FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the automated electronic ordering of made-to-measure articles. A real-time situation means that a client can obtain a quotation and place an order immediately without posting information and awaiting a response from the supplier concerned.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The ordering of made-to-measure articles has traditionally been a time consuming and interactive process between a sales representative, customer, and a manufacturer who needs to obtain the relevant information required to manufacture the final product. In this process, a quotation for the particular product needs to be obtained by either the customer supplying the dimensions, colour, texture etc or by means of a fax, telephonically or by an approved representative of that particular organisation or an approved dealer or distributor. Such made-to-measure articles include blinds for

windows, doors and the like, curtains, carpets, furniture, security doors, folding doors, shutters and so on.

Although many articles are available for ordering on Internet websites, these are normally ordered by selecting a product from a standard range out of a catalogue; very much similar to merely selecting an article from a catalogue in a shop. In addition, the ordering process has also not been refined to the point where it is an automated and electronic real-time process. To the extent that so-called customized ordering is available, it is limited to including standard optional extras, for example by ordering a motor vehicle with the options of metallic paint, central locking, and so forth.

Specifically with blinds, the currently available systems include numerous manual steps which contribute towards inaccuracies in the quotation/ordering process. These inaccuracies lead to wasted costs in manufacturing to incorrect specifications which are mostly for the account of the manufacturers or the distributor and very often even the end user if he was involved in supplying the needed specifications anywhere in the ordering and finally the manufacturing process.

The vast majority of mistakes are made after the point at which the customer or representative, branch, outlet or agent have taken the sizes and communicated his order to a sales representative, or when sending the order directly to the factory via fax or email and before the point where the product is manufactured.

A manual/fax/verbal process is also used to transmit the quotation and ordering requirements and information necessary for manufacturing to the factory. This process is tedious and inherently flawed since data has to be rewritten or copied numerous times before quotation and ordering and finally manufacturing can take place which leads to mistakes and wasted man hours.

The wastage also has an environmental impact since many blinds are made from natural material such as wood. The impact also extends to unnecessary wastage of materials such as steel and plastic.

In this specification, the phrase "made-to-measure" means manufacturing an article according to specifications selected by a home user customer, agent, consultant, or distributor. The specifications vary, but for each article there is an essential specification list which the manufacturer requires to enable him to manufacture the product.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an online interactive and live ordering system for made-to-measure articles that at least partly alleviates the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a method for ordering of a made-to- measure article through an electronic communications network including:

• making available to a user on the network means to make a selection of manufacturing variables relevant to the manufacture of the made-to-measure article,

• receiving from the user through the network a selection of variables ,

• processing the selected variables to generate a cost estimate from a pricing database,

• providing the cost estimate to the user through the network, • providing the user with means to order the selected made-to-measure article,

• formatting the selection to conform to the format requirements of a manufacturer of the made-to-measure article, and

• transmitting the formatted selection to the manufacturer.

There is further provided for the method to include the step of confirming the cost estimate to the user through the network, and preferably by means of one or more of an email message, a mobile telephone text message, or a satellite television message.

There is also provided for the method to include the step of confirming the order to the user through the network, and preferably by means of one or more of an email message, a mobile telephone text message, or a satellite television message.

There is further provided for the made-to-measure article to comprise a blind and for the selection of manufacturing variables to include the blind type, texture, colour, size, control options, fixing options, and pelmet requirements.

There is still further provided for the step of formatting the selection to include arranging the selection of variables into a layout in which the manufacturing specifications for each one of a plurality of factories are shown separately; and preferably for the manufacturing specifications for each factory to be transmitted to a receiving means of each respective factory.

There is still further provided for the step of formatting the selection to include saving the manufacturing specifications for a factory in a table format in a document and attaching the document to an email which is transmitted to an email address of the factory, and preferably for the table with manufacturing specifications to be transmitted to a manufacturing process controller of the factory, and further preferably also to a stock level controller, and an accounting system, and to record and present information relating to the method in the form of a front end information gathering system of the factory.

There is also provided for the communications network to include any one or more of the networks within a Global Information Infrastructure and preferably the Internet, , private electronic communication networks and mobile communications device networks, and for the means to make a selection of variables to comprise a software application operable on communication devices which include computers, mobile communication devices, and satellite televisions, and more preferably for the mobile communication devices to include mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and mobile Internet devices.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided for an electronic ordering system for a made-to-measure article, for the system to include means to present to a

user through an electronic communications network a selection of manufacturing variables relevant to the manufacture of the made-to-measure article, means to receive from the user through the network a selection of variables, means to process the selected variables to generate a cost estimate from a pricing database, means to provide the cost estimate to the user through the network, means for the user to order the selected made-to-measure article, means to format the selection to conform to the format requirements of a manufacturer of the made-to-measure article, and means to transmit the formatted selection to the manufacturer.

There is further provided for the system to include means to confirm the cost estimate to the user through the network, and preferably by means of one or more of an email message, a mobile telephone text message, or a satellite television message; and further preferably means to confirm the order to the user through the network, and preferably by means of one or more of an email message, a mobile telephone text message, or a satellite television message.

There is further provided for the means to format the selection to include means to arrange the selection of variables into a layout in which the manufacturing specifications for each one of a plurality of factories are shown separately; and preferably also means for the manufacturing specifications for each factory to be transmitted to a receiving means of each respective factory.

There is also provided for the manufacturing specifications for a factory to be saved in a table format in a document or the preferred format of the factory and for the document to be attached to an email which is to be transmitted to an email address of the factory, and preferably for the table with manufacturing specifications to be transmitted to a manufacturing process controller of the factory, and further preferably also to a stock level controller, and an accounting system; and for the system to be configured to record and present information relating to the method in the form of a front end information gathering system of the factory.

There is still further provided for the communications network to include any one or more of the networks within a Global Information Infrastructure and preferably the Internet, private communication networksand mobile communications device networks, and for

the means to make a selection of variables to comprise a software application accessible available on communication devices which include computers, mobile communication devices, and satellite televisions, and more preferably for the mobile communication devices to include mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and mobile Internet devices.

