Computer integration network for channeling customer orders through a centralized computer to various suppliers

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FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to data processing for handling the ordering, order tracking and accounting of supplies. In addition, this invention relates to a centralized computer network for handling customer orders in conjunction with a variety of outside suppliers.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a typical channel flow system 10 for handling customer orders, delivery of goods, and the accounting for the orders and deliveries in a typical transaction for the ordering of office supplies. The customer 12 completes a hand written order form 14 for several different types of office supplies. This completed order form is forwarded to a central supplier "X" 16.

The central supplier processes the customer order by splitting the one completed customer order form into information for individual vendors and prepares several vendor order forms 18, 20, 22, and 24 for the various office supplies that the customer has ordered. For example, the customer may have ordered printer ink that is not stocked by the central supplier. The order for printer ink is placed on another order form and sent by facsimile to an outside vendor such as XYZ office supply 18. Similarly, an order for non-stocked business envelopes may be routed to the ABC envelope company 20.

The customer requisition orders 14 for supplies that are stocked by the central supplier 16 are entered 21 in the data processing system for that supplier. This data processing system routes the order to the appropriate departments, such as a custom forms warehouse 22 and a stock forms warehouse 24.

Each of the outside vendors and departments ships 26 the ordered products directly to the customer 12. The outside vendors submit separate invoices 28 for each completed order to a central invoicing service 30. Similarly, the departments route invoices electronically to the central invoice service via the data processing system for the central supplier. The central invoicing service prepares and submits itemized invoices 32 for all of the delivered products to the customer. The customer submits payment 33 to the central invoicing service which in turn pays the outside vendors and departments for the delivered products.

A copy of the customer invoice is also sent to a central customer assistance department 34 of the central supplier 16. This customer assistance department collects data on customer orders, delivery of orders 35 and invoicing for delivered products in a central database 36. This database is used to respond to customer inquires 38 regarding pending orders and provides a capability for cancelling and changing pending orders 40. In addition, this database allows for the generation of reports regarding the flow of orders, deliveries and payment which is used by the customers, central suppliers and outside vendors to perform their respective tasks.

The current channel processing system is labor intensive in that data regarding orders and deliveries are repeatedly keyed into different computer systems at the customer, central supplier and outside vendors. This system is prone to data entry errors. The current system is redundant in data processing in that several different computer systems perform many of the same tasks, such as for status inquiry, invoicing, order entry and processing.

There is a long felt need for a data processing network to efficiently handle all aspects of customer orders channeled to a central supplier and filled by departments of the central supplier or by outside vendors. Such a channeled data processing system has been developed. The system includes a central computer located at the central supplier. This central computer is coupled, such as via modems, to computers at customer, department and outside vendor sites. These coupled computer systems in combination with the central computer form a data processing network capable of handling the data processing requirements for customer orders, routing those orders to appropriate departments or vendors, delivery of the ordered products, invoicing and payments, customer assistance and report generation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described in relation to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are as follows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art channel system;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams of an exemplary computer network for the subject invention;

FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9 and 14 to 26 show flowcharts of an exemplary program for the present invention;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 10 to 13 show exemplary data display screens used with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the data processing hardware used to implement the present invention. A mainframe computer 100, such as an IBM 3090 computer, located on site at the central supplier provides a centralized data processing for the entire channel supplier system 101. The mainframe computer includes communications hardware 102, such as modems, for communicating with customer computer systems 104(a-c) and outside vendor computer systems 106(a-b). In addition, the mainframe computer main communicates directly with department workstations 108 and supervisory workstations 110 of the central supplier.

The customer computer systems may be, for example, an individual personal computer 104a at a small customer, a computer network 104b at another customer, or a mini- or main-frame computer at a large customer 104c. Similarly, the outside vendor computer systems may be personal computers 106a or other type of computer system or network 106b. The workstations and/or computer systems for departments and supervisors may be, for example, computer terminals or personal computers on a network coupled to the mainframe computer. The communications hardware, software and protocols for coupling the mainframe computer with the workstations is conventional and well known to persons skilled in the art. In addition, the workstations and mainframe computer may be connected to bank computers to process electronic fund transfer information between customers, central supplier and outside vendors.

The mainframe computer executes a transaction software program described below to collect and process the data for customer order, shipment tracking and invoicing. This data is maintained 208 in a conventional database format for access by the transaction software and by conventional report generation software. In addition, the databases 102' include data on customers 122, customer requisitions 124, on supply catalog items 126, invoicing 130 and general reference data 128.

FIG. 3 is a high-level block-diagram of the data processing flow in the system. On the mainframe computer 100 at the central supplier, the transaction program 1000 (FIG. 4) is executed to centrally process the data in the system and maintain 208 databases 102'. These central databases may include individual databases on the customer 122, e.g. ship-to information, pending requisitions 124, master product item catalog 126, general reference information 128 such as product class codes and product groups, and invoicing 130. Similar databases 105' can be maintained in each customer computer system 104 if the customer system is compatible with the central mainframe computer 100. Customer databases 105' contain information inputted at the customer workstations 108 and information periodically exchanged between the customer computer system 104 and the central supplier computer system 100.

Each customer computer system 104 performs on-line 110 and batch processing 112 operations. On-line operations generally occur when a customer user accesses the customer database 105 through a workstation 108. For example, the customer database contains information regarding the customer authorization and delivery locations, e.g. "ship to" information 132, pending requisition orders such as items ordered, quantity and price 134, and a copy of the portion of the product catalog accessible to that customers 136. The main product catalog 126 maintained in databases in the central computer 100 is massive and each customer, during a set up phase, selects the portion of the catalog that is to be accessible to its authorized users. An authorized customer employee logs onto the on-line sub-system and interacts with customer databases in real time to order products, inquire into the status of pending requisitions, and browse and order directly from the catalog.

The data entered by the customer employee is stored in the customer database 105'. The customer database and the main system databases 102' are periodically updated by operation of the batch processing system 112 operated on the customer computer system. A complementary batch process occurs on the main computer system.

The vendor computer systems 106 (A&B) and possibly with internal department computer systems 109, e.g., supply warehouse computer systems, interface with the main computer system 100 via a conventional interfacing equipment and software 115. The main computer system and the vendor system exchange data, such as purchase orders, purchase order acknowledgments and invoices in a standard formats, such as those established as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards. In addition, the vendor supplies the main system, either automatically or manually, with data regarding the vendor product item catalog.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing on a high level the process flow through the transaction program 1000. In step 1002, a customer retrieves and inputs data into the customer database 105' in the customer computer system 104. In step 1004, the customer selects information from its database and inputs information into the database, such as new requisition data 134. Periodically, such as once a day, new information added to the customer database, such as new requisitions data files, is transmitted to the main computer system 100 in step 1006. This information is used to update the databases 102' in the main system and, in particular, the requisition database 124.

In steps 1008 and 1010, the main computer system segregates data, such as requisition item information, from the data supplied by the customer and collates that information by individual vendors and internal departments. If the requisition item is to be delivered by an internal department, then the information needed to fulfill the order, such as ship-to and requisition item information is transmitted directly to the appropriate department computer system in step 1008. Similarly, if the requisition is to be fulfilled by an outside vendor, then the appropriate requisition (purchase order) information is transmitted to the vendor in step 1010. The status of purchase orders being filled by vendors is obtained by acknowledgement information provided by the vendor in step 1012. In addition, the system has the capability of monitoring costs, prices and other data, and generating reports regarding historical data trends and comparisons with current data.

Invoice data from outside vendors and internal departments is centrally processed in step 1014 and submitted to a central accounts payable department 1016. Invoices may be transmitted directly to the customer computer system, during the periodic data exchange, in step 1018. In return, payment information may flow from the customer to the main computer system.

The master item catalog 126 is periodically updated with information received from the individual vendors 106 in step 1020. Since the master catalog information includes data on the individual customers, e.g., those authorized to order individual items, the customer catalogs stored in each customer database are easily updated from the master item catalog.

FIG. 5 shows the processing steps for the on-line purchasing system 110 executed at the customer computer system 104. An authorized user at a customer workstation initially selects a function operation from a system menu screen 1021 such as shown in FIG. 6. The available functions presented in the menu screen include entering a new requisition (FIG. 7), changing or deleting a requisition (step 1020). The system limits changes and deletions of requisitions to only those requisitions not completed and transmitted to the main computer system.

Pending (even non-completed) requisition data is accessible from the database on the customer computer system which may include data files on the customer that placed the requisition (CUS SLTD) 1022, the location to which the order is to be shipped (CUS SHTO) 1024, the customer person to whom the delivery is to be made (CUS ATN TO) 1026, and the catalog available to that customer (CUS CATALOG) 1028. This information is initially established during set-up of the customer connection to the main system and is maintained by the central computer system.

The customer database files are updated for new requisition orders, changes or deletions with information such as the requisition header 1030, (e.g., containing data on the requisition number, customer shipping location and other information not unique to the items ordered) and requisition details 1032, that includes information such as the item number, quantity order and customer price. An exemplary screen 1034 for making a requisition from a customer workstation is shown in FIG. 7. Data on pending requisitions may be retrieved from the customer database during a requisition inquiry in step 1034 via screens, such as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. In addition, the menu functions may include a catalog inquiry in step 1035 and using a screen such as shown in FIG. 13.

In particular, FIG. 8 shows the steps for entering a new requisition, or changing or deleting a pending requisition (or may be only an uncompleted requisition). From the initial menu 1021 (FIG. 6), at step 1040, the customer selects a function to add, change or delete a requisition. This selection causes the display of an appropriate screen such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 to 12. If a new requisition is to be added, a requisition screen 1034 (FIG. 7) is displayed on the customer workstation in step 1042. Upon entry of a location identification code, the requisition screen automatically presents data 1044 regarding the customer, particular customer site, other identifying information regarding the customer and the particular authorized customer user. This information is retrieved from the customer database and, in particular, from customer database files, such as ship-to, attention-to and sold-to files 132. In addition, the new requisition entry screen 1034 automatically displays an identifying requisition number and date 1046.

The customer enters product item data 1048, 1050 regarding the particular items to be requisitioned, including the selected item number 1048 and quantity 1050 of items. Information regarding items, item numbers and price may be obtained on-line from the customer catalog 136 via a catalog screen 1052, such as shown in FIG. 13. The customer catalog may be searched by product group or keyword. Quantity item ordering data 1051 may be entered directly into the catalog screen and the data then linked to the requisition screen. Information entered into the requisition screen 1058 is stored in the requisition database 134 of the customer computer system and, in particular, is segregated into requisition header information 1054 (e.g., requisition number, customer ship-to, and requisition date), and requisition detail information 1056 (such as requisitioned items, price and quantity).

Once stored, requisition information may be retrieved at the customer workstation via a requisition inquiry, step 1058 (and screen 1059 of FIG. 10), a requisition change, step 1060 or requisition delete function, step 1062, from the main menu shown in FIG. 6. The requisition status information will retrieve information on all pending requisitions (FIG. 10), items in a particular requisition (FIG. 11) and delivery order status (FIG. 12), provided that the main computer has updated the customer database with that information. This updating is accomplished on a periodic batch basis, such as once an day.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the steps that occur when a customer makes a final requisition selection and that selection is transmitted to the main system computer. In step 1200, the customer enters a completed requisition order such as the screen 1034 shown in FIG. 7. The customer computer stores the completed requisition entry in its requisition database 134. Control reports are generated in step 1202 by the customer computer from its databases to provide the customer with information regarding its requisitions, such as totals of items ordered, prices and other information.

The new completed requisition information in the customer database is transmitted to the main system computer 100 during periodic batch processing in step 1204. Similarly, update information, e.g., purchase order acknowledgments, ship-to updates and product item updates, from the main computer is transmitted to the customer computer to update the customer database in step 1206.

Since all update information from the main system is transmitted only on a periodic batch basis, this information is transmitted to the customer computer as a composite update file, 1208. Upon receipt of this composite file, the customer computer splits the file to update the appropriate customer database files in step 1210.

For example, update information on requisitions is received as sequence requisition update information 1212 and the update information, in step 1214, is applied to the appropriate database(s) or files for requisition headers, 1216, requisition details, 1218, and requisition status, 1220. Control reports are generated at the customer site to provide adequate notice of new update information and may be provided to just one management user for each customer. Most update information is documented in control reports. Generally, control reports state the number and types of record files updated so that this information can be compared to the number of updates sent to the customer computer system.

Similarly, update information on the customer catalog (SEQ CUS UPDATES) 1222 is processed 1224 to update file items 1226 in the catalog database 136. Since the master catalog database 126 on the main computer correlates each catalog item entry by customer and price, the individual customer catalogs are readily updated. In addition, data files on a particular customer, such as to whom at the customer items are to be sold, billed, shipped and directed to the attention of, 1228, are updated at the main computer system 100 and then transmitted to the customer computer to update, step 1230, similar database files 1232 in the customer databases. The data in the catalog and customer update files are also documented in control reports. The initial customer specific information is entered when the customer is initially set up to interact with the main computer requisition system.

FIG. 14 shows the data processing steps for handling completed customer requisitions 1300 transmitted to the main system computer 100. The customer computer system transmits data files (SEQ CUS RQN) 1303 regarding requisitions in step 1302. The data transmitted is initially verified in step 1304 and reformatted to data files (SEQ CHNL) 1305 compatible with the main computer system in step 1306. In step 1308, the new requisition data files loaded into the requisition database 122, through appropriate data files 1310, such as header (HDR) and detail (DTL).

In step 1312, the data files loaded in the databases 102, is edited such that the customer number is converted, see data files 1314, to appropriate bill-to, ship-to, sold-to and attention-to data and then verified to ensure that the data is consistent with stored data and that the item numbers ordered conform to the item numbers in the master catalog 126. In step 1316, the requisition detail data on ordered items is split into data for the appropriate outside vendor, see data field 1318, and data for the appropriate internal departments, see data field 1320. The data fields for the internal departments is again reformatted in step 1322 for reloading back into the databases 102 of the main computer system. Generally, each internal department will maintain its own databases, separate from those of the main computer system, in a fashion similar to outside vendors.

FIG. 15 shows the data processing flow for updating the status of requisition orders. In step 1350, a vendor transmitted requisition update file 1352 provided in a standard format, e.g., EDI, is reformatted 1354 for loading, step 1356 into the main system databases 102, and in particular the requisition database 124. The loaded reformatted data 1358 is compared to existing requisition data in step 1359. An error file 1361 and report are generated and the report printed, if necessary, in step 1360. A status report file 1362 is also generated and reports are printed on the status of the requisitions 1364 and of the appropriate vendor 1366. In addition, a substitution file 1368 is created when the data is reformatted in step 1350 and a substitution report is generated in step 1370.

In addition, when the new requisition status data files are loaded into the databases 102, then specific information is extracted from this data in step 1372, such as confirmed requisitions, and a sequential data file 1374 is created of that extracted information and maintained in the main database 102. In step 1376, for example, the individual requisitions for particular items may be grouped so as to order the items in standard bulk units, e.g., cartons, from the vendor or department. In step 1378, this file is used to update the requisition detail information in the requisition database 124 and to provide a requisition update file 1380 to be later transmitted to the customer to update the customer database.

FIGS. 16 to 20 show the data processing flow steps for processing invoices. Upon receipt of a vendor invoice 1400, in a standard EDI format that includes the price charged by the vendor 1401 to the central supplier, the main computer system translates and initially processes the invoice in step 1402. The invoices is printed in step 1404 as a printed invoice 1406 for control purposes. Moreover, an item shipped data file (PART FIL) 1407 for item orders filled, e.g., delivered by vendor or department, is accessed to supply data to confirm that invoices are not accepted for quantities shipped of any particular item. The items shipped data is provided from the vendor in order acknowledgement data. In addition, any errors in the transmitted invoice are documented in an error file 1408 and sent to a department, e.g., the financial (FIN) department 1410 for further processing. The reformatted invoice data (TRANS IN) 1412 is again reformatted in step 1414 into an appropriate database format file 1416 and then loaded in the invoice database 130 in step 1418.

In step 1420, the reformatted invoice data 1422 (which may include invoice or credit information) obtained from the requisition data file 130, including requisition header and detail data, is validated, step 1423, to confirm that the vendor invoice is a participating vendor in the computerized requisition system. Invoices received from non-participating vendors or for orders to be handled outside of the channel system are placed on data files 1424, unrelated to the present system, for invoices or credits from these vendors. Ass