Patent Application
20230342828
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for controlling access to a selectable supply chain resource.
In one embodiment, there is a method for controlling access to a supply chain including, receiving, on a supply chain network server, a user request identifying a product or service; and in response to the user request, causing a user interface to display information about the product or service that includes identification information about two or more distinct sources for the product or service, the two or more distinct sources including no more than i) a host of the supply chain network server; and ii) a provider associated with a user-specific account. In some embodiments, the information about the product or service further includes a) a first condition for acquisition of the product or service preselected by the host of the supply chain network server, and b) a second condition for acquisition of the product or service preselected by the provider associated with the user-specific account. In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying the first condition proximate identification information of the host of the supply chain network server, and simultaneously with the displaying of the first condition, displaying the second condition proximate identification information of the provider associated with user-specific account information.
In some embodiments, prior to causing the display of the identification information about the provider associated with the user-specific account, the method further includes displaying on the user interface a prompt to associate the user-specific account with the provider. In some embodiments, the prompt includes one or more of: a dropdown menu, a dialog box, a login screen and an icon. In some embodiments, the method further includes verifying that the provider is authorized by the host of the supply chain network server to provide products or services via the marketplace server, and verifying that the provider has authorized association with a user. In some embodiments, the method further includes automatically associating the user request with a prescription authorization from the provider.
In some embodiments, the method further includes, storing in a database, coupled to the supply chain network server, the first condition for acquisition of the product or service and the second condition for acquisition of the product or service, verifying, via the supply chain network server, that the provider is authorized to change the second condition for acquisition, receiving, via the supply chain network server, an updated second condition for acquisition, and storing in the database coupled to the supply chain network server, the updated second condition for acquisition. In some embodiments, causing the user interface to display information about the product or service includes displaying the second condition for acquisition. In some embodiments, the second condition for acquisition includes at least one of: a price, a discount code, prescription information, refill information, usage instructions, a user acknowledgement selection, and third party payer information.
In some embodiments, the requested product or service is at least one of: a pharmaceutical product that requires a prescription, a product that does not require a prescription, digital media, or a telemedicine session, or any other service. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, via the supply chain network server, user account data that includes information regarding one or more designated providers associated with one or more pets. In some embodiments the provider associated with the user-specific account is authorized by an entity other than the user to permit the user to access to the product or service.
In some embodiments, the method further includes in response to the user request, causing the user interface to display information about the product or service that includes identification information about an additional source for the product or service wherein the identification information is displayed in a manner that indicates the user is not authorized to obtain the product or service from the additional source. In some embodiments, the provider is associated with the user-specific account based upon a previous transaction between the provider and one or more of an individual associated with the user-specific account and a pet associated with the user-specific account. In some embodiments, the previous transaction includes i) the writing of a prescription; ii) a transaction for the purchase of a good or service that is unrelated to the requested product or service; iii) a registration with the provider; and iv) obtaining an authorization code.
In some embodiments, the user interface is coupled to a user device connected to the supply chain network server by one of a wide area network connection and a local area network connection. In some embodiments, the first condition has a first value and second condition has a second value and first value is different from the second value. In some embodiments, the first condition has a first value and second condition has a second value and first value is the same as the second value. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, at the supply chain network server, an order designating the selection of the provider as the source to provide the product or service, and verifying, via the supply chain network server, that a prescription for the ordered product or service has been received for the product or service and the prescription is associated with the user specific account.
In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, on the supply chain network server, a selection message indicating the provider associated with the user-specific account is a preferred source, and upon receiving, on the supply chain network server, a future user request identifying an additional product or service, causing the user interface to display the provider as a default primary provider for the additional product or service. In some embodiments, prior to causing the user interface to display the provider as a default primary provider for the additional product or service, the method includes verifying that the default primary provider has pre-selected the product or service for inclusion in a provider virtual marketplace. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving on the supply chain server an indication that a new user and an authorized provider are associated with a transaction initiated on a separate network coupled to the supply chain network, and in response to receive the indication, creating a user record for the new user via the supply chain network server and associated the authorized provider with the user record.
In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving an order placement request, on the supply chain network server, for a product to be sourced from the provider, the product requiring a prescription, querying a database, via the supply chain network server, to verify that a valid prescription with sufficient refills have been associated with the order placement request, recording in the database, an indication that inventory associated with the order has been transferred from a wholesale inventory associated with the supply chain network server to a retail inventory of the provider, receiving, in the database, an indication that the product has been shipped. In some embodiments the method further includes transmitting to a provider server, from the supply chain network server, a transaction message including information relating to provider product inventory status and a net proceeds transactions summary indicating a difference between accrued amounts associated with inventory transferred from the wholesale inventory associated with the supply chain network server and accrued amounts associated with orders, to be sourced from the provider, that were placed with the supply chain network server. In some embodiments, the user request includes one or more of: i) a search request; ii) selection via a menu; iii) a selection via hyperlink; and iv) selection via hyperlink in a digital message from a provider.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the system and method for accessing a virtual marketplace, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the Drawings:
Numerous details are described herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, some embodiments may be practiced without many of the specific details, and the scope of the claims is only limited by those features and aspects specifically recited in the claims. Furthermore, well-known methods, components, and circuits have not been described in exhaustive detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure pertinent aspects of the embodiments described herein.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to a virtual supply chain network such as a virtual private or public marketplace. An exemplary virtual public marketplace includes one in which transactions between buyers and/or sellers are facilitated with little or no restriction as to which seller, or provider, offering a desired product or service is selected by a buyer to provide that product or service. An exemplary private marketplace is limited in the number of buyers and sellers and in some cases, restricts the sale and/or supply of some goods and services among only those entities who are authorized to participate in the private marketplace (e.g., buyers and sellers who consent to transactions over the private marketplace). In one example of a private marketplace on a virtual supply chain network, only certain sellers or providers who transact business over the virtual supply chain network (e.g., 1, 2 or more sellers or providers) who may be among many other sellers or providers of a particular product or service are able to sell or provide the products or services to certain buyers. In one embodiment, Buyer 1 searching a private marketplace associated with a virtual supply chain network for a desired product or service may be presented with only a limited option of sellers or providers. For example, only Provider A and Provider B, based upon an authorization for Buyer 1, are able to transact business with Buyer 1, via the virtual supply chain network. In this example, there may also be Providers C and D who are also sellers or providers of the product over the virtual supply chain network, but Providers C and D are not authorized to be associated with Buyer 1 and thus, Buyer 1 is not provided the option of buy the product from Providers C and D. Providers C and/or D, however, may be authorized to be associated with another buyer. That other buyer, however, may not be associated with Provider A and/or Provider B and thus would not be presented with an option to transact with Provider A and/or Provider B respectively. It should be understood, that over time, Providers C and/or D might become associated with Buyer 1, as described herein for example, and would then be presented as transaction options for Buyer 1.
In one embodiment, enhanced authentication and/or authorization systems and methods streamline product and service distribution and transactions by providing the purchasers of goods and/or services with automatically curated access to selected providers. The selected providers may include, for example, a provider that is hosting the virtual supply chain network and a provider that meets a predefined criteria for automatic identification as an available resource for a particular client of the supply chain network. In some embodiments, the provider hosting the virtual supply chain network is identifiable by branding on the user interface that identifies the host as the branded entity. In other embodiments, the host of the virtual supply chain network is the back-end system provider operating the virtual supply chain network. In some embodiments, the network operator is the branded host. In some embodiments, network operator host permits one or more branded entities to be associated with the front end (e.g., user interface) of the virtual supply chain network and wherein the operator-host operates the system on behalf of the one or more branded entities. Predefined criteria may include, for example, prior authorization status of buyer, seller and/or provider and a prior verified transaction between the parties (e.g., a buyer was previously authorized to transact with a particular provider or seller or category of providers or sellers; a provider or seller was previously authorized to transact with a buyer or category of buyers or as otherwise described herein)
In one embodiment, the private marketplace may include a personalized marketplace. For example, Buyer 1 may designate a preferred service criteria (e.g., a pet owner may designate a particular pet as a preferred service criteria for personalization). Once the preferred service criteria is designated for the private marketplace, products or services that are the subject of an authorized transaction between Buyer 1 and Providers A and B in association with the preferred service criteria are available for Buyer 1 to initiate a transaction or for a transaction to be initiated on behalf of Buyer 1. In one example, a buyer named Sally may identify her dog Spot as a preferred service criteria on the virtual supply chain network. An established private marketplace on the virtual supply chain network may have been previously created between Sally and her veterinary clinic ABC Vets. Sally searches for heartworm medicine through her authorized access to the virtual supply chain network. ABC Vets has previously been established by the virtual supply chain network as an authorized seller and/or provider of the heartworm medicine and has designated WormAway as being an appropriate medicine for Spot (e.g., by breed, age, another criteria). In response to Sally's search, Sally would be presented on her client device, a private marketplace option to obtain WormAway from ABC Vets for Spot.
In one embodiment, one or more databases relate (e.g., via relational databases and/or non-relational databases) supply chain network clients (e.g., providers, endorsers, purchasers) to products and or services that may be available from a host distributor (e.g., a host of a supply chain network server). In one example, supply chain network clients include endorsers, proponents and/or advertisers of a particular product or service. In some embodiments, an endorser, proponent and/or advertiser is presented to a user as a provider although a separate entity (e.g., a marketplace host) may be handling multiple (e.g., most or all) of transaction management to process and order and deliver the product or service to a user or purchaser. The marketplace host may, for example, operate a back-end system and permit one or more of the separate entities to brand the front end of the system as it chooses.
Exemplary databases, such as a relational or non-relational database, coupled to a selectable supply chain network server are updatable through client devices associated with authenticated and/or authorized accounts. In one example, the authenticated and/or authorized accounts are associated with a service provider. Once authorized and/or authenticated through a client device as being associated with a particular service provider, the service provider designates which products and services are associated with the authenticated and/or authorized account in the database. Another example of authenticated and/or authorized accounts are accounts associated with users who may be interested in acquiring products or services through the supply chain network. Once authorized and/or authenticated through a client device as being associated with a particular user, the user designates criteria that is used to automatically associate the user with a particular service provider and therefore, the products or services designated by the service provider. Designation criteria may be for example, properly identifying a particular provider, a service provider indicia (e.g., a code that may unique be associated with the provider in the database), prior transaction information that associates the service provider and the user based upon a prior transaction between the service provider and the user.
In some embodiments, the system operates by integrating non-wholesale product providers with at least some portions of a supply chain network backend system that fulfils orders on behalf of the non-wholesale product provider thereby allowing non-wholesale product providers to sell products directly to customers without physically stocking products or maintaining their own supply chain network. Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
Local providers, such as veterinary clinics, typically have limited access to large scale technology platforms, such as an online marketplace platform, that allow them to provide products and/or services to their customers outside of what happens in their clinic. These local providers must also often compete with larger retailers and other providers which offer the same or similar products and/or services via a large online marketplace platform. Therefore, there is a need to provide these veterinary clinics, for example, with access to a private technology platform that connects the veterinary clinic with their customers, allowing the veterinary clinic to provide products and/or services to said customers through a technology platform that might include a public marketplace platform, private marketplace platform or a marketplace platform that flexes to include a private marketplace platform. Providing veterinary clinics access to a large-scale private technology platform in this manner allows the veterinary clinics to compete with large scale wholesale providers.
Referring to
In one embodiment, supply chain network server 120 includes one or more computing servers that execute server-side portions of the application software of the invention. Supply chain network server 120 may provide a user device 140 with secure access to product data located in the database 110. Exemplary user device 140 illustrated in
One aspect of database 110 includes one or more computing servers 111 which store information necessary to fulfill orders placed on the supply chain network server 120. In some embodiments, the supply chain network server 120 is configured to present product listings and settle transactions. Embodiments of database 110 stores at least one of user data, product data, and product provider data (e.g., as discussed in more detail with reference to
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In some embodiments, the data associated with the one or more user accounts 142 includes an indicator as to whether a provider 150 associated with the user's account 142 is a preferred or available source for products and services 160 offered on the supply chain network server 120. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, a default primary provider is a provider 150 that is automatically associated, by the system 100 with a product 160 requested for display by a user 141. In some embodiments, displaying a provider 150 includes displaying indicia and/or images on a user facing user-interface, by the supply chain network server 120, identifying the provider 150. In some embodiments, the indicia and/or images displayed in this manner are included in a corresponding provider record 152 stored on database 110. For example, displaying provider 150a on a user facing user-interface includes displaying indicia and/or images stored in provider record 152a on database 110, which identify provider 150a (e.g., the name of provider 150a, a logo associated with provider 150a). Continuing the example from above, future requests (e.g., a request which has not yet been received by the system 100) to view products or services sent by the user 141a to the supply chain network server 120 would display said product or service with an indication that provider 150a as an available provider for that selected product or service. In some embodiments, provider 150a is displayed as a default primary provider for user account 142. In some embodiments, provider records 152 include provider account data. In some embodiments, provider 150 is displayed as a provider (e.g., a default provider, primary provider or available provider) for a product or service 160 only after the provider account meets pre-defined display criteria. The pre-defined display criteria includes, in some embodiments, one or more of i) the provider 150 selection status of the product or service 160, ii) a relationship status between the provider 150 and the user 141, or iii) a relationship status between the provider 150 and the patient (e.g., a particular pet that may or may be associated with a user account 142). In one aspect of the provider account, for example, a provider 150 may designate one or more products or services (e.g., product 160a) from a larger menu of products or services 160 to be associated with the provider account. For example, in the context of a veterinary clinic as the provider 150 embodiment, a particular veterinary clinic (or a particular veterinarian with a clinic), may preselect two preferred medications to treat or prevent heartworms from a list of a dozen of such available options. The database associated with the veterinary clinic (or the particular veterinarian within the clinic) would reflect that provider's 150 selection of the two heartworm medications. Thus, when a user 141 in association with a user account 142 associated with the particular veterinary clinic (or veterinarian within the clinic) searches for heartworm medications via the marketplace server 120, the option to purchase the two particular heartworm medication selected by the provider 150 associated with the user account 142 will be displayed. In some such cases, only the two preselected products will be displayed to that user 141. In other embodiments, the two preselected products will be displayed in a manner to indicate that they are recommended (e.g., recommended by the user's clinic or veterinarian). In other embodiments, all dozen products may be displayed, but only when a user 141 selects one of the two preselected products, will the user see the option to purchase the product from the provider.
In some embodiments, a user-selected preferred provider (e.g., provider 150a) is the default primary provider for all products or services 160 offered on the retail marketplace server 120. In some embodiments, the default primary provider may be selected on a per-product basis. For example, user account 142a is associated with provider 150a and provider 150b. If user 141a associated with user account 142a requests to display information about product 160a, provider 150a may be displayed as the default primary provider. Additionally, if user 141a associated with user account 142a requests to display information about product 160b, provider 150b may be displayed as the default primary provider. In some embodiments, the system 100 may determine the default primary provider based on whether or not the product requires a prescription. For example, if user 141a associated with user account 142a requests to display product or service 160a which requires a prescription, and provider 150a has provided a prescription to the user for product or service 160a but provider 150b has not, provider 150a would display as the default primary provider.
In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to determine the default primary provider on a per animal/pet basis. In some embodiments, the user account 142 stored on database 110 includes data identifying one or more pets/animals owned by the user 141 associated with the user account 142. For example, if user account 142a includes data identifying a first pet and a second pet, the first pet may be associated with provider 150a while the second pet is associated with provider 150b. In this example, the providers 150a and 150b may be different veterinarian clinics (or different veterinarians within a single clinic) where the user associated with user account 142a takes their pets for check-ups and treatments. The first pet and second pet may be the same type of pet (e.g., both dogs) or they may be different types of pets (e.g., the first pet is a dog and the second pet is a cat). If the user has selected to view a product or service 160 and has indicated that the selected product or service 160 is for the first pet, provider 150a would be displayed as the default primary provider for the selected product or service 160.
In some embodiments, the data associated with a user account 142 may include a data identifying alternate providers. In some embodiments, the data identifying alternate providers include a provider 150 associated with the user account 142 which is not referenced in the database as a default primary provider. In some embodiments, the system 100 may display an alternate provider as the default for a selected product or service 160, which the alternate provider offers, if the default provider has opted not to offer that product or service 160. In some embodiments, a user associated with the user account 142 may rank their preferred alternate providers.
In some embodiments, the data associated with a user account 142 includes one or more shipping addresses (e.g., to which products or services 160 purchased by a user may be delivered). In some embodiments, a user account 142 is associated with a default or primary shipping address from the one or more shipping addresses. In some embodiments, the data associated with a user account 142 includes a record of products or services 160 purchased by a user 141 associated with the user account 142. In some embodiment, the record of products or services 160 purchased by the user 141 may include at least: product info, product quantity, shipping address, payment method used, previous sources from which the product or service was ordered, previous sources of other products or services ordered by a user associated with the account, and a confirmation that the product was delivered. In some embodiments, the data associated with a user account 142 includes insurance coverage data associated with the user account 142.
In some embodiments, the database 110 stores information input by, for or on behalf of one or more providers 150. In some embodiments, information stored on the database 110 in this manner is added to a provider record 152 associated with the provider 150. In some embodiments, a provider 150 provides information to associate the provider 150 with a user 141 by associating the provider record 152 with a user account 142. For example, provider 150a inputs information associating the provider 150a with user 141a, the information is added to provider record 152a and database 110 creates an association between provider record 152a and user account 142a. In some embodiments, the association of the provider 150 with a user account 142 is automated. For example, if provider 150a writes a prescription for user 141a associated with user account 142a, and uploads that prescription to the system 100, the system 100 automatically causes the database 110 to update to include the association between user account 142a and provider record 152a. In some embodiments, the system 100 determines that a user account 142 is associated with a provider 150 through records indicating a previous transaction between the user account 142 and provider 150. In some embodiments, the previous transaction includes any one of: the writing of a prescription, a transaction for the purchase of a product or service 160 that is unrelated to a currently requested product or service 160, a registration with a provider 150, and obtaining an authorization code (e.g., a QR code, a code provided in mail sent from a provider 150 to a user, a hyperlink displayed on a provider 150 associated website).
In some embodiments, a provider 150 must complete an onboarding process (e.g., method 400 shown in
In some embodiments, the database 110 stores provider records 152 associated with any provider 150 that has a recorded transaction with the host of the supply chain network server 120. In some embodiments, the database 110 includes provider records 152 associated with any provider 150 that has sourced transactions to customers of the provider 150 through the supply chain network server 120. In some embodiments, the database includes provider records 152 associated with providers 150 which have no previous or current association with either of a user account 142 or product 160.
In some embodiments, the database 110 stores information relating to associations between one or more of users 141, providers 150, products or services 160 and the host of the supply chain network server 120. As described above, a user 141 may be associated with one or more provider 150 by an association of the user's 141 user account 142 and the provider's 150 provider record 152 stored in database 110. It will be understood that an association of the user account 142 and provider 150 indicates that the user 141 is associated with the provider 150, and that the user account 142 is associated with the provider record 152 in database 110. In some embodiments, the association of the user account 142 and provider 150 is established based on criteria that includes any one of: a user indication that the user wishes to associate their account 142 with a provider 150, a record of a previous transaction between a user associated with a user account 142 and a provider 150, and information received from a provider 150 (e.g., provider 150 causing user information which corresponds to user accounts 142 to be associated with the provider 150 and/or associates of the provider 150). In some embodiments, an association between a user account 142 and provider 150 is only established when both the user 141 associated with the user account 142 and the provider 150 agree to the association (e.g., through an electronic acknowledgement or the grant of a permission). In some embodiments, an association between the user account 142 and provider 150 is only established when the user associated with the user account 142 requests or agrees to the association. In some embodiments, before an association between a user account 142 and provider 150 can be established, the provider 150 must have completed the onboarding process shown in
In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to display on a user device 140 only those providers 150 that are within a certain geographic range (e.g., of a user device location or of a user-specified location). In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to display on a user device 140 only those providers 150 that are within 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile, 4 mile, 5 mile, 6 mile, 7 mile, 8 mile, 9 mile, 10 mile, 11 mile, 12 mile, 13 mile, 14 mile, 15 mile, 16 mile, 17 mile, 18 mile, 19 mile, or 20 mile radius of a shipping address (e.g., associated with an order, a provider location, a user location, a device location or a specified location). In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to display on a user device 140 only those providers 150 that the user 141 has previously provided a rating for. In some embodiments, a user 141 associated with a user account 142 may remove an association with a provider or block a provider 150 such that the system will not display that provider 150 to the user associated with the user account 142. In some embodiments, a provider 150 may remove an association with a user account 142 or block the user account 142 such that the system will not display that provider 150 to the user associated with the user account 142.
As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the system 100 stores product records 162 corresponding to a plurality of products 160. Products 160 may also include services offered by the host of the retail marketplace server 120 or a provider 150. In some embodiments, the database 110 stores product records 162 corresponding to products 160 which may be offered for sale by the retail marketplace server 120. In some embodiments the product records 162 stored for any given product 160 may include one or more of: a SKU number, a product name, status of inventory (e.g., available, total number available, or unavailable), gross price, and margin percentage. In some embodiments, the product 160 may be a prescription medication, a non-prescription medication, a service, digital media, or any other item offered on the retail marketplace server. In some embodiments, the product records 162 corresponding to a product 160 or service includes an indication as to whether or not the product 160 or service requires a prescription to purchase the product 160. In some embodiments, the product records 162 corresponding to a product 160 or service may include a user account 142 specific indication as to how many prescription refills are remaining for that product 160. For example, user account 142a may have five refills remaining for product 160a while user account 142b may only have three refills remaining, the refill amounts included in product records 162a and 162b respectively.