According to a still further feature of the invention there is provided a communication device; preferably a computer, television decoder, or mobile communication device; configured to make available a selection of manufacturing variables relevant to the manufacture of a made-to-measure article, to receive a selection of variables from a user, to transmit the selection of variables to an electronic ordering system for a made- to-measure article, to receive a cost estimate from the system, to provide the cost estimate to the user, to provide the user with an option to order the selected made-to- measure article, and to transmit the order to the system.

According to a still further feature of the invention there is also provided for an interface between the system and software related to the manufacturing of the made-to-measure articles, and preferably for this interface to be configured to allow direct input of data related to the manufacturing of an ordered made-to-measure article into the manufacturing schedule of a manufacturer in real-time by a user including an ad hoc user, consultant, branch, agent , architect, interior designer, retailer or chain store.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only and reference to the following charts which show aspects of an Internet, intranet and satellite operable ordering system for decor items, and an overview of the potential global impact this invention could have on the passing of information. The charts include the following:

Chart 1 Is an overview of the architecture of the network operable system;

Chart 2 shows detail of the architecture of the system relevant to numerous factories and branches, and showing the interaction between various branches and the overview of these operations from a central point;

Chart 3 shows detail of the architecture of the system for a single manufacturer with more than one branch;

Chart 4 shows detail of the architecture of the system for a member of the public using the system using the Internet/satellite technologies;

Chart 5 shows detail of the architecture of the system for a registered agent using the system through the Internet; Chart 6 is an overview of the satellite operating procedure similar to the system shown in Chart 4;

Chart 7 shows detail of the architecture of the system for the basic chain store process; and

Chart 8 shows the architecture of the overview in the global environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The software generations

It is extremely important to understand the development of the evolution of how the made to measure industry has evolved to appreciate why this invention is unique and extremely necessary.

Up until around 15 years ago when a client required a made to measure item, a specific company was contacted by the customer and a representative was sent to measure and quote on the item, either on site immediately, or if it was too difficult to quote on, he would need to return to the factory to consult others. As no mobile phones were available, this was how it was done. After the quotation was prepared the sales person either returned to deliver the quotation, or it was sent via the postal service. If the client accepted the quotation, the sales person returned to obtain a security deposit if required and gave the client an official order. He then returned to the factory and hand prepared the job cards etc. This pretty much sums up the way business was done before.

Then followed the arrival of the fax machine. This made everyone's lives easier as the sales person could now cut out a few steps by merely faxing the quote to the client, and the client could sign the approval and fax it back, and pay the deposit directly into the client's bank account or issue a cheque on completion etc.

Computers were then introduced and quotations became a lot more professional and the manufacturers became more automated. The introductions of cell phones also speeded up communications and customer service etc.

Then came first generation software where all computer programs were written and stored on physical hard drives on each machine using floppy or stiffy type diskettes. It was possible to network all these machines to each other but it was not possible to operate through external networks such as the Internet as the internet was not in existence yet. All data was manually inputted into static software to obtain the required results to manufacture the product but not able to generate real-time quotations.

Then followed the second generation software which made use of information stored on CD ROMs but was still stored on the physical hard drive of a machine. These machines could also be networked to each other and had the capability of connecting to the Internet network via a modem, ISDN or broadband connection but needed a live update link to update any information on the software package that was being used. Most software companies still make use of this method to live update as there are too many users that have purchased software already and would not like the fact that they needed to continue purchasing disks to update the software they have already paid for and installed. Anti-virus software is a typical example of this type of software. With new viruses being developed all the time, anti-virus companies need to get the antidote updated software to their clients as quickly and easily as possible. Hence, the live update feature. This is also used on Windows XP for updating service packs.

The third generation software is what this invention is all about. All the manufacturers' product information and specifications are stored on a server based machine where selected users are issued with usemames and passwords to access the information required to obtain the quotations and placing of orders on the made-to-measure article. The updating of information is such that all active users are notified of any changes to

the product range and any other information change that the users are required to know via email. Products, price, specifications, updates of colours, out of stock items and factory lead times etc. can be changed from the source without the interruption of the flow of information to and from the client, user or manufacturer.

Connections to this server can be by using broadband, dial up modem, ISDN modem, cellular technologies such as MMS, SMS, Bluetooth, GPRS, WAP, PDA's, laptops, 3G technology or any other mobile or handheld device as well as satellite television technologies using home users satellite decoders and remote controls. This invention works around these technologies and merely explains the means in which the process takes place to process the information required to order a made-to-measure article with the use of the current technologies and third generation broadband software.

The network communication types

It is envisaged that this process will in the future not be restricted to the Internet but will be functional to operate with all networks in the Global Information Infrastructure, as well as the current technology of satellite television receptions, cellular technologies such as Bluetooth, GPRS, WAP, SMS, MMS, laptops, 3G technology or any other mobile or handheld device. All of these technologies will simply be adapted to allow this invention to be utilised in any type of mobile technology for sales consultants to generate an immediate quotation on the clients premises or in a retail store, or to enable a user to obtain and acquire made to measure articles with the use of this invention from the comfort of their armchairs while making use of a simple satellite decoder, remote control and his television. No computer systems need to be bought for this mobile and satellite process to function. All this information will be transmitted via the network directly to the manufacturer without any duplication of information.

The invention

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Chart 1 and comprises an Internet website called "Home Decor Online" which operates as a portal through which it is possible to order made to order articles which includes blinds, curtains, windows, glass, bathroom items, kitchen items, furniture, carpets, doors', security doors, shutters, folding doors. This list is not exhaustive.

