WO2003079189A1

WO2003079189A1 - Managing a service establishment's information objects

Info

Publication number: WO2003079189A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/007603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth D. Turton
Original assignee: Turton Kenneth D
Priority date: 2002-03-13
Filing date: 2002-03-13
Publication date: 2003-09-25
Also published as: AU2002250309A1

Abstract

An integrated, automated business system and method for managing the core information objects related to a service based organization providing a service to clients; e.g., roof installation, maintenance, and repair. A computerized system facilitates the comprehensive collection (item 2 of Fig. 1), integration (item 4), organization (item 6), provision (item 14), and distribution of dat (item 16) in order to most efficiently utilize the resources of the service provider in all aspects of the service-based request. The data is further utilized in the provision of additional business functions, including marketing 8item 8), client profile (item 2), job scheduling (item 8), accounting (item 22), and client history (item 24).

Description

MANAGING A SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT'S INFORMATION OBJECTS

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to integrated business systems and methods for managing service or sales related businesses. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a streamlined, automated method and system for collecting and recording customer information in a non- repetitive fashion and to enable complete management of all core business or information objects related to the installation, maintenance, or repair of commercial or residential dwellings. The present invention further includes the ability to collect information relating to client profiles, surveys, marketing, jobs, scheduling, client history, and accounting. Description of the Prior Art Prior art systems and methods are disclosed which provide for the automation of portions of a business process, such as an order processing system or an inventory process technology and which are directed particularly to merchandise sales and related mail order businesses. U.S Patent No. 5,987,423, issued to Arnold et al., and No. 6,049,665, issued to Branson et al, disclose examples of such prior art systems and methods, wherein the object oriented f ameworks disclosed provide mechanisms for order processing. U.S. Patent No. 5,920,846, issued to Storch et al, discloses a method and system for processing a service request in a service-related business, and teaches tools for processing a service request for the installation and maintenance of telecommunications loops.

The current art disclosed above, however, fails to provide a comprehensive, integrated system, apparatus, and method that include all core information objects or business components and the ability to collect and process the information in a non-repetitive fashion in a service based industry. Therefore, the systems, apparatus, and methods of the current art result in isolated pockets of automated processes within a business, whereby many core objects of the business must be processed and completed by cumbersome and repetitive manual fashion, resulting in a protracted effort, as well as an increased cost associated therewith. For example, many business systems of the current art disclose a system whereby a prospective client contacts the business via telephone, whereupon a clerk employed by the business manually writes the information germane to the prospective client on a notepad or paper for future reference. Each document created during the provision of service to the client requires multiple manual entries of information on the document.

Further, due to the lack of integration between the isolated pockets of automated processes, the same data objects must be redundantly entered into each system; e.g., the same client name and address must be entered into the client profile database, the job scheduling system, and the accounting records. Redundant data entry increases the time and cost of doing business in terms of data storage space, processing time, and the costs associated with the manual processes required in inputting the data into each individual system. Additionally, the replication of data via manual means increases the probability of data entry errors, resulting in mismatched, incorrect client and business files. In addition to previously mentioned disadvantages of the current art, the lack of cohesiveness among core information objects inhibit the effective, efficient tracking of information objectives; e.g., lost client business, follow-up client business, and various other statistical and analytical business information derived from comprehensive data tracking and management.

What is needed, therefore, is a comprehensive, end-to-end business method, system, and apparatus that effectively manages all core information objects via a streamlined, automated means, reduces data error, redundancy, and processing time, and minimizes the costs associated with managing the information objects.

Summary of the Present Invention The present invention is a comprehensive integrated system and method for collecting information pertinent to core information objects, enabling accurate data entry and storage of the information objects, providing data sharing between core information objects utilizing dynamic data exchange techniques, and optimizing information retrieval and processing in accordance with selected information objectives to efficiently manage the entire business model. The present invention further discloses a range of cost-effective embodiments, predicated on end-to-end business models utilizing the Internet and private network infrastructures.

In a first preferred embodiment, the system and method according to the present invention manage information objects relating to the installation, maintenance, and repair of roofs of commercial and residential dwellings, and encompasses information objects including client profiles, surveys, marketing, job management, job scheduling, inventory, accounting, and client history. For example, with respect to a company offering a suite of roofing services, the system and method utilizes various components of a computerized system associated with the company to collect the predetermined information objectives.