In some embodiments, product records 162 stored on the database 110 include conditions of purchase for the products 160. In some embodiments, the product records 162 stored on database include a first condition for purchase of a product 160 and a second condition for purchase of the same product 160. In some embodiments, the first condition is a retail price established by the host of the supply chain network server 120. In some embodiments, the second condition is a retail price(s) set by different respective provider(s) 150 associated with the product 160. In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of: a price, a discount code, prescription information, refill information, usage instructions, a user acknowledgement selection, and third-party payer information. In some embodiments, a product (e.g., product 160a) is associated with a second condition to acceptance of an order for that product that is set by a first provider (e.g., provider 150a) and a second condition to acceptance of an order for that product set by a second provider (e.g., 150b). In some embodiments, the second condition set by different providers 150 may be the same or different. For example, product record 162a, corresponding to product 160a, may include a second condition of a purchase price of $49.99 set by provider 150a and a second condition of a purchase price of $49.99 set by provider 150b. Alternatively, the retail price included in the second condition set by provider 150b may be a different dollar amount (e.g., $52.99). In some embodiments, product records 162 may include that a provider 150 has included a discount for a specific product 160 that is only valid for an amount of time set by the provider 150 (e.g., a 10% discount for product 160a until a specific date). In some embodiments, the product records 162 stored on database 110 corresponding with products 160 includes: a host retail price, a host retail price with insurance, a provider price, and a provider price with insurance.
In some embodiments the system 100 is configured to associate one or more products 160 with one or more providers 150. In some embodiments, the database 110 stores an association between providers 150 and products 160. In some embodiments, the association between providers 150 and products 160 is included in one or more of the provider records 152 and product records 162 stored in database 110. In some embodiments, a provider 150 must complete an onboarding process (as referenced above and as discussed in more detail below with reference to
In some embodiments, the product records 162 stored on database 110 includes information about corresponding products 160 (e.g., to condition a purchase) that is set by an associated provider 150 for said products 160. As mentioned above, a provider 150 may choose to match a host retail price, offer a product 160 for a price which is different from the host retail price, or establish a conditional retail price (e.g., volume discount, regional discount, insurance related discount, a user-specific one-time discount). In some embodiments, a provider 150 which has completed the onboarding process shown in
In some embodiments, system 100 is configured to allow providers 150 that have completed the onboarding process shown in
UI Walkthrough
Referring to
In
In response to the user input at location 204, a user request 206 is sent from the user device 140 to the supply chain network server 120. In response to the user request 206, the virtual retail marketplace server is configured to transmit a product information request 208 to database 110. The product information request 208 includes an indication of what product 160 was requested by the user. In response to the product information request 208, the database 110 is configured to transmit product information 210, included in the product record 162 corresponding to the selected product or service 160, to the virtual retail marketplace server 120. In some embodiments, the product information 210 transmitted from database 110 includes information indicating whether or not a prescription for the selected product 160 has been authorized by provider 150. In some embodiments, the system 100 automatically, in response to the request 206, is configured to associate the request 206 with a previous prescription authorization from the provider 150 to the user account 142 for the selected product 160. In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to automatically check to see if there are any refills remaining for the selected product 160.
In
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In one embodiment, display area 218 includes an interactable feature that allows the user 141 to view additional information about the selected provider 150 and/or second condition 217. For example,
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In
Alternatively, the purchasing source UI 234 may not be displayed in response to the supply chain network server 120 receiving the first checkout request 230. In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to provide the user 141 with a selection of which source (e.g., host of the supply chain network server 120, provider 150) to purchase the selected product 160 from at the product description UI 214 shown in
In
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Shown in area 248, the system 100 generates a message to be shown on the user device 140 requesting that the user 141 input pet and veterinarian information. In the illustrated embodiment, the pet information is required, and the approval method is required. Examples of pet information includes one or more of: species, name, and age. Examples of approval methods include one or more of: a prescription. The requested pet information may be a selection of a pet associated with the user account 142. In some embodiments, required information is automatically populated with information retrieved from database 110. For example, if the user has only one pet associated with their account the system 100 is configured to automatically populate the required pet information. Additionally, if the selected product 160 is associated with only one type of pet on the users account (e.g., the product 160 is cat weight loss food and the user 141 has a cat and dog associated with their account 142) the system is configured to automatically populate the required pet information with the cat information stored on the database under the user account 142. In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to display a request for the user 141 to input a selection of a pet associated with their user account 142. For example, if the user 141 has zero, one, two, three, or more than three pets associated with their account 142, and area 248 may display a request for the user 141 to select or provide a pet from the pets associated with their account 142. In some embodiments, multiple pets may be simultaneously selected by the user 141. In some embodiments, if the selected product 160 does not match the selected pet, the system 100 is configured to request that the user provide an acceptable pet selection (e.g., if the product is a horse medication and the user has selected a cat, the system 100 may require that the user provide a selection of a horse as the pet). In some embodiments, the order may not be placed until the user 141 has provided an acceptable pet selection.
In
Referring to
In some embodiments, a provider 150 can place an order for a product 160 or service offered for sale on the supply chain network server 120 on behalf of a user 141. In some embodiments, the provider 150 interacts with a user interface displayed on a user device 140 that is in communication with the supply chain network server 120 to place the order. For example, provider 150a can place an order for product 160a on behalf of user 141a and have the order fulfilled by the host of the supply chain network server 120. In one embodiment, the provider 150 places and order for a user 141 having a user account 142 stored on database 110. In some embodiments, orders placed by a provider 150 for a user 141 having an associated user account 142 are displayed to the user 141 when the user 141 accesses the supply chain network server 120. For example, an order is placed to purchase product 160a by provider 150a and ship product 160a to user 141a associated with user account 142a. The user 141a, accesses the supply chain network server 120 via user device 140a, and logs into their associated user account 142a. The user 141a, via user device 140a, is able to view the order placed for product 160a in a user-interface (not shown) generated by the supply chain network server 120. In another embodiment, the provider 150 is able to place an order for a user 141 who does not have a user account 142 stored on database 110. In some embodiments, an order for a user 141 placed in this manner creates a new user account 142 that is associated with the user 141 and stored in database 110. In some embodiments, a provider record 152 associated with the provider 150 who placed the order, is automatically associated, by the system 100, to the newly created user account 142. In some embodiments, a user account 142 created in this manner includes one or more of: the user's name, the user's email address, a pet owned by the user, and the user's shipping address. In some embodiments, the user 141 is able to authenticate with the user account 142 created by the provider 150, via the supply chain network server 120.
In some embodiments, a provider 150, associated with provider record 152, is authorized via supply chain network server 120, for example to associate a pet record with a user account 142. In one embodiment, the provider may only associate pet record with a user account if the pet is associated with the provider record 152. The provider may associate the pet with user records via the supply chain network server 120. For example, if provider 150a wishes to provide products 160 and/or services for a pet owned by user 141a associated with user account 142a and that pet is not currently associated with user account 142a, the provider 150a is able to make that association with the user account 142a. In some embodiments that associated is made with a link between pet records and user records or by adding reference to the pet in the user record. In some embodiments, a provider 150 may authorize a user account 142 to purchase products 160 and/or services in response to a communication from the user 141 associated with the user account 142. For example, if a user 141 wishes to purchase a prescription product (e.g., a dietary food, prescription medication) for a pet associated with their user account 142, the user 141 communicates the request to provider 150 (e.g., via supply chain network servicer 120, via Veterinarian Server 102, or via another communication resource on the network or off the network). In response to the user's request, for example, the provider 150, via the supply chain network server 120, associates a prescription authorization for said product 160 with the user account 142. In one embodiment, the prescription authorization is associated with the user account through the Veterinarian Server 102 and, through a link via supply chain network 120, the user account associated with supply chain network 120 is updated with the corresponding record. Alternatively, the provider 150 may also place an order for that product 160 on behalf of the user 141, via the supply chain network server 120.
In some embodiments, a provider 150, when placing an order for a user 141 having an associated user account 142 stored on database 110, is provided with a provider facing user interface (not shown) by the supply chain network server 120 in order to place the order. In some embodiments, the provider facing user interface includes a display of input fields to allow the provider 150 to input user 141 specific information required to place the order. For example, the input fields may include one or more of: user name, pet name, product, prescription, quantity, shipping address, and payment method. In some embodiments, the product input field is a search bar that includes a display which is automatically populated, by the supply chain network server, with products 160 matching the search parameters input by the provider 150. In some embodiments, the product input field includes an indication of whether or not a product 160 is in stock. In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to display indicia identifying users 141 having associated user accounts 142 stored on database 110 in response to input from provider 150 at the user name input field. For example, if provider 150a is placing an order for a user with the name “John Doe”, the system 100, displays user accounts 142 including a user name of “John Doe” to the provider. In some embodiments, the user account 142 includes an email address of the user 141 which the provider 150 may input into the user name input field in order to identify the user 141.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the information about the product or server further includes a) a first condition (e.g., first condition 215 in
In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes the steps of displaying the first condition proximate identification information of the host of the virtual supply chain resource server (e.g., displaying a price of a drug near an identification of a host of the supply chain resource e.g., host identification 236). In some embodiments, simultaneously with the displaying of the first condition, the method 300 includes displaying the second condition proximate identification information of the provider associated with user-specific account information (e.g., displaying a second price for the same product but the price reflects the price for the user if the user was to purchase the product the veterinarian of the user). In one example, the first condition 215 and second condition 217 displayed on purchasing source UI 234 in
In one embodiment, the method 300 also includes displaying on the user interface, a prompt to associate the user-specific account with the provider. In one embodiment, the prompt is displayed prior to causing the display of the identification information about the provider associated with the user-specific account. Thus, prior to
In an embodiment, the method 300 may further comprise the steps of verifying that the provider is authorized by the host of the virtual retail marketplace service to provide products or services via the marketplace server; and verifying that the provider has authorized association with a user. For example, the supply chain network server 120 may query the database 110 to check if the provider 150 for the selected product 160 in
In an embodiment, the method 300 may further comprise the step of automatically associating the user request with a prescription authorization from the provider. For example, the system 100 may automatically, in response to request 206 in
In some embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise the step of storing in a database, coupled to the virtual retail marketplace server, the first condition for acquisition of the product or service and the second condition for acquisition of the product or service. In some embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise the step of authenticating, via the virtual retail marketplace server, that the provider is authorized to change the second condition for acquisition. In some embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise the step of receiving, via the virtual retail marketplace server, an updated second condition for acquisition. In some embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise the step of storing in the database coupled to the virtual retail marketplace server, the updated second condition for acquisition. In some embodiments, causing the user interface to display information about the product or service includes displaying the second condition for acquisition. For example, database 110 stores the retail prices for products 160 set by both the host of the supply chain network server 120 and providers 150 which are associated with said products 160. Providers 150 associated with the products 160 are able to change their retail prices for said products 160 and transmit those changes to the retail prices, via the supply chain network server 120, to database 110. Upon receiving an updated retail price for a product 160 from a provider 150, the second condition 217 displayed in any one of
In an embodiment, the second condition for acquisition includes at least one of: a price, a discount code, prescription information, refill information, usage instructions, a user acknowledgement selection, and third-party payer information. For example, the second condition 217 displayed in at least
In an embodiment, the requested product or service is at least one of: a product that requires a prescription, a product that does not require a prescription, digital media, a telemedicine session or a medical service. For example, the product 160 selected in
In an embodiment, the method 300 may comprise the step of receiving, via the virtual marketplace server, user account data that includes information regarding one or more designated providers associated with one or more pets. For example, in
In an embodiment, the provider associated with the user-specific account is authorized by an entity other than the user to permit the user to access to the product or service. For example, the entity other than the user may be an insurance company which offers coverage for product 160a and not product 160b, product 160a being a less expensive alternative to product 160b. Thus, when a user 141 requests to access product 160b, the provider 150 is only authorized, by the insurance company, to offer the user 141 product 160a.
In an embodiment, the method 300 may comprise the step of in response to the user request, causing the user interface to display information about the product or service that includes identification information about an additional source for the product or service wherein the identification information is displayed in a manner that indicates the user is not authorized to obtain the product or service from the additional source. For example, in
In an embodiment, the provider is associated with the user-specific account based upon a previous transaction between the provider and one or more of an individual associated with the user-specific account and a pet associated with the user-specific account. For example, database 110 stores provider records 152 corresponding to providers 150 and user accounts 142, including previous transactions between the provider 150 and the user account 142 and the system 100 is configured to establish an association between the two based on the previous transaction, as discussed above with reference to
In an embodiment, the user interface is coupled to a user device connected to the virtual retail marketplace server by one of a wide area network connection and a local area network connection. For example, the user interfaces displayed in
In an embodiment, the first condition has a first value and second condition has a second value and first value is different from the second value. For example, in
In an embodiment, the method 300 further includes the steps of receiving, at the virtual retail marketplace server, an order designating the selection of the provider as the source to provide the product or service, and verifying, via the selectable supply chain network server, that a prescription for the ordered product or service has been received for the product or service and the prescription is associated with the user specific account. For example, in
In an embodiment, the method 300 further includes the steps of receiving, on the selectable supply chain network server, a selection message indicating the provider associated with the user-specific account is a preferred source, and upon receiving, on the selectable supply chain network server, a future user request identifying an additional product or service, causing the user interface to display the provider as a default primary provider for the additional product or service. For example, referring to
In an embodiment, the method 300 further includes the step of receiving an order placement request (e.g., order placement request 252 in
In an embodiment, the user request includes one or more of: i) a search request; ii) selection via a menu; iii) a selection via hyperlink; and iv) selection via hyperlink in a digital message from a provider. For example, the user request 206 in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step 404 of the provider selecting the hyperlink in the invitation to begin the onboarding process. The method may comprise the step 406 of, in response to the provider's selection of the hyperlink, the provider may be taken to a provider information user interface, received from the retail marketplace server 120 or another server associated with the host of the retail marketplace server 120. The provider information user interface may display a message indicating to the provider that information about the provider is being requested. The information being request may be at least one of: provider name, place of business, and type or classification of business. Alternatively, some or all of the information being requested may be automatically filled in and the provider may be given an opportunity to correct or update any of the information displayed in this manner. Once the provider has finished adding or updating the requested information, the provider may submit an indication that they are finished (e.g., via a button or hyperlink displayed on the provider information UI).
In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step 408 of, in response to the provider submitting the requested information, displaying an agreement to the provider and requesting that the provider sign the agreement. The provider may review the agreement and submit any questions or concerns about the agreement to the host of the retail marketplace server 120. The provider may also submit changes to the agreement for review by the host. After the provider has signed the agreement the onboarding process may continue. In some embodiments, the method 400 may include performing a practice management system (PIMS) integration of the provider 150 with the system 100.
In some embodiments, the method 400 may include the provider selecting pricing options (e.g., second condition 217) for products or services for sale on the retail marketplace server 120. The selected prices may be those that govern transactions on a private marketplace, for example the amount of currency required to purchase the product. Pricing options selection may be included in the onboarding process or completed after the onboarding process has been completed. In some embodiments, the provider may set pricing based on: a fixed price for each product or service it selects, a fixed discount level off a host pricing level (e.g., on a dollar basis or percentage basis) for selected product(s) that it selects, a fixed discount level of a host pricing level for all products that it selects or combinations thereof. For example, the provider may select the price at which the provider wishes to offer products for sale on the retail marketplace server, opt out of an association with specific products, or submit a request for new products. The provider may select an option to default their pricing to match the hosts pricing (e.g., the first condition 215 and second condition 217 having the same value). The provider may select to default their pricing to be a percentage or dollar amount above or below the host pricing. For example, the provider may select to default their pricing to +/−5%, +/−10%, +/−15%, or +/−20% the hosts listed retail price. The provider may also alter pricing on a per product basis. For example, the provider may offer product 160a at the same retail price as the host but offer product 160b at a 5% increased price with respect to the retail price as set by the host. The pricing and product options selected by the provider may be changed by the provider at any time after completing the onboarding process.
In some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise the step 410 of requesting banking information from the provider so that proceeds from purchases on the retail marketplace server 120 which identifies the provider as the desired source for the purchased product or service may be directed to the provider. In some embodiments, once the provider has finished providing banking information, all selections and information from the provider are transmitted to the host of the retail marketplace server 120.
In some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise the step 412 of, processing the information and selections from the provider. The host receives the information and processes the information to ensure all necessary information has been received. The host may correspond with the provider if any necessary information is missing or needs clarification. Once the host has processed the provider information, the host may either approve or deny the providers request to join the program.
In some embodiments, the method 400 may comprise the step 414 of sending an end user license agreement (EULA) to the provider. The EULA may be sent to the provider in response to the host approving the providers request to join the program. The EULA may not be sent to the provider in response to the host denying the providers request to join the program. Once the provider executes the EULA the automated onboarding process is completed and database 110 is updated to include an association of the provider with the product(s) 160 having corresponding product records 162 included in the database 110.
Referring to
In one embodiment of the invention, there is a method for controlling access to a supply chain comprising: receiving, on a supply chain network server, a user request identifying a product or service; and in response to the user request, causing a user interface to display information about the product or service that includes identification information about two or more distinct sources for the product or service, the two or more distinct sources including no more than i) a host of the supply chain network server; and ii) a provider associated with a user-specific account.
In one aspect of the method the information about the product or service further includes a) a first condition for acquisition of the product or service preselected by the host of the supply chain network server, and b) a second condition for acquisition of the product or service preselected by the provider associated with the user-specific account.
In one aspect other method also includes: displaying the first condition proximate identification information of the host of the supply chain network server; and simultaneously with the displaying of the first condition, displaying the second condition proximate identification information of the provider associated with user-specific account information.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method may also include, prior to causing the display of the identification information about the provider associated with the user-specific account, displaying on the user interface a prompt to associate the user-specific account with the provider.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the prompt includes one or more of: a drop-down menu, a dialog box, a login screen and an icon.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes verifying that the provider is authorized by the host of the supply chain network server to provide products or services via a marketplace server; and verifying that the provider has authorized association with a user.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes automatically associating the user request with a prescription authorization from the provider.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes storing in a database, coupled to the supply chain network server, the first condition for acquisition of the product or service and the second condition for acquisition of the product or service; verifying, via the supply chain network server, that the provider is authorized to change the second condition for acquisition; receiving, via the supply chain network server, an updated second condition for acquisition; and storing in the database coupled to the supply chain network server, the updated second condition for acquisition; wherein causing the user interface to display information about the product or service includes displaying the second condition for acquisition.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the second condition for acquisition includes at least one of: a price, a discount code, prescription information, refill information, usage instructions, a user acknowledgement selection, and third party payer information.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the requested product or service is at least one of: a pharmaceutical product that requires a prescription, a product that does not require a prescription, digital media, or a telemedicine session.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes receiving, via the supply chain network server, user account data that includes information regarding one or more designated providers associated with one or more pets.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the provider associated with the user-specific account is authorized by an entity other than the user to permit the user to access to the product or service.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes: in response to the user request, causing the user interface to display information about the product or service that includes identification information about an additional source for the product or service wherein the identification information is displayed in a manner that indicates the user is not authorized to obtain the product or service from the additional source.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the provider is associated with the user-specific account based upon a previous transaction between the provider and one or more of an individual associated with the user-specific account and a pet associated with the user-specific account.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the previous transaction includes i) writing of a prescription; ii) a transaction for the purchase of a good or service that is unrelated to the requested product or service; iii) a registration with the provider; and iv) obtaining an authorization code.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the user interface is coupled to a user device connected to the supply chain network server by one of a wide area network connection and a local area network connection.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the first condition has a first value and second condition has a second value and first value is different from the second value.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the first condition has a first value and second condition has a second value and first value is the same as the second value.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes receiving, at the supply chain network server, an order designating the selection of the provider as the source to provide the product or service; and verifying, via the supply chain network server, that a prescription for the ordered product or service has been received for the product or service and the prescription is associated with the user specific account.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes receiving, on the supply chain network server, a selection message indicating the provider associated with the user-specific account is a preferred source; and upon receiving, on the supply chain network server, a future user request identifying an additional product or service, causing the user interface to display the provider as a default primary provider for the additional product or service.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes: prior to causing the user interface to display the provider as a default primary provider for the additional product or service, verifying that the default primary provider has pre-selected the product or service for inclusion in a provider virtual marketplace.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes receiving on the supply chain server an indication that a new user and an authorized provider are associated with a transaction initiated on a separate network coupled to the supply chain network; and in response to receive the indication, creating a user record for the new user via the supply chain network server and associated the authorized provider with the user record.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects, the method also includes receiving an order placement request, on the supply chain network server, for a product to be sourced from the provider, the product requiring a prescription; querying a database, via the supply chain network server, to verify that a valid prescription with sufficient refills have been associated with the order placement request; recording in the database, an indication that inventory associated with the order has been transferred from a wholesale inventory associated with the supply chain network server to a retail inventory of the provider; receiving, in the database, an indication that the product has been shipped; and transmitting to a provider server, from the supply chain network server, a transaction message including information relating to provider product inventory status and a net proceeds transactions summary indicating a difference between accrued amounts associated with inventory transferred from the wholesale inventory associated with the supply chain network server and accrued amounts associated with orders, to be sourced from the provider, that were placed with the supply chain network server.
In any one of the foregoing embodiments or aspects of the method, the user request includes one or more of: i) a search request; ii) selection via a menu; iii) a selection via hyperlink; and iv) selection via hyperlink in a digital message from a provider.
In one embodiment of the invention, there is a system configured to perform one or more of the embodiments or aspects of the methods described above.
In one embodiment, there is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions which, when executed by an electronic device performs one or more of the embodiments or aspects of the method described above.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/121,040 filed Dec. 3, 2020 entitled “System and Method for Controlling Access to a Private Marketplace on Supply Chain Network”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2021/061786 | 12/3/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63121040 | Dec 2020 | US |
