Loyalty link method and apparatus for integrating customer information with dealer management information

A programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. a smart card system (SCS) adapted to store and access information regarding vehicle dealership activities;
• b. a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) electronically communicating with the smart card system, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• and
• c. a communication link between the SCS and DMS;
• wherein
• 1. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored on a smart card and store the accessed data in the DMS, and print and display the accessed data,
• 2. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored in the DMS and store the accessed data on the SCS, and to print and display the accessed data,
• 3. the DMS and SCS are adapted to generate data in a user session and store the generated data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the generated data, and
• 4. the SCS is adapted to receive input of supplemental data and store the inputted data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the inputted data,
• and further wherein the SCS comprises
• 1. a plurality of smart cards,
• 2. a smart card reader, adapted to read the smart cards,
• 3. a data entry station, communicating with the smart card reader,
• 4. a printer, communicating with the data entry station,
• 5. checking means to check access authorization of the input data from the user,
• 6. displaying means to display pop up video clips, and
• 7. selecting means to select a language from a plurality of choices for use in any printed and displayed text;
• and wherein the communication link is selected from the group comprising:
• radio transmission, cable transmission, the Internet, leased telephone lines, wire, optical fiber, and wireless communication;
• and further wherein the data entry station is selected from a group consisting of:
• 1. a data entry station that comprises:
• a. a kiosk including a computer touch screen with an electronic keyboard,
• b. a keyboard, and
• c. a mouse;
• and
• 2. a data entry station that comprises a PC computer with a display screen, a keyboard, and a mouse;
• and further where the SCS receives:
• a. inputted data comprising customer information, vehicle information, maintenance schedule information, coupon information, personal identification number (PIN), and administrator data that permit functions to be performed that are reserved for a system administrator;
• b. supplemental data comprising current mileage, selected customer services, additional contact instructions, additional contact number and promised date and time of completion;
• and
• c. response data comprising recommended services, a savings amount during a visit, and total savings amount to date.

A programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. a smart card system (SCS) adapted to store and access information regarding vehicle dealership activities;
• b. a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) electronically communicating with the smart card system, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• and
• c. a communication link between the SCS and DMS.

A system integration method executed by a programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. receiving input data from a user;
• b. entering supplemental data that are different from the input data;
• c. transmitting the input data and the supplemental data to a data management system, the data management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• d. generating with a programmable apparatus response data from the data management system, based in part on the input data and the supplemental data;
• e. displaying the input data, the supplemental data and the response data;
• f. updating the input data based in part on the supplemental data and the response data;
• and
• g. storing the updated input data.

A method for a programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. storing and accessing information regarding vehicle dealership activities with a smart card system (SCS);
• and
• b. communicating between a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) and the smart card system using a communication link between the SCS and DMS, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• wherein
• 1. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored on a smart card and store the accessed data in the DMS, and print and display the accessed data,
• 2. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored in the DMS and store the accessed data on the SCS, and to print and display the accessed data,
• 3. the DMS and SCS are adapted to generate data in a user session and store the generated data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the generated data, and
• 4. the SCS is adapted to receive input of supplemental data and store the inputted data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the inputted data,
• and further wherein the SCS comprises
• 1. a plurality of smart cards,
• 2. a smart card reader, adapted to read the smart cards,
• 3. a data entry station, communicating with the smart card reader,
• 4. a printer, communicating with the data entry station,
• 5. checking means to check access authorization of the input data from the user,
• 6. displaying means to display pop up video clips, and
• 7. selecting means to select a language from a plurality of choices for use in any printed and displayed text;
• and wherein the communication link is selected from the group comprising:
• radio transmission, cable transmission, the Internet, leased telephone lines, wire, optical fiber, and wireless communication;
• and further wherein the data entry station is selected from a group consisting of:
• 1. a data entry station that comprises:
• a. a kiosk including a computer touch screen with an electronic keyboard,
• b. a keyboard, and
• c. a mouse;
• and
• 2. a data entry station that comprises a PC computer with a display screen, a keyboard, and a mouse;
• and further where the SCS receives:
• a. inputted data comprising customer information, vehicle information, maintenance schedule information, coupon information, personal identification number (PIN), and administrator data that permit functions to be performed that are reserved for a system administrator;
• b. supplemental data comprising current mileage, selected customer services, additional contact instructions, additional contact number and promised date and time of completion;
• and
• c. response data comprising recommended services, a savings amount during a visit, and total savings amount to date.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a programmable apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a system integration method, the method comprising:

• a. receiving input data from a user;
• b. entering supplemental data that are different from the input data;
• c. transmitting the input data and the supplemental data to a data management system, the data management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• d. generating response data from the data management system, based in part on the input data and the supplemental data;
• e. displaying the input data, the supplemental data and the response data;
• f. updating the input data based in part on the supplemental data and the response data;
• and
• g. storing the updated input data.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a programmable apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a system integration method, the method comprising:

• a. storing and accessing information regarding vehicle dealership activities with a smart card system (SCS);
• and
• b. communicating between a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) and the smart card system using a communication link between the SCS and DMS, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• wherein
• 1. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored on a smart card and store the accessed data in the DMS, and print and display the accessed data,
• 2. the DMS and SCS are adapted to access data stored in the DMS and store the accessed data on the SCS, and to print and display the accessed data,
• 3. the DMS and SCS are adapted to generate data in a user session and store the generated data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the generated data, and
• 4. the SCS is adapted to receive input of supplemental data and store the inputted data in the DMS, and in the SCS, and to print and to display the inputted data,
• and further wherein the SCS comprises
• 1. a plurality of smart cards,
• 2. a smart card reader, adapted to read the smart cards,
• 3. a data entry station, communicating with the smart card reader,
• 4. a printer, communicating with the data entry station,
• 5. checking means to check access authorization of the input data from the user,
• 6. displaying means to display pop up video clips, and
• 7. selecting means to select a language from a plurality of choices for use in any printed and displayed text;
• and wherein the communication link is selected from the group comprising:
• radio transmission, cable transmission, the Internet, leased telephone lines, wire, optical fiber, and wireless communication;
• and further wherein the data entry station comprises a keyboard, a mouse, and at least one of a kiosk including a computer touch screen with an electronic keyboard and a PC computer with a display screen,
• and further where the SCS receives:
• a. inputted data comprising customer information, vehicle information, maintenance schedule information, coupon information, personal identification number (PIN), and administrator data that permit functions to be performed that are reserved for a system administrator;
• b. supplemental data comprising current mileage, selected customer services, additional contact instructions, additional contact number and promised date and time of completion;
• and
• c. response data comprising recommended services, a savings amount during a visit, and total savings amount to date.

A smart card system (SCS) comprising:

• a. a plurality of smart cards,
• b. a smart card reader, adapted to read the smart cards,
• c. a data entry station, communicating with the smart card reader, and
• d. a printer, communicating with the data entry station, wherein the SCS is configured to communicate with a dealer management system (DMS), the dealer management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.

A smart card system (SCS) comprising:

• a. a plurality of smart cards,
• b. a smart card reader, adapted to read the smart cards,
• c. a data entry station, communicating with the smart card reader,
• d. a printer, communicating with the data entry station,
• e. checking means to check access authorization of the input data from the user,
• f. displaying means to display pop up-video clips, and
• g. selecting means to select a language from a plurality of choices for use in any printed and displayed text;
• wherein the data entry station comprises a keyboard, a mouse, and at least one of a kiosk including a computer touch screen with an electronic keyboard and a PC computer with a display screen,
• and further where the SCS receives:
• a. inputted data comprising customer information, vehicle information, maintenance schedule information, coupon information, personal identification number (PIN), and administrator data that permit functions to be performed that are reserved for a system administrator;
• b. supplemental data comprising current mileage, selected customer services, additional contact instructions, additional contact number and promised date and time of completion;
• and
• c. response data comprising recommended services, a savings amount during a visit, and total savings amount to date;
• and further where the SCS is adapted
• a. to store and access information regarding vehicle dealership activities;
• b. to generate data in a user session and store the generated data in the SCS, and to print and to display the generated data;
• c. to receive input of supplemental data and store the inputted data in the SCS, and to print and display the inputted data;
• and
• d. to communicate with a dealer management system (DMS), the dealer management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.

A system integration method executed by a smart card system (SCS) comprising:

• a. receiving input data on a plurality of smart cards,
• b. reading the smart cards with a smart card reader,
• c. entering and displaying data on a data entry station, said data entry station communicating with the smart card reader,
• d. printing data with a printer, said printer communicating with the data entry station, and
• e. communicating with a dealer management system (DMS), the dealer management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a smart card system (SCS), cause the SCS to perform a method comprising:

• a. receiving input data on a plurality of smart cards,
• b. reading the smart cards with a smart card reader,
• c. entering and displaying data on a data entry station, said data entry station communicating with the smart card reader,
• d. printing data with a printer, said printer communicating with the data entry station, and
• e. communicating with a dealer management system (DMS), the dealer management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a smart card system (SCS), cause the SCS to perform a method comprising:

• a. receiving input data on a plurality of smart cards,
• b. reading the smart cards with a smart card reader,
• c. entering and displaying data on a data entry station, said data entry station communicating with the smart card reader,
• d. printing data with a printer, said printer communicating with the data entry station,
• e. checking an access authorization of the input data from the user,
• f. displaying pop up video clips, and
• g. selecting a language from a plurality of choices for use in any printed and displayed text;
• wherein the data entry station comprises a keyboard, a mouse, and at least one of a kiosk including a computer touch screen with an electronic keyboard and a PC computer with a display screen,
• and further where the SCS receives:
• a. inputted data comprising customer information, vehicle information, maintenance schedule information, coupon information, personal identification number (PIN), and administrator data that permit functions to be performed that are reserved for a system administrator;
• b. supplemental data comprising current mileage, selected customer services, additional contact instructions, additional contact number and promised date and time of completion;
• and
• c. response data comprising recommended services, a savings amount during a visit, and total savings amount to date;
• and further where the SCS is adapted
• a. to store and access information regarding vehicle dealership activities;
• b. to generate data in a user session and store the generated data in the SCS, and to print and to display the generated data;
• c. to receive input of supplemental data and store the inputted data in the SCS, and to print and display the inputted data;
• and
• d. to communicate with a dealer management system (DMS), the dealer management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.

A programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. receiving means to receive input data from a user, the input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile;
• b. entering means to enter supplemental data that are different from the input data;
• c. transmitting means to transmit, over an Internet connection, the input data and the supplemental data to a data management system, the data management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• d. generating means to generate response data from the data management system, based in part on the input data and the supplemental data, the response data including at least scheduled appointment data;
• e. displaying means to display the input data, the supplemental data and the response data;
• f. updating means to update the input data based in part on the supplemental data and the response data;
• and
• g. storing means to store the updated input data.

A programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. a smart card system (SCS) adapted to store and access information regarding vehicle dealership activities including vehicle service activities;
• b. a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) electronically communicating with the smart card system, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• and
• c. an Internet communication link between the SCS and DMS,
• wherein the SCS is configured to receive input data from a user, the user input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile, and
• wherein the DMS is configured to receive the user input data from the SCS over the Internet communication link and to schedule the at least one appointment.

A system integration method executed by a programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. receiving input data from a user, the input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile;
• b. entering supplemental data that are different from the input data;
• c. transmitting, over an Internet connection, the input data and the supplemental data to a data management system, the data management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• d. generating with a programmable apparatus response data from the data management system, based in part on the input data and the supplemental data, the response data including at least scheduled appointment data;
• e. displaying the input data, the supplemental data and the response data;
• f. updating the input data based in part on the supplemental data and the response data;
• and
• g. storing the updated input data.

A system integration method executed by a programmable apparatus comprising:

• a. storing and accessing information regarding vehicle dealership activities including vehicle service activities, with a smart card system (SCS);
• b. communicating between a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) and the smart card system using an Internet communication link between the SCS and DMS, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with. prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• c. receiving input data from a user by the SCS, the user input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile;
• d. receiving the user input data from the SCS by the DMS, over the Internet communication link;
• and
• e. scheduling the at least one appointment by the DMS.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a programmable apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a system integration method, the method comprising:

• a. receiving input data from a user, the input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile;
• b. entering supplemental data that are different from the input data;
• c. transmitting, over an Internet connection, the input data and the supplemental data to a data management system, the data management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• d. generating with a programmable apparatus response data from the data management system, based in part on the input data and the supplemental data, the response data including at least scheduled appointment data;
• e. displaying the input data, the supplemental data and the response data;
• f. updating the input data based in part on the supplemental data and the response data;
• and
• g. storing the updated input data.

A machine readable memory medium containing instructions which, when executed by a programmable apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a system integration method, the method comprising:

• a. storing and accessing information regarding vehicle dealership activities including vehicle service activities, with a smart card system (SCS);
• b. communicating between a vehicle dealership management system (DMS) and the smart card system using an Internet communication link between the SCS and DMS, the dealership management system configured to provide a customer incentive package with selectively offered incentives, wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system and wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system, wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer;
• c. receiving input data from a user by the SCS, the user input data including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on an automobile;
• d. receiving the user input data from the SCS by the DMS, over the Internet communication link;
• and
• e. scheduling the at least one appointment by the DMS.

A method implemented by a programmable apparatus for providing a graphical user interface to interact with a data management system including a customer incentive package linked to a maintenance schedule for an automobile, comprising:

• displaying on a viewing device a plurality of fields including input data, supplemental data, and response data fields,
• at least one input data field including at least scheduling data indicative of a user request to schedule at least one appointment for an operation to be performed on the automobile;
• at least one supplemental data field including data that are different from the input data;
• and
• at least one response data field including at least scheduled appointment data and selectively offered customer incentives from the data management system,
• wherein the selectively offered customer incentives are at least in part associated with prior maintenance services performed on a vehicle by a vehicle service entity associated with the data management system;
• wherein the incentives are at least in part associated with recommended maintenance services to be performed on the vehicle by the vehicle service entity associated with the data management system;
• and
• wherein the incentives are selectively offered based at least in part on a vehicle maintenance schedule for a customer.