CA2485238C - Electronic message management system - Google Patents
Electronic message management system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2485238C CA2485238C CA002485238A CA2485238A CA2485238C CA 2485238 C CA2485238 C CA 2485238C CA 002485238 A CA002485238 A CA 002485238A CA 2485238 A CA2485238 A CA 2485238A CA 2485238 C CA2485238 C CA 2485238C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- database
- message
- csr
- electronic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
- H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
- H04L51/214—Monitoring or handling of messages using selective forwarding
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
- H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
- H04L51/234—Monitoring or handling of messages for tracking messages
Abstract
An electronic message, or e-mail, management system having a digital computer for accepting e-mail messages: a program interface for automatically transferring received electronic messages to a database: a structured database for storing the received electronic messages in a determined format; and an interface for allowing a customer service representative, at a remote computer, to access, and respond to, the electronic messages stored at the database.
Description
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
This application is divided from Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
This application is divided from Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
2,301,664, filed July 21, 1998.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic message management system and method, and more particularly, to an electronic message storage, tracking, management, and response method and system.
The number of internet users continues to grow at an astounding rate.
Accordingly, Internet Web sites have become an important way to communicate with customers. Internet Web sites are being used to send electronic message inquiries to customer service departments of many companies. Accordingly, as with traditional telephone customer service departments, customers expect timely responses to their e-mail inquiries.
An analysis was performed on the proficiency of companies in responding to e-mail inquiries received through their Web site. The study found that:
17% of the companies responded via e-mail;
27% of the companies did not respond to the e-mail inquiries;
8% responded via the U.S. postal service; and 48% of the companies did not have any mechanism for accepting e-mail inquiries.
Additionally, of the small percentage of companies actually responding to e-mail inquiries, many of those companies took 3-4 weeks to respond to e-mail inquiries, with many of the inquiries never being answered. Many popular Web sites generate tens of thousands of hits, and thousands of email inquiries, per month. As the popularity of the Internet increases, the number of e-mail inquiries sent will continue to increase.
At the present time, electronic message inquiries are handled manually by customer service departments. In other words, the e-mail is sent directly to a customer service Mail server. The e-mail message inquiries are then read by a customer service representative who CA U23UIb64 2UUU-UA-2U
is assigned to respond to the e-mail inquiries. The customer service representative may either respond to the message or may refer the message to another customer service representative who is more qualified to answer the inquiry. Currently, the process of forwarding the messages to responsible customer service representatives (CSRs) is accomplished manually. -In other words, either the forwarding CSR clicks the "forward" button to send the message to the responsible CSR or the e-mail inquiry is actually printed out and physically handed to the responsible CSR. The responsible CSR then responds to the e-mail inquiry.
This manual process of responding to electronic messages results in a lack of electronic message management and a failure to provide any type of quality assurance on the message responses. For example, in a traditional system, once an e-mail inquiry is received at the designated mail server a customer service representative may access that e-mail message by using any known e-mail program (e.g. Eudora). If the customer service representative cannot answer the message, he must refer that inquiry to another CSR that can answer the question. With these known systems, the CSR must "manually" forward the inquiry to another responsible CSR able to take the inquiry. The e-mail is "manually"
forwarded, for example, by designating the e-mail address of the responsible CSR and clicking the "forward"
button in the mail program. bnce the responsible CSR receives the forward inquiry, he or she may respond to the inquiry.
Accordingly, these traditional system are not well suited to handle a large load of electronic message inquiries. The manual forwarding of inquiries to responsible CSRs may take a considerable amount of time when there are thousands of inquiries and where there are many different CSRs (e.g. one to take billing inquiries, one to take technical support inquiries, one to take dealer locator inquiries). The time needed to initially read each message, to determine who the responsible CSR is, to determine the location of the responsible CSR, and to forward the message to the responsible CSR for response, results in long response times.
Additionally, these traditional systems do not provide any efficient means to provide quality assurance and electronic message tracking. For example, once the responsible CSR
responds to the message, it is sent to the customer without being reviewed for appropriate content. This lack of quality control may result in inappropriate, or inaccurate, responses being sent to customers and accordingly, damage to valuable customer relations.
Additionally, in these known systems, the manual forwarding. of electronic message inquiries to responsible CSRs results in a lack of message status tracking.
Iri these known electronic messaging systems it is virtually impossible to administer the status of the electronic message inquiries, to determine what the inquiries were about, who the responsible CSR is, which inquiries have been responded to, and which inquiries are still in need of attention. For example, as an illustration, assume that in one week Company "Fortune 500"
receives 100,000 e-mail inquiries. Assume that the e-mail messages were distributed as follows:
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different technical support CSRs;
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different billing CSRs;
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different product CSRs;
5,000 messages were sent to 20 different dealer locator CSRs; and 20,000 messages were sent to 100 general CSRs.
With traditional e-mail messaging systems, the only way that these different CSRs can obtain access to the appropriate e-mail inquiry is to either:
1.) manually forward the e-mails to the responsible CSR;
2.) print out the e-mail message and physically deliver it to the responsible CSR; or CA 11LJVjov4 Avvv-v,-*v 3.) have the original e-mail message sent directly to the different e-mail addresses of each CSR.
All of these methods would be inefficient for distributing e-mail inquiries to responsible CSRs and, accordingly, for the subsequent responding to the 100,000 e-mail messages.
Additionally, with these known systems, it would be virtually impossible to provide any administrative tracking or quality assurance on these 100,000 e-mail inquiries. Once the e-mail inquiry has been forwarded to the responsible CSR, administration could not efficiently track the status of the inquiry (i.e. responded to or still pending) or the content of the responses being sent. In these known systems, the individual CSR would have to individually inform administration of the status of each assigned e-mail inquiry and forward each response to administration for approval.
As the popularity of the Internet increases, electronic message communication will become a standard and indispensable form of communication. Accordingly, companies need to implement e-mail conununication with their customers. Additionally, many companies are, and will be, receiving thousands of electronic message inquiries per week. Accordingly, there is a need for an electron.ic message management system that provides for the efficient storage, administration, tracking and reporting of customer inquiries.
Additionally, an electronic message management system is needed which will allow the generation of timely responses to electronic message inquiries. The present invention provides such an electronic message management system that provides the following advantages over existing e-mail programs:
1.) provides an automatic interface to a structured database for forwarding all electronic messages;
2.) provides access to the database by authorized CSRs, from remotely located computers;
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic message management system and method, and more particularly, to an electronic message storage, tracking, management, and response method and system.
The number of internet users continues to grow at an astounding rate.
Accordingly, Internet Web sites have become an important way to communicate with customers. Internet Web sites are being used to send electronic message inquiries to customer service departments of many companies. Accordingly, as with traditional telephone customer service departments, customers expect timely responses to their e-mail inquiries.
An analysis was performed on the proficiency of companies in responding to e-mail inquiries received through their Web site. The study found that:
17% of the companies responded via e-mail;
27% of the companies did not respond to the e-mail inquiries;
8% responded via the U.S. postal service; and 48% of the companies did not have any mechanism for accepting e-mail inquiries.
Additionally, of the small percentage of companies actually responding to e-mail inquiries, many of those companies took 3-4 weeks to respond to e-mail inquiries, with many of the inquiries never being answered. Many popular Web sites generate tens of thousands of hits, and thousands of email inquiries, per month. As the popularity of the Internet increases, the number of e-mail inquiries sent will continue to increase.
At the present time, electronic message inquiries are handled manually by customer service departments. In other words, the e-mail is sent directly to a customer service Mail server. The e-mail message inquiries are then read by a customer service representative who CA U23UIb64 2UUU-UA-2U
is assigned to respond to the e-mail inquiries. The customer service representative may either respond to the message or may refer the message to another customer service representative who is more qualified to answer the inquiry. Currently, the process of forwarding the messages to responsible customer service representatives (CSRs) is accomplished manually. -In other words, either the forwarding CSR clicks the "forward" button to send the message to the responsible CSR or the e-mail inquiry is actually printed out and physically handed to the responsible CSR. The responsible CSR then responds to the e-mail inquiry.
This manual process of responding to electronic messages results in a lack of electronic message management and a failure to provide any type of quality assurance on the message responses. For example, in a traditional system, once an e-mail inquiry is received at the designated mail server a customer service representative may access that e-mail message by using any known e-mail program (e.g. Eudora). If the customer service representative cannot answer the message, he must refer that inquiry to another CSR that can answer the question. With these known systems, the CSR must "manually" forward the inquiry to another responsible CSR able to take the inquiry. The e-mail is "manually"
forwarded, for example, by designating the e-mail address of the responsible CSR and clicking the "forward"
button in the mail program. bnce the responsible CSR receives the forward inquiry, he or she may respond to the inquiry.
Accordingly, these traditional system are not well suited to handle a large load of electronic message inquiries. The manual forwarding of inquiries to responsible CSRs may take a considerable amount of time when there are thousands of inquiries and where there are many different CSRs (e.g. one to take billing inquiries, one to take technical support inquiries, one to take dealer locator inquiries). The time needed to initially read each message, to determine who the responsible CSR is, to determine the location of the responsible CSR, and to forward the message to the responsible CSR for response, results in long response times.
Additionally, these traditional systems do not provide any efficient means to provide quality assurance and electronic message tracking. For example, once the responsible CSR
responds to the message, it is sent to the customer without being reviewed for appropriate content. This lack of quality control may result in inappropriate, or inaccurate, responses being sent to customers and accordingly, damage to valuable customer relations.
Additionally, in these known systems, the manual forwarding. of electronic message inquiries to responsible CSRs results in a lack of message status tracking.
Iri these known electronic messaging systems it is virtually impossible to administer the status of the electronic message inquiries, to determine what the inquiries were about, who the responsible CSR is, which inquiries have been responded to, and which inquiries are still in need of attention. For example, as an illustration, assume that in one week Company "Fortune 500"
receives 100,000 e-mail inquiries. Assume that the e-mail messages were distributed as follows:
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different technical support CSRs;
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different billing CSRs;
25,000 messages were sent to 100 different product CSRs;
5,000 messages were sent to 20 different dealer locator CSRs; and 20,000 messages were sent to 100 general CSRs.
With traditional e-mail messaging systems, the only way that these different CSRs can obtain access to the appropriate e-mail inquiry is to either:
1.) manually forward the e-mails to the responsible CSR;
2.) print out the e-mail message and physically deliver it to the responsible CSR; or CA 11LJVjov4 Avvv-v,-*v 3.) have the original e-mail message sent directly to the different e-mail addresses of each CSR.
All of these methods would be inefficient for distributing e-mail inquiries to responsible CSRs and, accordingly, for the subsequent responding to the 100,000 e-mail messages.
Additionally, with these known systems, it would be virtually impossible to provide any administrative tracking or quality assurance on these 100,000 e-mail inquiries. Once the e-mail inquiry has been forwarded to the responsible CSR, administration could not efficiently track the status of the inquiry (i.e. responded to or still pending) or the content of the responses being sent. In these known systems, the individual CSR would have to individually inform administration of the status of each assigned e-mail inquiry and forward each response to administration for approval.
As the popularity of the Internet increases, electronic message communication will become a standard and indispensable form of communication. Accordingly, companies need to implement e-mail conununication with their customers. Additionally, many companies are, and will be, receiving thousands of electronic message inquiries per week. Accordingly, there is a need for an electron.ic message management system that provides for the efficient storage, administration, tracking and reporting of customer inquiries.
Additionally, an electronic message management system is needed which will allow the generation of timely responses to electronic message inquiries. The present invention provides such an electronic message management system that provides the following advantages over existing e-mail programs:
1.) provides an automatic interface to a structured database for forwarding all electronic messages;
2.) provides access to the database by authorized CSRs, from remotely located computers;
3.) stores the electronic messages by predetermined attributes (e.g. time the inquiry was received, the e-mail address of the customer, the status of the message) so that the e-mail inquiries can be retrieved by any, or all, of the attributes;
4.) allows administrators to provide quality assurance reviews on selected responses before sending the message to the customer;
4.) allows administrators to provide quality assurance reviews on selected responses before sending the message to the customer;
5.) provides updates to the interface based on CSR or administrator activities so that the status of all electronic messages are current;
6.) provides a list of authorized CSRs that may have access to the electronic messages in the interface, and allows customized settings of individual CSR privileges;
7.) provides security against hackers and viruses;
8.) provides a historical record of all electronic messages from each customer;
9.) interfaces the CSRs to a database containing predefined, standard, responses for frequently asked questions;
10.) allows the forwarding of the message to the relevant expert, the database being updated to indicate that the message has been referred to an expert;
11.) tracks the responses to all electronic message inquiries and updates the database accordingly;
12.) provides the ability to efficiently add additional CSRs, delete CSRs, add standard responses, and to provide custom reports;
13.) allows categorization of all electronic inquiries/messages by client-defined categories;
14.) allows the reporting of the average response time of responses; and 15.) allows the monitoring of CSRs.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for managing electronic messages received from the Internet or an Intranet. The system includes a first programmed digital computer, the first programmed digital computer programmed to accept electronic messages, the first programmed digital computer programmed with mail server software and a computer readable medium for storing a database, the database being operable to store the electronic messages forwarded by the first programmed digital computer to the database, the electronic messages being stored in the database according to predetermined attributes for tracking the electronic messages. The system also includes a second programmed digital computer in electrical communication with the database, the second programmed digital computer being configured with web server software. The system further includes a third programmed digital computer in electrical communication with the second programmed digital computer, the third programmed digital computer being configured with web browser software, the web browser software being operable by a customer service representative (CSR) located at the third programmed digital computer to communicate with the web server software to cause the second programmed digital computer to retrieve any of the stored electronic messages based on any of the predetermined message attributes.
The third programmed digital computer is configured to allow the customer service representative to respond to an electronic message that has been retrieved from the database.
The system may include a data interface, the data interface being operably configured to receive database requests from the second programmed computer and to convert the database requests into database queries such that the second programmed digital computer may retrieve the stored electronic messages from the database.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include the time the electronic message was received.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of the customer who sent the electronic message.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include the current status of the electronic message.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of the group to which the electronic message was sent.
The database may store the electronic messages and data of CSR privileges.
The data of CSR privileges may include access privileges to the database, quality assurance privileges and/or CSR passwords.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic message management method. The method involves receiving electronic messages at an electronic network, forwarding the electronic messages to a database, storing the electronic messages based on predetermined message attributes for tracking the electronic messages, interfacing a customer service representative computer to allow electronic access to the electronic messages based on said predetermined message attributes, and transmitting one of the stored electronic messages from the database to the customer service representative.
The predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of a group to which the e-mail message was sent.
The predetermined message attributes may include the status of the electronic message.
The method may further comprise responding to the transmitted message and automatically updating the database upon responding to the transmitted message to indicate a response has been sent.
The method may further comprise forwarding the transmitted message to an expert, updating the database, after forwarding the transmitted message to the expert, to indicate that the transmitted message has been forwarded to the expert and formulating a response from the expert.
The method may further comprise providing a response to the transmitted electronic message, storing the response in the database and retrieving the stored response for quality assurance review.
The method may further comprise denying the response and updating the database to indicate that the response was denied.
The method may further comprise accepting the response and sending the response to an originating customer.
The method may further comprise storing CSR data in the database and providing access to the database base on the CSR data.
The method may further comprise storing a list of standard responses in the database.
The method may further comprise retrieving certain ones of the standard responses from the database and sending at least one of the standard responses to an originating customer of the transmitted electronic message.
In addition to the features mentioned above, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the following description.
6a BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Novel features and advantages of the present invention, in addition to those mentioned above, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the e-mail management system of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the interface between the Web server and the database;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting the main operational steps of the e-mail management system;
Figure 4A illustrates a flow chart depicting the main steps for accessing and responding to e-mail messages;
Figure 4B illustrates a flow chart depicting the choices available to a CSR
when handling e-mail messages in the system of the present invention;
6b Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for forwarding a message to an expert;
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps needed for replying to an e-mail message;
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for providing a quality assurance review of e-mail responses;
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for administering the e-mail system of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for requesting a report;
and Figures 10-34 illustrate example screen shots from various pages of a preferred system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) The preferred system herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. They are chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention, and the application of the method to practical uses, so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the electronic management system 10 of the present invention. The system is preferably comprised of a server 14, a computer running mail server software 15, a database 16, and a customer service representative (CSR) computer 18. (A mail server 15 would not be needed if all electronic messages were submitted via Web page forms).
It is preferred that the server 14, the mail server 15, the database 16, and the CSR
computer 18 be connected by a network. This network, preferably, makes up the call center network 10 of the present invention. For example, the network 10 may be an ethernet network based on Transfer Connect Protocol/ intemet Protocol (TCP/IP), although it is WO 99/04347 PCT/1.JS98/15240 appreciated that other protocols may be used. The network 10 may also be part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). It is also appreciated that the components of the present system may be variously arranged. For example, the server 14, acting as a Web server, may also be configured as the mail server. However, in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the mail server 15 is a separate computer from the server 14, and linked by the network.
The server 14 is generally a large capacity computer programmed for interfacing the CSR computer 18 and the database 16. The server 14 is preferably a computer configured, or programmed, with Web server software. The server 14, configured with Web server software (i.e. a"Web server"), serves as an interface between the CSR's computer 18, configured with Web browser software, and the database 16.
Typically, the network is connected by a TI line to the .lntemet. Again, it is preferred that the server 14 be configured with Web server software with the capability to store, and transfer, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) files and/or other scripts. As will be discussed, the CSR user interfaces are, preferably, viewed through a Web browser which accesses HTML code, or files, stored at the server 14.
The customer's computer 12 is typically a personal computer having a modem for communicating with the call center network 10 facility, through the Internet.
There are many advantages of using the Intemet to communicate with the call center network, e.g., the customer has access to low cost clients (i.e. Web browsers), and the Web allows standard user interfaces and the ability to work across different platforms and applications.
In the preferred embodiment, the customer sends an electronic message, or inquiry, through the Intemet, which finds its way to the mail server 15. (Electronic messages include, but are not limited to, e-mail messages). If e-mail, the mail server 15 receives and accepts the electronic message (if the message is submitted from a Web page form it is interface directly to the database 16). The mail server 15 is preferably a mail server program (e.g.
Microsoft Exchange Server) that may either be located on the server 14, or a separate computer electronically linked to the server 14 (i.e. the server 14 may be configured with both Web server software and mail server software or the server 14 configured with Web server software may be electronically connected to another computer 15 configured with mail server software).
In any case, the call center network 10 is configured to automatically transfer the received electronic messages to the database 16 for storage (i.e. without an intermediate manual step). Automatic transfer of the electronic messages may either be the automatic forwarding of the messages or having the messages pulled by the database. For example, a customer, using an e-mail client (e.g. Eudora) located on his computer 12 sends an e-mail message to companysupport@matrixx.net. The e-mail message traveis through the Internet and enters the call center network 10. The e-mail message is routed to the mail server 15 (This is accomplished through known mail protocols, for example, the mail server 15 is configured to accept and send Intemet e-mail. When a mail message arrives it is sent to the server defined as the mail server in the Domain Name Service and MX records).
The database 16 is programmed to automatically retrieve the e-mail messages from the mail server. In other words, a program may be written that retrieves predetermined received e-mail messages from the mail server and delivers them to the database 16 for storage. This program may be written in a number of different languages including C++ or SQL. The key being to provide automated integration between the mail server, the Web page, and any SQL
stored procedures.
It should be appreciated that electronic messages from customers may be received in forms other than through traditional e-mail clients. For exampde, an electronic message may be sent from on-line forms embedded in company Web pages. These electronic messages may also be sent to the Web server 14, and stored in the database 16. For example, company Web sites may have on-line forms for submitting data or customer inquiries.
These forms submit the message to a program, preferably written in C++, on the Web Server 14. Once the program receives the message, it stores the message in the database 16.
The database 16 is generally a storage area for the received electronic messages, including e-mails, and any other data required by the system (e.g. CSR data).
It is preferred that the database 16 be a complete database management system (DBMS) which acts to organize and standardize data retrieval and storage, and is controlled by a language that helps to manipulate the data and allows querying of the database (e.g. SQL).
Although the database 16 may be a "flat file" it is preferred that the database 16 be a relational database. A relational database is a database that stores the information in tables, and where there are rules that define the relationship between the tables.
Generally, the tables in a relational database are separated by different entities (e.g. all received e-mail messages, all data on CSRs, and predefined CSR standard responses). Generally, each row of a database table defines a subset of that particular entity where each column of that table defmes a specific attribute, or category, for that entity. For example, a table storing all received e-mail messages may be stored as one table or entity. One row may be designated for each separate e-mail message where the message is given specific attributes defined by each column of that row (e.g., the time the message was received or the status of the message).
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the interface 24 between the Web server 14 and the database 16. The Web server 14 may be connected to more than one database 16. The server 14 is adapted to interface with the database 16 so that the CSR may access, and retrieve, the data residing on the database 16. For example, a server 14, acting as a Web server 14, genera4ly consists of HTML files and electronically communicates with the CSR computers 18 using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
When a Web page is requested by the Web browser, HTML files are sent from the Web Server 14 to the CSR Web browser via HTTP. When data from the database 16 is needed, the Web page is programmed to retrieve the data from the database 16.
Accordingly, the server 14 and the database 16 must be integrated for proper communication. However, in many cases the server 14, acting as an interface to the database 16, cannot communicate with standard databases without an interface 24 that maps the incoming query to the server 14 to the appropriate semantics in the database 16.
In many databases today, Structured Query Language ("SQL") is used as the industry standard. SQL is a data language designed for creating, manipulating, and controlling relational databases. In order for a Web Server 14 to communicate with a database, a program extension 26 may be needed that converts the requests for data from the Web server 14 to a form that the database 16 will understand. For example, if the database 16 is a SQL
database, the programmed program extension 26 will convert the data request from the Web Server 14 to SQL so that the database 16 will understand. However, in the preferred embodiment a program extension 26 is not required. In the preferred embodiment, the Web Server speaks directly to the database with Tntemet Database Connector files ("IDC" files) which allow Web pages to interface with the data in the database 16.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) layer is also progranuned into the call center network 10. ODBC is a standard interface between the database 16 and an application trying to access the data in the database 16.
Basically, the ODBC layer 28 allows any front end application to access the database 16 (in other words, the ODBC interface 28 is a program that provides a uniform way of calling data request to a database 16).
Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a data request from the Web server 14 is sent via lDC files, which use ODBC-compatible SQL, to the ODBC interface 28.
The ODBC
layer 28 converts the ODBC SQL calls into the predetermined database 16 native calls and then performs the database 16 interaction. The ODBC layer may also return the results of the data queries in a uniform way to the Web server 14.
The operation of the invention can be understood with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 3-9 and corresponding screen shots illustrated in Figures 10-34. The flowcharts of Figure 3-9 describe the operational flow of one example system of the present invention.
Screen shots from various stages of the system flow are depicted in Figures 10-27, however not all screen shots have been provided.
As discussed above, customers submit electronic message inquiries (e.g. e-mail) to the call center network 10. As discussed, the eDectronic messages are automatically transferred to a database 16 according to a predetermined format. Accordingly, the CSRs must access the electronic messages stored on the database 16 and respond to the inquiries.
A CSR accesses the database 16 from a computer station 18 electronically connected to the server 14. It is preferred that the CSR stations 18 are connected to the server 14 via a TCP/IP network, however, it should be understood that other network and data transfer protocols may suffice. As discussed, the server 16 is a computer that interfaces the CSR
computer 18 with the database 16. It is preferred that the server 16 be configured with Web server software that allows the maintenance of HTML files, i.e. Web pages, that are used as interfaces to the database 16 (The following explanation of the invention and the flowcharts assume HTML as the preferred file format of the user interfaces although other formats may be used. Accordingly, the server 14 in the following explanation will be configured with Web server software, i.e. a Web server 14).
To access the database 16, a CSR points his Web browser to the appropriate address (e.g. a URL 13) of the starting address of the call center interface files located on the Web server 14. The Web server 14 transmits the HTML files of the CSR login page to the requesting CSR. (See the screen shot of Figure 10.) The CSR then logs in with his IA and his password block 30. A program then checks to make sure the ID and the password are of a required form block 32 and sends the data to the database to make sure the CSR
is allowed access block 34. It is preferred that an ID and password checking program be embedded in the HTML. For example a script is sent to the browser where it is subsequently run by the browser running on the CSR computer 18.
If the ID and password are of a required form, they are sent to the database to confirm the CSR may access the messages. If the CSR is authorized, the HTML files informing the user of authorized access are sent to the CSR browser (see Figure 11). Upon clicking the "continue button" 17, the main navigational page (see screen shot of Figure 12) are sent to the CSR computer 18. The main navigational page is displayed block 36 via the Web browser at the CSR computer 18. The call center interface may be programmed so as to require the changing of CSR passwords after a predetermined time. The main navigational page provides links, to HTML, or Web, page interfaces that allow the CSR to perform one of the main functions of the call center system 10. The CSR may opt to:
1.) access and process the received electronic messages;
2.) provide adnlinistrative functions;
3.) create detailed reports;
4.) view the history of the received eleclronic messages; or 5.) change the passwords of the CSRs.
The CSR selects one of these options block 38 by clicking on the appropriate link in the main navigational page as illustrated in Figure 12. For example, if the CSR wants to respond to e-mail messages he clicks on the "e-mail" link 40; if he wants to administer the system he clicks on the "Adm.inistration" link 42; if he wants to view a report on system statistics he clicks on the "Reports" link 44; if he wants to retrieve a history report he clicks on the "History" link 46; if he wants to change passwords he clicks on the "Password" link ;
and if he wants to process mail, he clicks on the "Process Mail" link.
By clicking on the "e-mail" link 40 on the main navigational page, the database is queried to find which e-mail addresses the CSR may respond to and how many e-mails are waiting response. The results of the query are used to create the HTML file of the "E-mail Response" page. The "E-mail Response" page is sent to the CSR computer 18 from the Web server 14. (Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a flow chart depicting the main steps for accessing and responding to e-mail messages.) Once the HTML files are received at the CSR computer 18, the "E-mail Response" page, illustrated in Figure 13, is displayed block 52 via the Web browser.
The E-mail Response page preferably gives the CSR the option of either:
1.) selecting a group of e-mail messages to respond to if the CSR has permission to respond to the received electronic messages; or 2.) selecting a group of e-mail messages to provide quality assurance (QA) reviews block 54.
E-mail messages are preferably grouped according to the e-mail addresses where the inquiry was sent. For example, all e-mail messages sent to a particular e-mail group are all preferably grouped together, stored together in the database 16, and accessed together. For example, in Figure 13, there is only one group, "cyberesponse@matrixx.net ".
It is preferred that only the CSR groups to which each CSR has access be listed on the retrieved page. It is important to note that many CSRs (each linked by a computer 18) can respond to a single address/group. Setting CSR privileges to groups is discussed in further detail below.
If the CSR wishes to access and respond to e-mail messages, the CSR selects a group to respond to block 56. By selecting a group, the corresponding electronic messages received, and queued, for that group are retrieved block 58 from the database 16 and sent to the CSR computer 18 where they are displayed via HTML block 60. An example of a "Queued Messages" page is illustrated in Figure 14. In the example page of Figure 14, the retrieved messages are categorized by:
1.) message number;
2.) response number, 3.) the status of the message;
4.) whether the message has been assigned;
5.) when the message was received;
6.) who sent the message, including the customer's e-mail address; and 7.) the subject of the message.
It is preferred that the messages be separated into three different subgroups:
the General message subgroup 62, the QA message subgroup 64, and the Expert message subgroup 66. The QA message subgroup contains all the messages that are awaiting QA
review or messages denied by QA. All the messages in the Expert message subgroup are messages that are awaiting expert response or have been answered by an expert.
'The General message group contains all other messages that are still in queue. As illustrated in Figure 14, the status of the QA messages are either "From QA" or "Pending QA".
Messages with the "From QA" status indicate that the message has been reviewed and denied by a CSR with QA privileges. Messages with the "Pending QA" status indicate that the message has not yet been reviewed. Similarly, the status of the Expert messages are either "From Expert", indicating the expert has responded to the CSR's inquiry, or "Wait for Expert", indicating the CSR is still waiting for the expert to respond. Messages in the General message subgroup 62 may indicate to which CSR the message has been assigned.
i5 A CSR may have the option to retrieve messages from either the General message subgroup 62, the QA message subgroup 64, or the Expert message subgroup 66 (block 68).
If the CSR wishes to respond to a message that has not yet been opened or assigned, the CSR
may click on a link 70 of a message that has a status of "Unopened" and "Unassigned".
Upon clicking such a link, the message is retrieved from the database 16 (the database 16 being updated to indicate the message has been opened) and sent to the CSR
computer 18 where it is displayed via the Web browser block 72.
Upon clicking on an unassigned e-mail message to review, the CSR is given the option to either:
1.) assign the message to himselfa or 2.) return to the queued message page Figure 14 without assigning the message block 78.
If the CSR does not wish to assign the message to himself, the CSR is returned to the queued message page. If the CSR wishes to assign the message to himself, the CSR clicks on the "Assign Message to Me" link. The database 16 is updated to indicate that the message has been assigned block 82. Upon assigning the message, the CSR is sent another HTML
page which contains text asking the CSR to assign a category to the message block 84. See Figure 15. Upon assigning a category(s), the database 16 is updated to reflect which categories the message has been assigned. Once a category is assigned to the message, CSR
is given the option to either respond to the message, refer the question to an expert, or not respond to the message block 86.
If the CSR indicates that a response is not needed for a particular message, the CSR so indicates and the message is removed from the queued message table and the database is updated to indicate the message did not need a response block 88.
Ce! 02301664 20UU-0I-20 If the CSR wishes to refer the message to an expert more suited to respond to the inquiry, the CSR clicks on the appropriate link. Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the steps for referring a message to an expert. An HTML page is sent to the CSR block 90 requesting expert referral that asks the CSR to select an expert to take the message (see Figure 16 illustrating an example screen shot). The CSR then selects an expert and refers the message to the designated expert block 92 and 94. The database 16 is then updated to indicate that the message has been referred to an expert and that it is pending response from that expert block 96. Once the expert reviews and responds to the message, the database 16 is updated to indicate that the expert has responded to the message, i.e. "From Expert".
An expert is preferably a CSR that has been given expert privileges or a designated expert outside the E-mail management system, as will be discussed below. Accordingly, the expert accesses the management system via a computer configured similarly to the CSR computer 18 (or if outside the E-mail management system, receives and replies to expert inquiry via standard Internet E-mail).
From the page illustrated in Figure 15, the CSR may wish to respond to an assigned message rather than referring it to an expert. Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps needed for replying to an e-mail message. The CSR will have the option of providing a custom response, a standard response, or both, to the inquiry blocks 98-104.
The standard responses are stored and retrieved from the database 16. They are preferably indexed, and retrieved, by the particular group, category, or keyword of the message (Figure 17 illustrates a screen shot listing example standard responses). Providing standard responses to frequently asked customer questions reduces the time required to respond to many of the customer inquiries.
The system 10 is programmed to determine whether the response requires QA
review block 106, prior to the message being sent to the originating customer. As will be discussed WO 99/04347 PCTlUS98135244 in greater detail below, the administrator of the system may designate responses from certain CSRs as requiring QA review (discussed in greater detail below). In other words, all responses of designated CSRs must be given a QA review before their responses are sent to the customers. This feature allows the monitoring of CSR responses. This is especially important when training CSRs or when certain CSRs have a discourteous service record. If the response requires QA review, the response is flagged for QA review and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the stored response is to be reviewed and approved before being sent blocks 108 and 110. If the response does not require QA review, the message is sent to the customer and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the message was responded to blocks 112-116.
As discussed above, a CSR with QA privileges may opt to provide a QA-review on the CSR responses as opposed to responding to a message block 54. Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for providing a quality assurance review of e-mail responses.
Once a CSR indicates that he wishes to review submitted CSR responses that are in queue, an HTML page is sent to the CSR computer 18 containing a table of responses that must be reviewed (the responses are retrieved from the database 16) block 118. Figure 18 illustrates an example screen shot of a page listing messages to be given QA review.
The CSR may then click on a message to review block 120. An HTML file is sent to the CSR computer 18 that, preferably, displays the text of the message, the response formulated by a CSR, and other message data block 122. This data being retrieved from the database 16. Upon QA review, the reviewing CSR may accept or deny the response block 124. If the response is accepted, it is sent to the customer and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the customer message was reviewed and replied to blocks 126, 128. If the response is denied, the QA CSR sends the denied message back to the CSR with an explanation and a recommendation of how to respond to the inquiry. The database 16 is updated to indicate that the response has been reviewed and denied block 130.
As previously discussed, a CSR, with administrative privileges, has the option to perforrn administrative duties on the electronic message management system.
The administrative CSR may perform administrative functions by clicking on the appropriate link in the main navigational page block 38 as illustrated in Figure 12. Once the administrative CSR clicks on the administrative link, an HTML file of the main administrative options page is sent to the CSR block 132, located at a CSR computer 18 (Figure 19 illustrates an example screen shot of the main administrative options page of the present invention).
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for administering the electronic message system of the present invention.
From the main administrative options page Figure 19, the CSR may elect to update message groups (these groups preferably consisting of a number predetermined e-mail addresses), update CSR data, or update a group of messages biock 134. In updating CSR
data, the administrative CSR may add new CSRs block 136 or change existing CSR
privileges block 138. Figure 20 illustrates an example screen shot for adding CSRs and updating CSR privileges. Again, these screen shots are preferably HTML files, or pages, displayed with a Web browser located at the CSR computer 18. As illustrated in Figure 20, the administrative CSR may change CSR passwords, update CSR privileges, and give permissions to selected groups the CSR may respond to. It is also preferred that the pages be linked to the database 16, so that changes to the CSR data made on the page are automatically made in the database 16, according to the methods previously discussed (i.e.
The data is sent via the CSR computer 18 to the Web server 14 to the database 16).
The administrative CSR may also choose to update a group, or a group address.
2 5 Figure 21 illustrates example screen shots displayed at the administrative CSR's computer 18 for updating group data. As illustrated in Figure 21, an administrative CSR
may have the option block 140 to:
change the categories of a group block 142, Figure 21;
assign CSRs to a group block 144, Figure 22;
add or change standard responses of the group block 146, Figure 23;
add or change the signatures of the group Figure 24; or view a summary page of the group Figure 25.
It is preferred that these pages be linked to the database 16, so that changes to the group data made on the page are automatically uploaded to the database 16.
The administrative CSR may also grant other CSRs the privilege to view reports (Reports CSRs). The Reports CSRs may choose to view a report on a certain group. Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for requesting a report. In the preferred embodiment, the Reports CSRs have the option to view a report of a group block 148 based on either the:
category of messages block 150;
time and/or day the messages were received block 152;
messages of a group that did not need a response block 154;
messages that were initiated by a CSR block 156;
messages that are still pending block 158; or messages that have been reviewed by a QA CSR.
Figures 26-34 illustrate example screen shots displayed at the administrative CSR's computer 18 for viewing and printing group reports. The reports are created by retrieving the appropriate data from the database 16 and sending them to the CSR computer 18 to be displayed in a predetermined interface format, preferably created by HTML. As discussed, WO 99/04347 pCT/US98115240 the requests for data sent from these pages are sent to the server 14 which interfaces these data requests to the database 16.
It is also preferred that the present system allow the CSRs to initiate e-mail messages to the customers from their computers 18. It is also preferred that the CSRs e-mail programs be linked to the database 16 so that the system may track and store:
i) which CSR sent the e-mail;
ii) when the e-mail was sent;
iii) where the e-mail was sent; and iv) what the e-mail message consisted of.
This feature allows the system of the present invention to track CSR
performance for CSR initiated e-mails similarly to the tracking of CSR responses to customer initiated messages.
Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the I S described invention and still be within the scope of the claimed invention. It should be appreciated that the present system may be implemented by other data protocols, programming languages, and differing arrangements of certain programs and interfaces not discussed in the present application. Thus, many of the elements indicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements which will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for managing electronic messages received from the Internet or an Intranet. The system includes a first programmed digital computer, the first programmed digital computer programmed to accept electronic messages, the first programmed digital computer programmed with mail server software and a computer readable medium for storing a database, the database being operable to store the electronic messages forwarded by the first programmed digital computer to the database, the electronic messages being stored in the database according to predetermined attributes for tracking the electronic messages. The system also includes a second programmed digital computer in electrical communication with the database, the second programmed digital computer being configured with web server software. The system further includes a third programmed digital computer in electrical communication with the second programmed digital computer, the third programmed digital computer being configured with web browser software, the web browser software being operable by a customer service representative (CSR) located at the third programmed digital computer to communicate with the web server software to cause the second programmed digital computer to retrieve any of the stored electronic messages based on any of the predetermined message attributes.
The third programmed digital computer is configured to allow the customer service representative to respond to an electronic message that has been retrieved from the database.
The system may include a data interface, the data interface being operably configured to receive database requests from the second programmed computer and to convert the database requests into database queries such that the second programmed digital computer may retrieve the stored electronic messages from the database.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include the time the electronic message was received.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of the customer who sent the electronic message.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include the current status of the electronic message.
One of the predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of the group to which the electronic message was sent.
The database may store the electronic messages and data of CSR privileges.
The data of CSR privileges may include access privileges to the database, quality assurance privileges and/or CSR passwords.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic message management method. The method involves receiving electronic messages at an electronic network, forwarding the electronic messages to a database, storing the electronic messages based on predetermined message attributes for tracking the electronic messages, interfacing a customer service representative computer to allow electronic access to the electronic messages based on said predetermined message attributes, and transmitting one of the stored electronic messages from the database to the customer service representative.
The predetermined message attributes may include an e-mail address of a group to which the e-mail message was sent.
The predetermined message attributes may include the status of the electronic message.
The method may further comprise responding to the transmitted message and automatically updating the database upon responding to the transmitted message to indicate a response has been sent.
The method may further comprise forwarding the transmitted message to an expert, updating the database, after forwarding the transmitted message to the expert, to indicate that the transmitted message has been forwarded to the expert and formulating a response from the expert.
The method may further comprise providing a response to the transmitted electronic message, storing the response in the database and retrieving the stored response for quality assurance review.
The method may further comprise denying the response and updating the database to indicate that the response was denied.
The method may further comprise accepting the response and sending the response to an originating customer.
The method may further comprise storing CSR data in the database and providing access to the database base on the CSR data.
The method may further comprise storing a list of standard responses in the database.
The method may further comprise retrieving certain ones of the standard responses from the database and sending at least one of the standard responses to an originating customer of the transmitted electronic message.
In addition to the features mentioned above, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the following description.
6a BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Novel features and advantages of the present invention, in addition to those mentioned above, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the e-mail management system of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the interface between the Web server and the database;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting the main operational steps of the e-mail management system;
Figure 4A illustrates a flow chart depicting the main steps for accessing and responding to e-mail messages;
Figure 4B illustrates a flow chart depicting the choices available to a CSR
when handling e-mail messages in the system of the present invention;
6b Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for forwarding a message to an expert;
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps needed for replying to an e-mail message;
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for providing a quality assurance review of e-mail responses;
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for administering the e-mail system of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for requesting a report;
and Figures 10-34 illustrate example screen shots from various pages of a preferred system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) The preferred system herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. They are chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention, and the application of the method to practical uses, so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the electronic management system 10 of the present invention. The system is preferably comprised of a server 14, a computer running mail server software 15, a database 16, and a customer service representative (CSR) computer 18. (A mail server 15 would not be needed if all electronic messages were submitted via Web page forms).
It is preferred that the server 14, the mail server 15, the database 16, and the CSR
computer 18 be connected by a network. This network, preferably, makes up the call center network 10 of the present invention. For example, the network 10 may be an ethernet network based on Transfer Connect Protocol/ intemet Protocol (TCP/IP), although it is WO 99/04347 PCT/1.JS98/15240 appreciated that other protocols may be used. The network 10 may also be part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). It is also appreciated that the components of the present system may be variously arranged. For example, the server 14, acting as a Web server, may also be configured as the mail server. However, in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the mail server 15 is a separate computer from the server 14, and linked by the network.
The server 14 is generally a large capacity computer programmed for interfacing the CSR computer 18 and the database 16. The server 14 is preferably a computer configured, or programmed, with Web server software. The server 14, configured with Web server software (i.e. a"Web server"), serves as an interface between the CSR's computer 18, configured with Web browser software, and the database 16.
Typically, the network is connected by a TI line to the .lntemet. Again, it is preferred that the server 14 be configured with Web server software with the capability to store, and transfer, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) files and/or other scripts. As will be discussed, the CSR user interfaces are, preferably, viewed through a Web browser which accesses HTML code, or files, stored at the server 14.
The customer's computer 12 is typically a personal computer having a modem for communicating with the call center network 10 facility, through the Internet.
There are many advantages of using the Intemet to communicate with the call center network, e.g., the customer has access to low cost clients (i.e. Web browsers), and the Web allows standard user interfaces and the ability to work across different platforms and applications.
In the preferred embodiment, the customer sends an electronic message, or inquiry, through the Intemet, which finds its way to the mail server 15. (Electronic messages include, but are not limited to, e-mail messages). If e-mail, the mail server 15 receives and accepts the electronic message (if the message is submitted from a Web page form it is interface directly to the database 16). The mail server 15 is preferably a mail server program (e.g.
Microsoft Exchange Server) that may either be located on the server 14, or a separate computer electronically linked to the server 14 (i.e. the server 14 may be configured with both Web server software and mail server software or the server 14 configured with Web server software may be electronically connected to another computer 15 configured with mail server software).
