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A Patented Automated Purchasing/Order-Filling System


Edwin Shoffner is an accomplished senior administrator who has led business operations for multiple companies in North and South Carolina. He currently serves as president of both Mattress Wholesale and Mattress by Appointment. Among his other accomplishments, Edwin Shoffner holds a patent for a proprietary automated purchasing system.

Patented in the United States under the number US20020013743 A1, this system is an enterprise-oriented procurement tool that is designed to aid in product evaluation selection and purchasing. It enables the consumer to physically assess products in the showroom environment while capitalizing on the benefits of the e-commerce buying process. 

The customer interface for this system takes the form of an interactive stand that allows users to enter preferred product characteristics and parameters to drive productive searches. The system then uses this data to cross-reference the availability of items in multiple warehouse facilities. If a customer chooses to buy an item, his or her purchase info is transmitted to a call center, which ultimately triggers shipping through an integrated distribution center.

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Automated Purchasing System US 20020013743 A1

Edwin Shoffner is an accomplished senior administrator who has led business operations for multiple companies in North and South Carolina. He currently serves as president of both Mattress Wholesale and Mattress by Appointment. Among his other accomplishments, Edwin Shoffner holds a patent for an automotive purchasing system. A key function of many ERP software systems, automated purchasing systems are typically employed by manufacturing businesses in order to reduce error and wasted time during the purchasing process. Mr. Shoffner’s specific automated purchasing system is patented in the United States under the number US20020013743 A1. This invention is designed to adapt the mattress-buying experience for the digital, e-commerce environment. It strives to provide comprehensive product evaluation and purchasing opportunities by combining the benefits of the showroom environment with the convenience of online selection and sales. This system is driven by an interactive stand that c...