Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02768216 2012-02-08
Title of Invention:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN INTEGRATED WORKFLOW PROCESS,
SOCIAL, CONTACT AND WEB MARKETING SOLUTION
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This submission is a continuation application of International Patent
Application
#PCT/CA2011/050405 filed in the Canadian Receiving Office of the PCT on June
30, 2011
and claiming priority from United States Provisional Patent Application
#61360308 filed in
the USPTO on June 20, 2010.
Federal Sponsorship
N/A
Technical Field
This invention relates to the data processing for financial, business
practice,
management or cost/price determination applications where there is a
computerized
arrangement for the management of interaction between individuals or entities
that are
connected by social networking and specifically to a system and method for an
integrated
workflow process, social, contact and web management solution.
Background Art
In 2009 e-mail marketing generated over $26 billion dollars in sales. Millions
of
businesses are using opt-in marketing to communicate better with their
customers, remind
them of products, sales and special events. When done right, opt-in e-mail
marketing can
create a loyal, profitable customer base. However, business marketing methods
and systems
have yet to take full advantage of the marketing opportunities presented by
social media and
the creation of social spaces. The evolution of communication and information
sharing
through social media combined with cloud based computing has given rise to a
plethora of
`spaces' that a business or individual needs to participate in and track by
having access to
efficient workflow processes. To date, social networking application such as
TwitterTM and
FaceBookTM, BlogTM, LinkedInTM Profile, YouTubeTM and FlickrTM are used in a
disconnected matter. Having to keep up with the many ways that people
communicate and
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interact presents a challenge for businesses wanting to create and maintain a
profile and
active presence on social networks as well as track and participate in
customer
communications over social networking applications. There are three major
problems
associated with placing and keeping a business in the market;
1. Presence: the business has to be able to locate where its clients are
conversing,
searching and socializing. With so many social networking applications,
finding the
client is often hit and miss.
2. Maintenance: the business must spend a large amount of resources to learn
and
update the various social networking applications and spaces used by clients
to
socialize and search.
3. Connections: the business must identify the correct market and then manage
information on the large number of connections by responding to communications
and capturing data. This includes e-mail, cellular phone texting, instant
messenger,
blogs, telephones and faxes.
Technical Problem
Therefore, there is a continued need for a social media aggregation site that
can
customize for any business and bring together various social media. The
creation of a social
space can bring together a disconnected social media presence and make it easy
for
customers to see what a business has been Tweeting, posting and talking about.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Solution
The present invention is a system and method for establishing workflow process
for
an integrated social, contact and web marketing solution. The system involves
a series of
multi-dimensional workflows and state machines within interactive process
spaces. The
process model has particular elements from the state machine and workflow
engine that
provide a user interface by exposing traditional linear functions in workflows
to the user and
through interaction the users performing the redaction (the redactors) add
process elements of
their own. This has the effect of creating a new state machine flow and
opportunity for the
redactor (user) to have control via the altered state machine created by the
redactor.
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The state machines are combined in sequence to allow users to interact at
various
levels not previously accessible. In the case of a workflow in a pharmacy, for
an example, a
doctor at the point of care with a patient, can take a credit card, change and
address at the
same time as accessing an active formulary and providing a prescription on a
real time basis.
The state machine workflows on the pharmacy floor typically handle a linear
fill, ship and
bill process. In the business process object integration model the processes
of formulary
access, billing and shipping or any other workflow based process at the
pharmacy level
including but not limited to compounding medications, medication and over the
counter
products and combinations of these are accessed at the point of care.
The combination of workflows is provided through specific space application
gadgets, where the interface is grouped using targeted data calls directly
into the workflow
purpose. This model modifies the traditional state machine algorithm and flow.
The variable
of outside influence is added by users through permission mechanisms. The
interaction of
these outside users creates a multi-level state machine variance where new
states are
introduced. These are merged through `function points' into the existing state
to create a
new state flow.
The invention is a computer driven system and method for generating an
enterprise
customized workflow management process. The process includes the integration
of social
marketing to business process work and process flows. The method comprises the
following
major processes: an enrolment process, a set-up process, a process to create a
computer
driven workflow environment for the enterprise and a process to create a
customized
dashboard as a user interface so that the user can use the dashboard to access
the customized
workflow management process. The method is scalable for any size enterprise
ranging from
a single individual to a family to a large corporation.
Advantageous Effects
The following advantages apply to one or more aspects of the invention:
1. Power- automated connectivity that makes business information flow faster
at less
expense;
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2. Flexibility- easily customized to any business;
3. Reliability- outstanding record of 99% uptime.
4. These and other advantages of one or more aspects of the invention will
become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
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Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a depiction of an enrolment screen of the invention.
Figure 2 is a registration confirmation screen of the invention.
Figure 3 is an account creation confirmation screen of the invention.
Figure 4 is a user log-in screen of the invention.
Figure 5A is a password recover screen of the invention.
Figure 5B is a password reset screen of the invention.
Figure 6 is a model used in the questionnaire of the invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram of the invention used to describe core market sectors
and zones.
Figure 8 is a diagram of the invention used to describe the role of the
individual in the
enterprise.
Figure 9 is an inventory of technology and communication software sheet of the
invention.
Figure 10 is a work flow process map of the invention.
Figure 11 is a visualization tool used in the invention.
Figure 12 is set-up wizard of the invention to configure a project space.
Figure 13 is the set-up wizard to add users.
Figure 14 is the set up wizard to define business processes.
Figure 15 is the set-up wizard to import contacts.
Figure 16 is the set-up wizard to import contact files.
Figure 17 is a spreadsheet of contacts generated by the invention.
Figure 18 a screen for downloading a landing page template of the invention.
Figure 19 is a page for configuring the landing page by HTML.
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Figure 20 is the finish page for the set-up wizard of the invention.
Figure 21 is a customized dashboard of one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 22 is a help and support page of the invention.
Figure 23 is a user message screen of one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 24 is a preferences screen for customizing a contact card of the
invention.
Figure 25 illustrates activity gadgets of the invention.
Figure 26 is a screen to edit attendees for a task.
Figure 27 is a calendar feature of the dashboard.
Figure 28 is a screen to upload files to a task.
Figure 29A illustrates a files gadget of the invention.
Figure 29B illustrates a screen for adding files.
Figure 30A to Figure 30D illustrate report preparation of the invention.
Figure 30E illustrates a report prepared as a bar graph in the invention.
Figure 31 illustrates dashboard functionality for charting contacts.
Figure 32 illustrates favourite contact operations of the invention.
Figure 33 illustrates a favourite contact profile.
Figure 34 illustrates contact groups.
Figure 35 illustrates the contact duplication resolution feature of the
invention.
Figure 36 illustrates the contact merging facility of the invention.
Figure 37A shows contact editing features of the invention.
Figure 37B shows the contact tagging features of the invention.
Figure 38 shows the bulk notes feature of the invention.
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Figure 39 shows the new groups addition feature of the invention.
Figure 40 shows a record bulk note screen of the invention.
Figure 41A shows the importing contacts gadget of the invention.
Figure 41 B shows contacts imported from OUTLOOK ..
Figure 41C shows the contacts imported confirmation screen of the invention.
Figures 42A to 42D show contact operations of the invention.
Figure 43A to 43C show contacts being searched using filters.
Figures 44A to 44C show associating a contact with a project.
Figure 45 shows task creation for contacts.
Figure 46 also shows task creation for contacts.
Figure 47 is a user log-in screen of the invention.
Figure 48 shows a new task addition screen.
Figure 49 shows a new file addition screen.
Figure 50 illustrate the campaign creator gadget of the invention.
Figure 51 illustrates template creation of the invention.
Figure 52 illustrates a variety of templates available to a user of the
invention.
Figure 53 shows a text entry screen of the invention.
Figure 54 shows the template editing window of the invention.
Figure 55A to Figure 55D show linking features of the invention.
Figure 56A and Figure 56B show further linking features of the invention.
Figure 57 shows a preview e-mail template of the invention.
Figure 58 shows the e-mail reporting function.
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Figures 59A to 59C shows the e-mail confirmation function.
Figures 60A to 60C show contact editing features.
Figure 61 A to 61 C show bulk operations.
Figure 62 illustrates the e-mails opened.
Figure 63 illustrates the list of e-mails sent.
Figure 64 illustrates the number of e-mails clicked.
Figure 65 illustrates the number of e-mails unopened.
Figure 66 illustrates the number of e-mails opened.
Figure 67 shows an Automatic Drive Editor of the invention.
Figure 68 shows the social spaces screen.
Figure 69 shows the adding social spaces screen.
Figure 70 shows components of the social spaces.
Figure 71 shows editing the icon portion of the screen.
Figure 72 shows uploading the icon to a thumb view.
Figure 73 shows RSSTM feed settings.
Figure 74 shows enabling RSSTM feed settings.
Figure 75 shows LINKEDINTM settings.
Figure 76 shows enabling LINKED-INTM settings.
Figure 77 shows expanding the LINKEDINTM network.
Figure 78 shows FACEBOOKTM settings.
Figure 79 shows FACEBOOKTM enabling.
Figure 80 shows FLICKRTM settings.
