US20140278660A1 - Methods for generating a work-order in real time and devices thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and a mobile computing device comprises obtaining one or more databases from one or more sources; identifying one or more items in the obtained one or more databases; determining a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and generating a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.

Description

• This application claims the priority benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/798,637, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a method and device for generating a work-order in real time, and is generally suitable for any type of service provider who utilizes new equipment or replacement parts in delivering a service to a customer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Service providers, such as electricians, plumbers, heating/cooling contractors who provide installation and repair services for commercial and/or residential customers, are tasked with diagnosing problems raised by their customers, initiating the repair service, completing the service, and completing the financial transaction associated with the service. One difficulty that these service providers have is the ability to efficiently estimate costs for parts and repair services. The typical way of performing cost estimations is a highly manual endeavor, although certain individual contractors or their employers may have standard repair services with flat rate charges. Estimating the cost of parts, which are subject to price variability levied by the distributors that contractors use, adds further complexity to the process. As a result of existing cost estimation systems being manual, inefficiencies naturally occur, and much time and effort is wasted in generating a work order with repair service and parts fee estimates, and then closing out a transaction with a customer.
• It would be desirable, therefore, to develop a device and method that allows a service provider to efficiently generate a work order in the field, in real time, using routinely updated parts and service fees, present the work order to the customer for immediate approval, initiate and complete the agreed upon service, and optionally complete payment transactions for services rendered. Increased efficiencies on the transactional side of these services will allow for decreased time allocation to the transaction and, therefore, increased profitability. Further, through the use of flat-rate pricing and automated, scaled parts markup during work-order generation, increased profitability can be achieved.
• The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for generating a work-order in real time. The method includes the steps of obtaining, by a mobile computing device, one or more databases from one or more sources; identifying, by the mobile computing device, one or more items in the obtained one or more databases; determining, by the mobile computing device, a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and generating by the mobile computing device a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.
• A second aspect of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for generating a work-order in real time, and including machine executable code which when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform steps including: obtaining, by a mobile computing device, one or more databases from one or more sources; identifying, by the mobile computing device, one or more items in the obtained one or more databases; determining, by the mobile computing device, a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and generating, by the mobile computing device, a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.
• A third aspect of the present invention relates to a mobile computing device that includes one or more processors and a memory, wherein the memory is coupled to the one or more processors which are configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory including: obtaining, by the mobile computing device, one or more databases from one or more sources; identifying, by the mobile computing device, one or more items in the obtained one or more databases; determining, by the mobile computing device, a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and generating, by the mobile computing device, a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile computing device for generating work-order in real-time;
• FIGS. 2A-2B are exemplary flowcharts for generating a work-order in real-time;
• FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the mobile computing device receiving user information;
• FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the mobile computing device obtaining database from a server;
• FIGS. 5A-5D is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the mobile computing device suggesting search items;
• FIG. 6A-C illustrate an exemplary parts reordering system, whereFIG. 6A is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for parts reordering,FIG. 6B illustrates one embodiment for distributor interface with the mobile computer device for automated parts reordering, andFIG. 6C illustrates the relationship between multiple technicians employed by a single contractor and their ability to access parts from one or more distributors and their outlets;
• FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for determining and applying a fee adjustment (for cost recovery);
• FIGS. 8A-B are exemplary flowcharts illustrating a method for determining a discount value to be applied to a work order as a whole (FIG. 8A) or per selected repair (FIG. 8B);
• FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the mobile computing device displaying a work-order;
• FIG. 10 is an exemplary flowchart for a method of auto-payment for a user's maintenance of a positive work-order balance;
• FIGS. 11A-B are graphs illustrating an exemplary parts mark-up protocol without (FIG. 11A) and with (FIG. 11B) use of an algorithm to smooth transitions between different mark-up categories; and
• FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart for a method of synchronizing data from the inventive devices to a device operating accounting software such as QuickBooks™.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Anexemplary environment10 including amobile computing device14 and plurality ofservers16 for generating a work-order in real-time is illustrated inFIG. 1. As used herein, “generating a work-order” is intended to encompass the completion of a finalized work-order that can be presented to a customer for review and then approved by the customer before work is commenced. This is the end result of a process of opening a new work-order, and populating the work-order with one or more service fees and/or parts fees, as appropriate. This process is described in greater detail below.
• Theexemplary environment10 includes themobile computing device14 and theservers16,data server17, Re-order parts electronically (ROPE)database40 anddistributor devices42, which are coupled together by acommunication network30, although the environment can include other types and numbers of devices, components, elements, andcommunication networks30 in other topologies and deployments. While not shown, theexemplary environment10 may include additional components, such as databases, etc., which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and thus will not be described here. This technology provides a number of advantages including providing more effective methods, non-transitory computer readable medium and devices for generating a work-order in real time.
• Themobile computing device14 assists with generating a work-order in real time as illustrated and described with the examples herein, althoughmobile computing device14 may perform other types and numbers of functions. Themobile computing device14 includes at least one CPU/processor18,memory20,input device22A anddisplay device22B, andcommunication interface24, which are all coupled together bybus26, althoughmobile computing device14 may comprise other types and numbers of elements such as an antenna for receiving analog or digital signals in other configurations.
• Processor(s)18 may execute one or more computer-executable instructions stored in thememory20 for the methods illustrated and described with reference to the examples herein, although the processor(s) can execute other types and numbers of instructions and perform other types and numbers of operations. The processor(s)18 may comprise one or more central processing units (“CPUs”) or general purpose processors with one or more processing cores, such as AMD® processor(s), although other types of processor(s) could be used (e.g., Intel®).
• Memory20 may comprise one or more tangible storage media, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk drive(s), solid state memory, DVD, or other memory storage types or devices, including combinations thereof, which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.Memory20 may store one or more non-transitory computer-readable instructions of this technology as illustrated and described with reference to the examples herein that may be executed by the one or more processor(s)18. The flow chart shown inFIGS. 2A-2B is representative of example steps or actions of this technology that may be embodied or expressed as one or more non-transitory computer or machine readable instructions stored inmemory20 that may be executed by the processor(s)18.
• Input device22A enables a user, such as a contractor, to interact with themobile computing device14, such as to input and/or view data and/or to configure, program and/or operate it. By way of example only,input device22A may include one or more of a touch screen, keyboard and/or a computer mouse.
• Thedisplay device22B enables a user, such as an administrator, to interact with themobile computing device14, such as to view and/or input information and/or to configure, program and/or operate it by way of example only. By way of example only, thedisplay device22B may include one or more of a CRT, LED monitor, LCD monitor, or touch screen display technology although other types and numbers of display devices could be used.
• Thecommunication interface24 in themobile computing device14 is used to operatively couple and communicate between themobile computing device14, theservers16data server17, Re-order parts electronically (ROPE)database40,distributor devices42, although other types and numbers of systems, devices, components, elements and/or networks with other types and numbers of connections and configurations can be used. By way of example only, themobile computing device14 can interact with other devices via acommunication network30 such as Local Area Network (LAN), analog radio signals, digital radio signals and Wide Area Network (WAN) and can use TCP/IP over Ethernet and industry-standard protocols, including NFS, CIFS, SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP, although other types and numbers of communication networks, can be used. In this example, thebus26 is a hyper-transport bus, although other types of buses and/or other links may be used, such as PCI.
• Each of theservers16 and thedata server17 includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor, a memory, a communication interface, input device and display device, which are coupled together by a bus or other link, although each could have other types and numbers of elements and/or other types and numbers of network devices could be used in this environment. In this example, theservers16 may run applications which assist theservers16 to respond to requests from themobile computing device14, although the server may run other types or amounts of applications. Additionally, in this example, themobile computing device14 can usedata server17 to send a notification to replenish parts to the re-order parts electronically (ROPE)database40. In another example, theservers16 can also be configured to include the contents of thedata server17.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1,environment10 also includes aROPE database40 which includes information associated with parts required for repairs, although the ROPE database can include other types or amounts of information. In this example, thedata server17 interacts with theROPE database40 via thecommunication network30, although thedata server17 can interact with theROPE database40 via other topologies. Additionally, thedistributor devices42 can upload data associated with the parts to theROPE database40 via thecommunication network30, although the distributor and theROPE database40 can interact through other network topologies.
• Each of thedistributor devices42 includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor, a memory, a communication interface, input device and display device, which are coupled together by a bus or other link, although each could have other types and numbers of elements and/or other types and numbers of network devices could be used in this environment. In this example, thedistributor devices42 may run applications which with uploading parts data to theROPE database40 to respond to requests from thedata server17 or themobile computing device14, although the server may run other types or amounts of applications.
• It is to be understood that the methods of the examples described herein are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the examples are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s).
• Furthermore, each of the methods of the examples may be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, and micro-controllers, programmed according to the teachings of the examples, as described and illustrated herein, and as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
• The examples may also be embodied as the non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for one or more aspects of the technology as described and illustrated by way of the examples herein, which when executed by a processor (or configurable hardware), cause the processor to carry out the steps necessary to implement the methods of the examples, as described and illustrated herein.
• Exemplary methods for generating work-order in real-time will now be described below with reference toFIGS. 1-11, which illustrate the generation of finalized a work order for the repair or installation services of a contractor, by way of example only, an electrician, a plumber, or a heating and cooling technician.
• Particularly with reference toFIG. 2A, an exemplary process begins atstep205 with amobile computing device14 sending out a request to connect to aserver16 including multiple databases via thecommunication network30, although themobile computing device14 can connect to theserver16 using any other methods or techniques. In this example, the multiple databases within theserver16 include repair options, although the databases can include any other information or items.
• Instep210, themobile computing device14 once connected toserver16 sends out registration information and profile settings to theserver16. An exemplary process of themobile computing device14 receiving registration information from a user of themobile computing device14 will now be explained with reference toFIG. 3. Instep305, the user of themobile computing device14 signs up for an account and use of an application within themobile computing device14 using a web-browser, although the user of themobile computing device14 can alternatively sign up directly from the previously downloaded application executing with themobile computing device14. By way of example only, the user of themobile computing device14 may enter user name and password using theinput device22A as the process of signing up, although the user of themobile computing device14 may enter other types or amounts of information such as user location information or other demographic details. In step310, themobile computing device14 receives user information associated with the user of themobile computing device14 such as name, company name, location, although themobile computing device14 can receive other types or amounts of information associated with the user of themobile computing device14. Next, instep315 after successful registration, themobile computing device14 receives labor rates such as day rates, off-hour rates or other rates from the user of themobile computing device14 via theinput device22A. Instep320, themobile computing device14 receives a parts mark up via theinput device22A. Next instep325, themobile computing device14 determines if there is a requirement for a service call diagnostic fee based on information received instep305 and310, although themobile computing device14 can determine the requirement for the service call diagnostic fee using other techniques such as by displaying a message on thedisplay device22B and receiving a response from the user using theinput device22A. If themobile computing device14 determines that a diagnostic fee is required, a Yes branch is taken to step330 where themobile computing device14 receives the service call diagnostic fee from the user of themobile computing device14 via theinput device22A. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that the diagnostic fee is not required, a No branch is taken to step335. Instep335, themobile computing device14 determines a requirement of sales tax information based on the geographical location of the user of themobile computing device14, although themobile computing device14 can determine the requirement of sales tax based on other parameters. If themobile computing device14 determines that sales tax information is required, a Yes branch is taken to step340 where themobile computing device14 receives the sales tax information from the user of themobile computing device14 via theinput device22A, although themobile computing device14 can automatically obtain the sales tax information from a database (not shown) without requiring the user of themobile computing device14 to enter the information. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that there is no requirement for sales tax information, a No branch is taken to step345. Instep345, themobile computing device14 determines if there is a requirement for maintenance agreement. If themobile computing device14 determines that there is a requirement for maintenance agreement, a Yes branch is taken to step350 where themobile computing device14 receives the maintenance agreement information from the user of themobile computing device14 via theinput device22A, although themobile computing device14 can receive the maintenance agreement information from a database without having the user of themobile computing device14 to enter the information. However, if the mobile computing device determines that there is no requirement for having a maintenance agreement, a No branch is taken to step360. Instep360, themobile computing device14 receives credit card information such as card type, card number, expiry date, full name on the card and the CVV of the credit card of the user of themobile computing device14 via theinput device22A. Next, instep365, themobile computing device14 determines if the received credit card information is valid by matching the received information against the information stored in a credit card database (not shown), although themobile computing device14 can determine the validity of the credit card using other techniques. If themobile computing device14 determines that the received credit card information is not valid, a No branch is taken back to step360 where themobile computing device14 may request the user to reenter the credit card information until completing a successful validation. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that the credit card is valid, a Yes branch is taken to step370 where themobile computing device14 sends the registration information, diagnostic fees, sales tax fees, maintenance agreements, and the credit card information to one of theserver16 confirming successful registration.
• Additionally in this example, themobile computing device14 can generate and apply a tag (custom label) to the registration information and the profile settings so that this information can be associated with a particular user of themobile computing device14. Tags can be applied to individual users or collectively to large groups of users (i.e., all technicians employed by a particular contractor, or all technicians approved to use a particular parts distributor). An individual user account may have multiple tags associated with his/hermobile computing device14.
• These tags applied by themobile computing device14 can be later used by themobile computing device14 for one or more of applying discounts (including manufacturer rebates passed along to customers, discounts applied to certain types of work), displaying or providing notifications to the user of themobile computing device14, not requiring the user to enter credit card information for the second time (or at all, if the user is associated with a vendor whose contract does not require it), and associating technicians with preferred parts distributors. The tags can be used for other purposes. Use of these tags by themobile computing device14 can assist a user in quickly and effectively generating the finalized work-order in real time.
• As previously illustrated, tagging could be used for the purpose of identification. By way of example only, if the user of themobile computing device14 is a first time user, themobile computing device14 can apply a first time user tag to obtain a certain number of work-orders without payment (which can be applied to a work-order balance associated with the user's account). In this instance, the first time user tag can optionally be used to exclude the fee adjustment (cost recovery) process, as described hereinafter, for all “free” work-orders credited to the user's account.
• In another example, the one or more configurations within themobile computing device14 could be automatically reconfigured by themobile computing device14 based on the applied tag. For instance, for all technicians associated with a particular contractor, the contractor may have a pre-authorized charge for work-orders on a periodic basis (e.g., daily, weekly, etc.) that allows those technicians to open new work-orders without regard to maintaining a positive work-order balance (discussed in greater detail below). By changing the one or more configurations, this technology provides advantages of themobile computing device14 having a customized configuration for a particular user of themobile computing device14.
• With respect toFIG. 2A, instep215, as a response to sending the registration information and profile settings, themobile computing device14 receives an activation code from theserver16 confirming the registration, although the mobile computing device and the server can confirm the registration using any other methods or techniques.
• Next instep220, themobile computing device14 obtains one of the databases including items for repairs from theserver16, although the mobile computing device can download any other database from the server including any amount of information in any format. In this example, themobile computing device14 displays a progress indicator on thedisplay device22B indicating the percentage of progress of obtaining one of the database including items for repairs from theserver16. However, in this example, if the connection between themobile computing device14 and theserver16 terminates before downloading all the data, themobile computing device14 restarts the process of obtaining the remaining data files and after all the data files have been processed, themobile computing device14 saves a success flag (to prevent retries), wherein themobile computing device14 automatically updates the database and continues to the next step of the exemplary process.
• Additionally in this example, as further illustrated inFIG. 4, in this example, themobile computing device14 receives the one of the database from theserver16 with data which is split (the server splits the data), although themobile computing device14 can receive the database in any other format. Themobile computing device14 adds each file to a manifest file along with any supporting metadata. Further in this example, themobile computing device14 further encodes the split data files and the manifest file as JSON documents to take advantage of the performance of the native parsing built into a web browser. This method of encoding of the data provides advantages of preventing a web browser from crashing as large files can lead to exhausting the memory thereby leading to failure of the web browser. Additionally, this technique of encoding optimizes the size of the data files to be as large as possible without overwhelming the capabilities of the weakermobile computing device14. Further, themobile computing device14 loads and parses the manifest file and the data files to a queue present within thememory20 of themobile computing device14 and any old data on themobile computing device14 is deleted, although themobile computing device14 can store the old data at any memory location. Themobile computing device14 persist the data in the queue by wrapping a series of SQL INSERTS in a single transaction.
• It should also be appreciated that database synchronization can be carried out either automatically (e.g., daily at prescribed time), periodically at the discretion of a user (i.e., forced synchronization), or both. Synchronization allows themobile computing device14 to utilize the most up-to-date data concerning parts pricing and/or labor times associated with the repairs.
• Having obtained the databases, themobile computing device14 can be used to create a new work-order, populate the work-order with fees for service or parts, and generate a finalized work-order as described herein. In one approach, a user may authorize, via themobile computing device14, each work-order transaction individually by paying for each work-order as it is opened. Alternatively, a user may establish with his/her account a pre-paid work-order balance that allows automated replenishment of the work-order balance if the balance equals (or falls below) a threshold level set by the user. This will allow the user to avoid having to individually authorize payment each time a work-order is opened.
• An exemplary method will be further explained with reference toFIG. 10. Instep1005, themobile computing device14 creates a new work-order and also decrements a work-order balance. Next instep1010, themobile computing device14 determines if the work-order balance is equal to a threshold number. The threshold number can be set arbitrarily as 0, 1, 2, 3, or any other positive integer, as desired by the user. If themobile computing device14 determines that the work-order balance is equal to the threshold number, a No branch is taken back tostep1005, where additional work-orders can be opened (and finalized work-orders can be generated, as further illustrated below instep235 ofFIG. 2A). However, if themobile computing device14 determines that the work-order balance is equal to the threshold number, then a Yes branch is taken to step1015. Instep1015, themobile computing device14 determines if the current account has been registered to automatically pay for an additional amount of work-orders. If themobile computing device14 determines that the current account has been registered to automatically pay, a Yes branch is taken to step1020 where a pre-defined number of work-orders are purchased and then credited atstep1030 to the work-order balance associated with the user's account. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that the current account has not been registered to automatically pay, a No branch is taken to step1025. Instep1025, themobile computing device14 obtains account information, or credit/debit card information from the user which could be used to purchase the work-order. Once the work-order(s) have been purchased, instep1030, themobile computing device14 credits the work-order balance associated with the user's account.
• After opening a new work-order, having already obtaining the database from theserver16, instep225, themobile computing device14 identifies items in the database. In this example, items relate to possible repair items, including repair services and parts although items can include any amount of any other information in any format. Additionally, in this example, themobile computing device14 identifies the items in the database by searching in the obtained database. Themobile computing device14 searches the database by receiving one or more search terms via theinput device22A, although the mobile computing device can receive the search terms using any other methods or techniques.
• Using a list of common phrases theserver16 constructs a weighted suffix trie, which is later obtained by themobile computing device14 to provide suggestions to complete the search terms. In another example, the methods or functions performed by theserver16 could also be performed by themobile computing device14. Alternatively,server16 can also be a part of themobile computing device14. An exemplary method of theserver16 constructing the weighted suffix trie will now be described. To add a phrase, theserver16 starts at the root node of the trie, and checks to see if any of the child nodes match the first letter of the phrase. If there is a match, theserver16 increases the weight of the path to that child node by one, and that child node becomes the new current node—and will be searched for the next letter in the received phrase. If the letter is not found, a new child node is added with a starting weight of one. This cycle repeats until all the letters in the phrase have been added by theserver16, and then a final node is added with a stop character ($) to indicate the end of the word (FIG. 5A). In this example, a weighted suffix trie is an ideal data structure for the index. It reduces storage and memory requirements because words with common prefixes share nodes. Also the trie structure is very efficient for quickly exploring alternative words and spellings. By adding weights to the data, the most likely suffixes for partial search terms can be found.
• An exemplary operation will now be described considering an example as illustrated inFIGS. 5B-5D. A search for the closest matches for “rerur” will result in the following:
• The search starts at the root node, and creates a path for the child nodes: “r” and “c” (FIG. 5B). The first has a distance of zero, because it is an exact match to the first “r” in “rerur”. The “c” has a distance of two because it is not a match. The list of paths (sorted by distance) looks this:

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	R	0
  	C	2

• Since the “r” path is the closest, the children will be followed. The distance is still zero because the “e” is an exact match.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	Re	0
  	C	2

• The closest path “re” is followed, and a path is added for each of its children. In this example, “rev” scores lower than “c” because the distance is the same and “c” has a higher weight in the tree. Also in this example, “ret” got a distance of one. Usually a wrong letter increases the distance by two. However, in this example the algorithm detected that proximity of the “t” and “r” (from “rerur”) on the keyboard, and gave it a lower distance penalty.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	Rer
  	0
  	Ret	1
  	C	2
  	Rev	2

• The “rer” path is followed, and it is still an exact match for the search phrase.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	Reru
  	0
  	Ret	1
  	C	2
  	Rev	2

• Once again, the top phrase is followed but this time, when expanded to “rerun”, it is no longer an exact match and falls to the bottom of the list.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	Ret	1
  	C	2
  	Rev	2
  	rerun	2

• “ret” is followed, which adds two paths to the list “retu” and “reta”. The former maintains distance because the “u” is an exact match, but the later moves away by two.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	Retu	1
  	C	2
  	Rev	2
  	rerun	2
  	Reta	3

• Following “retu”, produces “retur” and “return”, again with no change in distance. In the next step the two children are added producing the following list.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	return$	1
  	returns	1
  	c	2
  	rev	2
  	rerun	2
  	reta	3

• Since “return” has hit a stop character ($), it is removed from the list of active paths and put into the first position of the results list. After the next step the same thing happens with “returns” leaving the following active paths:

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	c
  	2
  	rev	2
  	rerun	2
  	reta	3

• So, the search hops back over to the “c” path, which changes the phrase to “co” giving it a distance of four.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	rev
  	2
  	rerun	2
  	reta	3
  	co	4

• The path for “rev” is followed to produce “reve” with a distance of four.

• 	Phrase	Distance
  	rerun
  	2
  	reta	3
  	co	4
  	reve	4

• Finally, “rerun” gets another chance and hits the end of word character, so it is put on the end of the results, which are now: return, returns, rerun. The above illustrated techniques will continue until: there are no more paths to search, it has collected the max number of results requested, or the distance of the closest path is outside of a “closeness” threshold. At any of these points, the current results are returned and displayed on thedisplay device22B by themobile computing device14.
• Themobile computing device14 uses selection of the provided suggestions to search for the items in the database, although themobile computing device14 can use any other methods or techniques to search for the items in the database. The techniques illustrated above provides advantages when themobile computing device14 receives search terms in a search box, suggestions are shown to: reduce the amount of typing required, show alternative spellings when the user has mistyped, and give feedback about the likelihood of a match while waiting for the full search results to load. This is especially important on themobile computing device14 because the search is slower, and the smaller keyboards make typing more cumbersome and errors more likely.
• Next, based on the identified items, instep230 themobile computing device14 determines a fee based on fee setting parameters. In this example, themobile computing device14 determines the fee based on an item markup percentage, sales tax and any of a variety of service rates including day rates, off-hour rates or any other associated rates previously received instep210, although themobile computing device14 can determine the fee based on any other or types or parameters. Themobile computing device14 can also use a custom setting present within themobile computing device14 to determine the fee. When calculating the sale price of parts, themobile computing device14 will multiply the cost of the part against a markup multiplier received instep210 to determine the final sale price. This multiplier is based on the cost of the part, with less expensive parts typically having a higher multiplier. Typically these markups are described as a series of ranges, as illustrated in the table below:

• Price Range

  Above	Below	Markup

  —	$2.00	5
  $2.00	$5.00	5
  $5.00	$10.00	4
  $10.00	$20.00	3.5
  $20.00	$40.00	3
  $40.00	$60.00	2.75
  $60.00	$100.00	2.5
  $100.00	$150.00	2.25
  $150.00	$500.00	2
  $500.00	—	1.3

• By way of example only, an $8 part would fall in the $5-10 range and the multiplier would be four, giving a final sale price of $32 ($8×4). This markup creates an unusual circumstance when crossing the boundaries between ranges (as illustrated inFIG. 11A). For example: A $4.50 part has a markup of 5×, resulting in a sale price of $22.50; but a $5.10 part, which has a markup of 4×, would have a sale price of just $20.40, making it less expensive than the $4.50 part.
• Additionally, in this example, themobile computing device14 determines the item markup percentage using a markup range and a smoothing function which will now be described using the following equation, although themobile computing device14 can calculate the item markup percentage can be using any other methods or techniques:
• 
  I+(E−I)+((C−L)/(H−L))^{1/S×((C−L)/(H−L))1/v}
• wherein I is a markup for inexpensive parts, E is a markup for expensive parts, C is a cost of the part, L is a minimum part cost, H is a maximum part cost, S is a maximum smoothing and V is a curve variation and the value of C should be between L and H, as a precondition for the equation. However, when C is less than L or greater than H, then the algorithm returns the value of I or E respectively. In this example, the maximum smoothing and curve variation are defined to achieve the desired curve shape in an otherwise step-shaped markup graph shown inFIG. 11A. This allows for a more aggressive decrease in the markup as the part cost increases. However, regardless of the shape of the markup curve, as the multipliers for expensive and inexpensive parts converge, the resulting markups conveniently flatten out, turning into a flat line when the two multipliers are equal. By creating a function that can calculate a continuous markup multiplier for any part price, the choppiness can be removed (compareFIGS. 11A-B) and less costly parts will not get marked up to a higher sales price than more expensive parts.
• Optionally, the fee determined by themobile computing device14 can be a customized fee saved in a database. For example, a user may have a discounted service fees for certain customers (i.e., volume-related discounts), and the customized fees can be accessed from the database for those customers.
• Next instep235, themobile computing device14 generates a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee and the selected items, although the mobile computing device can generate the work order using any other parameters. In this example, the work order includes the list of all the selected items (repair items), parts associated with the repair items and diagnostic fees, maintenance fees, the associated fee of the selected items and the total fee, although the mobile computing device can generate the work-order using any combination of fee parameters as well as other parameters. In this example, prior to finalizing the generated the work order, themobile computing device14 performs one or more of determining a cost recovery fee adjustment, applying a discount, or determining for availability of parts required for repairs within the generated work-order, although themobile computing device14 may perform other operations prior to finalizing the generated the work-order in real time.
• An exemplary method for determining availability of parts required for repair within the generated work-order will now be illustrated with reference toFIGS. 6A-6C. Instep605, themobile computing device14 obtains all the list and quantity of all the parts required for the repairs present within the generated work-order, although the mobile computing device can obtain other information from the generated work-order. Next instep610, themobile computing device14 determines using adata server17, if the obtained list of parts is available within theROPE database40, although themobile computing device14 can determine without using thedata server17. By way of example only, themobile computing device14 compares the list and quantity of obtained parts against a table (which includes the list and quantities of all parts present within a parts warehouse) present within theROPE database40 to determine the availability, although themobile computing device14 can determine the availability using other techniques. Instep615, based on the determination, themobile computing device14 using thedata server17 sends out a notification to theROPE database40 to replenish the required parts. Alternatively, the user of themobile computing device14 can manually choose to submit all parts consumed for replenishment or only a subset of those parts, export a list of the remaining parts, or augment the order with other parts using themobile computing device14. In yet another alternative approach, a contractor with multiple technicians may elect to aggregate consumed parts on a regular or as-needed basis, and collectively order parts as frequently as desired.
• Regardless of the approach, theROPE database40 then forwards this notification to the distributor device to replenish the parts. This interaction is further explained with reference toFIG. 6B. Instep1, thedistributor device42 uploads the parts data to theROPE database40, although thedistributor device42 can upload other types or amounts of information. Next, instep2, themobile computing device14 sends the list of parts required for the repair to thedata server17, although themobile computing device14 can send other information present in the work-order to thedata server17. Instep3, thedata server14 sends a list of manufacturer part numbers for the list of parts received from themobile computing device14 to theROPE database40. Next instep4, theROPE database40 performs a search to determine further details associated with the parts back to thedata server17. Instep5, responsive to receiving the further details associated with the parts, thedata server17 sends a notification to replenish the parts to theROPE database40. Instep6, theROPE database40 forwards the notification to thedistributor device42 to replenish the parts.
• Additionally,FIG. 6C illustrates the environment of themobile computing device14,data server17,ROPE database40 anddistributor device42. InFIG. 6C, A-H are employees associated with a contractor using themobile computing device14 and S-Z are location associated with thedistributor device42, although the employees A-H could be associated with multiple contractors and locations S-Z could be associated with multiple distributers. These relations between the employees-contractors and locations-distributors may be established using tags previously illustrated.
• As illustrated inFIG. 6C, the ROPE database establishes relationships between the mobile computing device14 (contractors) and thedistributor device42 such that anymobile computing device14 can order parts from anydistributor device42 for which a relationship has been established in the system. However, there is no limit to the number ofmobile computing device14 anddistributor device42 relationship and they may be established or dissolved at any time. Additionally, in this example, once a relationship between themobile computing device14 and thedistributor device14 has been established, a secondary relationship between the employee using themobile computing device14 and the distributor location may be established such that a specific employee may order from a specific distributor location.
• An exemplary method for determining a cost recovery will now be illustrated with reference toFIG. 7. Effectively, the method described below allows a user to recoup a cost associated with generating a work-order from the customer receiving services from the user. Instep705, themobile computing device14 obtains the fee associated with each repair of the work-order, although themobile computing device14 can also obtain the aggregate fee for all repairs in the work order. Next in step710, themobile computing device14 determines a fee adjustment value for the obtained repair fee. By way of example only, themobile computing device14 can determine the fee adjustment value based on a pre-defined fee adjustment value (cost recovery value) stored within the database (not shown), although themobile computing device14 can determine the fee adjustment value based on other parameters. This fee adjustment value can be applied once per work-order or, in the instance of complicated work-orders containing many repairs, the fee adjustment value can be applied more than once per work-order, if desired. For example, the fee adjustment value can be applied to the first repair and every other repair, or third or fourth repair, thereafter. Alternatively, in another example, themobile computing device14 can determine a fee adjustment value for the total sum of all repairs within the generated work-order based on the pre-defined fee adjustment value. Regardless of the approach used, in step715 themobile computing device14 applies the determined fee adjustment value to the repair fee(s) in the generated work-order.
• An exemplary method for applying discounts will now be illustrated with reference toFIG. 8A. Instep805, themobile computing device14 obtains the total fee present within the generated work-order. Instep810, themobile computing device14 determines a discount value (which can be a promotional code, or a coupon value) to be applied to the obtained total fee. In this example, themobile computing device14 can determine the discount value based one or more of the tags applied to the user account, a coupon code or a promotional code received from a user via theinput device22A, a pre-defined discount value based on the total fee in the invoice, or a pre-defined discount value based on the total number of repairs within the invoice, although themobile computing device14 can determined the discount value based on other parameters (e.g., discount associated with a maintenance agreement or manufacturer rebate passed along to customer). Next, instep815, themobile computing device14 applies the determined discount value to the total fee in the generated work-order.
• In another exemplary method, illustrated inFIG. 8B, themobile computing device14 can obtain fees associated with one or more selected repairs within the generated work-order, and apply any discount selectively to the one or more repairs. For example, instep825, themobile computing device14 obtains the fee amount per selected repair in the generated work order. Instep830, themobile computing device14 determines a discount value (which can be a promotional code, or a coupon value, as described above) to be applied to the obtained fee, which has been selected by a user. Next, instep835, themobile computing device14 applies the determined discount value to the selected repair fee in the generated work-order, and the total sum of all repair fees can be generated for the whole work-order.
• Now with reference toFIG. 2A, instep240 themobile computing device14 provides the generated work-order to fit within thedisplay device22B using techniques which will now be illustrated, although themobile computing device14 can provide the generated work-order using any other methods or techniques. Themobile computing device14 divides thedisplay device22B into two types of pages a navigation page and a content page. When on a navigation page, themobile computing device14 displays a list of items. Upon receiving a selection of the listed items, themobile computing device14 loads another navigation page or a content page. Additionally, if thedisplay device22B of themobile computing device14 is wide enough, the navigation page will show a summary/placeholder page to the right of the navigation pane as illustrated inFIG. 9.
• However, on a content page, the navigation will not be shown—unless the browser is wide enough to accommodate both navigation and content—and a “back” button will be provided by themobile computing device14. The back button provided by themobile computing device14 would assist with moving back to the previous navigation page. This illustrated technique, provides advantages of changing the user interface on the display device to adjust based on the width of the browser viewport, which is independent of themobile computing device14. Additionally, the illustrated technique can adjust the presence of the navigation in response to resizing of the browser window and orientation changes of mobile computing devices. Furthermore, the illustrated technique can be implemented on any device and the technique does not rely on detecting device's make or model.
• Instep245, themobile computing device14 determines if any changes are necessary to the provided work-order based on inputs received at theinput device22A of the mobile computing device, although the mobile computing device can determine necessary changes using any other methods or techniques. In this example, themobile computing device14 can receive any necessary changes or confirmation via theinput device22A to the provided generated work-order. If themobile computing device14 determines any changes are needed for the provided work-order, a Yes branch is taken to step250 to obtain the changes to the work order and then to generate a revised work-order.
• However, if themobile computing device14 determines that no further changes are required, a No branch is taken to step255 where the invoice for the work order is generated by themobile computing device14 based on the total fee present within the generated work-order. In this example, themobile computing device14 can receive a signature on the work-order via theinput device22A confirming the details of the work-order.
• Instep260, themobile computing device14 determines if a fee set forth in the invoice has been paid. If themobile computing device14 determines that the fee in the invoice has been paid, a Yes branch is taken to step270 to update the generated invoice and the work-order in the database. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that the fee set forth in claim invoice has not been paid, a No branch is taken to step265 where themobile computing device14 can either wait until the fee has been paid and then proceed to update the work-order and invoice. Alternatively, themobile computing device14 can wait until a certain period of time, by way of example only 30 days, after which themobile computing device14 can automatically update the work-order and the invoice to the database and store or archive the work-order and the invoice.
• Instep270, while updating the work-order and the invoice to the database in the server, themobile computing device14 first checks whether there is a network connection between themobile computing device14 and theserver16. If the mobile computing device determines that there is a network connection (online) between themobile computing device14 and theserver16, a Yes branch is taken to step280 where themobile computing device14 directly uploads or stores the work-order and the invoice to the databases present in theserver16, although themobile computing device14 can save the work-order locally within thememory20 and then uploaded to database present in theserver16. However, if themobile computing device14 determines that there is no connection (offline) between themobile computing device14 and theserver16, a No branch is taken to step275 where themobile computing device14 uploads or stores the work-order in the previously obtained database from the server16 (which is stored within the memory of the mobile computing device), and once the network connection is established between themobile computing device14 and theserver16, themobile computing device14 proceeds to update the database present in theserver16, with the one present within thememory20 of themobile computing device14. Additionally, themobile computing device14 can automatically receives notification from theserver16 where there are any updates determined by theserver16.
• Instep285, themobile computing device14 closes the work-order and the exemplary process ends.
• Additionally, themobile computing device14 may provide rewards upon successful completion of work-orders and/or closing of work-orders upon receipt of payment. By way of example only, themobile computing device14 can add the amount present in the invoice to the account associated with the user of themobile computing device14, and reward the user by notifying the user of the number of completed work-orders over a period of time, the percentage of completed work-orders that are closed with payment of the invoice, the aggregate sum of invoices over a period of time, whether the user is in, e.g., the top 25% percent of technicians employed by a particular contractor, etc. Themobile computing device14 can provide notification (triggers) via text message, email or on thedisplay device22B indicating the rewards supplied to the user.
• A further aspect of the invention includes the ability to synchronize the completed invoice data or completed but unpaid work-order data or customer data from the inventive device and method to accounting software such as QuickBooks™ and back from the accounting software such as QuickBooks™ to the inventive device. This can be achieved using tagged database records, and synchronization of the tagged records. An exemplary method for data synchronizing is illustrated inFIG. 12.
• Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims (30)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for generating a work-order in real time, the method comprising:

obtaining by a mobile computing device one or more databases from one or more sources;

identifying by the mobile computing device one or more items in the obtained one or more databases;

determining by the mobile computing device a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and

generating by the mobile computing device a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.

2. The method as set forth inclaim 1 further comprising generating by the mobile computing device an invoice associated with the generated work-order.

3. The method as set forth inclaim 1 further comprising:

receiving by the mobile computing device one or more changes to the generated work-order;

generating by the mobile computing device a revised work-order based on the received one or more changes; and

generating by the mobile computing device a revised invoice associated with the generated revised work-order.

4. The method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the identifying the one or more items further comprises:

searching by the mobile computing device the one or more items in the obtained one or more databases, wherein the searching further comprises:

receiving by the mobile computing device one or more search terms;

providing by the mobile computing device one or more suggestions associated with the one or more search terms;

receiving by the mobile computing device a selection of the one or more suggestions; and

searching by the mobile computing device the one or more items using the received selection of the one or more suggestions.

5. The method as set forth inclaim 2 further comprising:

determining by mobile computing device whether an amount equal to the determined fee for the generated invoice has been paid;

updating by the mobile computing device the generated work-order in a work-order database when the amount equal to the determined fee has been paid; and

closing by the mobile computing device the generated work-order upon updating the generated work-order in the work-order database.

6. The method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the determining the fee further comprises determining by the mobile computing device the determined fee based on one or more of an item markup percentage, a local sales tax or one or more rates.

7. The method as set forth inclaim 6, wherein the item markup percentage is calculated according to a formula:

I+(E−I)+((C−L)/(H−L))^{1/S×((C−L)/(H−L))1/v}

wherein, I is a markup for inexpensive parts, E is a markup for expensive parts, C is a cost of the part, L is a minimum part cost, H is a maximum part cost, S is a maximum smoothing and V is a curve variation.

8. The method as set forth inclaim 5 wherein the updating further comprises:

determining by the mobile computing device presence of a network connection between the mobile computing device and a data server comprising the work-order database and an invoice database; and

updating by the mobile computing device the generated invoice to the invoice database and the generated work-order to the work-order database when the network connection is determined to be present.

9. The method as set forth inclaim 8 wherein the determining further comprises:

establishing by the mobile computing device the network connection with the data server comprising the work-order database and the invoice database when the network connection is determined not to be present; and

wherein the updating is upon establishing the network connection.

10. The method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the obtaining the one or more databases further comprises:

partitioning the one or more databases into two or more data files by a server;

generating by server a manifest for the two or more data files;

accessing by the mobile computing device the manifest and the two or more data files; and

assembling by the mobile computing device the one or more databases using the accessed manifest and the two or more data files.

11. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for generating a work-order in real time comprising machine executable code which when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform steps comprising:

obtaining by a mobile computing device one or more databases from one or more sources;

identifying by the mobile computing device one or more items in the obtained one or more databases;

determining by the mobile computing device a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and

generating by the mobile computing device a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.

12. The medium as set forth inclaim 11 further comprising generating an invoice associated with the generated work-order.

13. The medium as set forth inclaim 11 further comprising:

receiving one or more changes to the generated work-order;

generating a revised work-order based on the received one or more changes; and

generating a revised invoice associated with the generated revised work-order.

14. The medium as set forth inclaim 11 wherein the identifying the one or more items further comprises:

searching the one or more items in the obtained one or more databases, wherein the searching further comprises:

receiving one or more search terms;

providing one or more suggestions associated with the one or more search terms;

receiving a selection of the one or more suggestions; and

searching the one or more items using the received selection of the one or more suggestions.

15. The medium as set forth inclaim 12 further comprising:

determining whether an amount equal to the determined fee for the generated invoice has been paid;

updating the generated work-order in a work-order database when the amount equal to the determined fee has been paid; and

closing the generated work-order upon updating the generated work-order in the work-order database.

16. The medium as set forth inclaim 11 wherein the determining the fee further comprises determining the fee based on one or more of an item markup percentage, a local sales tax or one or more rates.

17. The medium as set forth inclaim 16, wherein the item markup percentage is calculated according to a formula:

I+(E−I)+((C−L)/(H−L))^{1/S×((C−L)/(H−L))1/v}

wherein, I is a markup for inexpensive parts, E is a markup for expensive parts, C is a cost of the part, L is a minimum part cost, H is a maximum part cost, S is a maximum smoothing and V is a curve variation.

18. The medium as set forth inclaim 15 wherein the updating further comprises:

determining presence of a network connection between the mobile computing device and a data server comprising the work-order database and an invoice database; and

updating the generated invoice to the invoice database and the generated work-order to the work-order database when the network connection is determined to be present.

19. The medium as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the determining further comprises:

establishing the network connection with the data server comprising the work-order database and the invoice database when the network connection is determined not to be present; and

wherein the updating is upon establishing the network connection.

20. The medium as set forth inclaim 11 wherein the obtaining the one or more databases further comprises:

partitioning the one or more databases into two or more data files by a server;

generating a manifest for the two or more data files;

accessing the manifest and the two or more data files; and

assembling the one or more databases using the accessed manifest and the two or more data files.

21. A mobile computing device comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory, wherein the memory coupled to the one or more processors which are configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising:

obtaining by a mobile computing device one or more databases from one or more sources;

identifying by the mobile computing device one or more items in the obtained one or more databases;

determining by the mobile computing device a fee for the identified one or more items based on one or more fee setting parameters; and

generating by the mobile computing device a work-order in real-time based on the determined fee.

22. The device as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory further comprising generating an invoice associated with the generated work-order.

23. The device as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory further comprising:

receiving one or more changes to the generated work-order;

generating a revised work-order based on the received one or more changes; and

generating a revised invoice associated with the generated revised work-order.

24. The device as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory wherein the identifying the one or more items further comprises:

searching the one or more items in the obtained one or more databases, wherein the searching further comprises:

receiving one or more search terms;

providing one or more suggestions associated with the one or more search terms;

receiving a selection of the one or more suggestions; and

searching the one or more items using the received selection of the one or more suggestions.

25. The device as set forth inclaim 22 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory further comprising:

determining whether an amount equal to the determined fee present for the generated invoice has been paid;

updating the generated work-order in a work-order database when the amount equal to the determined fee has been paid; and

closing the generated work-order upon updating the generated work-order in the work-order database.

26. The device as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for the determining the fee further comprises determining the fee based on one or more of an item markup percentage, a local sales tax or one or more rates.

27. The device as set forth inclaim 26 wherein the item markup percentage is calculated according to a formula:

I+(E−I)+((C−L)/(H−L))^{1/S×((C−L)/(H−L))1/v}

wherein, I is a markup for inexpensive parts, E is a markup for expensive parts, C is a cost of the part, L is a minimum part cost, H is a maximum part cost, S is a maximum smoothing and V is a curve variation.

28. The device as set forth inclaim 26 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for the updating further comprises:

determining presence of a network connection between the mobile computing device and a data server comprising the work-order database and an invoice database; and

updating the generated invoice to the invoice database and the generated work-order to the work-order database when the network connection is determined to be present.

29. The device as set forth inclaim 28 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for the determining further comprises:

establishing the network connection with the data server comprising the work-order database and the invoice database when the network connection is determined not to be present; and

wherein the updating is upon establishing the network connection.

30. The device as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the one or more processors is further configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for the obtaining the one or more databases further comprises:

partitioning the one or more databases into two or more data files by a server;

generating a manifest for the two or more data files;

accessing the manifest and the two or more data files; and

assembling the one or more databases using the accessed manifest and the two or more data files.

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