WO2008147203A1

WO2008147203A1 - System, network and method for data exchange

Info

Publication number: WO2008147203A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roelof Anton Segers
Original assignee: Heineken Supply Chain B.V.
Priority date: 2007-05-31
Filing date: 2008-06-02
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: NL1033917C2

Abstract

A system, comprising a host and a series of outlets, wherein for the host at least one host computer is provided and wherein each of the outlets comprises a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus, which beverage storage and dispensing apparatus comprises at least one outlet computer, wherein the outlet computers are in communication with the host computer, such that data exchange is possible between at least the host computer and the outlet computers, wherein the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus are provided with means for recording at least beverage turnover and the host computer is provided with at least one algorithm for planning activities related to said beverage turnovers, such as distribution.

Description

Title: System, network and method for data exchange.

The invention relates to a system for data exchange regarding beverage turnover and information related thereto between at least one host and an outlet.

Communication between outlets for beverage, such as bars, restaurants and the like and a host, such as a brewer or logistic company, usually takes place through written information that is exchanged regarding, for instance, storage management, turnover, billing and the like. Also, special offers, premiums, changes in assortment and the like are exchanged in a comparable manner between for instance a brewer, and outlet manager such as a hotel, restaurant or bar manager or consumers.

The object of the invention is to provide a system with which communication between different parties involved in beverage distribution is simplified.

In a first aspect, a system is characterized by a host and a series of outlets, wherein for the host at least one host computer is provided and wherein each of the outlets comprises a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus, which storage and dispensing apparatus comprises at least one outlet computer, wherein the outlet computers are in communication with the host computer, such that data exchange is possible between at least the host computer and the outlet computers, wherein the beverage storage and dispensing apparatuses are provided with means for recording at least the beverage turnover, and the host computer is provided with at least one algorithm for planning activities related to these beverage turnovers, such as distribution. With such a system, the possibility is offered that for instance a host can directly, for instance online and/or live, determine the turnover of beverage in an outlet so that, for instance specific data can be sent, for instance to the outlet, other outlets or other receivers of data, a logistic system can be operated, staff can be given assignments, in the respective outlet and other activities related to beverage turnover, such as promotion, billing and the like. Via this system too, other information streams can be directed, such as training of staff with respect to use of a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus or cleaning instructions.

In a second aspect, a system is characterized in that at least one series of guest computers is provided which are or can be brought into communication with the host computer and/or one or more outlet computers and/or a host server connected thereto, wherein an algorithm is provided for the provision of data by the host computer and/or at least one outlet computer and/or the guest server to the at least one guest computer.

In this manner, via the host computer and/or one or more outlet computers, communication with third parties, such as consumers, companies and others is enabled, for instance for distributing promotional activities, for informing consumers about the activities taking place at any given moment in an outlet, such as beverage turnover, for specific publicity and other information exchange.

In a third aspect, a network is provided, comprising a host computer and a series of outlet computers connected thereto, which outlet computers are provided with an algorithm for collecting data regarding beverage turnover in an outlet, wherein the host computer comprises at least one algorithm for planning, on the basis of data coming from the outlet computers regarding these beverage turnovers, activities such as distribution, sending logistic information and/or logistic assignments. In a further aspect, a method is provided for exchanging logistic data, wherein at least turnover data of different beverage outlets in an area are collected and are sent to a host computer, wherein, on the basis of the sent data, at least one of the following information flows is processed by the host computer: sending data to an outlet regarding turnover data of at least one other outlet in the area; sending data to a supplier of beverage based on said turnover data of at least one outlet in the area; • offering data regarding turnover data of different outlets to consumers, preferably via a computer network; sending billing data to different outlets in the area.

The invention will be explained in further detail on the basis of the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 schematically shows a network in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a network in a second embodiment; and Fig. 3 schematically shows a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The embodiments shown are shown merely by way of illustration and should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. Combinations of parts of the embodiments shown and other embodiments are possible within the invention. In this description, embodiments will be described in the context of dispensing beer. Other beverages, in particular but not limited to carbonated beverages and/or fermented beverages, are suitable too.

In Fig. 1, a network 1 is shown, comprising a host 2 and a number of outlets 3, indicated here as outlet 3A— 3J. The number of outlets 3 that is or can be connected to the network 1 can be varied at will. At or for the host 2, a host computer 4 is provided, for at least a number of the outlets and preferably each of the outlets 3, an outlet computer 5 is provided. These can be provided in the respective outlet 3, but can also be arranged for instance at the host or form part of the host computer or can for instance be integrated in a computer network. In this application, host 1 is understood to include at least but not exclusively an entity playing a central part in the network 1 or a part thereof, for instance a brewer, a national or international head office, local or regional head office, one of the outlets, a provider or third party. In more general terms the host can also be a manager of the network 1 or a part thereof. Herein, outlet 3 is understood to include at least but not exclusively an accommodation such as a pub, restaurant, bar or other hotel, restaurant or bar related entity in which a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus is provided. Herein, a host computer is understood to include at least but not exclusively a computer or similar electronic unit which is arranged at or for the purpose of the host, wherein here, outlet computer is understood to include at least but not exclusively a computer or similar electronic unit arranged at or designed for an outlet or system of outlets. The outlets 3A - 3J or at least the outlet computers 5A — 5J are connected to the host 2 or at least to the host computer 4 via connections 6 such as cables or wirelessly or combinations thereof. In this description, connecting or connected is at least understood to include any form of connection enabling electronic communication such as data exchange, including but not limited to fixed connections and wireless connections. Herein, computer is at least understood to include any electronic calculating device such as but not limited to desktop, laptop, handheld computer or dedicated regulator and/or calculating unit.

A distributor 7 can be connected, via a connection 8, such as a cable or wireless connection, to the host 2. Further, the host 2, or at least a part of the network 1, can be connected via a further connection 9 to a larger network 10, for instance to a network around a main server 11 that may be arranged at or on behalf of a main office 12. Also, a connecting device 13 can be provided in the network 1, for instance for wireless or wired information exchange with third parties, such as an intranet or internet.

In each of the different outlets 3A - J, a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14 is provided. In Fig. 3, schematically, a lay out is shown of a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14. However, the invention is not limited in any manner to such beverage storage and dispensing apparatuses. Many variations thereon are possible, while it is preferred that all beverage storage and dispensing apparatuses 14 within one network have at least one sensor with which dispensing of beverage can be measured, which sensors are connected to at least one computer in the network 1, so that data exchange is possible.

The beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14 according to Fig. 3 comprises two containers 15, for instance cellar beer tanks, kegs or other containers for storage of beverage, such as beer. Naturally, a different number of containers can be included, different types of containers 15 can be combined in such an apparatus 14 and in one outlet 3, different beverage storage and dispensing apparatuses 15 can be provided. A beverage dispensing line or beverage dispensing line system 16 connects the containers 15 to dispensing means 17, in the exemplary embodiment shown two draw-off taps 18. A rinsing line system 19 is provided which links up on the side of the dispensing line 16 remote from the draw-off taps 18 and is connected to a water system, symbolically indicated here by a tap 20. A supply device 21 for chemicals and a dosing pump 22 are also provided. The beverage dispensing line 16 extends through a cooler 23, for cooling the beverage. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each container 15 is connected by a three-way valve 24 to the beverage dispensing line system 16, so that each of the containers 16 can be drawn empty or the rinsing line 19 can be connected to the beverage dispensing line 16 for cleaning the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14. In the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14, a number of sensors are included, which are connected to a regulator unit 25, for instance part of, connected to or embodied in the respective outlet computer 5. As example of the sensors, a through-flow sensor 26, also called a flow sensor, are included in the rinsing line 19 and through-flow sensors 27 in the draw-off taps 18 or in the tapping lines 16a, 16B, and volume sensors 29 in the containers 15, which volume sensors 29 form part of a rest volume measuring device with which the rest volume in each of the container 15 or at least the rest volume in the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14 can be determined and be passed on to the regulator unit 25. Preferably at any moment and preferably live, such that the amount of beverage present in the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus can be determined with the aid of the regulator device.

In the example shown, the regulator unit 25 is connected to the respective outlet computer 5, which is connected to the host computer 4. Further, preferably adjacent at least one of the draw-off taps 18, an operating element 30 can be provided, preferably provided with a touch screen 31, with which the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14 can be operated, in particular the cleaning system 16, to which end the pump 22, the tap 20 and dosing device 21 and the three-way valves can be operated, for (semi)automatically carrying out a cleaning cycle, to which end, successively, water with cleaning means and rinsing water are led through the cleaning system 19 and the beverage dispensing line system 16, for cleaning this. Further, with the aid of the operating element 30, other operative actions can be carried out, such as setting the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus 14, sending information such as data to and/or receiving data from the network 1, in particular to and from the host computer 4.

In Fig. 2, a network 1 according to the invention is shown, comparable to that according to Fig. 1, wherein additional aspects are represented. Insofar as the network corresponds to that according to Fig. 1, it will not be discussed in further detail here but reference is made to the description of Fig. 1 and the associated reference numerals.

With a network 1 according to Fig. 2, with a number of and preferably with each outlet 3, a manager computer 32 is provided, with which a manager can perform data exchange with the respective outlet computer 5 and/or the host computer 4 and/or an external or internal network, such as Internet. With the aid of the manager computer 32, a manager of an outlet can always be up to date with, for instance, storage in his outlet, performance of his outlet and/or his staff, turnover and the like. Furthermore, communication between for instance the host and the manager is possible, for instance for billing, storage management, training, special offers, cleaning programs and other information relevant to the outlet and/or the manager of the outlet and/or for the host manager.

With a network 1 according to Fig. 2, guest computers 33 can be connected, preferably provided with a suitable browser, through suitable connections 34 and optionally a central network 35 such as Internet. With it, information can be offered to third parties, such as, for instance, consumers. Preferably, to that end, the host computer may be provided with an algorithm with which preferably completely or approximately directly, live, information can be presented to the guest computers 33 regarding different outlets 3, for instance with respect to the turnover of beverage in the respective outlet or outlets 3, so that a consumer can determine at which location the turnover is such that he or she would want to visit the respective outlet, for instance because it will probably be enjoyable there. With it, also, the possibility can be offered, for instance to a manager of an outlet or the host manager, that specific information is provided to guests and/or managers of outlets about one or more outlets 3, for instance about special offers in the respective outlet 3, changes in assortment, adjustments in prices, closing hours and the like, or about special events such as, for instance, parties.

In an algorithm, for instance in the host computer 2, the possibility can be offered for, for instance, automatically, periodically, determining the turnover of a particular outlet and on the basis thereof send a bill or for instance withdraw money from an account, offering a discount or calculate surcharges and the like. Also, for instance, games can be held between outlets via the network 1, for instance by keeping a ranking about turnovers. A network 1 may be territorially bounded, for instance to a village, city, postal area, province or other arrangement, be variable, for instance depending on the date. Different networks 1 can be coupled as discussed earlier, both physically and electronically.

In a network 1, a distribution computer 36 can be provided at the distributors' or at different distributors connected in or to the network. This distribution computer can for instance be provided with an algorithm, with which distribution can be planned, on the basis of data regarding turnover of different outlets 3 connected to the network l.Here, the algorithm can utilize data with regard to turnover of the outlets about a previous period, to an estimation of an expected turnover in a coming period, on the basis of stock present, the location of the respective outlets and possible and advantageous route schedule. This enables a particularly good planning. In an advantageous embodiment, the distributor is connected via a connection to one or more trucks 40, which for instance make rounds in an area covered by the network 1. The trucks may be tankers with a stock of beverage such as beer. On the basis of data coming from the host computer, online, live, a route for the truck or trucks can be determined, so that each time, advantageous distribution can be obtained, with the aid of, for instance, a navigation system 41 or computer present in the truck. Naturally, a comparable distribution can be ensured for other beverages and hotel, restaurant and cafe products, optionally in combination. Naturally, different functions of the network can be integrated, such as, for instance, distributor 7 and host 2, with the logistic algorithm being provided in the host computer. One or more of the functions can also be provided with the main server 11. The invention is not limited in any manner to the embodiments given in the description and drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

For instance, different outlet computers 3 can be connected to one manager computer, different distributors can be provided which stock up several networks 1, other trucks or vehicles can be provided for distribution of beverage, the computers, in particular the management computer and/or the outlet computers and/or the host computers can be designed as terminal server and means can be provided for manually or otherwise inputting data in one or more of the computers.

Claims

1. A system, comprising a host and a series of outlets, wherein for the host at least one host computer is provided and wherein each of the outlets comprises a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus, which beverage storage and dispensing apparatus comprises at least one outlet computer, wherein the outlet computers are in communication with the host computer, such that data exchange is possible between at least the host computer and the outlet computers, wherein the beverage storage and dispensing apparatuses are provided with means for recording at least beverage turnover and the host computer is provided with at least one algorithm for planning activities related to said beverage turnovers, such as distribution.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one and preferably several of the outlets comprise a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus with an integrated, outlet computer controlled cleaning system.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one and preferably several of the outlets comprise a beverage storage and dispensing apparatus with at least one residual volume measuring device for at least one container of said beverage storage and dispensing apparatus, coupled to the respective outlet computer.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one and preferably several of the outlets comprise a beverage and dispensing apparatus with at least one through-flow sensor, coupled to the respective outlet computer.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein at least one through-flow sensor is included in a rinsing line.

6. A system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one beverage storage and dispensing apparatus in the at least one outlet is provided with at least one tapping point and preferably a series of tapping points, wherein a tapping line proceeds to each tapping point and in at least one tapping point or tapping line and preferably each tapping point or each tapping line a through-flow sensor is provided.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one beverage storage and dispensing apparatus is provided with an operating element that is provided adjacent a tapping point of the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus, which operating element is designed for driving the beverage storage and dispensing apparatus and is provided with communication means.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the host computer and the outlet computers are mutually connected by a network.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein further at least a series of guest computers are provided which are or can be brought in communication with the host computer and/or one or more outlet computers and/or a guest server connected thereto, wherein an algorithm is provided for provision of data by the host computer and/or at least one outlet computer and/or the guest server to the at least one guest computer.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a network such as an intranet, internet or extranet is provided to which at least one of the host computer and the outlet computers or a server connected therewith is connected, wherein via said network data is offered, for instance via a website, readable for guest computers.

11. A system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the guest computers comprises a logistic algorithm.

12. A system according to any one of claims 9 - 11, wherein at least one of the guest computers comprises a browser for accessing a website on which data is offered by the host computer, outlet computer and/or guest server.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the host computer and/or a guest server are provided with communication means for communicating messages to guest computers and/or outlet computers.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the host computer is provided with an algorithm for determining logistic parameters and/or sales parameters on the basis of data coming from at least the outlet computers.

15. A system according to any on© of the preceding claims, wherein at least one computer, in particular a handheld computer (PDA) or the like or a computer in a vehicle is provided, for communication with the system, for logistic planning, in particular distribution planning.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein means are provided for communication with consumers, such as Bluetooth, SMS, wifi, email and the like, preferably wireless communication.

17. A network comprising a host computer and a series of outlet computers connected therewith, which outlet computers are provided with an algorithm for collecting data regarding beverage turnover in an outlet, wherein the host computer comprises at least one algorithm for planning, on the basis of data coming from the outlet computers, activities relating to said beverage turnovers, such as distribution, sending logistic information anά/or logistic assignments.

18. A network according to claim 17, wherein a series of guest computers is provided, wherein the host computer is provided with an algorithm for offering data to guest computers regarding turnover in outlets where an outlet computer is arranged.

19. A network according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the host computer is provided with an algorithm for passing on logistic data to a supplier's computer, which logistic data is determined on the basis of data coming from at least one outlet computer.

20. A method for exchanging logistic data, wherein at least turnover data of different beverage outlets in an area is collected and is sent to a host computer, wherein, on the basis of the sent data, at least one of the following information flows is processed by the host computer: sending data to an outlet regarding turnover data of at least one other outlet in the area; - sending data to a supplier of beverage based on said turnover data of at least one outlet in the area; offering data regarding turnover data of different outlets to consumers, preferably via a computer network; sending billing data to different outlets in the area.