For purposes of creating a client profile, the company receives information via a communications contact with a prospective client, such as in person, by fax, over the telephone or through computerized, on-line communication. The company's designated contact personnel enter the desired information objects into a computer or like processing device which includes an application software suite, such as a personal computer configured as part of a local area network. It is further contemplated that the software associated with the computerized device displays a number of screens, each with multiple fields (as hereinafter described) designed to prompt the company persomiel for querying and collecting from the customer the predetermined informational objects, accept the information into the designated fields, and store the information in a data repository such as a database.

The company then utilizes a suite of applications associated with the computer enterprise and the information gained during the initial contact with the client to schedule a survey of the client site. Typically, the system generates a map and a partially completed contract, based on the information received, and for distribution to a designated company representative.

The representative of the company utilizes the map to travel to the client site, inspects the area proposed for service, and records any additional required data relating thereto, utilizing any of a variety of computer devices. The computer device(s) transfer the data to the computer system enterprise such as a server located on the company premises for further processing, and as will be hereinafter described. The representative determines necessary materials for the job, formulates an estimated cost for service based on the materials and survey information, and completes the contract. The completed contract forms the basis for both a written estimate and a purchase order. Alternatively, a computer generated contract can be assembled based upon additional information obtained in a site estimate. If the client decides to proceed with service, the representative and the client finalize the contract. For purposes of marketing analysis and strategy functions, the system exports all or part of the data gathered from an initial client contact and site survey, analyzes the same, and generates a series of statistical analyses, trend analyses, reports, and market projections.

Once the client contracts for the service, the system manages the job process according to a predetermined workflow process. For example, the system culls information from various sources; i.e., the client profile located in the repository, the information transferred to the server from the site survey, and previously stored information, to generate a job order document. Similarly, the system generates all related documentation necessary to undertake the job; e.g., an initial invoice, a purchase order, permits, checklists, crew bills, waivers of lien, and a final invoice.

The system also manages the logistics of job scheduling between crews to optimize customer service, track crew and equipment location, and optimize crew utilization. Based on the above-predetermined criteria, an application associated with the system proceeds to select and route a selected crew employed by or contracted associated with the service based business venture. The system performs comprehensive inventory management services, and, in reference to a current job, checks materials listed in the purchase order, verifies availability of the necessary materials from company inventory or other sources, adjusts supply quantities according to the materials to be used, and places electronic orders from suppliers to replenish stock as needed. Further, the company utilizes the various computer devices in conjunction with a bar coding system or the like to scan in bar code information associated with each item received by the company. The system automatically reconciles received inventory, sold inventory, and inventory on order. At this point, the company distributes the appropriate job, scheduling, and related documentation and materials to the crew for completion of the job.

For accounting purposes, the system retrieves various data relating to the purchase order, the crew bill, the final invoice, and a sales commission for the representative who sold the job, to complete requisite accounting functions for the company. From the data, the system produces job-costing records, maintains account receivables and account payables, and produces multiple financial reports. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the system may also be utilized to provide payroll functions, tax calculations and other reporting functions, as well as other accounting measures as may be desired. Finally, the system maintains a complete client history based on services previously rendered to the client, various job sets, and the like, thus enabling fast, accurate diagnosis and repair strategies for current structural issues.

The above-described embodiment exemplifies only one preferred application of the current invention. It is understood that the system and method of the current invention electronically manages a complete business process, or designated portions thereof, and may be designed, implemented and modified in a variety of ways, provided the selected embodiment functions to meet the functional requirements disclosed herein. Brief Description of the Drawings

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following specification, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of providing a business model for a service company according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

' FIG. 3 is an illustration of a client profile screen; FIG. 4 is an illustration of a lead status report;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a screen display of a geographical map; FIG. 6 is an illustration of a screen display of a scheduling calendar; FIG. 7 is an illustration of a screen display of a lead information marketing screen; FIG. 8 is an illustration of a j ob information/marketing screen;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a screen display of a job order; FIG. 10 is an illustration of a job scheduling screen; FIG. 11 is an illustration of a screen display of a logistics board; FIG. 12 is an illustration of a screen display of a job status for a subcontractor;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a screen display for a subcontractor; FIG. 14 is an illustration of a screen display of inventory associated with a selected job;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a screen display for generating an invoice; and

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a client history display screen.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to FIG. 1, a flow diagram of the system of the present invention is indicated at 1 for providing a comprehensive and integrated/automated business model for managing the information objects of a service establishment. It is contemplated that the business model incorporates the core information objects for data management pertinent to client profiles, marketing surveys, job management, job scheduling, client history, and accounting.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a designated company representative or other individual utilizes the system 1 to create a client profile 2, schedule a survey of the site of the prospective client 4, complete the survey 6, and manage the marketing functions 8 related thereto. At the initial contract, the client file is created which utilizes an auto number, auto query feature which allows for recordation of multiple addresses and subset addresses and/or sites for the client. At the conclusion of the site survey, the client declines or elects to contract for the services provided by the company, at step 10, and the company then updates the job status to either lost 12 or sold based upon the client's decision.

For jobs sold, and as depicted in phase two of Fig. 1, the system performs a job management step 14 to produce job related documentation; these including the scheduling of a crew and establishing a date to complete the job 16, and management of inventory, at step 18, which is necessary to perform the job. The company provides the crew with the necessary documentation and materials selected or produced during the preceding steps, and the crew completes the job at step 20. The system 1 retrieves all data generated in previous steps and pertinent to accounting to perform the accounting functions, at step 22, and, as a final step, the company processes and updates data from all previous steps to maintain a client history 24.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram is illustrated of the system 1 according to the present invention and includes a computerized system 25 operatively communicable with one or more mobile devices 34. The computerized system 25 includes one or more personal computers 26, each having a key entry or other input device, and a microprocessor and associated software. A server 27 is provided, having a predetermined selection of software 28, a database 29, multiple scanning devices 30, and a printer 32. The provision of the various components of the computerized system 25 are, by themselves, fairly well known in the art and therefore do not require further explanation for purposes of the present description.

It is further contemplated that the computer enterprise architecture includes proprietary software programs, prepackaged software programs, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the system supports a platform-independent configuration. In a further preferred application, Microsoft Windows® operating system software such as Windows 98® or Windows NT® software resides on the personal computers 26 and the server 27. It is further contemplated that the software associated with the computerized system includes various combinations of applications incorporating flexible programming languages such as C++ and graphical user interfaces (GUI) written in programming languages such as Visual Basic®.

The software associated with the database 29 further includes standard Structured Query Language (SQL) database access interface software, preferably with a common base on which higher-level tools and interfaces can be built. The SQL interface combines with Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) software, a database access standard that permits applications to connect to a variety of external database servers and other sources of data. The database utilizes a Relation Database Management Software (RDBMS) program to manage and organize data stored therein.

Although it is contemplated that the components of the system share data via a network of communications links, it is also contemplated for one or more of the components to function in standalone mode. Typically, the network incorporates any design, centralized, decentralized, local or remote, and comprises cable, fiber, IR, short wave radio technology or other communications media sufficient to carry out the functions described herein; for example, access to public networks such as the Internet.

The mobile devices 34, in operative communication with the computerized system 25 via connected or wireless communication (designated at 35), further include such components as a video camera 36, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 38, a voice-to-text device (V-T) 40, and a mobile phone 42. It is contemplated that the devices 36, 38, 40 and 42 communicate (schematically illustrated again at 35) with various components of the system 25 via a variety of methods. For example, the PDA 38 and mobile phone 42 can transmit a signal encapsulating data via a combination of a wireless network and the Internet. The data traverses the wireless network and the Internet to the server 27, where it is received and processed according to a predetermined plan. The PDA 38, video camera 36, and N-T 40 record data on various media associated with each device.

Once the data recordation is complete, the company personnel remove the medium from the device and insert it into the personal computer(s) 26 and, by utilizing a drive medium, read and upload the data. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the embodiments of this invention may be designed and implemented using various combinations of computer hardware, software, protocol, and design configuration and without departing from the scope of the instant invention. The present invention also provides an apparatus, corresponding to the instant method, and wherein a computer-readable medium embodies the software disclosed herein.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a client profile screen is shown which is associated with the personal computer(s) 26 shown in FIG. 2. At the initial client contact, the company personnel invokes the software on the personal computer 26 to display the client profile screen. The client profile screen includes labeled fields for text entry related to client information 50, property information 52, and job information 54. The company personnel solicit information from the client and input the same into the designated fields. Upon completion of text entry, the company personnel submits the text to the system by menu choice or other means. A lead application of the software 28, again shown in FIG. 2 and operating in conjunction with associated software, captures the data service request information, creates a lead file profiling the prospective client, and transmits to the database 29 shown in Fig. 2 the assembled file of information. Alternatively, if the lead file already exists for the client, the system permits entry of additional information on demand. For example, the company personnel enter key information such as a client name into a name field in the client profile screen, the lead application and associated software mines the database 29 retrieves information from the lead file specific to that client, and updates the remaining fields with the corresponding information.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a lead status report is illustrated at 55 and consists of one of various documents that may be generated from information contained in the created client file. The software 28 of the computer system 25 (see again FIG. 2) retrieves the information and fills predetermined fields, at 56, with the corresponding information, at 58. In addition to the lead status report 55, the system generates a contract based on a predetermined format that contains information from the lead file; e.g., client name, address, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a computerized screen display of a geographical map is illustrated at 60. The system according to the present invention seamlessly integrates prepackaged or custom software, again by itself known in the conventional software art, to generate maps with varying levels of detail. Upon entry of an address at 61 the system extrapolates information regarding the location of the client's property to display a map of the area. Alternatively, the system provides the address information automatically from the lead file, and utilizes the same to produce a map. Various features of the map display and software 60 include zoom capabilities, at 62, which permit a user of the map software to view a selected region on varying scales; map scroll functions 64, latitudinal/longitudinal information 66, magnification functions 68, and so forth. The system of the present invention exports the map to a mobile device such as the PDA 38 or prints the map on a printer associated with the computer system 25 of the company for distribution to a company representative.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown, at 69, a screen display of a scheduling application for scheduling a client site visit. The scheduling application checks the availability of company representatives, matches the same to the prospective client, and displays the screen 69. The company personnel select a date from the calendar, at 70, and input the scheduling information in the appropriate time field 72. The company representative then notifies and confirms the scheduled appointment via telephone, email, or other communications channels.

Utilizing the aforementioned map, a representative travels to the client's site with the contract. Alternatively, the representative utilizes the selected computer device, such as again including the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 38, which may again contain Global Positioning Software (GPS) to pinpoint the location of the prospective client's residence. It is further contemplated that a variety of methods may be used to effectuate the aforementioned step. Upon arrival, the representative surveys the structure for which service has been requested, and utilizes one or more of the aforementioned computer devices to collect any of the previously described fields of data.

For example, the representative records visual information such as an area of the roof requiring repair/replacement with the digital video recorder 36 shown in FIG. 2, records an assessment of the structural damage with the N-T 40, and utilizes the PDA 38 to sketch the area to be repaired and to input notes on various service-related issues, such as the slope of the roof or the age of the shingles.

The representative then completes the survey and quotes an estimated fee for service. If the client accepts the estimate, the representative and client select appropriate materials for the job. This selection permits the representative to prepare a final estimate, complete the contract, and finalize the same. The finalized contract contains sufficient information to form the basis for a purchase order, and may be scanned in or transmitted via various computer devices for integration into the system.

When the representative completes the site survey, the representative forwards the collected data to the server 27 located within the computer system

25 on the company premises. For example, the PDA 38 transmits the data via a public network such as the Internet, to the server 27. Alternatively, the representative transports the PDA 38 to the company premises, removes a memory stick or flash memory chip containing the data from the PDA 38, and inserts it into a drive medium associated with the server, whereby the drive medium reads the memory stick and transmits the data to a repository such as the database 29.

Similarly, the digital video recorder 36 and the V-T 40, alone or in conjunction with associated devices, transfer the data to the repository. One or more of the scanners 30, likewise previously shown in FIG. 2, scan drawings or sketches, whereby an associated application creates and stores a digital image of the same in the database 29. One skilled in the art will recognize that multiple methods of transmission may be used, alone or in combination, to capture and transmit the data, and a variety of methods may be used to input the data into a server or other computer device associated with the company and within the scope of the instant invention. Once the server at the company receives the information, the system stores the data in the repository, and flags the data according its current business status: job sold, job lost (client declines offer of service); or job revived (client information previously obtained).

Based on the current business status, the server 27 shown in FIG. 2 invokes a number of applications to process the data and produce information in multiple formats. For example, for all statuses, the marketing application processes certain predefined data pertinent to the client for marketing purposes.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, screen displays are consecutively shown for lead information marketing 73 and job information marketing 74 of various marketing data. To invoke the screen displays 73 and 74, company personnel enter a last name, and the system retrieves from the database 29 information in predetermined categories based on the last name entered and to fill the several listed fields in the lead information marketing screen 73 These fields briefly include the lead file number, sales person, current date, call date, status of file (Active, Closed), company/client/customer name, title, first and last name of contact person, client address, and phone, fax, mobile home and pager numbers. The lead information marketing screen 73 further includes referral information including name and address of company/person from whom the job referral originated and so as to more efficiently catalog the source of business referrals. Likewise, and as is illustrated in FIG. 8, many of the same fields are provided as is shown in FIG. 7 and the system retrieves information pertinent to the product type and displays it in the job information- marketing screen 74.

After the system completes its statistical analyses based on predetermined criteria, the system produces one or more reports for marketing pursuits. An extremely key aspect and function of the present invention, and beyond the initial feature of streamlined servicing of the client, is the further ability to track, compile and analyze data to forecast the likelihood of future business sources, trends and how to optimize that information to the benefit of the service provider. For example, if a prospective client opts not to contract for services, the system stores the data in the repository or archival device, or cycles the data from the system according to a predetermined plan. This completes an initial first phase of the business process. In a subsequent phase of the business process, the system retrieves data previously recorded during the client profile and site survey to manage jobs, schedule jobs, and manage inventory.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a screen display is illustrated at 75 of a job order produced when the system and its associated applications mine the database 29 shown in FIG. 2, retrieve information pertaining to the client, and match it with a predefined form. The predefined form contains labeled text fields such as name 76, quantity 78 and material description 80, and which are system-filled with the corresponding information.

In a manner similar to the production of the job-scheduling document described above, and utilizing information stored in the database 29 shown in FIG. 2, the system produces a number of documents related to the job and job scheduling. For example, the system is further contemplated to include the provision of software screens and/or functions (not all of them being illustrated but certainly within the abilities of one skilled in the art) to produce such items as an initial invoice, a crew bill, a final invoice, and to generate a sales commission report. The system also produces a printed copy of the digital photo created during the site visit using the digital video recorder 36 shown in FIG. 2, various permits required to perform the service, inspection checklists, and a map of the client site, the map created as previously described.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a job scheduling screen is illustrated at 81 for managing job-scheduling tasks and producing job scheduling related documentation. The system utilizes the software 28 shown in FIG. 2 to retrieve client profile related information from the database 29. Typically, the company personnel invoke a job scheduling application that displays the job-scheduling screen 81 shown in Fig. 10.

As is shown in Fig. 10, the job-scheduling screen contains various fields for text entry and text fill; e.g., subcontractor 82 and job/lead number 84. Utilizing an input device, the company personnel select a contractor from the pull down menu associated with the subcontractor field 82. The company personnel retrieves from previously entered data a lead number in the associated lead number 84 field and which has been assigned at the initial customer contact. The job scheduling application then interfaces with the database software to retrieve information pertaining to the lead number, and fills the screen fields such as phone number 86, city 88, and work area 90 with the same. The system, via its job scheduling application, utilizes a calendar software utility to check available dates for scheduling based on the choice of the subcontractor, the location, or other predetermined factors. Alternatively, the company personnel determine and input start and end dates in the start date 92 and the end date 94 fields, respectively.

The system further manages job scheduling via a variety of tasks. For example, the system performs job-tracking functions such as the logistical management of the overall schedule with regard to all the crews, as well as an " individual schedule for each crew associated with the company. The particular advantage derived from the schedule management function is to avoid the instance of assigning to one selected crew a job location which is more proximate to a further selected crew. The geographical functions built into the present system, and as have been previously described, prevent this from occurring. Referring now to Figs. 11, 12, and 13, description of the successive screen applications of logistics board display, job select status for subcontractors and maintaining of designated subcontractors will now be explained in the order presented. The utilization of subcontractors is prevalent in service and construction based businesses and it is very important for the business to track all of the relevant parameters relevant to the assignment, tracking and evaluating of such individuals. These functions are equally important in monitoring and tracking employees of the company and it is contemplated that provision of modified and employee based screen displays are also within the scope of the present invention. The system utilizes various applications and information contained in the repository to track jobs and/or crew information at a varying levels of detail. Referring to FIG. 11 the screen display for tracking the logistics of all crews and jobs is shown at 95. The screen 95 in FIG. 11 displays various fields including lead number 96 for a particular service request, customer name 98, phone number 100, inspector 102, trailer 104 (or other suitable piece of construction equipment) scheduled for a particular job, start date 106, end date 108, job duration 110, and status of the job 112; i.e., postponed or active. The system generates and fills all text fields for each active client profile (pending service request) to provide a comprehensive view of the total number of jobs, and information relevant to each. Alternatively, the company selects a subcontractor from a pull down menu 114 to produce a system-generated screen which contains job scheduling information pertinent to the subcontractor selected.

On a scale of medium detail, and as illustrated in FIG. 12, the job status for subcontractor screen is shown at 115 and which contains information pertinent to a single job for a single contractor. The screen 115 contains text fields with associated pull down menus such as for job status 116, job status detail 118, and subcontractor 120. Upon selection of one or more choices from the preceding pull down menus, the system retrieves information relevant to the selection and generates a screen display of the same in information area 122.

On a more detailed scale, and as is again shown at 123 in FIG. 13, the system generates a screen document containing information pertinent to a specific subcontractor. The screen 123 contains text fields with crew names 124. Upon selection of the crew name 124, the system retrieves and displays previously stored information associated with the same, such fields including subcontractor identification 126, name 128, and address 130. The company personnel update the information by entering data with an input device, whereby the system amends the stored information to include the entered data.

In addition to the job scheduling functions, the system provides complete inventory management functions. Bar code stickers embody predetermined computer-readable data unique to each inventory item; e.g., a unique tracking number, item description, price, etc. Bar coding typically is used to identify additional or "pick up" materials necessary for completing the job, however can be utilized to identify a crew, customer, or other system parameter. The company personnel utilize the scanners 30 shown in FIG. 2 to capture and record the data contained in the bar code for the inventory materials. Consistent with predetermined inventory management goals, the scanners transmit the data to the server 27 shown in FIG. 2 via DR., short wave radio, or other communications media, where the software 28 processes and stores the data in the database 29 according to a predetermined scheme.

With reference now to Fig. 14, an inventory selection screen is shown at 130 and enables inventory selection for each job by displaying a hierarchical inventory list 132. Working from the screen display 130 and list 132, the company personnel select a folder icon 134 associated with a portion of the structure scheduled for service; e.g., the left side. The system produces a sub list of materials associated with the portion selected, such as shingle 136 requirements. The company personnel then selects or inputs a quantity, type or various other information related to the material selected. The system retrieves the pricing information for each item from the database 29 shown in FIG. 2, calculates subtotal and total information, and displays the same in a text area 138.

The system checks inventory supply on hand information stored in the database 29 for availability of the material selected. If available, the system flags the selection in the database for deletion from the inventory supply on hand, generates an order request to replenish the supply, and forwards the same via a communications channel such as the Internet to a preselected vendor. If the material is unavailable in the current supply, the system generates a request and forwards the same to a preselected vendor.

Once the crew selected for the job receives information generated in previous steps, for example, the job order and permits, the crew proceeds to the job site and completes the job. At job completion, the system harvests from the repository all information necessary to manage the accounting functions of the business. For example, based on the materials selected, the estimate, the actual materials used, and so forth, the system generates a bill for the client.

With reference now to Fig. 15, there is shown at 139 a screen display of a bill document. Utilizing previously stored information, the system generates the bill document screen containing fields pertinent to the client profile record; e.g., last name 140 and address 142 of the client. The system, based on a key field such as an entered lead number 144, gathers all information pertinent to the job associated with the lead number as needed for billing purposes, prefills each field, and prints a bill on the printer 32 associated with the company based computer system 25.

Additionally, the system performs all predetermined accounting functions such as accounts receivable and payable processing, daily, weekly, and monthly financial calculations based on various selected criteria; tax information; and profit and loss information. The accounting management includes multiple reports generated on a regular or ad hoc basis. Finally, and with reference to Fig. 16, there is shown at 145 a client history display screen. The system manages client histories, including producing information relating to a particular job completed for a specific client or an entire history of pending and completed jobs for a specific client. The system displays various text fields such as a lead number 146, a date 148, and a problem description 150. The company personnel input a lead number unique to a client, and based on the same, the system gathers the historical information and displays the same in the appropriate fields.

The present invention further discloses a method for managing the informational objects of the service/construction/repair based organization and includes the essential steps of recording the data related to the specific service request, producing from the recorded data at least one information object necessary to fulfill by the provider the service with the associated processing devices on hand, storing the information object(s) on the processing/storage devices on hand, and producing from the information object and output relating to the service request. Additional steps include the provision of any service, step or function associated with the disclosure of afore-mentioned system of the present invention, such typically including creating client profiles, recording selected data from a site visit, creating marketing records/reports, creating job order, scheduling service dates, providing accounting functions, creating client histories, and the like.

The present invention further discloses a software program embodying a computer code and for managing the information objects of the service organization to provide a service to a client. The program includes a first subroutine for recording selected data relating to the service request, a second subroutine for creating an information object associated with the recorded data, and a third subroutine for generating an output associated with the information object and for coordinating the available resources to the service organization in the service to be provided, the software program according to the present invention is further capable of being installed upon a computer-readable device and may further include a specific storage application as a CD-ROM, zip drive or diskette.

From the previous disclosure, it should be apparent that the system and method disclosed herein capably integrates the management of all information objects specific to a particular service organization, thereby providing the service organization with a comprehensive, end-to-end automated management of a business model. The computer assisted method and system of the instant invention further combine to maximize the efficiency in the allocation of the resources of the service based organization, such resources including personnel, time, and inventory.

The foregoing examples represent only a few of the preferred embodiments of the present invention; however, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention described herein maybe implemented in a variety of ways and which are interpreted to reside within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the appearance of the screen displays, the particular application of software code written to provide the various displays, and the arrangement of components in the system may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

Claims

1. A method for managing information objects of an organization that provides a service to a client, the organization having a computer system with an input device, a processor device, a storage device, and an output device, the method comprising the steps of: recording upon the input device data related to a service request of the client; producing with the processing device at least one information object derived from said recorded data and necessary to fulfill said service request; storing said information objects on the storage device; and completing said service request utilizing said information objects.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of utilizing said recorded data to create a client profile record.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of recording said data from a site visit.

4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of creating a marketing record with the processing device.

5. The method according to step 1, further comprising the step of creating a job order with the processing device.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of scheduling a service request for a predetermined date.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of employing the computer system to perform accounting functions.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step creating a client history stored on the storage device.

9. A method for managing information objects of an organization that provides a service to a client, the organization having a computer system with an input device, a processor device, a storage device, and an output device, the method comprising the steps of: recording upon the input device data related to a service request; creating a client profile from the processor device with said recorded data; recording on the input device data related to a site visit to the client; creating a marketing record from information drawn from said client profile and data captured at said site visit, said marketing record being created with the processing device; generating on the output device a job order containing at least a portion of said client profile; scheduling from the processor device a date for completion of the service request; performing on the processor device an accounting function; and creating with the processor device a client history record containing at least a portion of said client profile.

10. A system for managing information objects of an organization that provides a service to a client, the system comprising: an input device for recording data related to a service request of the client; a processing device accessible to said input device for receiving said recorded data from said input device and for processing said recorded data to produce at least one information object; a storage device associated with said processing device for storing said information object; and an output device for generating an output object relevant to said service request and to facilitate the organization in the efficient coordination of resources necessary to complete said service request.

11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising fransmittal means for transferring the captured data from said input device to said processing device.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said fransmittal means further comprises a communications link.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said communications link further comprises a public network.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein said input device further comprises a mobile device in operative communication with said processing device.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein said output device further comprises a computer screen display.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein said output device further comprises a printer.

17. A software program embodying a computer code for managing information objects of an organization that provides a service to a client, the software program comprising: a first subroutine for recording data related to a service request; a second subroutine for creating an information object associated with said recorded data; a third subroutine for generating an output associated with said information objects and for efficiently coordinating the available resources to the organization in the service to be provided.

18. The software program according to claim 17, further comprising said program being installed upon a computer-readable device.

19. The software program according to claim 18, wherein said computer-readable device further comprises a CD-ROM.