System and method of cost distribution and invoice management for products having time-based benefits

• US 20060085301A1
• Filed: 09/02/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James Leahy
• Original Assignee: James Leahy
• Inventors: Leahy, James
• Application Number:
  US11/219,189
• Publication Number:
  US 20060085301A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting

Abstract

The invention provides a method, system and machine readable program for managing cost distribution. The method, system and machine readable program are each configured to receive information relating to the total cost of a product and generate a multiple cost structure for the product by generating an acquisition cost of the product; and generating at least one operating cost of the product. Generating a cost structure can include calculating at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost based on a preset formula. Moreover, the cost structure generating step can additionally or alternatively include generating at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost by manually inputting them through a graphical user interface. The product can be an energy saving device such as a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell powered device, a light bulb and an energy control system.

Claims

1. A method for managing cost distribution, comprising the steps of:

a) receiving information relating to the total cost of a product; and

b) generating a multiple cost structure for the product on a computer by;

i) generating an acquisition cost of the product; and

ii) generating at least one operating cost of the product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cost structure generating step includes calculating at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost based on a preset formula.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cost structure generating step includes generating at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost by manually inputting them through a graphical user interface.

4. The method of claim 1, further including the steps of:

a) generating a first invoice relating to the acquisition cost of the product; and

b) forwarding the invoice to a department of a customer responsible for acquisition costs.

5. The method of claim 4, further including the steps of:

a) generating a second invoice relating to the at least one operating cost of the product; and

b) forwarding the second invoice to a department of a customer responsible for operating costs.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second invoice is generated later than the first invoice.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating cost is calculated based on a theoretical cost savings associated with the product.

8. The method of claim 1, further including the step of saving data relating to at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost of a customer in a customer database.

9. A machine readable program containing instructions for controlling a cost distribution system, wherein the program comprises:

a) means for receiving information relating to the total cost of a product; and

b) means for generating a multiple cost structure for the product including;

i) means for generating an acquisition cost of the product; and

ii) means for generating at least one operating cost of the product.

10. The machine readable program of claim 9, wherein the multiple cost structure generating means includes means for calculating at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost based on a preset formula.

11. The machine readable program of claim 9, wherein the multiple cost structure generating means includes means for permitting manual input of at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost through a graphical user interface.

12. The machine readable program of claim 9, further comprising:

a) means for generating a first invoice relating to the acquisition cost of the product; and

b) means for forwarding the invoice to a department of a customer responsible for acquisition costs.

13. The machine readable program of claim 12, further comprising:

a) means for generating a second invoice relating to the at least one operating cost of the product; and

b) means for forwarding the second invoice to a department of a customer responsible for operating costs.

14. The machine readable program of claim 13, wherein the second invoice is generated later than the first invoice.

15. The machine readable program of claim 9, wherein the operating cost is calculated based on a theoretical cost savings associated with the product.

16. The machine readable program of claim 9, further including the step of saving data relating to at least one of the acquisition cost and operating cost of a customer in a customer database.

17. A system for controlling cost distribution system, comprising:

a) a database for receiving information relating to the total cost of a product; and

b) a processor operably coupled with the database, the processor adapted and configured to generate a multiple cost structure for the product, wherein the processor is configured to;

i) generate an acquisition cost of the product; and

ii) generate at least one operating cost of the product.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the database is a customer database adapted and configured to permit the customer to access data relating to the cost structure.

19. The system of claim 17, further including an interface for permitting a customer to order products based on the acquisition cost and operating cost.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the product is an energy saving device chosen from the group consisting of a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell powered device, a light bulb and an energy control system.