In any case, the call center network 10 is configured to automatically transfer the received electronic messages to the database 16 for storage (i.e. without an intermediate manual step). Automatic transfer of the electronic messages may either be the automatic forwarding of the messages or having the messages pulled by the database. For example, a customer, using an e-mail client (e.g. Eudora) located on his computer 12 sends an e-mail message to companysupport@matrixx.net. The e-mail message traveis through the Internet and enters the call center network 10. The e-mail message is routed to the mail server 15 (This is accomplished through known mail protocols, for example, the mail server 15 is configured to accept and send Intemet e-mail. When a mail message arrives it is sent to the server defined as the mail server in the Domain Name Service and MX records).
The database 16 is programmed to automatically retrieve the e-mail messages from the mail server. In other words, a program may be written that retrieves predetermined received e-mail messages from the mail server and delivers them to the database 16 for storage. This program may be written in a number of different languages including C++ or SQL. The key being to provide automated integration between the mail server, the Web page, and any SQL
stored procedures.
It should be appreciated that electronic messages from customers may be received in forms other than through traditional e-mail clients. For exampde, an electronic message may be sent from on-line forms embedded in company Web pages. These electronic messages may also be sent to the Web server 14, and stored in the database 16. For example, company Web sites may have on-line forms for submitting data or customer inquiries.
These forms submit the message to a program, preferably written in C++, on the Web Server 14. Once the program receives the message, it stores the message in the database 16.
The database 16 is generally a storage area for the received electronic messages, including e-mails, and any other data required by the system (e.g. CSR data).
It is preferred that the database 16 be a complete database management system (DBMS) which acts to organize and standardize data retrieval and storage, and is controlled by a language that helps to manipulate the data and allows querying of the database (e.g. SQL).
Although the database 16 may be a "flat file" it is preferred that the database 16 be a relational database. A relational database is a database that stores the information in tables, and where there are rules that define the relationship between the tables.
Generally, the tables in a relational database are separated by different entities (e.g. all received e-mail messages, all data on CSRs, and predefined CSR standard responses). Generally, each row of a database table defines a subset of that particular entity where each column of that table defmes a specific attribute, or category, for that entity. For example, a table storing all received e-mail messages may be stored as one table or entity. One row may be designated for each separate e-mail message where the message is given specific attributes defined by each column of that row (e.g., the time the message was received or the status of the message).
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the interface 24 between the Web server 14 and the database 16. The Web server 14 may be connected to more than one database 16. The server 14 is adapted to interface with the database 16 so that the CSR may access, and retrieve, the data residing on the database 16. For example, a server 14, acting as a Web server 14, genera4ly consists of HTML files and electronically communicates with the CSR computers 18 using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
When a Web page is requested by the Web browser, HTML files are sent from the Web Server 14 to the CSR Web browser via HTTP. When data from the database 16 is needed, the Web page is programmed to retrieve the data from the database 16.
Accordingly, the server 14 and the database 16 must be integrated for proper communication. However, in many cases the server 14, acting as an interface to the database 16, cannot communicate with standard databases without an interface 24 that maps the incoming query to the server 14 to the appropriate semantics in the database 16.
In many databases today, Structured Query Language ("SQL") is used as the industry standard. SQL is a data language designed for creating, manipulating, and controlling relational databases. In order for a Web Server 14 to communicate with a database, a program extension 26 may be needed that converts the requests for data from the Web server 14 to a form that the database 16 will understand. For example, if the database 16 is a SQL
database, the programmed program extension 26 will convert the data request from the Web Server 14 to SQL so that the database 16 will understand. However, in the preferred embodiment a program extension 26 is not required. In the preferred embodiment, the Web Server speaks directly to the database with Tntemet Database Connector files ("IDC" files) which allow Web pages to interface with the data in the database 16.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) layer is also progranuned into the call center network 10. ODBC is a standard interface between the database 16 and an application trying to access the data in the database 16.
Basically, the ODBC layer 28 allows any front end application to access the database 16 (in other words, the ODBC interface 28 is a program that provides a uniform way of calling data request to a database 16).
Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a data request from the Web server 14 is sent via lDC files, which use ODBC-compatible SQL, to the ODBC interface 28.
The ODBC
layer 28 converts the ODBC SQL calls into the predetermined database 16 native calls and then performs the database 16 interaction. The ODBC layer may also return the results of the data queries in a uniform way to the Web server 14.
The operation of the invention can be understood with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 3-9 and corresponding screen shots illustrated in Figures 10-34. The flowcharts of Figure 3-9 describe the operational flow of one example system of the present invention.
Screen shots from various stages of the system flow are depicted in Figures 10-27, however not all screen shots have been provided.
As discussed above, customers submit electronic message inquiries (e.g. e-mail) to the call center network 10. As discussed, the eDectronic messages are automatically transferred to a database 16 according to a predetermined format. Accordingly, the CSRs must access the electronic messages stored on the database 16 and respond to the inquiries.
A CSR accesses the database 16 from a computer station 18 electronically connected to the server 14. It is preferred that the CSR stations 18 are connected to the server 14 via a TCP/IP network, however, it should be understood that other network and data transfer protocols may suffice. As discussed, the server 16 is a computer that interfaces the CSR
computer 18 with the database 16. It is preferred that the server 16 be configured with Web server software that allows the maintenance of HTML files, i.e. Web pages, that are used as interfaces to the database 16 (The following explanation of the invention and the flowcharts assume HTML as the preferred file format of the user interfaces although other formats may be used. Accordingly, the server 14 in the following explanation will be configured with Web server software, i.e. a Web server 14).
To access the database 16, a CSR points his Web browser to the appropriate address (e.g. a URL 13) of the starting address of the call center interface files located on the Web server 14. The Web server 14 transmits the HTML files of the CSR login page to the requesting CSR. (See the screen shot of Figure 10.) The CSR then logs in with his IA and his password block 30. A program then checks to make sure the ID and the password are of a required form block 32 and sends the data to the database to make sure the CSR
is allowed access block 34. It is preferred that an ID and password checking program be embedded in the HTML. For example a script is sent to the browser where it is subsequently run by the browser running on the CSR computer 18.
If the ID and password are of a required form, they are sent to the database to confirm the CSR may access the messages. If the CSR is authorized, the HTML files informing the user of authorized access are sent to the CSR browser (see Figure 11). Upon clicking the "continue button" 17, the main navigational page (see screen shot of Figure 12) are sent to the CSR computer 18. The main navigational page is displayed block 36 via the Web browser at the CSR computer 18. The call center interface may be programmed so as to require the changing of CSR passwords after a predetermined time. The main navigational page provides links, to HTML, or Web, page interfaces that allow the CSR to perform one of the main functions of the call center system 10. The CSR may opt to:
1.) access and process the received electronic messages;
2.) provide adnlinistrative functions;
3.) create detailed reports;
4.) view the history of the received eleclronic messages; or 5.) change the passwords of the CSRs.
The CSR selects one of these options block 38 by clicking on the appropriate link in the main navigational page as illustrated in Figure 12. For example, if the CSR wants to respond to e-mail messages he clicks on the "e-mail" link 40; if he wants to administer the system he clicks on the "Adm.inistration" link 42; if he wants to view a report on system statistics he clicks on the "Reports" link 44; if he wants to retrieve a history report he clicks on the "History" link 46; if he wants to change passwords he clicks on the "Password" link ;
and if he wants to process mail, he clicks on the "Process Mail" link.
By clicking on the "e-mail" link 40 on the main navigational page, the database is queried to find which e-mail addresses the CSR may respond to and how many e-mails are waiting response. The results of the query are used to create the HTML file of the "E-mail Response" page. The "E-mail Response" page is sent to the CSR computer 18 from the Web server 14. (Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a flow chart depicting the main steps for accessing and responding to e-mail messages.) Once the HTML files are received at the CSR computer 18, the "E-mail Response" page, illustrated in Figure 13, is displayed block 52 via the Web browser.
The E-mail Response page preferably gives the CSR the option of either:
1.) selecting a group of e-mail messages to respond to if the CSR has permission to respond to the received electronic messages; or 2.) selecting a group of e-mail messages to provide quality assurance (QA) reviews block 54.
E-mail messages are preferably grouped according to the e-mail addresses where the inquiry was sent. For example, all e-mail messages sent to a particular e-mail group are all preferably grouped together, stored together in the database 16, and accessed together. For example, in Figure 13, there is only one group, "cyberesponse@matrixx.net ".
It is preferred that only the CSR groups to which each CSR has access be listed on the retrieved page. It is important to note that many CSRs (each linked by a computer 18) can respond to a single address/group. Setting CSR privileges to groups is discussed in further detail below.
