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E-commerce using a
modified mobile phone
A German SME has developed an innovative e-commerce solution for a
product information recording, using a modified mobile phone for
mobile data recording of bar codes on products. The concept can be
used both B2B and B2C and will simplify and fasten especially the way
of ordering between private clients/ retail markets and the wholesale
trade. The SME is looking for a joint venture agreement.
A German SME has developed a complete system to realize e-commerce by
mobile phone between the target groups:
- Private households
- Catering trade, hotel trade
- Large-scale catering, canteens, cafeterias
- Social services
- Petrol stations, local grocer's shops
Also, their trading ventures (e.g. consumer markets) respectively
their pre-suppliers (e.g. cash-and-carry, wholesale trade) . The focus
is directed toward the general product groups of the "food trade"
(except the trade with fresh products) .
This kind of e-commerce can be realized by combining components that
have been already developed (essentially a mobile phone plus photo
unit) with special mobile phone software in order to use them for the
new function. The mobile phone can seize the data directly and
transfer it from anywhere and at any time. The data of the sender
(customer) may reach the receiver (supplier) without medium break. A
clearinghouse, where the data is converted into a standard format and
passed on to the receiver, manages the transmission.
Present conditions:
Today, private households do not have the possibility to use
e-commerce solutions in the goods segments specified above. At
present, SMEs of the target group usually pass their orders on to the
wholesale trade by telephone/fax or are forced to take away the goods
by themselves (cash-and-carry and consumer markets) . Already existing
e-commerce solutions are only conceived for the assortment of the
respective wholesale dealer. Orders are keyed in the PC but the PC is
not always within reach when a new order has to be carried out.
The vision:
A standard mobile phone, modified by special software, is used as
''mobile data recording tool''. Thus a widespread, simple to operate
data recording equipment applicable to everyone is available to the
users. With the modified mobile phone the product data are seized with
the help of a camera on the basis of the EAN (European article
numbering) code number attached at every product and stored in the
mobile phone afterwards. From the seized product information the
necessary products can be selected again and again to take them over
into the current shopping list. The compiled shopping list is
transferred to a clearinghouse where the appropriate wholesale dealer
for each order is selected. Finally the order can be passed on to the
respective dealer.
Main Advantages:
1. The new development is applicable universally by making use of
worldwide existing structures:
- EAN/UPC product marking (European Articles Numbering/Universal
Product Code)
- Mobile telephone
That means the system can be used worldwide.
2. For the first time a data exchange from one customer to numerous
suppliers will be possible (1:n - relationship) . The system can be
used both B2B and B2C.
3. The system is easy to install and does not require a large
investment.
Innovative Aspects : Combining the bar code
identification of the article with the functionality of the mobile
phone, even the private sector will be able to make use of the
advantages of mobile data acquisition. In addition, within the
commercial sector, only one mobile data acquisition tool can be used
for all suppliers. So far the current systems are appropriate only for
a specific supplier and not transferable. In contrast to orders in the
Internet this new tool enables the user to select and collect products
at any place (in the baking room, in the workshop etc.).
Subject Descriptors : Communications networks,
Information processing, Microelectronics, Software engineering
Subject Index Codes : Telecommunications, Information Processing,
Information Systems, Electronics, Microelectronics
Subject Class : IT, telecommunications
Market Applications : Administrative data processing, Data,
information security
Stage of Development : Prototype/demonstrator available for testing
Remarks : IRC Data: PhonPen
Property Rights : Secret know-how
Collaboration Sought : Joint venture agreement, Financial support
Collaboration Detail : - Type of partner sought: Within the ranges
food wholesaling, food retail trade, hotel business, catering trade,
kiosks, cafeterias, large-scale catering, petrol stations, beverage
wholesale, social services. The company is looking for SMEs in all
European countries.
- Specific area of activity of the partner see above! - Task to be
performed Testing and demonstrating the system
Contact Details
Contact Name : WEINAND, Thomas (Mr.)
Contact Organisation : Euro Info Centre Trier/EU-Beratungsstelle fur
Rheinland-Pfalz
Address : Technologie Zentrum Trier
Bahnhofstrasse 30-32
City : Trier
Region : RHEINLAND-PFALZ
TRIER
Trier, Kreisfreie Stadt
Postcode : 54294
Country : GERMANY
Telephone Number : +49-651-9756714
Fax Number : +49-65-19756733
Electronic Mailbox :
weinand@eic-trier.de |
RoDI
ISOC
IWA
ARTT
RTS
WQC 2003
ISAQ 2005