As shown at the centre of Chart 1 , a user is given the option of selecting the relevant type of article and is then directed to the appropriate linked website on which to view and obtain a quotation and place his order. The preferred embodiment comprises an Internet website for the online ordering of blinds. At this point a determination of the applicable manufacturer is made to identify the location of the relevant factory

The users of the system may include factories, registered agents and ad hoc users or what we refer to as the home user or man in the street system. The factories would use the system to make it possible for their agents or franchises to place orders on their manufacturing system, which means an order placed at Branch 1 of Factory X could be placed on the manufacturing schedule of Factory X by an authorised person at Branch 1 through the system. The access granted to Branch 1 is limited to direct access to the system of Factory X. For example, where Factory X manufactures only blinds and Branch 1 is a franchise only of Factory X it will not be allowed to place an order for the manufacture of a blind on Factory Y which manufactures blinds or any other type of item. If it wishes to place such an order it will have to be done in the same way as an ad hoc user or a registered agent

Registered agents or ad hoc users of the system are able to place orders on any factory linked to the system. In the case of a registered user the system recognises the agent and may allow the agent a predetermined discount with linked factories. In the case of an ad hoc user, the user logs onto the system, selects the relevant product he wishes to order and places the order on such a site. In Chart 1 ad hoc users and registered agents enter the system through what is shown as the man in the street and interior decorators. It is beneficial for an interior decorator to register on the system if he will order in bulk since registering entitled him to some discount. However, in some

instances a decorator may choose not to register in which case he would use the system in the same manner as an ad hoc user.

Chart 2 shows more detail of the interaction between branches of a manufacturer and the head office of the manufacturer. This is shown for a factory that manufactures blinds. A private agent network under the direction of a company named "Blind

Solutions" receives orders from its agents and places these orders on the factory sales office. The agents of Blind Solutions include private agents such as interior decorators, architects, and branches which operate as agencies of the factory in this example. These are all shown to the top left of Chart 2.

The factory also has its own branches shown at the centre bottom of Chart 2. Each of these branches has its own representatives and fitters and collectively operate as branches in the traditional sense of the word, i.e. they are employed by the head office. Alternatively, they may be franchises or agencies of the factory such as Blind Solutions who in turn could have their own independent franchises or branches and fitters, to operate for their own profit.

Each branch or agent is able to place an order on the factory sales office through the system. At the factory (Chart 8), the management has access to the system to overview the orders they receive. The access may be divided between an accounts administrator and managing Director level with the option to divide the functions between them to allow the accounts administrator to issue usemames and passwords and open agent accounts, and allow the managing director to perform these functions as well as block non payers and so on. This division is up to the discretion of the factory management

Chart 3 shows the process followed when a branch logs onto the system. The process for each branch is the same, and upon logon, the username of the branch is used to display the correct homepage for that branch, which means that Branch 1 of Factory X which manufactures blinds will be shown the homepage of Factory X and not Factory Y which manufactures products other than blinds. From the branch's point of view it has logged into a site hosted by their factory, even though it is a homepage presented for the branch through the greater "Blindsonline" and "Home Decor Online" sites.

As shown in Chart 3 the display on the homepage includes all products to enable the branch to make a selection. In this regard, the step named "All existing steps used in previous website processes" refers to steps shown in Charts 4 and 5 which follows hereafter. These steps represent the selection process which allows the user, in this case the branch, to select the correct product etc.

Following these steps, the branch is presented with an order summary in the form of a "Blind Summary" and the fitting and courier costs, if applicable. The branch then has the option to place an order or receive a quotation to be submitted to their client. The branch can accept the quotation which is then converted to an order once the client has confirmed the order to the branch.

The branch, when logged on, can make use of the process to obtain a quotation which when submitted will be shown only the relevant branch details and will then be prompted to input the customers details in order for an official quotation from that branch to be submitted. Upon acceptance of this quotation, it will be possible to be converted to an order from the branch where the quote has been submitted from directly to the factory in real-time and in the required factory format.

Once the order has been placed, the user is prompted to input the valance options where applicable to the product. This feature is explained in more detail in Charts 4 and 5, and further on in the document under the heading valance options. This completes the order process following which the order is confirmed by means of a print copy and an email copy which is sent automatically to the branch which includes the unique order number. As this is not the man in the street system and basic chain store system, no SMS messages are utilised in the branch and agent systems as these are directly aimed at the factory. The order is placed on the factory in the form of a master copy and having attachments and tabular factory formats which divides the order in product categories if the factory so chooses or will link directly to the manufacture control, stock level control, and accounting software.

A prompt for the password of the authorised person ordering is displayed as a final measure to validate the order. The head office of the factory is responsible for issuing all

usernames and passwords to authorise transactions. This also applies to agents, which is discussed further on.

Chart 4 shows the standard ordering process which forms the basis for all ordering on the system. In Chart 4 this is shown for the blinds online website, but it applies equally to, for example, orders placed by branches and agents on the factory.

Standard Quick quote system (part of the process in Chart 4)

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of example only. The preferred embodiment comprises an Internet website or satellite decoder for the online or live/real-time quotation or ordering of blinds. The satellite channel could be a spare channel used for home shopping and could be connected directly to one of our domains namely www.homeshoppingonline.co.za.

Or a specific furniture retail group (Chart 7) or building material supplier that supplies finishes to the home user market that would like to retail made to measure products from their stores by using our invention to process all the required information to obtain cost estimates or purchase made to measure articles.

The website/satellite shopping channel (Chart 6) includes a portal which allows a user to select a blind from a group of hosted blinds. Once the type of blind, for example Venetian in either 16mm or 25mm width, has been selected, the customer selects the texture, e.g. brushed, crackle, marble and the like of the blind. The customer then has to select the colour, for example cinnamon.

The customer is then presented with a page which requires input of the desired size of the blinds, first the width and then the drop in mm. If the customer inputs a measurement which falls outside the available sizes for the selected blinds type, whether it be either over the maximum width or drop or square meterage or under the minimum width or drop an explanatory error message is displayed to the customer to assist him in making a correct choice. A movie style format on how to measure his window area or opening is available to view to assist the client in making the correct choice.

This is the end of the quick quote system. At this point all the clients' personal details are entered and the quotation is sent to the client via fax or email. Confirmation of this is sent via the SMS cellular network to confirm the quotation number and that an online or satellite quotation has been submitted.

Please note: If the client later decides to accept this quotation he would need to enter the rest of the information required to process the order again from the beginning as in the long quote or order process. A new quotation will then be offered to convert to an order as the system will not allow any alterations to be made on any quotation after that number has been issued. This serves as a 100% confirmation that there will not be any duplications of quotes/orders due to alterations been made and being submitted more than once. If any specifications, colour choices or textures have changed, the client will need to start the process again to obtain a new price.

Long quote method (also used for the actual ordering process) (Chart 4)

This method can be used immediately if the client would like to specify all his selections to proceed to convert this quote directly to an order without having to enter the information at a later stage in the process.

When the selection of the correct measurements are done at the end of the standard long quote system, the customer also has to select the controls and stacking of the blinds, where applicable, the method of mounting of the blind with a choice between a recess fix and a face fix. The customer also has to select on which side of the blind the pull cord and tilt cord will be and whether he wishes to include a standard or a loop cord. All relevant information varies from product to product.

In addition to the selection aimed at providing an online quote/order, the website/satellite also hosts an electronic movie style format and text based information at various intervals of the process which provides the customer with information relating to the correct way to take measurements for reveal fix or face fix options in the quotation/ordering process. Movie style and text based Information relating to the installation methods for the selected blinds, the most suitable blinds for a specific

purpose and so on. All of these pages are designed and included to enable a customer to make an accurate online selection and receive an accurate quote for the selected blinds.

This concludes the selection of the variables to enable manufacturing of the blinds. Following this the estimated cost of the blinds are determined from the selection and the estimate is presented to the customer in the form of an online/on screen summary quote.

The customer is then presented with the option to include delivery of the selected blinds and this is done by selecting the area and town to which the blinds has to be delivered.

The weight and volume of the selected blinds are calculated and determination of the delivery cost is based on this value, the distance from the factory to the destination and delivery rates. The delivery charge is included in the quoted amount by updating the blind summary after making the relevant selections. The customer is also presented with an option to insure the order and an amount for this is calculated from the quoted value of the order. The customer is thus presented with a final quote and given the option to print the quote, email the quote, or place an order for the selected blinds.

When the client views the quote/order he is requested to input his contact details. Upon the input of his contact details the customer is asked whether he would like to be contacted by a consultant and whether he would like final sizes to be taken of the product available only in the selected areas listed. Other options include collection of the blinds. On any further selections the quotation /order is official and a reference number or order number is automatically allocated to the client.

If he selects the 'yes' option the client is immediately sent an SMS confirmation that his quotation has been processed and the nearest agent will contact him and it issues a reference or quotation number identical to the quotation number issued on the email quote, if the client entered an email address, an automatic copy of the quote is then sent to the email address provided.

If the client selects 'no' he is still sent an SMS and email confirmation of the quote with the quote number, however he will not be contacted by a consultant.

If the client selects order at this point, the same process occurs in him receiving an SMS and email confirming his order and, as this is an order, he will automatically be contacted by the nearest sales consultant to arrange for the final sizes to be taken if he has selected that option.

Once the order is placed, the payment is handled in the normal manner for Internet payments or by means of the preferred method by that particular company. It is envisaged that the system used for pay per view movies over satellite television may also be utilised to secure the funds from that user. The satellite company can also add it the to clients monthly bill if so desired or credit card details can be submitted over the satellite decoder once this technology is available and secure or any future payment facilities that still need to be developed.

The customers confirmation of his quote/order and reference number is sent via SMS as well as being able to be viewed 24/7 by way of a page displaying the quote/ order details on the Internet website or on the homepage of the shopping channel of that particular company in a field provided for viewing of quotes and orders. The client can access the same quotation 24/7 for the validity period of that quote. If the client would like to accept the quote within the validity period, he can do so in three separate methods:

1. The client can retrieve the quote off the Internet website and convert it to an order by inputting the quote number in the field provided to view existing quotes/orders. Once the client has accessed the quote, he can convert the quotation to an order where the exact same process as before will take place to verify his confirmation.

2. The client can utilize the home shopping channel on a satellite decoder and access the quote by inputting the quote number in the field provided to view existing quotes/orders by means of his remote control or interactive satellite keyboard. Once the client has accessed the quote, he can convert the quotation to an order where the exact same process as before will take place to verify his confirmation.

3. The client can reply to the SMS quote confirmation that was sent to him, with the message quote accepted or merely accepted and he will be contacted by a consultant to verify all the information regarding his quotation and the means to

convert it into an order. The consultant will have access to his quote on the online systems with the clients quotation number as a reference.

Once the representative has concluded his final sizes, colour, texture etc at the clients premises he is able to convert the quotation into an order if all the original specifications have remained the same. If any of the specifications have changed the complete process will have to be redone to allow a fresh quote/order to take place.

Valance Options It is envisaged that once the order has been processed the options for the type of valance or pelmet will then need to be selected, where applicable. This final phase of the order is crucial to how the final product will look once it has been fitted at the end user.

This valance phase has been a problem for many manufacturers since there has never been an accurate or exact manual or electronic process to handle this aspect.

The process

Upon the selection of the fixing of the blind, the valance is determined in two different ways:

1. Reveal or top fix.

The valance will automatically default to the exact width entered before any deductions are made for the gaps needed to allow the blind to fit in the window comfortably. This is known as a tight window size. If the finished blind size option is selected (where the blind is made to the exact measurements entered) it will make absolutely no difference to the valance size.

This size is considered the default value. However, an option to override this value will be made available for any unforeseen hindrances in the way or for a better final appearance.

2. Face fix option

The valance will automatically default to a return valance which means that the actual width entered will have a variable typically of approximately 12mm that will be added to each side of the actual width entered. For example, if a width on the blind

is specified at 1200mm the final size of the return valance would be 1224. The return on each side offers a 45 degree mitre to fit snugly on the mitre provided on each side of the valance to close off each end.

The size of the valance once again can be changed from that of the default value due to practical implications. The valance may also be selected as a flat valance with no returns, a left return valance only at any size entered or finally a right valance at any size entered.

One valance spanning 2,3 or 4 blinds

The possibility of having one valance spanning over the width of more than one blind at a time is very good for blinds situated over a doorway side by side. These blinds are usually required to be split due to the excessive square meterage restricting the blind to be in one unit.

The valance options allow for this situation. If no valance option is selected for blind number one of two blinds, the system automatically assumes that the blinds are side by side and then defaults the width of this valance to the exact width of blind no 1 and blind no 2 before deductions in the case of a reveal fix blind but may never exceed the maximum width of a valance which is typically 2400mm.

In the case of face fix blinds the valance is defaulted to the width of blind no 1 and blind no 2 with an added 12mm clearance on the left of blind no1 and a 12mm clearance on the right of blind no 2. This will also automatically be defaulted to a full return valance. Once again, this size can be overridden by manually inputting your desired size as well as selecting whether you would like a left return or right return only or even a flat valance at your desired size.

There are times when a valance would need to span 3 or more blinds. This would then be a case of allowing one flat valance for each blind in the case of a reveal fix or specifying the actual size of 2 valances to be split equally over the accumulative width of all 3 blinds before deductions and so on.

In the case of 3 face fix blinds side by side the system where no valance options have been selected for blinds no 1 and blind no 2, the system will default one valance to all three blinds provided the 3 combined widths do not exceed the maximum width allowed per valance which is typically 2400mm. If this amount is exceeded, the system will not allow the selection of one valance over the third blind but only over the previous two blinds.

The other option would then be to allocate a left return valance to span over blind no 1 and half of blind no 2 with a left return and the exact opposite for the right hand side, being one valance for the balance of blind no 2 and over blind three with a right return. At no time can a return valance be selected for blind no 2 if it is a face fix blind and no valance selection was made for blind no 1 if it was a reveal fix, as this is rarely possible in practicality that one blind next to another would have different fixing methods and share a common valance.

As it is clear this covers all available technical difficulties encountered in the valance ordering process and all this information will be accurately transmitted in real-time with the order in the format required by the relevant factory to process and manufacture the order.

This concludes the quote/order process as far as the customer is concerned. The order is then further processed to enable manufacturing of the ordered blinds. The determination of the relevant factory is also used to determine in which format the manufacturer requires the order.

Chart 5 shows the process followed for a registered agent. Differences between Charts 4 and 5 include that agents need to logon to the system. When a new agent subscribes to the system, he is prompted to input all his relevant data and his name is included in the agents list. Following this, a discount is allocated to the agent. This discount depends on the agents profile or rating in the system and this is determined by aspects such as usage of the system, promptness of paying and so on. Once the discount is allocated, the agent's account is live and he may place an order through the system under his username.

The system includes a calculation of a discount based on the rating of the agent. An agent may be granted a discount of 5% from factory x on blinds and a 10% discount from factory y on curtains. The discount schedule is also presented in a level 3 format. The first level is where the agent selects delivery only, the second level he selects delivery and measurement by representative of the factory or blinds online, and the third level he selects delivery, measurement and installation be a representative of the factory or Blinds Online or Blind Solutions. It is envisaged that a fourth level will be added to allow the agent the option of collection at the nearest branch of the factory or Blinds Online outlet.

The data which comprises the selection is then reformatted into the desired format. In a preferred embodiment a manufacturer has several factories each of which is responsible for part of the manufacturer's product range. The combined daily orders received through the Internet website are collated for each factory in table form on separate pages or is processed electronically and plugs directly in the interface between the manufacturers manufacture control software system and our electronic format information provided. Depending on the manufacturer's software it can updated in batches on a daily basis or in real-time as the order goes through the blinds online system software.

For example, the website may have received ten orders for Factory A and 5 orders for Factory B. An electronic communication in the form of an email or electronic job card will be sent to a dedicated email address or interface at each factory detailing only their relevant orders. In this way, Factory A will receive an automatically electronically generated instruction which lists in table form their manufacturing orders. The table includes all the information necessary to manufacture the blinds, such as type of blind, texture, colour, size, the method of mounting, the side of the blind on which the pull cord and tilt cord will be, and whether the blinds should include a standard or a loop cord as well as valance options

In addition to the individual factories receiving their orders electronically, a collated copy of all orders for the manufacturer is also communicated to the factory and head office of the manufacturer. This communication is also done by email to allow the head office to

have electronic as well as hard copies of all information and orders supplied through the system.

It is envisaged that the interfaces discussed earlier will not be the only interfaces that can be utilised. The current bar-coding software that is available for the identification of certain products can be utilised. This bar-coding software and integration will be discussed and be very relevant in all the processes where orders are to be placed on the factory and need to be tracked anywhere form start to finish in the manufacture to delivery process.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. It is for example possible to use the invention for the online ordering of made-to- measure articles other than blinds, such as curtains, carpets and the like. Although the invention is particularly well adapted for the interior decorating field due to the individual nature of items that are ordered in this industry, it is also possible to use the invention in other industries.

It is envisaged that the website/satellite will include an option to allow customers to revisit their orders in a predetermined period, for example 24 hours, to allow cancellation or modification of the orders. This means that the communication of orders to the manufacturer will only take place after the expiration of the 24 hours.

It is also envisaged that the website/satellite may be adopted to allow a manufacturer to host an online ordering service which will make use of the process underlying the website of this invention. In this way, a manufacturer may be able to host only his own products on a website/satellite channel, but make use of the invention to obtain the correct order information from a customer and to correctly and forward automatically the data to his factory or factories. Payment may be received by the administrator of the website/satellite service which will in turn will be passed on automatically to the manufacturer.

It is further envisaged that agents, such as interior decorators, may register as users on the system for a periodical fee. In exchange for this fee they will be entitled to a discount which will be negotiated with manufacturers. In this way it will be possible for agents to

place orders through the system and for manufacturers to effortlessly fulfil these orders. The benefit in this for manufacturers lie in the saving related to inaccurate ordering, which will allow them to pass some of the savings on the agents in the form of a discount.

It is also envisaged that it will be possible for the system administrator to block temporarily access to the system for an agent with the use of the system administration software in the event of default on a payment. This will prevent the agent from the discount and provides an incentive for agents to not default on their payments. This also serves as another incentive for manufacturers to provide the discount since they will know that the agents placing orders through the system will only be those in good standing with them.

It is also possible to format the selection made by the customer to suit the needs of the specific factory. In this way, it is possible to present the data relating to the selection made by the customer in a format suitable for easy integration with the existing system used by a factory or a group of factories.

Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) system process (Chart 6) Process

1. A Home Shopping Online channel is made available on Digital Satellite Television.

2. Home user - The home user is connected to the Home Shopping Online channel by means of the satellite network's ISDN modem or satellite transmission feed or signal. This is connected via the Internet system directly into the system according to the invention. The Home Shopping Online channel displays the homepage of the preferred company or group of companies that make use of the invention.

3. Obtaining a quotation - once the home user has accessed the shopping channel via his connection from his service provider he will have a link to Home Shopping Online where all the made to order products on our system will be displayed. Upon selection of "Blinds Online" the home user will be taken to a home page where a summary of all the products will be displayed as currently on www.blindsolutions.co.za

4. Selection of products - The client is offered various options to view products, textures, colours, product information's, specials on offer etc. Part of Chart 4 explains the processes needed to go through to obtain exactly the same basic quotation using the standard quick quote system. 5. The quote and ordering process remains the same as for the ad hoc user for

Chart 4.

Basic chain store process (Chart 7)

This section serves to identify the process required for a chain store group to use the invention.

Process

1. The client comes into a store, submits basic sizes and chooses product, texture, colour to store sales consultant behind desk or counter. 2. The store consultant logs into system software with username and password provided by head office which identifies him as that particular sales person from that specific Outlet of a particular group of companies.

3. Inputting of data - The clerk inputs the client's product texture, colour, sizes, and quantity of blinds on the basic quick quote system. 4. Fax, print or email quote - the consultant has the option to print the quotation there and then for the client or fax it to a fax destination or email the quotation to the client. SMS verification will automatically be sent to the client's cell phone to confirm the quote was submitted with a quote number for future reference.

5. Upon acceptance of the quotation, the sales consultant can convert the quote immediately to an order and the rest of the ordering process will take place in terms of asking for stacking options, fixing options etc as in the ordering process described earlier in this document, (see Point 7)

6. Representative - If the client is unsure of the sizes an appointment can be made for a sales representative to visit the clients premises to attain accurate sizes, product, texture and other information required to manufacture the product successfully on the information provided.

7. Order - Once the representative has the accurate information a final real-time quotation can be provided to the client by means of the long quote system. Once again, this quotation is emailed or faxed to the client with an SMS confirmation of the

quotation with a quotation number. On acceptance of this final quotation, the client pays a deposit to the retailer if so desired to secure the order. This quotation is then converted to an official order where all the information required to manufacture the blind is transmitted electronically in real-time in the required format for manufacture. The client once again receives an SMS and an email confirming the order. The SMS merely confirms the order has been placed and the order number and expected delivery date, but the email order displays the actual information relating to what the product, colour, texture, deposit amount paid etc and what the order is all about. 8. Tracking - It is envisaged that once the SMS with the order number has been received by the client, the order can be tracked by sending an SMS with the order number where a reply of what date the order is expected to be delivered to the store where the original products were purchased using the technology in point 9. This is simply calculated by the number of days it requires to manufacture the product and adding the approximate days for the couriers to deliver. 9. Bar-coding - It is envisaged that the tracking option will be made possible if the manufacturer makes use of this particular form of identifying a product. As in point 7 we discussed the fact that an order number is issued with every order. When the information required to manufacture the product is sent via the electronic communications system as discussed previously. Not only does the system send that information but also from which company, outlet, and sales person the order came from. The actual customer details such as physical address, contact telephone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers etc are all sent to identify the client in as many ways as possible. All of this information is linked to the clients order number and a barcode is allocated to this package for want of a better word. Once the clients sends an SMS with his order number the system accesses this package in the system and relates all the required information of where the job is currently in the system.

10. Delivery - once the package has been through the system and is completed and packaged, the couriers are notified by the factory for collection. Once the package arrives at the branch the job number is re entered into the system to confirm the job is now ready for collection by the client if it was originally stipulated for collection or the installation department is now notified that the package has arrived and is ready for fitting

11. Completion - This next phase is simply to sign off the job to client entering the clients order number back into the system and entering the sales consultants username and password to verify this. Now commissions can be released to the consultants etc.

International/ Global Overview system potential (Chart 8)

The reasoning behind the global overview is for the simple reason that it is envisaged that this invention will have far reaching potential in affording companies to monitor all the activities that relate to their business on an international level in terms of sales figures, staff productivity, market shifts, product identification, and global economy in their particular market. Sales by continent, Country, region, Province, Group of companies utilising their product range, sales by particular company as well as that particular companies branches or outlet by province or region and even down to the actual sales person in that outlet. All this information is linked to the system administration or reporting software. This is a great tool for identifying a good sales person amongst thousands of sales persons connected into the system. It will almost be like the cliche "finding a needle in a haystack" This system really could change the face of the made to measure industry worldwide.

Process

1. Head Office- In this example we make use of Hunter Douglas head Office in Rotterdam, Holland. Hunter Douglas is currently the powerhouse of blind products globally. They distribute to more than 80 countries worldwide.

2. Continent - The five continents reporting system administration talks to Head office. There will be one epicentre system administration in each Continent housed in a country of choice by the Head Office.

3. Countries - All the countries will be linked to the Continent Head office reporting system administration.

4. Provinces - All the provinces will be linked to each individual Country Head Office or factory. The factory's reporting system administration talks to the Country,

Continent and main head office system administration as all orders placed on these factories have stock levels linked to Ordering system of head Office. As stocks run low in a particular product in a continent, country or region in a particular factory ,

they can be ordered automatically. The other benefit is the overall view of sales by Continent, Country and province or region.

5. Company - This separates the actual company that purchases goods from the factory. There are approximately 1500 agents or retail companies that currently purchase blinds from factory x in South Africa. If all agents were connected to the

Head office of factory x , they could easily d see how much each company, agent, outlet or branch purchased by day, week, month, year, by product , texture or colour, slat width etc. This would all be in real-time and the list is not exhaustive.

6. Sales consultant - With the sales consultant capturing all the data on the front end to generate quotations and place orders directly to the factory with the use of this invention, it is now possible for the Main Head Office to view the performance of a sales person within a particular company. They are able to assess which product range he or she has a problem selling by comparing one product range to another by sales figures relating directly to that particular user. This is why this is called front end gathering of information which benefits the Head Office with the use of this invention to have all the answers.

Commercial Quick quote and in-house office system

It has been envisaged that this system will be vital to_assist the bulk users that require the option to acquire a quotation on an entire building of blinds with very few differences in product, texture, colour and size as well as assist sales office staff in showrooms or customer services to verbally communicate comparative quotations over the telephone efficiently and effectively and not to mention always accurate pricing. This process will eliminate incorrect prices given from pricing tables, surcharges, discounts etc. This process will be similar to the standard quick quote system; however it is versatile enough to make any change on the specifications that can be used in the standard long quote system once the client has accepted the quotation it will be possible to convert it to an order using the standard ordering process discussed in Chart 4. This process differs to the degree that thumbnail pictures of the products supplied in all other processes are not required in this instance as the bulk users and customer services staff within the industry are generally agents or branches that are in the made to measure industry and have a sound knowledge of the product ranges.

This process has drop down menus and click boxes to speed up the process. Please note that to enable this process to work the original process of gathering and acquiring the information is the same, however the method and way the system calculates and displays the information differs.

The process comprises of the first 3 basic steps in the current Branch, ad hoc user & Agent process, however far quicker for telephonic quotations due to drop down selections and comparative pricing options being available, namely: product (type of blind) is selected, then slat width, then texture and colour within the texture. From there, the number of blinds is selected and then text fields will be made available to enter only width and drops to the desired measurements. An option will be made available to view comparative quote. On selection of this option a navigation bar will be displayed to view the pricing for each desired product selected by means of a check box based on the sizes entered for that quantity of blinds. A drop down menu will be made available on that page to select texture and colours for all the available comparisons desired. Once options such as discount, surcharge, installation, measurements, collection and delivery are made, an update will display the prices and default these selections to all comparative prices viewed. It is now possible to verbally communicate different prices for various products with all the charges etc to the client within a matter of seconds.

The user can remove and add any unwanted or further required comparisons by means of the removal or add tick boxes next to each product. Once the 'delete' or 'add' button is selected the page will only display the desired comparisons.

If the client is satisfied with the telephonic quotation, the customer service consultant has the option to either reset the quote to be ready for the next call to come in or has the option to either print, fax or email the above quotations to the client if the Client so desires. If 'yes' is selected on the generate quote button the page displaying customer information is displayed. All the customer's details are entered by the customer service consultant by the client still being active on the telephone call. Upon entering and verifying all the personal details, the client will be asked where the company details were

acquired (discussed further on for reporting and marketing purposes) and whether a sales consultant is needed to be sent to the premises of the client to show final colours and take final sizes before ordering (discussed later in document).

A basic quotation can now be generated in a basic quick quote format. This process will follow the same route as before, where a quotation number will be allocated to the quote for future reference and an SMS cellular confirmation of the basic quick quote will be sent to the client to verify the interaction between the customer service consultant and the client. If 'No' is selected the system will move to the next section of the quick commercial quote process.

At all times the system administration will have real-time accounts of all quotations done on the reporting system once the generate quote button has been selected. This system will however not record any verbal quotes obtained. As discussed further on the sales consultant will now go to the clients premises armed with proof of the quote and discussion. As the customer service consultant has to log onto the system, any quote generated on the system will identify them as the responsible person regarding the quote.

This concludes the first level of the in house system and continues onto the commercial quick quote system.

The process continues for the commercial quick quote system if the generate quote button was not selected previously in the verbal quote and basic quote process.

Other fields will be made available to enter the location where the blinds will be in the home/office and so on. Options to select whether a discount or surcharge or cut outs are to be added to that particular group of blinds in that room or whether a discount or surcharge is to be added to each individual blind in that room will be made available.

Upon selection of these choices an option to create a comparative quote will be offered if it was not already selected in the verbal quote or basic quote stages. The user is now able to view all the comparative prices for the complete product range by means of a

breakdown by product, texture, colour and the sizes entered, as well as the quantity of blinds selected for that particular room or location. At the end of this process the individual unit price per blind will be displayed with a sub total, discount, surcharge, Vat and Grand Total, or a selection can be made to view the grouped price of the room with a breakdown of different products, textures and colours and displaying a grand total price and displaying the overall discounts or surcharges entered for that room or location.

The other current info such as control options, recess or face fix fitting, tight or finished window sizes, stacking options, standard or looped cords and control cord lengths all falls away as this is designed to offer a quick option to obtain a price and generate a quotation on the system for anything from 1 blind to any number of blinds.

The other option on the quick quote or in-house office system will be to select the first 3 steps as above and then select a number of blinds, for example 300. The system will then prompt the user to confirm, in a check box format, whether all 300 blinds have the same size. If 'yes' is selected it will prompt only a text field for the width and the drop. It will then ask whether the product is the same, if 'yes' is selected it will ask if the texture and then the colour is the same. If 'yes' is selected the system will display a unit price for that blind multiplied by 300 to obtain the subtotal for the blinds, surcharge or discount selections as before, VAT and Grand Total. If 'no' is selected it will display all 300 width and drop text fields.

A prompt will then be displayed to select if the 300 blinds are to be in groups or batches of sizes. If 'no' is selected the system will continue as above to input all 300 sizes. If 'yes' is selected the correct amount of groups can be selected but no more than the actual amount of units initially selected. For example if 1 group is selected the system will still ask for 300 sizes. If 2 Groups is selected 2 text fields will be made available and defaulted to 150 blinds each to make up the 300 units. If 3 groups are selected it will default to100 blinds each and so on. Once these groups and sizes have been selected the rest of the above process will follow in terms of selecting the product texture and colour for each group of blinds as before.

At the end it will gather all these prices in a form of shopping basket showing the blind summary and breakdown of the various breakdowns in batches to equal all products selected etc selected for the 300 blinds.

A further feature will be the option to include installation costs per blind and this will then be added to the total at the end if this option was not already selected previously. There will also be an option to include any special remarks for scaffolding etc. A special remarks box will be provided to justify these surcharges selected and remarks. Scaffolding and cut outs are perfect examples of why surcharges and remarks are added.

This in-house quote system and quick quote commercial system is compatible with the current long quote and branch/agent system. Where courier charges can be calculated the same way for the entire order delivered anywhere in South Africa. This calculation is based firstly by calculating the cubic meterage of each blind packaged divided by 5000 to obtain an estimated Kg amount. It then calculates the actual weight of the blind based on number of blinds of similar sizes weighed on a scale packaged to get accurate Kg weights per blind. All the above is done real-time on the system and does not make use of a static program downloaded on a computer.

The reasoning behind adding these features to the invention is two fold. The first is that on certain commercial jobs that have large numbers of windows requiring the same product, texture and colour, the current process is tedious in obtaining a price purely for quotation purposes.

The second reason is the opportunity to use this feature on the current branch system and basic chain store process for the man in the street client to phone in and obtain a price on various blinds over the phone directly from the sales consultant in real-time at the Blind Solutions showroom. This would be almost identical to what the client would receive in terms of a quote if he went directly into the retail store or onto the furniture store website or directly from his television at home.

These quotes can now be recorded in a hard copy format or digital format which will always remain on the database for future reference incase of any discrepancies that result in a consultant going to the clients premises and the client claiming that the price quoted over the phone differs from the consultants quote.

The person at the branch/store, showroom giving the price to the client will be able to capture the client's information and fax or email the quote on their companies letterhead as a firm quote based on the sizes, product, texture and colour provided by the client. Thereafter a confirmation of the quote would be sent via SMS as in the basic chain store process directly to the client's cell phone utilizing cellular technologies. The consultant can now go to site to obtain final sizes armed with the quote obtained by the client, with positive proof of the discussion by means of the hard copy quote. A further feature is for the person at the branch, outlet or showroom that is capturing the client's information to generate a quotation and establish where the client obtained the companies details, whether it is a yellow page advert or a referral etc.

A report can then be generated by management utilizing the reporting system administration software to obtain accurate information on which forms of advertising is working best for them.

Once the consultant has concluded the final colours and final sizes he can obtain a final cost estimate using mobile technologies to generate a final quote on the long quote process. This will follow the previous steps and SMS a confirmation of the quote number to the client. He then can convert the quote to an order and once again the client will receive the SMS confirming the order. The order will go directly to the factory displaying all the manufacture details of the order, the client and the sales consultant's details and from which company or group the consultant represents etc.

The rest of the process is as before once it has reached this point.

Cut-outs

This will fall into the Branch and Agents ordering system specifically as this will be added as a special requirement of manufacture, however provision will be made in the quotation process to ascertain whether a cut out needs to be done on the blind and a surcharge will be added accordingly if need be the user will enter the cutout info in the quote process as this can be tricky and is better to enter while still fresh in ones mind.

A cut-out occurs when a blind is fitted into an opening and the bottom corners or head rail of the blind need to be trimmed or cut out to enable the blind to fit neatly within this opening and the blind not being obstructed by skirtings or window handles etc. The factory requires this information accurately so as to enable the cutouts to be done on manufacture neatly and professionally and not leaving it up to the installation teams to do by hand on site as this can be a disaster when comparing a factory finish to the blind cut by hand. Often a client is unhappy and the blind has to be remade. This process is all electronically selected and submitted as an attachment on the order to the manufacture in the form of a cut out diagram. The process is as follows:

Quote Process

After the client has entered all the relevant info of product, texture, colour etc and he gets to the point where he can select the cut out option. If he does not select anything the system merely goes to the next step and allows the quote to be obtained as before.

If the user selects yes it takes him to a drawing of a rectangle or square based on the width and drop entered by the client. It automatically displays the width and drop defaulted to the entry made during the process. He is the prompted on whether he wants a left or right cutout or both left and right. Upon selection of the text box he is prompted to input the width and drop of the cut out. Maximum and minimum widths and drops of cutouts vary by product and errors will be displayed if the user exceeds these parameters.

A further feature is if the cutout needs to be made at the head rail whether it is cut at a 45 degree angle for corner windows or just a simple cutout, the user will be prompted to input his specifications.

A new width and drop is displayed taking all the sizes into account. Upon acceptance of this quotation and conversion to an order, an attachment comprising of a drawing is then sent with the order referring to this particular blinds cutout schedule on the master copy and factory breakdown form used for the manufacturing process.

System Administration - reporting system

Most companies have reporting systems however this invention allows the reporting system to be viewed in a real-time basis. As a quotation and order has been updated into the system this information is available immediately throughout the whole system and to all the security levels with permissions granted to view the information.

Below is a basic list of common reports that can be accessed from the invention:

By consultant, agent, branch, division, region, province, country, continent

Quotes value, sales value, conversion rate (rand value), percentage of conversion, sales to order hit rate by client numbers, fitting costs, courier charges, lead source reports, advertising feedback from stores.

Bv product, agent, branch, division, region, province, country, continent Sales texture, colour most common size, most common slat width.

The above list is not exhaustive.

This amplifies the uniqueness of the invention, as all the other systems need the information to be input manually after receiving the information verbally, or by means of a fax machine, or, in some cases, an email with a spreadsheet resembling the factory layout required. This information would then still needed to be manually entered into the accounts software and into the manufacture control software before the manufacturing processes can take place. In some cases, these orders need to be duplicated in duplicate copies for the accounts copy, factory copy, delivery note and representative's proof of order. These also then need to be split into individual product by factory, and

then tally up in total cash values of the original order and then be batched for delivery to the dispatch all as one order again at the end of the manufacturing process.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the above descriptions. It is possible to apply the invention to fields other than blinds, and as discussed it has particular applications in the decor industry. However, it is not limited to the decor field and could be used in any field where articles are made-to-measure.