Lead processing

Abstract

Apparatus, method and system network for lead processing are described. More particularly, a web-based client-server system is described where a sales force automation system is used for updating databases and routing tasks based on user activity. In particular, action item form screen images and lead form screen images may be cast as objects and associated with one another. A lead source is identified with a lead, and activity with respect to whether such a lead results in a registration or a quote is tracked. Moreover, whether such registration or quote results in actual revenue generation is tracked as based on an existing opportunity or a new opportunity. Accordingly, lead source effectiveness for generating new business may be determined based on revenue generation.

1 . A method for processing a lead, comprising: 
 providing a programmed computer system, the programmed computer system having a display and coupled to a network, a cursor-pointing device and a keyboard;    displaying an action item form screen image on the display, the action item form screen image having a display lead button and a dispatch button;    selecting the display lead button;    providing a lead form screen image on the display in response to the display lead button selected, the lead form screen image having an opportunity field;    providing an entry into the opportunity field;    returning to the action item form screen image;    selecting the dispatch button;    providing a dispatch form screen image in response to the dispatch button selected; and    dispatching an action item object corresponding to the action item form screen image.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising: 
 receiving the action item object;    obtaining the lead form screen image from the action item object, the lead form screen image having a create quote button;    creating a quote in part by selecting the create quote button; and    sending the quote.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 receiving the quote;    obtaining the lead form screen image from the quote;    determining whether the quote represents an existing opportunity; and    updating status of the lead in response to determining whether the quote represents the existing opportunity or a new opportunity.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising determining revenue generated by a lead source associated with the lead to quantify effectiveness of the lead source.  
     
     
         5 . A graphical user interface (GUI) for processing leads, comprising: 
 a programmed computer system having a display screen;    an action item form screen image for display on the display screen, the action item form screen image having a display lead button and a dispatch lead button; and    a lead form screen image for display on the display screen, the lead form screen image invoked by selection of the display lead button, the lead form screen image having at least one of a create registration button and a create quote button and having a new opportunity button, the lead form screen image having a lead source field, the lead source field for tracking a lead source of a lead.    
     
     
         6 . The GUI of  claim 11  further comprising a registration form screen image, the registration form screen image having a show lead button and a view activity log button.  
     
     
         7 . The GUI of  claim 11  wherein the lead form screen image comprises a make invalid button.  
     
     
         8 . The GUI of  claim 11  wherein the lead form screen image has a check button configured to an existing opportunity.  
     
     
         9 . A data processing network for lead processing, comprising: 
 a corporate management subnetwork, the corporate management subnetwork having a first computer system, the first computer system programmed with back office systems, the back office systems comprising databases of lead sources, sales offices and distributors;    an automated sales subnetwork, the automated sales subnetwork having a second computer system, the second computer system programmed with a sales force automation system and a sales database, the second computer system in communication with the first computer system;    a distribution subnetwork, the distribution subnetwork having a third computer system, the third computer system in communication with the second computer system, the third computer system programmed with a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface comprising:    an action item form screen image for display on the display screen, the action item form screen image having a display lead button and a dispatch lead button; and    a lead form screen image for display on the display screen, the lead form screen image invoked by selection of the display lead button, the lead form screen image having at least one of a create registration button and a create quote button and having a new opportunity button, the lead form screen image having a lead source field, the lead source field for tracking a lead source of a lead.    
     
     
         10 . The data processing network of claim  15  further comprising a registration form screen image, the registration form screen image having a show lead button and a view activity log button.  
     
     
         11 . The data processing network of claim  15  wherein the lead form screen image comprises a make invalid button.  
     
     
         12 . The data processing network of claim  15  wherein the lead form screen image has a check button configured to an existing opportunity.