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Figure 81 shows adding or deleting FLICKRTM accounts.
Figure 82 shows adding the idGettrTM link.
Figure 83 shows adding Twitter'' accounts.
Figure 84 shows adding gadgets to social spaces.
Figure 85 also shows adding gadgets to social spaces.
Figure 86 shows previewing a social space.
Figure 87 shows deleting a social space.
Figure 87A shows selecting settings under the Administration Tab.
Figure 88 shows editing contact ranks.
Figure 89 further shows editing of contact ranks.
Figure 90 shows deleting contact ranks.
Figure 91 shows functionality of the roles gadget.
Figure 92 shows roles selection functionality.
Figure 93 shows the adding roles function.
Figure 94 shows a project spaces screen.\
Figure 95 shows adding project spaces functionality.
Figures 96 and 97 show editing project spaces.
Figure 98 shows adding distribution groups.
Figure 99 shows bulk user options.
Figure 100 shows editing profiles.
Figure 101 shows adding new users to the system.
Figures 102A to 102D show additional user functionality.
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Figure 103 illustrates the screen for creating and maintaining process types.
Figure 104 shows adding new process types.
Figure 105 shows editing process types.
Figure 106 shows cloning of process types.
Figure 107 shows editing of cloned process types.
Figure 108 shows a feedback screen of the invention.
Figure 109 shows a dashboard configuration of one example of the invention.
Figure 110 shows recertification of prescription medications.
Figure 111 shows that the physician can add SOAP notes.
Figure 112 shows that the physician can use the calendar to add patient
appointments.
Figure 113 shows that new patients can be added.
Figure 114 shows that the patient database can be searched by a variety of
fields.
Figure 115 to 119 show further management attributes of this example of the
invention.
CA 02768216 2012-02-08
Best Mode
Mode for Invention
The invention creates a connected market space system that will incorporate
features
such as managing contacts, sales processes and organizational gadgets, and
incorporate them
into a toolkit. The invention will keep the user and the enterprise organized
and keeps
marketing conversations going. The invention integrates FacebookTM, TwitterTM,
RSSTM
Feeds, BlogsTM and LinkedInTM presence all in one place allowing the user to
take advantage
of the powerful marketing capabilities of social media. It also allows the
user to replicate the
functionality of SharePointTM, DropboxTM and GoogleTM documents in one system.
The invention permits the user to work smarter and replaces such legacy
programs as
EvernoteTM, OutlookTM and BasecampTM with one easy-to-use system. As a
connected
market space the system has the same powerful features as SalesForceTM,
Microsoft
DynamicsTM and HighriseTM.
Setting up An Account
Since the invention is provided on a subscription-fee basis, there is
requirement for
the user to establish an account in order to access the system. The system
provides for the
user enrolment as shown in Figure 1 screen 10. The enrolment process requires
the user to
provide such information as: first name 12, last name 14, enterprise name 16,
contact phone
number 18, contact e-mail address 20, and the insertion of a password 22. The
user then can
select a desired ".com" address for the user homepage 24. The user then clicks
the `create
my account' button 26 in order to create a user account.
Referring to Figure 2, registration is confirmed by a success screen 28. This
system
provides for a 30 day trial 30. The user can alternatively register with the
system at this point
by clicking button 32 and will be taken to a payment screen since the system
is operated on a
subscription-fee basis.
Referring to Figure 3 the system will send an e-mail 34 to the user indicating
that the
account has been created and request that the user log into the system by
clicking onto a link
36.
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Referring to Figure 4 the user is presented with a log in screen 38 and by
entering the
user log in name 40 and user password 42 the user is taken into the system.
Referring to Figures 5A and 5B the system provides the user with a password
recovery screen 44 and a password reset mechanism 46.
The Set-up Process
Since the successful operation of the present invention is dependent upon the
enterprise user having an awareness of current enterprise connectivity, goals,
structure,
clients, suppliers and software tools the user is presented with a diagnostic
tool to assist her
in mapping the current enterprise process. In one embodiment of the invention
the user is
presented with a diagnostic tool in a software-based format. The diagnostic
tool is based on
a questionnaire. The questionnaire relies on a model 48 illustrated in Figure
6. The
following diagrams illustrate some examples of the information that the user
should have
prior to configuring the enterprise project spaces in the next step described
below.
Identification of core market sector or zone as shown in Figure 7 Item 50.
The role of the user as an individual within the enterprise as shown in Figure
8 Item
52.
The role of the enterprise also addressed in Figure 8, Item 52, including, the
goods
and services produced by the enterprise, the personnel structure or
`organization chart' of the
enterprise and reporting and feedback processes.
An inventory of technology and communication software used by the enterprise
is
listed in Figure 9 Item 54, including, identification of all client, supplier
and enterprise record
databases, an inventory of social networking practices and the identification
of social media
used by the enterprise, review of the communications and internal
interconnectivity between
various groups within the enterprise and external connectivity with clients
and suppliers and
identifying the `best practices' as process flows used by the enterprise.
The best practices process flows can be derived in a variety of ways. The most
useful
ways for a user to identify work flow processes within an enterprise is by
using a
visualization tool such as MIND MAP as illustrated in Figure 10 Item 56 or
MIND JET
or in the format derived from an Excel spread sheet as shown in Figure 11
Item 58.
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The diagnostic tool further requires the user to identify goals and
achievements that
the enterprise wants to meet such as capturing new sales prospects, creating a
customer
survey or delivering information reports that would be personalized for each
customer. The
workflow analysis address every aspect of enterprise operation from the most
trivial to the
most sophisticated.
Workflow Process Environment Creation
Once all the available information is obtained by the user from the initial
diagnostic
process, she will be guided through a setup process by a data input wizard.
The setup
process is illustrated commencing on Figure 12. The setup wizard creates a
user interface by
preparing and presenting the user with a sequence of dialog boxes that leads
the user through
a series of well-defined steps to create a customized user interface or
dashboard. The setup
wizard comprises a number of steps as described and illustrated below;
Step 1. Configure a project space. Referring to Figure 12 Item 60 there is
shown a
screen to guide the user through the first step of the setup process. The
wizard will instruct
the user to enter the name of a project space in field 62. The user has
previously identified a
number of project spaces which divides the enterprise workflow among the
various aspects
of the enterprise. For example they can be used to represent physical offices,
strategic areas
of the enterprise business plan or separate client accounts that the
enterprise works with. In
the example shown in Figure 12 the user has entered the name of the enterprise
as a project
space, namely, "Technical Writing Company" in data field 62. When this is
completed the
user moves onto the next step 64.
Step 2. Add users. Referring to Figure 13 Screen 66 the setup wizard will then
instruct the user to enter the e-mail addresses in data field 68 of all the
enterprise individuals
that will have access to the user account. These would be members of the
enterprise or
members of a specific team tasked with specific activity. The user in the
initial exercise of
identifying the structure of the enterprise has identified the roles of each
of these individuals
and the setup wizard requests that the users identify the role 70 from a pull-
down menu 72
for each of the individuals entered in data field 68. By clicking on the "+"
symbol 74 the
user adds the person to the list of users having access to the account and by
clicking on the
"[-]" symbol 76 the user can delete the entry. The user also has a facility to
add roles that are
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not available from the default menu. Once this step is completed the user can
press button 77
and proceed to the next step.
Step 3. Business Processes. Referring now to Figure 14, the setup wizard will
then
instruct the user to identify the various business processes of the enterprise
and enter those
into data field 78. Data field 78 provides an example template for use by the
user `a sample
sales process' however screen 80 can also provide a full menu of processes
that the user has
identified in the previous diagnostic exercise. Once this step is completed
the user can
proceed to the next step by clicking button 82.
Step 4. Import Contacts. Referring to Figure 15, Screen 84, the wizard will
instruct
the user to input all contacts into the system using data entry field 86.
These contacts have
been previously identified in the diagnostic exercise. The contacts will be
consolidated by
the system so all contact lists will be entered into the system. The system
uses a `csv' import
gadget. Referring to Figure 16 Item 88 the system will request that the user
open the csv file
to generate the Excel spreadsheet illustrated in Figure 17, Item 90.
Step 5. Download Landing Page Template. Referring to Figure 18 and screen 92
the
next step in the setup process is to have the user download a landing page
template. The
landing page is used by all contacts to enter information into the system. For
example, a
landing page could be a `contact us' page on the company website which would
request a
user to input a response or request which would be directed into the system
and subsequently
displayed to the user. Referring to Figure 19 the user can configure the
landing page by
using the HTML source code set out at Item 96. By pressing button 94 the user
is taken to
the final screen in the setup process illustrated in Figure 20 and completes
the process by
pressing the `finishing button' at Item 98.
Using a Customized Dashboard
Once the wizard has completed the setup process the system will generate a
customized dashboard for the user. One embodiment of the dashboard is shown in
Figure 21
at screen 100. The dashboard can take other configurations as desired by the
enterprise user
but will generally contain sufficient data fields to capture all of the
operation aspects of
enterprise activities, marketing and social connectivity regardless of the
size of the enterprise.
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The dashboard is suitable for an individual, a family or a large corporation.
In the
embodiment illustrated the dashboard comprises at least six activity areas or
sub-tabs. In the
embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 those areas are: activities 102, contacts
104, marketing
106 which can also be labelled communications management, social networking
108,
administrative 110 and a tag cloud area 112. Other area labels can be used.
The dashboard
screen provides for a user calendar 114, a facility to upload files relative
to any particular
activity 116, the ability to generate activity charts 118 and a reporting
feature 120. The
template illustrated in Figure 21 also has a help facility at link 122, the
ability to permit the
user to access e-mail messages at link 124 and a preferences page so that the
user can
customize her contact chart at link 126. Referring to Figure 22 the user when
requesting help
at link 122 is taken to a help and support page Screen 128. Figure 23
illustrates the user
message Screen 130 from link 124. It is an advantage of the invention that the
user does not
have to exit the system and go into another e-mail program to access e-mail
messages. E-
mail messages can be directly imported into the system. Figure 24 illustrates
the preferences
from link 1 to 6 so that the user can customize its contact card as shown on
Screen 132.
Activities
Referring back to Figure 21 and screen 100 of the dashboard the activities
gadget 102
displays all of the activities 102A that a user will have to complete within a
specific period of
time. Referring to Figure 25 the activities gadget permits functionality from
a variety of pop-
up menus. Menu 134a shows functionality of opening contacts 136, listing
contacts 138,
editing a task 140, and entering into on-line discussion groups with other
users associated
with a specific activity 142. The on-line meeting place identified as `View 1
to 1 ME Space' is
an on-line meeting space where users can have discussions and post files. Once
a discussion
space is crated, notifications can be sent to participants who have been
invited to `connect'
through the space at any time in order to continue an ongoing discussion. This
facility is
advantageous in that the user does not have to exit the system in order to
access other e-mail
programs to schedule meeting sessions with associated activity users. Menu bar
144 lists
other functionalities such as deferring an activity 146 or dismissing a task,
Button 148 and
Screen 148a. Activities can be deferred 146a for a specific number of days by
using the pull-
down menu 150. Referring to Figure 26 and screen 152 the activities gadgets
including a
facility to permit the user to identify, add or delete attendees associated
with any task.
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Referring to Figure 27 the dashboard includes a calendar feature as
illustrated by screen 154.
The dashboard also includes a facility to upload files in respect of any task
as illustrated in
Figure 28 in screen 156. As illustrated in Figures 29A and 29B the files
gadget in the
activities area includes a menu screen 158 which can filter files for listing
in the activities
area and screen 160 permits user to add files. The reporting function
illustrated in the
dashboard Figure 21 at item 120 is further detailed in Figures 30A to 30D. The
reporting
function permits reports to be selected and filtered according to Screens 164A
and 164B.
The reports can be provided over specifically set time periods as shown in
Screen 166.
Referring to Figure 30E reports can be prepared graphically for the user as
shown at screen
180. In the example shown in Figure 30E the report shows by way of a bar graph
182 the
number of e-mails sent 182a, opened 182b, the number of links clicked 182c and
the number
of users that were unsubscribed 182d.
Referring now to Figure 31 the dashboard includes functionality at item 118 on
Figure 21 for charting contact sources by project space as illustrated in
screen 170. Screen
170 illustrates that the charting of contacts can be filtered by project space
172, the process
174, source 176 and by representative 178.
Contacts
Referring back to the dashboard illustrated in Figure 21 the activity area for
contacts
104 shows a number of gadgets comprising at least four gadgets in this
embodiment
comprising import contacts 104a, view favourites 104b, add a contact 104c and
contact
groups 104d. Referring to Figure 32, Screen 204, clicking on the contacts
button 200 on the
dashboard 100 in Figure 21 will produce a menu bar comprising the gadgets
favourites 202x,
groups 202b, add new 202c and search 202d. For the favourites gadget 202a
screen 204 in
Figure 32 will illustrate a list of contacts that can be designated by the
user as favourite
contacts. Each of the designated favourite contacts 205 will have a profile
illustrated in
Figure 33 at screen 212 window 214. The contacts area provides for a group
gadget at
Figure 34 item 208 which permits the user to work with contact groups. Contact
groups are
displayed in the "my groups" list window 210 which shows the date which the
group was
created 211 and the number of members in the group 213. Groups can be edited,
shared and
deleted. Any duplication of contacts can be resolved through a mechanism
illustrated in
Figure 35 screen 216. In Figure 36 screen 218 contacts can be merged and all
associated
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information such as business processes and history from any duplicate contact
will be moved
to the current contact.
Referring to Figure 37A screen 220 contact groups can be edited and screen 222
shows a variety of group operations in Figure 37B including tagging contacts
222a, recording
notes 222b for distribution to a contact list, creating a campaign 222c for
distribution to a
contact list and the automatic drive feature 222d to be discussed below.
Referring to Figure
39 the automatic drive editor is illustrated in screen 224.
Referring to Figure 38 screen 226 a bulk note can be created and delivered to
a
selected group. Referring to Figure 39 screen 228 new groups can also be added
to the
system. In Figure 40 in screen 232 a contact group can be shared 233 with
other users of the
system.
Referring to Figure 41 A there is a gadget for importing contacts into the
system as
shown in window 236. Contacts can be imported from such programs as Outlook
as shown
in Figure 41B screen 238. Confirmation that contacts have been important into
the system is
sent to the user as shown in Figure 41 C in window 240. Referring to Figure
42A to 42D
window 242 lists a variety of contact operations. For example, window 244
shows that
contacts can be exported in a vCard format and opened with Microsoft Outlook
as shown
in window 246 or a contact link can be established which allows the user to
copy a contact's
information into the windows clipboard. This is illustrated in windows 248.
Referring to
Figure 43A to 43C and screen 250 contacts can be searched by using the filters
shown in
window 252. Window 254 shows that a group of individual contacts can be tagged
using a
bulk tag dialog. Referring to Figure 44A to 44C a group of individual contacts
can be
associated project and/or process type by using the feature noted at window
256. A project is
selected from the pull-down list 258, a list of assignees is chosen from the
assignees list in
filed 260 and a process is chosen from the menu 262 a note can be recorded to
contacts on a
list using the record bulk note editor.
Referring now to Figures 45 and 46 a task can be created for contacts selected
using
the activity editor in window 268. In window 270 as a task approaches its
start time a
reminder notification will be sent to all contacts associated with the task.
Those contacts will
be invited to use link 272 which will take the user to a log in screen
illustrated in Figure 47
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screen 274. Once logged in the user is taken to window 276 in Figure 48 where
a new task
can be added at 276. Once a new task is added a confirmation message is sent
to the task
participants identifying a new file added to the system as shown in Figure 49
Screen 280.
Contacts can also be associated with marketing campaigns and with the
automatic drive
mechanism of the system.
Marketing
Referring back to the dashboard illustrated in Figure 21 the marketing gadgets
are
found in marketing area 106. The gadgets including a campaign creator 106a, an
automatic
drive function 106b, a create list function 106c and an e-mail reports
function 106d. The
marketing feature of the dashboard permits the user to manage mass
conversations with
customized groups of contacts. The user chooses a group you want to send to,
import your
email data (either by copying and pasting HTML code, importing the file, or
importing
information from a URL), preview and send. The marketing feature permits the
user to
automate follow-up emails according to what are proven to be the most
important criteria in
an email campaign- allowing the user to keep the conversation going with no
additional
maintenance.
Campaign Creator
Campaign Creator gadget 290 is illustrated in Figure 50 window 292. To
commence
the creation of a campaign the user will select a project space from the
project space list 294.
This will display a list of templates at 296 that were created on a campaign
templates list.
The user can also add a new campaign template at 298 and create and modify the
recipient
list 300 for a campaign template using this screen. A campaign is like a
newsletter or an
electronic flyer sent to converse with an audience. Based on a recipients
handling of the
message; (open or not, clicking links or not), a customized follow-up message
can be sent
automatically. For example, the user sends out an initial newsletter
advertising services with
links request `more information' or `see our catalogue'. The campaign creator
can create
difference messages for various responses for example a `Don't Miss Out'
campaign or a
`Take a 25% Coupon' campaign message can be sent to recipients.
The following figures and text exemplify the creation of a campaign using the
invention. Referring to Figure 51 the user will select "add new template" 302
within window
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304. This allows a user to configure a campaign using the template editor 306.
The user
selects a project space 308 with which to associate the new campaign from the
select project
space list. This will display the campaign template screen. A name is provided
in field 310
and the name of the individual sending the campaign e-mail is provided in
filed 312. The
sender's address is provided in filed 314. A reply-to name is provided in
field 316. The
address for the reply-to is provided in field 318. A subject line is entered
into field 320,
content can be imported into screen 326 and then as illustrated in Figure 52
screen 324 a
variety of templates is displayed for the user. In Figure 53 a template 326 is
displayed and
the user can enter whatever text is desired in the editing fields 328. The
selected template
328 is displayed within the editing window 326. Once the text has been added
the campaign
template editor can be closed.
Links
Referring to Figures 55A to 55D Items 330 to 336, links can be configured and
used
to see if the recipients of the message took the action of clicking on the
link which indicates a
level of interest on their part. Referring to Figure 56A 338 and 56B 340 and
Figure 57 342
the e-mail template can be previewed and then a recipient list can be
selected. The marketing
feature permits a test sending of the e-mail message. Campaign e-mail
addresses can be
edited and deleted. Referring to Figure 58 Screen 344 clicking a Template Name
345 on
the Campaign Templates 346 list and selecting Preview 347 from the pop-up menu
displays a preview of the Email Message shown in Figure 57 screen 342. You
will be
sending in association with a Campaign as shown in the following illustration.
Previewing
the Email Message allows you to look for any errors you might have made when
creating
the message and correct them before you send out the message. Once you're
satisfied that
everything is perfect, you can confidently send the Email Messages to your
selected
Recipients, as described below. Referring to Figure 58, Item 344 Now that the
Campaign
has been created, it's time to send the associated Campaign Email which will
allow you to
judge the effectiveness of the Campaign through the use of 1Tol ReaVTM's Email
Reporting
function, based whether or not the recipients of the newsletter you've just
designed react to
this Email message; i.e., whether or not they open it, click on any links
contained within it,
etc. Follow the steps below to send a Campaign Email.
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Referring to Figures 59A to 59C a relevant Email Addresses in to the
Confirmation
Address text field 348. Referring to Figure 59B once the first Email Address
is added an
additional Confirmation Address text field 352 on screen 350 will be displayed
permitting
the user to add as many address as required or delete address that are not
required. Referring
to Figure 59C Figure 354 a test message can be sent to the Recipient list to
ensure that the list
is correct and does not contain errors. Referring to Figure 60A window 359 the
recipient list
can be edited using button 361. In window 358 Figure 60B contacts can be
selected to
include as recipients. Referring to Figure 60C a selection of one of the links
in the edit
recipient list 358 displays the edit recipient in window 360 and permits
editing of the
recipient list by checking check boxes 361.
Referring to Figures 61 A and 61C at screen 362 selecting the tab campaign
creator
from the bulk contact operations list permits the inclusion of those contacts
as the recipients
of the campaign e-mail. It is also possible to delete a campaign template as
shown in Figures
61B screen 364.
Referring to Figures 62 screen 366 e-mail reports allow the user to track the
performance of the mass conversation e-mail by critical areas such as number
of opens,
click-thrus and yet to be opened e-mails. In Figure 63 screen 368 there is
shown a sent list
listing the e-mails sent out for the campaign. Figure 64 screen 370 shows the
number of e-
mails that were clicked and Figure 65 screen 372 shows the number of a-mails
that were
unopened and Figure 66 screen 374 shows the number of e-mails opened. Other
windows
show e-mails that were closed, clicked and bounced.
Referring now to Figure 67 screen 390, selecting automatic drive 392 beneath
marketing tab 394 displays the automatic drive editor 396. The automatic drive
editor allows
the user to create a mass e-mail that can be sent to as many or as few
contacts as desired
based on specifications for a campaign. When the user creates the campaign she
also creates
and sets parameters for automated follow-up a-mails according to what have
proven to be the
most important criteria in the campaign.
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Social Spaces
Referring to Figure 68 screen 400 selecting the Social Spaces screen 402 for
editing
purposes with its name. status and last modified date information the Other
Spaces portion of
the screen 404 displays any other social spaces that the user creates within
the system.
Selecting add space 406 on the Social Spaces screen 400 displays space
settings 408 in
Figure 69B. This is used to add additional Social Spaces. A relevant title can
be added into
the page title text field 410 and by clicking okay a new social space is
created 412.
Configuring a Social Space
Referring to Figure 70 screen 414 there is illustrated the various components
of a
social space which are available for editing. In Figure 71 screen 416 the icon
portion of this
screen can be edited by adding a corporate logo. An image can be located on
the computer
as shown in Figure 72 screen 418 and uploaded into a thumbnail box 420. In
Figure 71 text
can be uploaded into a text field 422 pertaining to the company. In Figure 73
screen 424 the
RSSTM Feed settings dialogue is displayed for modifications. In Figure 74
screen 426 RSSTM
Feed settings can be enabled, edited or disabled. Referring to Figure 75
screen 428 and
Figure 76 screen 430 the LinkedlnTM connection can also be enabled, disabled
and edited. In
Figure 77 screen 432 the LinkedInTM network can be expanded who will connect
with your
company. Referring to Figures 78 and 79 FacebookTM settings can be enabled,
disabled and
edited. Referring to Figure 80 item 448 FlickrTM settings can be edited 450
which will take
the user to Figure 81 screen 452 where the FlickrTM account can be added or
deleted. In
Figure 82 screen 454 the idGettrTM link can be added. In Figure 83 screen 456
TwitterlM
accounts can be added and amended. In a similar fashion YouTube accounts can
be added
and edited. Referring to Figure 84 gadgets can be added to a social space by
selecting the
add gadgets screen 458. The add gadgets screen illustrates a list of gadgets
which are
subsequently added to the social space and marked as added as shown in Figure
85 screen
460. Referring to Figure 86 screen 462 the created social space can be
previewed and in
Figure 87 screen 464 a social space can be removed from the system.
Administration
Referring to Figure 87A selecting settings 500 beneath the administrative tab
502
displays all the basic information about the user customize connected market
space. This
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includes account settings 504, contact sources 506 and contact ranks 508. In
Figure 88
contact ranks can be edited in window 510. In Figure 89 window 512 the contact
ranks can
be edited and in Figure 90 window 514 they can be deleted. Referring to Figure
91 the roles
gadget 516 permits the user to select roles or add roles such as the executive
director, CEO or
sales agent. This is illustrated in Figure 92 window 518. Roles can be added
by clicking on
button 520 and using screen 522 shown in Figure 93. Referring to Figure 94 and
screen 524
selecting project spaces 526 beneath the administration tab 528 displays the
project spaces
screen 530. Referring to Figure 94 selecting a project space 534 on the select
project spaces
list displays the settings 536 distribution groups 538 and users 540. In
Figures 95, 96 and 97
project spaces can be added at screen 542 edited at screen 544. A distribution
group can be
added to a project space at Figure 98 screen 546. In Figure 99 screen 548 bulk
user options
can be utilized. Referring to Figure 100 screen 550 selecting users beneath
the
administration tab 554 displays a user screen 556 which allow the user to
create and edit
profiles, assign roles and add or delete users from the organization. It also
permits the user to
mark other users as in the office or out of the office. At Figure 101 screen
558 new users can
be added to the system in window 560. Figures 102A to 102D show a number of
additional
features such as deleting users, setting an out of office status, marking as
in office, or adding
users to project groups.
Process Flows
Referring to Figure 103 screen 562 selecting process flows 564 from
administrative
tab 566 opens a process type screen 568. In this screen the user can create
and maintain
process types and find the various processes that are unique to the
organization and the
various departments within it. This will help the user to be more
knowledgeable and
coordinated in every facet of the business and it will also help the user to
know exactly where
everything stands in any department within the business. Referring to Figure
104 screen 570
process types can be added 572 which display a process type editor screen 574.
A new
process can be entered within the screen by added a name and description. In
Figure 105
screen 576 a selected process type from the process types list can be edited.
Referring to
Figure 106 screen 578 the user can create a process type that is similar to an
existing process
type by cloning it. In Figure 107 screen 580 the cloned process type can be
edited to make
necessary modifications to satisfy the requirements of the new process.
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Feedback
Referring to Figure 108 and screen 582 selecting feedback 584 from the
administrative button 586 displays the feedback template 588 permitting the
creation of
packages of new fields to specify any information the user wishes. These can
then be applied
to any contact in the database. Where this permits creation of a unique
portrait of every
contact and allows you to establish better connections with your clients.
Referring to Figure
109 and screen 590 by clicking add template 592 the screen at feedback
template 594 is
displayed permitting the addition of feedback templates to contacts.
Example: 1to1MDTM
One example of the invention is Ito 1 MD which is a direct connection between
the
physician and the (compounding) pharmacy providing up to date formulary
information, pricing
(including shipping), and delivery reports. In this application a Hierarchical
Partner System is
established wherein medical office groups can share settings and behavior. A
parent organization can
provide settings for its child organizations. It is a practice management and
patient relationship
management system based on the platform previously described and allows a
paperless way to
manage patients.
Following the dashboard configuration process described herein, the dashboard
can be configured
as shown in Figure 110 screen 600. Under the patients tab 602 a patient/drug
prescriber can be
searched and located in the database. In Figure 111, by clicking on the
Recertifications Tab 604, the
physician or pharmacy can see which patients need their medication
prescriptions recertified or not.
Referring to Figure 112, the physician can add SOAP notes 606 (subjective,
objective, assessment,
and plan) to document practice workflow around a particular patient. In Figure
113, screen 608, the
physician can use the calendar to add patient appointments. The add new screen
in Figure 114
permits the physician to add new patients and the search screen in Figure 115
permits the physician to
search the patient database. Figures 116 to 118 show further attributes of the
system wherein the
physician can manage patient reports, patient prescription packages and
patient accounts.
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