Method for Encoding Orders and Expediting Order Processing Across a Distributed Network

Abstract

A method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network that enables expedited processing of orders, and expedient fulfillment of repeatable orders, by use of a code in lieu of particular order data, wherein a code input into a merchant point of sale effects communication with a remote server hosting a unique customer account whereby particular order data, associated by the customer with the specific code, is retrievable to effect expeditious fulfillment of the order by use of the code as proxy.

Claims

1. A method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network, said method comprising the steps of: assigning a code for download to a unique customer account, said code storable and alternatively generable for selection and input at a merchant account; enabling customer input to designate the code to particular order data enabling processing of any good or service offered by the merchant in connection with said order data; storing the particular order data in connection with the code; and retrieving said particular order data when the code is entered into a merchant point of sale to enable fulfillment of the customer order, said customer providing only the code at any point of sale; wherein said code is usable by a customer to effect ordering of particular goods and services, whereby input of the code into a merchant point of sale automates communication of the particular order data through a merchant order processing system to expedite processing of the order.

2. A method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: connecting a server in network with the merchant order processing system, said server accessible by customers over Internet protocol; enabling customer side management of codes assigned to unique customer accounts; effecting communication between the server and the merchant order processing system to update said merchant processing system; and effecting communication from any merchant point of sale with the server when a code is entered therein; wherein the code is customer controllable and updateable to reflect new order data when desired, whereby updateable order data is distributed to the merchant order processing system when the code is entered at any merchant point of sale.

3. The method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network of claim 2 wherein the merchant point of sale includes a webpage, a form field, a point of sale terminal, or any networked interface wherein a code is enterable by the customer or an employee manipulating said point of sale.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1 thereof, example of the instant method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network employing the principles and concepts of the present method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network and generally designated by the reference number will be described.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 an example embodiment of the present method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network is illustrated.

[0018] The present method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network has been devised to enable simplification of orders and expedition of processing of said orders by establishing a code for input into any merchant point of sale whereby particular order data, associated with said code by a customer having a unique customer account, is generable into an order processing system by action of inputting the code in lieu of the particular order data.

[0019] Thus the present code is metadata for actual order data and serves as proxy. Repeated orders are more readily effected by input of the code, at any point of sale, whereby actual order data is routable through an order processing system using the code as proxy. The present method includes multiple embodiments across multiple platforms, and is usable with food orders, item orders for sale, or any order likely to be repeated often enough wherein use of a code to expedite order fulfillment and save time when inputting the order at the point of sale is desirable.

[0020] The present method, therefore, includes the steps of assigning a code for download to a unique customer account. The code is selectable, or generable, at setup of a customer account in connection with a particular merchant. A customer may, therefore, select or generated a code as proxy for particular order data which is subsequently associated with the selected code. An example might be “Mealfor4”, which includes particular orders—and any ingredients or custom order instructions—for four people with options, such as delivery or pickup for example, defined therein.

[0021] Once a code has been assigned, the customer is able to input the code in lieu of the particular order data at time of purchase, the code standing as a proxy for said particular order data, whereby input of the code generates expedited fulfillment of the order on the merchant order processing side.

[0022] A customer thus selects a code, or creates a unique code, and designates the code to particular order data to enable processing of any good or service offered by a merchant able to process the code in connection with said order data. The code and associated particular order data may be stored in a database connected with a server, whereby entry of the code at point of sale initiates communication with said server to access the customer account in the database and thus retrieve the particular order data associated with said code.

[0023] When the code is entered into a merchant order processing system, the particular order data is retrieved and fulfillment of the customer order is enabled. The particular order data associated with the code is processed along the order processing system, and the customer need only provide the code at point of sale. Thus time is saved effecting any order, at any point of sale, in person, over the telephone, or via networked computing or peripheral devices, as case may be.

[0024] The present method for encoding orders and expediting order processing across a distributed network may also include a server, connected in network with the merchant order processing system. The server is accessible by customers over Internet protocol to enable customer side management of codes assigned to unique customer accounts. Communication between the server and the merchant order processing system is effective to update said merchant processing system with updated codes, as administered by the customer.

[0025] Any merchant point of sale is caused to communicate with the server when a code is entered therein, whereby the point of sale initiates retrieval of the particular order data for which the code is used as proxy. The code is thus customer controllable and updateable to reflect new order data, when desired, whereby updateable order data is distributable to the merchant order processing system when the code is entered at any merchant point of sale.