If the CSR wishes to access and respond to e-mail messages, the CSR selects a group to respond to block 56. By selecting a group, the corresponding electronic messages received, and queued, for that group are retrieved block 58 from the database 16 and sent to the CSR computer 18 where they are displayed via HTML block 60. An example of a "Queued Messages" page is illustrated in Figure 14. In the example page of Figure 14, the retrieved messages are categorized by:
1.) message number;
2.) response number, 3.) the status of the message;
4.) whether the message has been assigned;
5.) when the message was received;
6.) who sent the message, including the customer's e-mail address; and 7.) the subject of the message.
It is preferred that the messages be separated into three different subgroups:
the General message subgroup 62, the QA message subgroup 64, and the Expert message subgroup 66. The QA message subgroup contains all the messages that are awaiting QA
review or messages denied by QA. All the messages in the Expert message subgroup are messages that are awaiting expert response or have been answered by an expert.
'The General message group contains all other messages that are still in queue. As illustrated in Figure 14, the status of the QA messages are either "From QA" or "Pending QA".
Messages with the "From QA" status indicate that the message has been reviewed and denied by a CSR with QA privileges. Messages with the "Pending QA" status indicate that the message has not yet been reviewed. Similarly, the status of the Expert messages are either "From Expert", indicating the expert has responded to the CSR's inquiry, or "Wait for Expert", indicating the CSR is still waiting for the expert to respond. Messages in the General message subgroup 62 may indicate to which CSR the message has been assigned.
i5 A CSR may have the option to retrieve messages from either the General message subgroup 62, the QA message subgroup 64, or the Expert message subgroup 66 (block 68).
If the CSR wishes to respond to a message that has not yet been opened or assigned, the CSR
may click on a link 70 of a message that has a status of "Unopened" and "Unassigned".
Upon clicking such a link, the message is retrieved from the database 16 (the database 16 being updated to indicate the message has been opened) and sent to the CSR
computer 18 where it is displayed via the Web browser block 72.
Upon clicking on an unassigned e-mail message to review, the CSR is given the option to either:
1.) assign the message to himselfa or 2.) return to the queued message page Figure 14 without assigning the message block 78.
If the CSR does not wish to assign the message to himself, the CSR is returned to the queued message page. If the CSR wishes to assign the message to himself, the CSR clicks on the "Assign Message to Me" link. The database 16 is updated to indicate that the message has been assigned block 82. Upon assigning the message, the CSR is sent another HTML
page which contains text asking the CSR to assign a category to the message block 84. See Figure 15. Upon assigning a category(s), the database 16 is updated to reflect which categories the message has been assigned. Once a category is assigned to the message, CSR
is given the option to either respond to the message, refer the question to an expert, or not respond to the message block 86.
If the CSR indicates that a response is not needed for a particular message, the CSR so indicates and the message is removed from the queued message table and the database is updated to indicate the message did not need a response block 88.
Ce! 02301664 20UU-0I-20 If the CSR wishes to refer the message to an expert more suited to respond to the inquiry, the CSR clicks on the appropriate link. Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the steps for referring a message to an expert. An HTML page is sent to the CSR block 90 requesting expert referral that asks the CSR to select an expert to take the message (see Figure 16 illustrating an example screen shot). The CSR then selects an expert and refers the message to the designated expert block 92 and 94. The database 16 is then updated to indicate that the message has been referred to an expert and that it is pending response from that expert block 96. Once the expert reviews and responds to the message, the database 16 is updated to indicate that the expert has responded to the message, i.e. "From Expert".
An expert is preferably a CSR that has been given expert privileges or a designated expert outside the E-mail management system, as will be discussed below. Accordingly, the expert accesses the management system via a computer configured similarly to the CSR computer 18 (or if outside the E-mail management system, receives and replies to expert inquiry via standard Internet E-mail).
From the page illustrated in Figure 15, the CSR may wish to respond to an assigned message rather than referring it to an expert. Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps needed for replying to an e-mail message. The CSR will have the option of providing a custom response, a standard response, or both, to the inquiry blocks 98-104.
The standard responses are stored and retrieved from the database 16. They are preferably indexed, and retrieved, by the particular group, category, or keyword of the message (Figure 17 illustrates a screen shot listing example standard responses). Providing standard responses to frequently asked customer questions reduces the time required to respond to many of the customer inquiries.
The system 10 is programmed to determine whether the response requires QA
review block 106, prior to the message being sent to the originating customer. As will be discussed WO 99/04347 PCTlUS98135244 in greater detail below, the administrator of the system may designate responses from certain CSRs as requiring QA review (discussed in greater detail below). In other words, all responses of designated CSRs must be given a QA review before their responses are sent to the customers. This feature allows the monitoring of CSR responses. This is especially important when training CSRs or when certain CSRs have a discourteous service record. If the response requires QA review, the response is flagged for QA review and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the stored response is to be reviewed and approved before being sent blocks 108 and 110. If the response does not require QA review, the message is sent to the customer and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the message was responded to blocks 112-116.
As discussed above, a CSR with QA privileges may opt to provide a QA-review on the CSR responses as opposed to responding to a message block 54. Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for providing a quality assurance review of e-mail responses.
Once a CSR indicates that he wishes to review submitted CSR responses that are in queue, an HTML page is sent to the CSR computer 18 containing a table of responses that must be reviewed (the responses are retrieved from the database 16) block 118. Figure 18 illustrates an example screen shot of a page listing messages to be given QA review.
The CSR may then click on a message to review block 120. An HTML file is sent to the CSR computer 18 that, preferably, displays the text of the message, the response formulated by a CSR, and other message data block 122. This data being retrieved from the database 16. Upon QA review, the reviewing CSR may accept or deny the response block 124. If the response is accepted, it is sent to the customer and the database 16 is updated to indicate that the customer message was reviewed and replied to blocks 126, 128. If the response is denied, the QA CSR sends the denied message back to the CSR with an explanation and a recommendation of how to respond to the inquiry. The database 16 is updated to indicate that the response has been reviewed and denied block 130.
As previously discussed, a CSR, with administrative privileges, has the option to perforrn administrative duties on the electronic message management system.
The administrative CSR may perform administrative functions by clicking on the appropriate link in the main navigational page block 38 as illustrated in Figure 12. Once the administrative CSR clicks on the administrative link, an HTML file of the main administrative options page is sent to the CSR block 132, located at a CSR computer 18 (Figure 19 illustrates an example screen shot of the main administrative options page of the present invention).
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for administering the electronic message system of the present invention.
From the main administrative options page Figure 19, the CSR may elect to update message groups (these groups preferably consisting of a number predetermined e-mail addresses), update CSR data, or update a group of messages biock 134. In updating CSR
data, the administrative CSR may add new CSRs block 136 or change existing CSR
privileges block 138. Figure 20 illustrates an example screen shot for adding CSRs and updating CSR privileges. Again, these screen shots are preferably HTML files, or pages, displayed with a Web browser located at the CSR computer 18. As illustrated in Figure 20, the administrative CSR may change CSR passwords, update CSR privileges, and give permissions to selected groups the CSR may respond to. It is also preferred that the pages be linked to the database 16, so that changes to the CSR data made on the page are automatically made in the database 16, according to the methods previously discussed (i.e.
The data is sent via the CSR computer 18 to the Web server 14 to the database 16).
The administrative CSR may also choose to update a group, or a group address.
2 5 Figure 21 illustrates example screen shots displayed at the administrative CSR's computer 18 for updating group data. As illustrated in Figure 21, an administrative CSR
may have the option block 140 to:
change the categories of a group block 142, Figure 21;
assign CSRs to a group block 144, Figure 22;
add or change standard responses of the group block 146, Figure 23;
add or change the signatures of the group Figure 24; or view a summary page of the group Figure 25.
It is preferred that these pages be linked to the database 16, so that changes to the group data made on the page are automatically uploaded to the database 16.
The administrative CSR may also grant other CSRs the privilege to view reports (Reports CSRs). The Reports CSRs may choose to view a report on a certain group. Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps for requesting a report. In the preferred embodiment, the Reports CSRs have the option to view a report of a group block 148 based on either the:
category of messages block 150;
time and/or day the messages were received block 152;
messages of a group that did not need a response block 154;
messages that were initiated by a CSR block 156;
messages that are still pending block 158; or messages that have been reviewed by a QA CSR.
Figures 26-34 illustrate example screen shots displayed at the administrative CSR's computer 18 for viewing and printing group reports. The reports are created by retrieving the appropriate data from the database 16 and sending them to the CSR computer 18 to be displayed in a predetermined interface format, preferably created by HTML. As discussed, WO 99/04347 pCT/US98115240 the requests for data sent from these pages are sent to the server 14 which interfaces these data requests to the database 16.
It is also preferred that the present system allow the CSRs to initiate e-mail messages to the customers from their computers 18. It is also preferred that the CSRs e-mail programs be linked to the database 16 so that the system may track and store:
i) which CSR sent the e-mail;
ii) when the e-mail was sent;
iii) where the e-mail was sent; and iv) what the e-mail message consisted of.
This feature allows the system of the present invention to track CSR
performance for CSR initiated e-mails similarly to the tracking of CSR responses to customer initiated messages.
Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the I S described invention and still be within the scope of the claimed invention. It should be appreciated that the present system may be implemented by other data protocols, programming languages, and differing arrangements of certain programs and interfaces not discussed in the present application. Thus, many of the elements indicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements which will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
Claims (22)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for managing electronic messages received from the Internet or an Intranet, the system comprising:
a first programmed digital computer, said first programmed digital computer programmed to accept electronic messages, said first programmed digital computer programmed with mail server software;
a computer readable medium for storing a database, said database being operable to store said electronic messages forwarded by said first programmed digital computer to said database, said electronic messages being stored in said database according to predetermined attributes for tracking said electronic messages;
a second programmed digital computer in electrical communication with said database, said second programmed digital computer being configured with web server software; and a third programmed digital computer in electrical communication with said second programmed digital computer, said third programmed digital computer being configured with web browser software, said web browser software being operable by a customer service representative (CSR) located at said third programmed digital computer to communicate with said web server software to cause said second programmed digital computer to retrieve any of said stored electronic messages based on any of said predetermined message attributes.
a first programmed digital computer, said first programmed digital computer programmed to accept electronic messages, said first programmed digital computer programmed with mail server software;
a computer readable medium for storing a database, said database being operable to store said electronic messages forwarded by said first programmed digital computer to said database, said electronic messages being stored in said database according to predetermined attributes for tracking said electronic messages;
a second programmed digital computer in electrical communication with said database, said second programmed digital computer being configured with web server software; and a third programmed digital computer in electrical communication with said second programmed digital computer, said third programmed digital computer being configured with web browser software, said web browser software being operable by a customer service representative (CSR) located at said third programmed digital computer to communicate with said web server software to cause said second programmed digital computer to retrieve any of said stored electronic messages based on any of said predetermined message attributes.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said third programmed digital computer is configured to allow said customer service representative to respond to an electronic message that has been retrieved from said database.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a data interface, said data interface being operably configured to receive database requests from said second programmed computer and to convert said database requests into database queries such that said second programmed digital computer may retrieve said stored electronic messages from said database.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is the time the electronic message was received.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is an e-mail address of the customer who sent said electronic message.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is the current status of said electronic message.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is an e-mail address of the group to which the electronic message was sent.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said database stores said electronic messages and data of CSR privileges.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein said data of CSR privileges includes access privileges to said database.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein said data of CSR privileges includes quality assurance privileges.
11. The system of claim 8 wherein said data of CSR privileges includes CSR
passwords.
passwords.
12. An electronic message management method, comprising:
receiving electronic messages at an electronic network;
forwarding said electronic messages to a database;
storing said electronic messages based on predetermined message attributes for tracking said electronic messages;
interfacing a customer service representative computer to allow electronic access to said electronic messages based on said predetermined message attributes; and transmitting one of said stored electronic messages from said database to said customer service representative computer.
receiving electronic messages at an electronic network;
forwarding said electronic messages to a database;
storing said electronic messages based on predetermined message attributes for tracking said electronic messages;
interfacing a customer service representative computer to allow electronic access to said electronic messages based on said predetermined message attributes; and transmitting one of said stored electronic messages from said database to said customer service representative computer.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is an e-mail address of a group to which the e-mail message was sent.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein one of said predetermined message attributes is the status of said electronic message.
15. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
responding to said transmitted message; and automatically updating said database upon responding to said transmitted message to indicate a response has been sent.
responding to said transmitted message; and automatically updating said database upon responding to said transmitted message to indicate a response has been sent.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
forwarding said transmitted message to an expert;
updating said database, after forwarding said transmitted message to said expert, to indicate that said transmitted message has been forwarded to said expert; and formulating a response from said expert.
forwarding said transmitted message to an expert;
updating said database, after forwarding said transmitted message to said expert, to indicate that said transmitted message has been forwarded to said expert; and formulating a response from said expert.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
providing a response to said transmitted electronic message;
storing said response in said database; and retrieving said stored response for quality assurance review.
providing a response to said transmitted electronic message;
storing said response in said database; and retrieving said stored response for quality assurance review.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
denying said response; and updating said database to indicate that said response was denied.
denying said response; and updating said database to indicate that said response was denied.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
accepting the response; and sending said response to an originating customer.
accepting the response; and sending said response to an originating customer.
20. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
storing CSR data in said database; and providing access to said database base on said CSR data.
storing CSR data in said database; and providing access to said database base on said CSR data.
21. The method of claim 12 further comprising storing a list of standard responses in said database.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:
retrieving certain ones of said standard responses from said database;
and sending at least one of said standard responses to an originating customer of said transmitted electronic message.
retrieving certain ones of said standard responses from said database;
and sending at least one of said standard responses to an originating customer of said transmitted electronic message.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/897,777 | 1997-07-21 | ||
| US08/897,777 US6122632A (en) | 1997-07-21 | 1997-07-21 | Electronic message management system |
| CA002301664A CA2301664C (en) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Electronic message management system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002301664A Division CA2301664C (en) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Electronic message management system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2485238A1 CA2485238A1 (en) | 1999-01-28 |
| CA2485238C true CA2485238C (en) | 2007-09-25 |
Family
ID=34081385
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002485238A Expired - Fee Related CA2485238C (en) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Electronic message management system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2485238C (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7809663B1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-10-05 | Convergys Cmg Utah, Inc. | System and method for supporting the utilization of machine language |
| US8379830B1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2013-02-19 | Convergys Customer Management Delaware Llc | System and method for automated customer service with contingent live interaction |
| US8452668B1 (en) | 2006-03-02 | 2013-05-28 | Convergys Customer Management Delaware Llc | System for closed loop decisionmaking in an automated care system |
-
1998
- 1998-07-21 CA CA002485238A patent/CA2485238C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8452668B1 (en) | 2006-03-02 | 2013-05-28 | Convergys Customer Management Delaware Llc | System for closed loop decisionmaking in an automated care system |
| US7809663B1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2010-10-05 | Convergys Cmg Utah, Inc. | System and method for supporting the utilization of machine language |
| US8379830B1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2013-02-19 | Convergys Customer Management Delaware Llc | System and method for automated customer service with contingent live interaction |
| US9549065B1 (en) | 2006-05-22 | 2017-01-17 | Convergys Customer Management Delaware Llc | System and method for automated customer service with contingent live interaction |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2485238A1 (en) | 1999-01-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6122632A (en) | Electronic message management system | |
| US6253216B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for providing a personal page | |
| US7120647B2 (en) | Web-based method and system for providing expert information on selected matters | |
| US8694369B2 (en) | Computer self-support management | |
| US7225195B2 (en) | Method for a dynamic information messaging system | |
| US6341290B1 (en) | Method and system for automating the communication of business information | |
| US7069592B2 (en) | Web-based document system | |
| US7464045B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for managing workplace services and products | |
| US20020169743A1 (en) | Web-based method and system for identifying and searching patents | |
| US5875302A (en) | Communication management system having communication thread structure including a plurality of interconnected threads | |
| US6295536B1 (en) | Computer architecture for multi-organization data access | |
| US7130878B2 (en) | Systems and methods for domain name registration by proxy | |
| US20020111887A1 (en) | Employee online activity monitoring system | |
| US20010051906A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for distributing documents on an event-triggered basis through a communications network system | |
| US20020016735A1 (en) | Electronic mail classified advertising system | |
| CA2519487A1 (en) | Verified personal information database | |
| WO1998016893A1 (en) | Automated networked service request and fulfillment system and method | |
| AU2002234069A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for assisting workplace services and products | |
| JPH1115878A (en) | Investment mart system | |
| US7483912B2 (en) | Information retrieval/information retrieval result providing system, information retrieval/information retrieval result providing method and storage medium recording method program | |
| US20050278187A1 (en) | System and method for management of a certification program | |
| US9384455B2 (en) | On-line invention disclosure system | |
| CA2485238C (en) | Electronic message management system | |
| US8504623B2 (en) | System and method for distributing electronic information | |
| US20110066665A1 (en) | On-Line Invention Disclosure System And Docket System |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |