Telecommunications access cost management system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for processing billed charges from at least one vendor, comprising:
- a processor, comprising;
an upload module which automatically uploads the billed charges from the at least one vendor in a first format, wherein the billed charges include a plurality of entries with a billed rate component; and
a database which includes reference billing rate information; and
at least one graphical user interface in connection with the processor, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to received the billed charges, wherein the at least one graphical user interface includes;
an automatic validation module which receives the billed charges and automatically compares the billed rate component of the plurality of entries with the reference billing rate information to identify discrepancies;
a dispute tracking module which generates at least one dispute file which may be associated with a particular one of the billed chargers, where the graphical user interface provides for display of both the billed charges and the at least one distpute file which is storable in and retrievable from the database; and
a bill review and approval module which is operational in conjunction with a visual display which provides for selective accessing of and review of the billed charges and the associated at least one dispute file, and status changes relating to pavement of the billed charges, where the graphical display is fiber configured to receive input with regard to the billed charges, wherein the input includes at least one of;
approve the billed charge and reject the billed charge.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A Telecom Access Billing System provides the capability for a communication carrier service provider to substantially automate the payment to other communication carrier service providers for the use of their services and equipment. Billed charges are received in a variety of forms from the communication carrier service providers which are providing the services. A processor uploads the information, checks its integrity, and converts it to a format in which it can be further processed. Once the information has been uploaded and converted, a validation process is performed in which the individual items of the bill are checked as to whether the rate information charged by the communication carrier service providers matches the rates which have been either negotiated or established by a third party. Any discrepancies noted in this comparison process are included in a dispute report which is associated with the invoice on which the billed charges appear. The user of the system may then review the invoices in conjunction with any discrepancy amounts which have been noted. An automated payment module then provides for the electronic transfer of funds to the communication carrier service provider for approved invoices.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An apparatus for processing billed charges from at least one vendor, comprising:
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a processor, comprising; an upload module which automatically uploads the billed charges from the at least one vendor in a first format, wherein the billed charges include a plurality of entries with a billed rate component; and a database which includes reference billing rate information; and at least one graphical user interface in connection with the processor, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to received the billed charges, wherein the at least one graphical user interface includes; an automatic validation module which receives the billed charges and automatically compares the billed rate component of the plurality of entries with the reference billing rate information to identify discrepancies; a dispute tracking module which generates at least one dispute file which may be associated with a particular one of the billed chargers, where the graphical user interface provides for display of both the billed charges and the at least one distpute file which is storable in and retrievable from the database; and a bill review and approval module which is operational in conjunction with a visual display which provides for selective accessing of and review of the billed charges and the associated at least one dispute file, and status changes relating to pavement of the billed charges, where the graphical display is fiber configured to receive input with regard to the billed charges, wherein the input includes at least one of;
approve the billed charge and reject the billed charge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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12. A system for processing billed charges from a vendor comprising:
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a processor which provides automated uploading of the billed charges, storage of the billed charges and reference information in a database, and outputting of payment information related to the billed charges; a user interface which includes means for automatically validating the billed charges with regards to the reference information, generating at least one dispute report related to the billed charges, associating the at least one dispute report with the billed charges and providing for storage of the dispute reports in the database, and providing for a visual review of the billed charges with respect to any of the associated dispute reports, as well as disposition of the billed charges in response to a received input through the user interface; and a data network which provides communication between the user interface and the processor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification