EP-4738228-A1 - OMNICHANNEL SELLING ENGINE AND ORDERING ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

An omnichannel ordering architecture is disclosed that enables seamless integration of multiple ordering channels and platforms. The system comprises a cloud-based platform with a central open check object that maintains real-time order state and manages concurrent modifications from various personas. The architecture includes an application programming interface (API) for creating, modifying, and manipulating checks, as well as integrating with existing point-of-sale (POS) systems. The platform supports flexible ownership transfer between cloud and store systems, allowing for efficient order management across different channels. The system can operate during network connectivity loss through alternative communication methods. This architecture improves order accuracy, enhances customer experience, and streamlines operations for food service businesses by providing a unified, real-time order management solution across diverse ordering channels and platforms.

Inventors

• TRENCSENYI, Zsolt
• KLOZ, Vladimir
• BRABEC, JAN
• ROTH, ROMAN
• GRAJCIAR, Ivan

Assignees

• NCR Voyix Corporation

Dates

Publication Date

20260506

Application Date

20251010

Claims (15)

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a cloud-based system, an order from a device; processing the order using an omnichannel cloud selling engine; synchronizing the order across multiple ordering channels; optionally, calculating an order total for the order; optionally, applying at least one loyalty reward; optionally, generating a digital receipt for the order, the digital receipt comprises the order total; and sending at least one notification related to an order status.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein processing further comprises: validating items on the order against a menu; resolving item prices; and applying fees and surcharges based on a configuration.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein synchronizing further comprises: maintaining a digital twin of the order using an open check service; and handling ownership changes of the order between cloud and in-store systems.
4. The method of any previous claim, wherein calculating further comprises: using a stateless check calculator service to recalculate a check total and taxes; and ensuring consistency between cloud and in-store calculations; and/or wherein applying further comprises: integrating a loyalty program into an ordering process; handling loyalty points redemption; and pushing a new transaction to loyalty providers for point accrual.
5. The method of any previous claim, wherein generating further comprises: determining when and how to send digital receipts based on configurable state changes, order modes, and a source of the order; and/or wherein sending further comprises: configuring rules for when short message service (SMS) and email notifications should be sent based on state changes, order modes, and a source of the order.
6. The method of any previous claim, further comprising: managing kitchen operations using a kitchen manager; and interfacing with a digital kitchen service to handle order routing and food preparation workflows.
7. The method of any previous claim, further comprising: managing a shopping cart for the order using a cart manager; integrating the shopping cart with an open check service to maintain consistency across different ordering channels; and/or further comprising: processing a payment for the order using a payment orchestrator; and integrating a payment gateway and handling payment-related operations.
8. The method of any previous claim, further comprising: transforming transaction data to a transaction data management (TDM) format using a transaction data orchestrator; performing continuous updates of TDM data as needed.
9. A method comprising: receiving an order from one of multiple ordering channels; creating an open check object for the order; processing the order using a cloud-based selling engine; synchronizing an order state across cloud and in-store systems; managing order fulfillment; and updating an order status across each channel.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving further comprises: accepting the order from a mobile application, an in-store kiosk, a table-top device, a drive-thru order display, or an order aggregator system.
11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein creating further comprises: generating a digital twin of the order; and providing an application programming interface (API) for creating, modifying, and manipulating the order; and/or wherein processing further comprises: validating order items; calculating taxes and an order total; and applying one or more of promotions and loyalty rewards.
12. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein synchronizing further comprises: implementing a communication channel between cloud-based services and in-store POS systems; handling ownership changes of the order between cloud and in-store systems; and/or wherein managing further comprises: routing the order to an appropriate kitchen or fulfillment location; and tracking order preparation status.
13. The method of any of claims 9-12, further comprising: generating and sending digital receipts based on configurable order states and particular ordering channels.
14. A system comprising: a cloud-based server including at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: receive orders from multiple ordering channels; process orders using an omnichannel cloud selling engine; synchronize order data across cloud and in-store systems; manage order fulfillment; generate digital receipts; and send order status notifications; wherein the omnichannel cloud selling engine includes: an open check service for maintaining order state; a check calculator for calculating taxes and totals; a loyalty orchestrator for managing loyalty rewards; a menu validator for validating order items; and a notification orchestrator for managing customer communications.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a point-of-sale (POS) system for processing in-store transactions; an order aggregator system for consolidating orders from different channels; and a delivery aggregator system for managing delivery of the orders.

Description

Background In recent years, the food service industry has faced increasing challenges in managing orders across multiple channels and platforms. Traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems often struggle to handle the complexity of modern ordering processes, which can involve various touchpoints such as in-store kiosks, mobile apps, third-party delivery services, and online platforms. This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, errors in order processing, and difficulties in maintaining consistent customer experiences across different ordering channels. Additionally, the inability to seamlessly integrate these diverse ordering sources with existing restaurant management systems can result in operational bottlenecks, reduced order accuracy, and diminished customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the reliance on constant network connectivity for order management poses significant risks, as temporary outages can disrupt operations and lead to lost sales or dissatisfied customers. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method comprising: receiving, by a cloud-based system, an order from a device; processing the order using an omnichannel cloud selling engine; synchronizing the order across multiple ordering channels; optionally, calculating an order total for the order; optionally, applying at least one loyalty reward; optionally, generating a digital receipt for the order, the digital receipt comprises the order total; and sending at least one notification related to an order status. Aptly processing further comprises: validating items on the order against a menu; resolving item prices; and applying fees and surcharges based on a configuration. Aptly synchronizing further comprises: maintaining a digital twin of the order using an open check service; and handling ownership changes of the order between cloud and in-store systems. Aptly calculating further comprises: using a stateless check calculator service to recalculate a check total and taxes; and ensuring consistency between cloud and in-store calculations. Aptly applying further comprises: integrating a loyalty program into an ordering process; handling loyalty points redemption; and pushing a new transaction to loyalty providers for point accrual. Aptly generating further comprises: determining when and how to send digital receipts based on configurable state changes, order modes, and a source of the order. Aptly sending further comprises: configuring rules for when short message service (SMS) and email notifications should be sent based on state changes, order modes, and a source of the order. Aptly the method further comprises managing kitchen operations using a kitchen manager; and interfacing with a digital kitchen service to handle order routing and food preparation workflows. Aptly the method further comprises managing a shopping cart for the order using a cart manager; integrating the shopping cart with an open check service to maintain consistency across different ordering channels. Aptly the method further comprises processing a payment for the order using a payment orchestrator; and integrating a payment gateway and handling payment-related operations. Aptly the method further comprises transforming transaction data to a transaction data management (TDM) format using a transaction data orchestrator; performing continuous updates of TDM data as needed. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising: receiving an order from one of multiple ordering channels; creating an open check object for the order; processing the order using a cloud-based selling engine; synchronizing an order state across cloud and in-store systems; managing order fulfillment; and updating an order status across each channel. Aptly receiving further comprises: accepting the order from a mobile application, an in-store kiosk, a table-top device, a drive-thru order display, or an order aggregator system. Aptly creating further comprises: generating a digital twin of the order; and providing an application programming interface (API) for creating, modifying, and manipulating the order. Aptly processing further comprises: validating order items; calculating taxes and an order total; and applying one or more of promotions and loyalty rewards. Aptly synchronizing further comprises: implementing a communication channel between cloud-based services and in-store POS systems; handling ownership changes of the order between cloud and in-store systems. Aptly managing further comprises: routing the order to an appropriate kitchen or fulfillment location; and tracking order preparation status. Aptly the method further comprises: generating and sending digital receipts based on configurable order states and particular ordering channels. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising: a cloud-based server including at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing