. Other equivalent user interfaces, such as web browser interfaces, and search filters may also be used.

[0024] At step 208, the market server 102 transforms the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data stored in the market data warehouse 104 into pre- sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics.

[0025] At step 210, the market server 102 provides or shares the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics to the clients 108. The pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics may be provided by the market server 102 via user interfaces presented on the clients 108 or via API calls made by authorised third party systems. Figure 10 is an example user interface presenting live sale statistics from a saleyard. An example user interface presenting post-sale result statistics for the saleyard is illustrated in Figure 1 1 . Figure 12 illustrates example post-sale reports for the saleyard. Example notifications of pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data are illustrated in the user interface illustrated in Figure 13. Other equivalent user interfaces, search results, notifications, reports and statistics may also be used.

[0026] One example functionality that may be provided by embodiments of the system 100 and method 200 is progressive sale cataloguing. Pre-sale livestock data from sale lots may be aggregated in the market data warehouse 104 based on the site, type, date and description of a livestock sale. The completion of sale pre- entering may be defined by a local livestock market or saleyard representative who then publishes the pre-sale livestock data to the marketplace data warehouse 104. Further or alternatively, the market server 102 may collect the pre-sale livestock data from livestock sellers, advertisers, marketers and agents on an ad hoc basis as and when new livestock are listed. The market server 102 may send out notifications to all registered users who have requested access to the pre-sale livestock data at a specific site or region. The user notifications alert users to the quantity of stock available that matches predefined search parameters. Using selective livestock marketing data, users may also let the system 100 alert them to livestock that match their historical buying patterns or any user-defined criteria. The alert may serve as notification to make contact with the appropriate selling agents at the site, or consult a list of registered buyers or commission buyers to make arrangements to bid on stock matching their preferred criteria.

[0027] The progressive sale cataloguing functionality may also allow registered users to record a maximum bid price, or individual bid prices, for an individual sale lot. A representative or authorised third party may attend the auction and bid up to the maximum limit on each respective sale lot or the bidding process may be completed automatically. Registration of bids on a sale lot may cease to be allowed at a predetermined time before the sale of that lot to allow time for livestock and bid data to be transmitted to the onsite representative.

[0028] Another example functionality that may be provided by embodiments of the system 100 and method 200 is online market reporting. As physical auctions progress at one or more saleyards or livestock markets and livestock are weighed or recorded as sold in each saleyard auction database server, the marketplace server 102 may synchronise real-time livestock data to the marketplace data warehouse 104 allowing users to receive real-time analysis of livestock market movements at one or more livestock markets on their smartphones, computers or tablets. The online market reporting of the system 100 may allow registered users to request access to real-time and post-sale livestock data from specific sale sites. Users may access a dashboard of the key livestock descriptors based on a sex category, and other descriptive criteria, and a predetermined certified weight showing real-time market changes. Additional commentary from the sale site or selling agents may be added to the online market reporting at the end of a sale and published to the marketplace data warehouse 104.

[0029] In addition to core livestock marketplace data and services, the market server 102 may be configured to provide related administration, payment and auction services. For example, the market server 102 may provide user registration and authentication, and process payments for use of the system 100, or provision of the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics. Payments may be based on subscription, usage, notifications, reports, and commissions on advertising or sales of livestock. The market server 102 may also provide services relating physical or online auctions of livestock. For example, the marketplace server 102 may receive a bid for livestock in a physical auction at a saleyard, and then transmit the bid to a saleyard server 1 12, 1 14 for use in a physical auction. Further alternatively, the market server 102 may receive a bid for livestock in an online auction, and submit the bid to the online auction application for use in the online auction.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collecting, transforming and sharing pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data. This functionality usefully improves information flow, market transparency, price discovery and demand-supply matching in geographically dispersed livestock markets.

[0031 ] For example, users of the system and method can manipulate the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data to analyse the past, forecast the future, compare or benchmark their stock to historic sale averages, search available livestock country- or region-wide by breed, sex and weight range. Embodiments of the invention enable livestock sellers and buyers to access yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's livestock market data. Embodiments of the invention provide a range of online tools that allow immediate and convenient access to livestock market data country- or region-wide. Users can gain access to a broader market, better understand their market, their stock and available stock, peruse and compare upcoming sales to ensure they make optimal listing, selling and buying choices and decisions. Web and mobile embodiments of the invention deliver market reporting and analysis tools to users' farm gates. The tools can be used in the field, tractor, arena or saleyards to access and compare sale results.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention enable users to access pre-sale listing with the ease of a mobile app or desktop personal computer. Agents, producers, livestock saleyards and livestock markets can advertise their stock for upcoming sales, generating more interest country- or region- wide. Buyers can peruse stock with pictures and value-added information. Pre-sale catalogues can be published early and widely to reduce advertising costs and reach broader markets. Saleyards can target their markets directly with global notifications to clients. Specific sale lines can be advertised.

[0033] Embodiments of the invention also provide real-time, up-to-date market data on live lots. Sellers can receive notifications when their stock have been weighed, sold or allocated to a delivery pen. Sellers can get their sale results from the tractor or the comfort of the farm home.

[0034] Embodiments of the invention further provide market reports with real market data on entire sales, not snapshots or overviews based on averages or estimates. Sellers can use the market reports to benchmark their stock compared to the rest of the sale, or the rest of the country or region. Agents can provide their clients with live market data both during the sale and immediately upon completion of the sale. Instant market information can be provided on specific market categories such as breed, sex, weight range or region.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 2, embodiments of the invention also allow for data services to be made available to third party consumers via file or data transfer mechanisms such as web services, web APIs, FTP or HTTP for presentation in their own systems. Examples include government or industry bodies, or other businesses interested in presenting the information available within the invention.

[0036] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the invention may be alternatively implemented using equivalent hardware and software resources.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 . A system, comprising:

a market server connected to a market data warehouse by a network;

wherein the market server is configured to:

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market data is collected by the market server from one or more of a server, a client, a data feed, a file transfer and a database associated with one or more of a buyer, a seller, an agent, an advertiser, an auctioneer, and a saleyard of livestock.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pre-sale, real-time and post- sale livestock market data are segmented by livestock market categories.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the livestock market categories comprise one or more of breed, sex, weight range, geographical region, marketing attributes, physical attributes, and geo-spatial attributes, relating to livestock markets.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the pre-sale livestock market data relates to pre-sale listings at multiple, geographically separate livestock markets.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the real-time livestock market data relates to live sale lots at the multiple, geographically separate livestock markets.

7. A system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the post-sale livestock market data relates to post-sale data from the multiple, geographically separate livestock markets.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the client is one of a server computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the livestock market search parameters are received by the market server via user interfaces and search filters presented on the clients by a web application (or app), a mobile app, a web service, or a combination thereof.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the pre-sale, real-time and post-sale livestock market search results, notifications, reports and statistics are provided by the market server to the clients via the user interfaces.

1 1 . A method, comprising: