Method and process for providing relevant data, comparing proposal alternatives, and reconciling proposals, invoices, and purchase orders with actual costs in a workflow process
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A method for procuring at least one good, at least one service, or combinations thereof, for reconciling actual performance data with estimated data for a complex project ordered by a buyer and performed by a seller, the method comprising:
- obtaining and storing in at least one data storage medium electronically accessible to a processor the estimated data from a source relating to the complex project, wherein the estimated data comprises an initial estimate of the at least one good, the at least one service, or combinations thereof required for performance of at least a portion of the complex project;
receiving and storing in at least one data storage medium electronically accessible to the processor the actual performance data via a communication network, wherein the actual performance data comprises an indication of the at least one good, the at least one service, or combinations thereof used for performance of at least a portion of the complex project;
using the processor to compare the actual performance data to the estimated data to determine a discrepancy between the actual performance data and the estimated data;
sending an electronic notification of the discrepancy to at least one buyer, at least one seller, or combinations thereof;
receiving a proposed reconciliation from the at least one buyer or the at least one seller; and
receiving approval or disapproval of the proposed reconciliation from the at least one buyer or the at least one seller.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for procuring at least one good, at least one service, or combinations thereof, for reconciling actual performance data with estimated data for a complex project ordered by a buyer and performed by a seller, the method comprising:
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obtaining and storing in at least one data storage medium electronically accessible to a processor the estimated data from a source relating to the complex project, wherein the estimated data comprises an initial estimate of the at least one good, the at least one service, or combinations thereof required for performance of at least a portion of the complex project; receiving and storing in at least one data storage medium electronically accessible to the processor the actual performance data via a communication network, wherein the actual performance data comprises an indication of the at least one good, the at least one service, or combinations thereof used for performance of at least a portion of the complex project; using the processor to compare the actual performance data to the estimated data to determine a discrepancy between the actual performance data and the estimated data; sending an electronic notification of the discrepancy to at least one buyer, at least one seller, or combinations thereof; receiving a proposed reconciliation from the at least one buyer or the at least one seller; and receiving approval or disapproval of the proposed reconciliation from the at least one buyer or the at least one seller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification