Enterprise value enhancement system and method

• US 6,411,936 B1
• Filed: 02/05/1999
• Issued: 06/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NVAL Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: NVAL Solutions Incorporated
• Inventors: Sanders, Aaron M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafiz, Tariq R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Robinson-Boyce, Akiba
• Application Number:
  US09/246,081
• Time in Patent Office: 1,236 Days
• Field of Search: 705/10, 705/1, 705/500, 705/7
• US Class Current: 705/7.32
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06375 Prediction of business process outcome or impact based on a proposed change
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0639 Performance analysis of employees; Performance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06393 Score-carding, benchmarking or key performance indicator [KPI] analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0201 Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0203 Market surveys; Market polls
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0204 Market segmentation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Abstract

An enterprise value enhancement system, method, and apparatus that uses an enterprise value enhancement model based on planning loop structures. The system receives field feedback input from users in response to surveys generated by a field feedback survey generator. A switchboard in the system sends this feedback, as well as data from one or more databases, to parts of the system including a performance processor, a customer asset valuation processor, a performance metrics engine, and a value enhancement solution generator, which generates value enhancement solutions and delivers recomended solutions for value enhancement of the enterprise, with linkages to specific functions.

Claims

1. A processing system comprising:

a. an input device that selectively requests and allows input of field feedback via field feedback surveys;

b. a field feedback survey generator that receives the field feedback and processes, renews and updates enterprise value enhancement solution surveys based on the field feedback, the field feedback survey generator further generating the field feedback surveys used by the input device and updating the field feedback surveys;

c. a switchboard that imports data from at least one database relating to one or more of financial information, human resources information, customer information, supplier information, and industry, market or specialized expert information via multimedia databases into the processing system;

d. a performance processor that assimilates the field feedback and the data imported by the switchboard to process linkages between the data, form clusters of elemental information, and make appropriate computations, associations, and new linkages;

e. a customer asset valuation processor that can receive customer and other relevant information including information and meta information about customer needs, requirements, desired states, and assets from the switchboard, the customer asset valuation processor dynamically computing an asset value of the customer assets and assigning attributes to the customer assets as necessary;

f. a performance metrics engine that keeps track of a first set of metrics, the direction of movement of a second set of metrics that are a subset of the first set of metrics, and the accuracy of projections of the values of the first set of metrics as compared to actual change of the first set of metrics over time to determine the dependability and applicability of the first set of metrics as indicators of enterprise performance and for measurement thereof; and

g. a value enhancement solution generator that receives data from the field feedback survey generator, the switchboard, the performance processor, the customer asset valuation processor, and the performance metrics engine, generates value enhancement solutions based on these data, and delivers recommended solutions for value enhancement of the enterprise, with linkages to specific functions.

2. The processing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of an enterprise computing system and an enterprise resource planning system is interconnected to the processing system.

3. The processing system of claim 1 wherein a multimedia database of best practices is interconnected to the processing system and the switchboard imports data from this multimedia database.

4. The processing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of a multimedia database of training materials and marketing encyclopedias, a relationship management system, and a sales force automation system is interconnected to the processing system and the switchboard imports data from this multimedia database.

5. The processing system of claim 1 wherein a strategic planning processor is interconnected to the processing system, receives data from the switchboard, and sends strategic data to the value enhancement solution generator.

6. The processing system of claim 1 wherein an online interactive multimedia expert advice-providing system including a multimedia database is interconnected to the processing system and the switchboard imports data from this multimedia database.

7. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the switchboard is automated to perform specified tasks as one of a back-end service and a front-end service with front-end interactive features-through a user interface.

8. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the value enhancement solution generator computes factors contributing to the dependencies and linkages of value enhancement solutions based on the functionality of knowledge activity.

9. The processing system of claim 8 wherein the functionality of knowledge activity includes knowledge generation, knowledge communication, and knowledge distribution within the enterprise, including simulations thereof, as they relate to value enhancement.

10. The processing system of claim 9 wherein the knowledge generation, knowledge communication, and knowledge distribution are related to value enhancement through one of a polynomial mathematical equation and a relationship, the solution to which is a partial differential equation, and includes a third set of metrics that is a subset of the first set of metrics.

11. The processing system of claim 10 wherein the third set of metrics includes revenue growth, profit growth, market valuation growth, market valuation per employee growth, market share growth, customer asset value growth, and level of knowledge activity growth.

12. The processing system of claim 10 wherein the polynomial mathematical equation is a six dimensional second order equation.

13. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the dependencies and linkages of value enhancement solutions depend on factors that are computed based on the functionality of knowledge activity, customer asset valuation, and the respective growth rates of the functionality of knowledge activity and customer asset valuation coupled with financial measures relating to revenue, profit, market valuation, market valuation per employee, and market share.

14. The processing system of claim 1 wherein connectivity to other systems and the various links are secure and web-based, including web-based links utilizing extensible markup language, active server programming languages, and connective technology languages, which assign descriptors and tags to data types and/or aid in the interfacing of hardware and software, and the processing is done online, in real time, across the enterprise.

15. The processing system of claim 14 wherein the processing is done with the use of at least one of intelligent agents, application of fuzzy logic, case-based reasoning, and neural networks.

16. The processing system of claim 15 wherein the intelligent agents are application software agents that perform tasks remotely.

17. The processing system of claim 14 wherein the processing is interactive and encompasses data input by multiple simultaneous users of the system.

18. The processing system of claim 14 wherein the processing is done through application of fuzzy logic.

35. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the field feedback survey generator generates modified surveys to be utilized in the future to capture competitive market trends, identify new areas requiring focus, assimilate upcoming and disruptive technologies in the marketplace, and generally aid in developing input for strategic planning.

36. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the field feedback survey generator analyzes the feedback from the field to determine the highest confidence measures of success for particular solutions to produce a given set of results and to send those solutions with the highest certainty factor to the performance processor to map solutions to the causals and functions through artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, neural networks, expert systems, or otherwise using regression, sensitivity, statistical, or other similar analyses.

37. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the field feedback survey generator is equipped with a means for computing and updating on a real time basis the degree of frequency of certain solution applications resulting in specific performance and to thus determine a degree of certainty, the field feedback survey generator further being capable of storing information pertaining to any deviations together with explanations.

38. The processing system of claim 1 wherein a strategic planning processor is connected to a financial analyzer, a human resources database, customer and supplier databases, a best practices library, at least one of a explicit knowledge management system, a web based real time news service, a sales force automation system, a marketing encyclopedia of the enterprise to provide real time updated information regarding new internal and external trends and other inputs that relate to a strategy of the enterprise.

39. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the value enhancement solutions are derived using planning loop structures, each planning loop structure including the steps of:

accepting a user interaction through a user interface with the processing system identifying accounts ranked by a particular prioritization or desired state identifying causals for the present state applying solutions from field feedback applying solutions from management experts contained in a library of best practices or through a linkage to a different system, from at least one of a management system and a sales force automation system, a marketing encyclopedia, and from strategic planning initiatives yielding recommendations on customer relationship and other process improvements based on the type of desired state sought;

recommending a cost reduction process for cost of goods/services and for selling and general administrative expenses, determining potential for balanced capacity utilization of employees, equipment, output of goods and services, and outsourced sources;

determining a scope for higher value added products and services;

tracking and determining a potential for movement in each of product and services mix, pricing, gross margins, customer asset valuations, employee productivity, and market valuation per employee;

providing solutions through the user interface to the different functional groups in the enterprise;

analyzing financial performance based on the application of field tested and expert solutions refined over time and as applicable to the enterprise;

generating new feedback formats;

sending field feedback surveys automatically at preset frequencies for updating current state and desired states and for collection of newly- relevant information;

collecting new field feedback;

inputting the feedback into the performance processor; and

generating new enterprise value enhancement solutions through a continuous closed loop process, thus renewing the potential for incremental value creation in successive time periods.

40. The processing system of claim 39 wherein the processing system is implemented as a secure web-based application on a computer network.

41. The processing system of claim 40 wherein the web flow includes web-accessible, web-enabled, and web-exploited functionality, embedded search engines, and workflows, as well as other integrated electronic document management system features.

42. The processing system of claim 40 wherein the computer network includes at least one of the internet, an intranets, an extranet, and a virtual private network that may use cryptographic clustering techniques.

43. The processing system of claim 40 wherein the computer network includes wireless remote connectivity to the processing system.

19. A computer based method to determine the most appropriate enterprise actions and solution sets delivering increased value enhancement, the method including the steps of:

creating a value enhancement model of the enterprise based on planning loop structures, the planning loop structures each being a dynamic frame-based model wherein;

each frame represents an aspect of enterprise financial and market performance, knowledge activity, customer asset information, employee information, and market information;

each frame includes a list of relationships, each relationship specifying a relationship with another frame; and

each frame further comprising a list of attributes that capture, store and update data in real time relating to the particular frame, the attributes including at least one of dynamic states, events, and actions;

continuously updating and refining the value enhancement model of the enterprise in a multimedia complex networked database;

providing a set of causals, logical explanations, and reconciliation rules to link types of enterprise activities to causals, causals to functions, and functions to solutions based upon field feedback;

accepting input from a field survey administrator through an interface;

providing a method of generating new field feedback surveys to capture tacit and explicit knowledge of individuals by applying the previous field feedback and linking them to the types, causals, functions, solutions, and results from those solutions;

accepting input pertaining to an account to determine key solutions for value enhancement as relevant to the account;

applying the account specific information to the set of reconciliation rules of linkages between types, causals, functions and solutions;

providing a set of variable solutions customized for at least one of specific target customer accounts, specific target supplier accounts, market segments by type of account, and market segments by type of offering, and for specific functions to be executed in order to enhance overall enterprise value.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information from one or more of a financial analyzer of the enterprise, an enterprise-wide computing system, or an enterprise resource planning system.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information about human resources.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the information about human resources includes at least one of employee functions, relevant experience, training, knowledge and personality attributes, skills, capabilities, and contact information regarding the various individuals in the enterprise together with their current responsibilities, their position in the organizational structure, their current knowledge activity, current capability utilization, salaries, wages, benefits, and bonuses.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information about customers.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the information about customers includes at least one of the history of business with specific accounts, their buying patterns, their mix of products and services, pricing, competitive information, related contacts, and a history of customer interaction with the related contacts.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the information about customers includes at least one of size, growth rates, and other financial performance criteria of the customer through at least one of a connectivity to a database containing such information and marketing information databases that can search for prospects based on specific matching criteria.

26. The method of claim 22 wherein the information about human resources includes information about at least one of compensation systems of the sales force and other employees of the enterprise, a mix of compensation by sales person, and a compensation formulas by type of offering and channel delivery.

27. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information about suppliers.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the information about suppliers is provided to the model via a supplier database of the enterprise connected to the model.

29. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information about technology trends, demographics, the industry in general, and other externalities related to the specific product or service markets of the enterprise.

30. The method of claim 19 wherein the model includes information about a strategic planning process and overall marketing and financial strategies of the enterprise.

31. The method of claim 19 wherein the model of the enterprise value enhancement includes flow relationships, type relationships, causal relationships, function relationships, and solution relationships, the solution relationships being represented as at least one of object links and a structural model with at least one of elemental, generic, and modular structures.

32. The method of claim 19 wherein creation of the model of value enhancement includes the steps of:

identifying a plurality of frames including a plurality of planning loop structures, each planning loop structure including a first set of objects;

linking objects within the first set of objects to each other;

assigning a set of attributes to each of the first set of objects within the planning loop structures with dynamic states;

assigning a mathematical formula to each of the first set of objects, the planning loop structures thus linked, with attributes and dynamic states, events, and actions, and formulated yielding an expanded loop structure; and

connecting the plurality of planning loop structures and the expanded loop structure to a financial analyzer, a human resources database, customer and supplier databases, the field feedback engine, the performance metrics engine, the customer valuation processor, and the feedback survey generator.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the first set of objects includes elements that each represent points of generation of knowledge, speeds and spheres of communication of knowledge, transformation methodology, and distribution methodology of knowledge within the same and between various business systems in the enterprise.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein the model utilizes a field feedback survey generation method and incorporates field feedback into the value enhancement solution set.

44. A processing system comprising:

a. an input device that selectively requests and allows input of field feedback via field feedback surveys;

b. a field feedback survey generator that receives the field feedback and processes, renews and updates enterprise value enhancement solution surveys based on the field feedback, the field feedback survey generator further generating the field feedback surveys used by the input device and updating the field feedback surveys;

c. a switchboard that imports data from at least one database relating to one or more of financial information, human resources information, customer information, supplier information, and industry, market or specialized expert information via multimedia databases into the processing system;

d. a performance processor that assimilates the field feedback and the data imported by the switchboard to process linkages between the data, form clusters of elemental information, and make appropriate computations, associations, and new linkages;

e. a customer asset valuation processor that can receive customer and other relevant information including information and meta information about customer needs, requirements, desired states, and assets from the switchboard, the customer asset valuation processor dynamically computing an asset value of the customer assets and assigning attributes to the customer assets as necessary;

f. a performance metrics engine that keeps track of a first set of metrics, the direction of movement of a second set of metrics that are a subset of the first set of metrics, and the accuracy of projections of the values of the first set of metrics as compared to actual change of the first set of metrics over time to determine the dependability and applicability of the first set of metrics as indicators of enterprise performance and for measurement thereof; and

g. a value enhancement solution generator that receives data from the field feedback survey generator, the switchboard, the performance processor, the customer asset valuation processor, and the performance metrics engine, generates value enhancement solutions based on these data, and delivers recommended solutions for value enhancement of the enterprise, with linkages to specific functions;

the processing system executing a computer based method to determine the most appropriate enterprise actions and solution sets delivering increased value enhancement, the method including the steps of;

creating a value enhancement model of the enterprise based on planning loop structures, the planning loop structures each being a dynamic frame-based model wherein;

each frame represents an aspect of enterprise financial and market performance, knowledge activity, customer asset information, employee information, and market information;

each frame includes a list of relationships, each relationship specifying a relationship with another frame; and

each frame further comprising a list of attributes that capture, store and update data in real time relating to the particular frame, the attributes including at least one of dynamic states, events, and actions;

continuously updating and refining the value enhancement model of the enterprise in a multimedia complex networked database;

providing a set of causals, logical explanations, and reconciliation rules to link types of enterprise activities to causals, causals to functions, and functions to solutions based upon field feedback;

accepting input from a field survey administrator through an interface;

providing a method of generating new field feedback surveys to capture tacit and explicit knowledge of individuals by applying the previous field feedback and linking them to the types, causals, functions, solutions, and results from those solutions;

accepting input pertaining to an account to determine key solutions for value enhancement as relevant to the account;

applying the account specific information to the set of reconciliation rules of linkages between types, causals, functions and solutions; and

providing a set of variable solutions customized for at least one of specific target customer accounts, specific target supplier accounts, market segments by type of account, and market segments by type of offering, and for specific functions to be executed in order to enhance overall enterprise value.

45. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein the value enhancement solutions are warehoused in a multimedia data warehouse for the creation of an improved knowledge base and best practices library taking into account changing times and changing industry trends, the improved knowledge base being connectable to the processing system, including connections made by wireless remote connectivity for mass storage and retrieval of solutions.

46. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a simulation software system for at least one of modeling, visualizing, simulating, decision programming, computing, and other purposes, or to a math processor for multidimensional analysis and representation.

47. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein the system is interconnected to at least one of an automated testing system, a software robot application, a collaborative system, an electronic messaging system, and an enterprise application integrator.

48. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a voice messaging system for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions in audio and text form through at least one of a land line, a wireless remote digital connection, and a web-telephony connection.

49. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a video streaming system or a visual communication system utilizing compression for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions, including where done automatically through links to other databases.

50. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 44 wherein creation of the model of value enhancement includes the steps of:

identifying a plurality of frames including a plurality of planning loop structures, each planning loop structure including a first set of objects;

linking objects within the first set of objects to each other;

assigning a set of attributes to each of the first set of objects within the planning loop structures with dynamic states;

assigning a mathematical formula to each of the first set of objects, the planning loop structures thus linked, with attributes and dynamic states, events, and actions, and formulated yielding an expanded loop structure; and

connecting the plurality of planning loop structures and the expanded loop structure to a financial analyzer, a human resources database, customer and supplier databases, the field feedback engine, the performance metrics engine, the customer valuation processor, and the feedback survey generator.

51. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 50 wherein the value enhancement solutions are warehoused in a multimedia data warehouse for the creation of an improved knowledge base and best practices library taking into account changing times and changing industry trends, the improved knowledge base being connectable to the processing system, including connections made by wireless remote connectivity for mass storage and retrieval of solutions.

52. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 50 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a simulation software system for at least one of modeling, visualizing, simulating, decision programming, computing, and other purposes, or to a math processor for multidimensional analysis and representation.

53. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 50 wherein the processing system is interconnected to at least one of an automated testing system, a software robot application, a collaborative system, an electronic messaging system, and an enterprise application integrator.

54. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 50 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a voice messaging system for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions in audio and text form through at least one of a land line, a wireless remote digital connection, and a web-telephony connection.

55. The processing system executing a computer based method according to claim 50 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a video streaming system or a visual communication system utilizing compression for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions, including where done automatically through links to other databases.

56. A processing system comprising:

a. an input device that selectively requests and allows input of field feedback via field feedback surveys;

b. a field feedback survey generator that receives the field feedback and processes, renews and updates enterprise value enhancement solution surveys based on the field feedback, the field feedback survey generator further generating the field feedback surveys used by the input device and updating the field feedback surveys;

c. a switchboard that imports data from at least one database relating to one or more of financial information, human resources information, customer information, supplier information, and industry, market or specialized expert information via multimedia databases into the processing system;

d. a performance processor that assimilates the field feedback and the data imported by the switchboard to process linkages between the data, form clusters of elemental information, and make appropriate computations, associations, and new linkages;

e. a customer asset valuation processor that can receive customer and other relevant information including information and meta information about customer needs, requirements, desired states, and assets from the switchboard, the customer asset valuation processor dynamically computing an asset value of the customer assets and assigning attributes to the customer assets as necessary;

f. a performance metrics engine that keeps track of a first set of metrics, the direction of movement of a second set of metrics that are a subset of the first set of metrics, and the accuracy of projections of the values of the first set of metrics as compared to actual change of the first set of metrics over time to determine the dependability and applicability of the first set of metrics as indicators of enterprise performance and for measurement thereof; and

g. a value enhancement solution generator that receives data from the field feedback survey generator, the switchboard, the performance processor, the customer asset valuation processor, and the performance metrics engine, generates value enhancement solutions based on these data, and delivers recommended solutions for value enhancement of the enterprise, with linkages to specific functions;

the processing system deriving the value enhancement solutions using planning loop structures, each planning loop structure being a method including the steps of;

accepting a user interaction through a user interface with the processing system identifying accounts ranked by a particular prioritization or desired state identifying causals for the present state applying solutions from field feedback applying solutions from management experts contained in a library of best practices or through a linkage to a different system, from at least one of a management system and a sales force automation system, a marketing encyclopedia, and from strategic planning initiatives yielding recommendations on customer relationship and other process improvements based on the type of desired state sought;

recommending a cost reduction process for cost of goods/services and for selling and general administrative expenses, determining potential for balanced capacity utilization of employees, equipment, output of goods and services, and outsourced sources;

determining a scope for higher value added products and services;

tracking and determining a potential for movement in each of product and services mix, pricing, gross margins, customer asset valuations, employee productivity, and market valuation per employee;

providing solutions through the user interface to the different functional groups in the enterprise;

analyzing financial performance based on the application of field tested and expert solutions refined over time and as applicable to the enterprise;

generating new feedback formats;

sending field feedback surveys automatically at preset frequencies for updating current state and desired states and for collection of newly- relevant information;

collecting new field feedback;

inputting the feedback into the performance processor; and

generating new enterprise value enhancement solutions through a continuous closed loop process, thus renewing the potential for incremental value creation in successive time periods.

57. The processing system deriving value enhancement solutions with planning loop structures according to claim 56 wherein the processing system is implemented as a secure web-based application on a computer network including at least one of the internet, an intranet, an extranet, and a virtual private network capable of employing cryptographic clustering techniques, the value enhancement solutions are warehoused in a multimedia data warehouse for the creation of an improved knowledge base and best practices library taking into account changing times and changing industry trends, the improved knowledge base being connectable to the processing system, including connections made by wireless remote connectivity for mass storage and retrieval of solutions.

58. The processing system deriving value enhancement solutions with planning loop structures according to claim 56 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a simulation software system for at least one of modeling, visualizing, simulating, decision programming, computing, and other purposes, or to a math processor for multidimensional analysis and representation.

59. The processing system deriving value enhancement solutions with planning loop structures according to claim 56 wherein the system is interconnected to at least one of an automated testing system, a software robot application, a collaborative system, an electronic messaging system, and an enterprise application integrator.

60. The processing system deriving value enhancement solutions with planning loop structures according to claim 56 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a voice messaging system for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions in audio and text form through at least one of a land line, a wireless remote digital connection, and a web-telephony connection.

61. The processing system deriving value enhancement solutions with planning loop structures according to claim 56 wherein the processing system is interconnected to a video streaming system or a visual communication system utilizing compression for at least one of capture of data and communication of solutions, including where done automatically through links to other databases.