US20230098485A1 - Systems and methods for efficiently generating reliable client billing quotes - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating reliable client billing quotes are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method of generating reliable client billing quotes includes generating a first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table, upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons using the first graphical user interface, regenerating the workflow table in a same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons, enabling selection of at least one of a plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table, and upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons using the first graphical user interface, generating a second graphical user interface on the first user terminal that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.

Description

BACKGROUNDPriority
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/250,388, filed Sep. 30, 2021, entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating Reliable Client Billing Quotes”, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference and relied upon.
Technical Field
• This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for generating reliable client billing quotes.
Background Information
• Many companies obtain new business by providing current or potential clients with quotes for the work to be performed. This can be particularly time consuming and speculative for companies that bill by the hour for a wide variety of workers with different billing, rates, such as consulting firms, law firms, accounting firms, etc. This can also consume significant processing resources and result in data storage redundancies when a significant number of workers and clients are involved.
SUMMARY
• It has been discovered that new systems and methods for generating reliable client billing quotes are desired, particularly new systems and methods which improve the user experience, increase reliability, optimize processing, and conserve memory space.
• A first aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a system for generating reliable client billing quotes. The system includes a plurality of user terminals, at least one memory, and at least one processor. The plurality of user terminals each includes a user input device. The plurality of user terminals includes at least a first user terminal corresponding to a first user and a second user terminal corresponding to a second user. The at least one memory is configured to store team data corresponding to a plurality of teams, each team having a plurality of members. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) generate a first graphical user interface on the first user terminal that enables the first user to select a first team from the plurality of teams, the second user being a member of the first team; (ii) generate a second user interface on the first user terminal using the team data corresponding to the first team, the second graphical user interface including a quote creation table enabling the entry of input data related to the plurality of members of the first team including the second user; (iii) generate a new quote for a new client based on the input data related to the plurality of members of the first team; and (iv) send a notification to the second user terminal of the second user regarding the new quote.
• A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another system for generating reliable client billing quotes. The system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The at least one memory is configured to store team data corresponding to a plurality of teams, each team having a plurality of members. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) enable selection of a first team from the plurality of teams; (ii) generate a graphical user interface using the team data corresponding to the first team, the graphical user interface including a quote creation table enabling the entry of input data related to the plurality of members of the first team; (iii) and generate a new quote for a new client based on the input data related to the plurality of members of the first team.
• A third aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another system for generating reliable client billing quotes. The system includes a plurality of user terminals, at least one memory, and at least one processor. The plurality of user terminals each includes a user input device. The plurality of user terminals includes at least a first user terminal corresponding to a first user and a second user terminal corresponding to a second user. The at least one memory is configured to store quote data corresponding to a plurality of quotes created by the first user or the second user. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) generate a first graphical user interface on at least one of the first user terminal and the second user terminal, the first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table; (ii) upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons using the first graphical user interface, regenerate the workflow table in a same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons; (iii) enable selection of at least one of the plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table; and (iv) upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons by at least one of the first user and the second user using the first graphical user interface, generate a second graphical user interface on the first user terminal that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.
• A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another system for generating reliable client billing quotes. The system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The at least one memory is configured to store quote data corresponding to a plurality of quotes. The at least one processor programmed to: (i) generate a first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table; (ii) upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons by a first user using the first graphical user interface, regenerate the workflow table in the same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons; (iii) enable the first user to select at least one of the plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table; and (iv) upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons by the first user using the first graphical user interface, generate a second graphical user interface that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.
• A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of generating reliable client billing quotes. The method includes generating a first graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a first user to select a first team from a plurality of teams stored in a central memory, the first team including a plurality of members including a second user, generating a second user interface on the first user terminal using team data corresponding to the first team, the second graphical user interface including a quote creation table enabling the entry of input data related to the plurality of members of the first team, generating a new quote for a new client based on the input data related to the plurality of members of the first team, and sending a notification to a second user terminal of the second user regarding the new quote.
• A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another method of generating reliable client billing quotes. The method includes receiving a selection of a first team from a plurality of teams stored in a central memory, the first team including a plurality of members, generating a graphical user interface using team data corresponding to the first team, the graphical user interface including a quote creation table enabling entry of input data related to the plurality of members of the first team, and generating a new quote for a new client based on the input data related to the plurality of members of the first team.
• A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another method of generating reliable client billing quotes. The method includes generating a first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table, upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons using the first graphical user interface, regenerating the workflow table in a same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons, enabling selection of at least one of the plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table, and upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons using the first graphical user interface, generating a second graphical user interface on the first user terminal that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.
• Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
• FIG.1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for generating reliable client billing quotes in accordance with the present disclosure;
• FIG.2 is a representative diagram of an example embodiment of a user terminal which can be used in the system ofFIG.1; and
• FIGS.3 to34 illustrate various example embodiments of user interfaces generated by the system ofFIG.1 in accordance with the methods discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
• Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
• FIG.1 illustrates an example embodiment of asystem10 for generating reliable client billing quotes. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 includes acentral server12 and one ormore user terminals14 operated by one or more users U₁, U₂. . . U_nof a first party P₁. In use, thecentral server12 is configured to wirelessly communicate with each of theuser terminals14 via anetwork16. In an embodiment, thecentral server12 is also configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more client for whom the quote is being generated. The one or more clients are also referred to herein as second parties
• Each of the plurality ofuser terminals14 can be, for example, a cellular phone, a tablet, a personal computer, a smart watch, or another electronic device. Here, the plurality ofuser terminals14 includes afirst user terminal14a, asecond user terminal14b, and annth user terminal14n. Eachuser terminal14 can be controlled by a distinct user U₁, U₂. . . U_n(e.g., a first user U₁controls thefirst user terminal14a, a second user U₂controls thesecond user terminal14b, and an nth user U_ncontrols thenth user terminal14n). The user U₁, U₂. . . U_nof eachuser terminal14 can be, for example, a member or employee of the first party P₁. As used herein, each of the users U₁, U₂. . . U_ncan also be referred to generally as a user U. In an embodiment, the first party P₁can be any business that uses timed billing rates (e.g., hourly time entries) to bill clients, such as a consulting firm, a law firm, an accounting firm, or a similar business.
• The first party P₁includes a plurality of users U₁, U₂. . . U_n. Although a single first party P₁and a single second party P₂are discussed herein for simplicity, it should be understood from this disclosure that thesystem10 can operate to support any number of such parties and significantly improves processing efficiency and decreases time spent and memory storage needed as the number of users U, first parties P₁and/or second parties P₂increases.
• Thesystem10 is configured to access various data sources. As seen inFIG.1, thesystem10 is configured to access atime entry system18 and/or a thirdparty data source19. Thetime entry system18 can include a database controlled by the first party P₁using thesystem10, for example, an existingtime entry system18 which is used by each of the users U of the first party P₁to record time entries which are then used for billing purposes. In an embodiment, thetime entry system18 includes the time entry system described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/235,187, entitled “Systems and Methods for Time Entry, Management and Billing,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. The thirdparty data source19 can include one or more data source which is controlled by a third party and accessed by thecentral server12 via thenetwork16, for example, a website controlled by a third party. In an embodiment, the thirdparty data source19 is accessible by thesystem10 via a public website. In an embodiment, thesystem10 is also configured to send data directly to and/or receive data directly from the second party P₂via thenetwork16.
• Theuser terminals14 can communicate with thecentral server12 via various communication protocols, for example, via an Internet Protocol Suite or TCP/IP supporting HTTP. Thenetwork16 can comprise a public network (e.g., the Internet, World Wide Web, etc.), a private network (e.g., local area network (LAN), etc.), and/or combinations thereof (e.g., a virtual private network, LAN connected to the Internet, etc.). Thenetwork16 can include a wired network, a wireless network, and/or a combination of the two.
• Thecentral server12 can comprise one or more server computers, database servers and/or other types of computing devices, particularly in connection with, for example, the implementation of websites and/or enterprise software. Thecentral server12 can further comprise acentral processor20 and acentral memory22. Thecentral processor20 is configured to execute instructions programmed into and/or stored by thecentral memory22. In an embodiment, thecentral processor20 can comprise one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, co-processor or the like or combinations thereof capable of executing stored instructions and operating upon stored data, wherein the instructions and/or data are stored by thecentral memory22. Thecentral memory22 can comprise one or more devices such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, for example, random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). Further, thecentral memory22 can be embodied in a variety of forms, such as a hard drive, optical disc drive, floppy disc drive, etc. In an embodiment, the steps of the methods described herein are stored as instructions in thecentral memory22 and executed by thecentral processor20.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thecentral memory22 includes aweb interface24, adatabase26, and backend processing instructions28. Here, theweb interface24, thedatabase26, and the backend processing instructions28 can be controlled or accessed by thecentral processor20 implementing appropriate software programs by executing the backend processing instructions28 or other instructions programmed into and/or stored by thecentral memory22.
• Theweb interface24 is configured to provide a graphical user interface (“GUI”)25 that can be displayed on a terminal14 for a user U, and is configured to manage the transfer of data received from and sent to theGUI25 on the terminal14. For example, theGUI25 can be employed by a user U to provide input data to thecentral server12 for the generation of a quote for a second party P₂. In an embodiment, eachuser terminal14 includes an application A comprising software downloaded to and executed by theuser terminal14 to provide theGUI25 and to manage communications with thecentral server12. The application A can be downloaded to theuser terminal14 from thecentral server12 or from some other source such as an application distribution platform. In an embodiment, the application A can also be viewed via a web browser.
• Thedatabase26 is configured to store data related to current or previous quotes. The data can include input data, team data and/or other data discussed herein. Thedatabase26 is also configured to store data relevant to the second party P₂, as well as data retrieved from the second party P₂, atime entry system18, and/or a thirdparty data source19. In an embodiment, thedatabase26 comprises a database management system (DBMS) operating on one or more suitable database server computers. Thedatabase26 can also comprise storage components from other systems, such as atime entry system18 having relevant data concerning already stored therein. In an embodiment, thesame database26 is used for thesystem10 and thetime entry system18. Thedatabase26 can be further configured to store editable rules regarding generation of eachrespective GUI25 for one ormore user terminal14.
• The backend processing instructions28 can be operatively coupled to both theweb interface24 and thedatabase26, and can be programmed into and/or stored by thecentral memory22 and implemented by thecentral processor20. In an embodiment, the backend processing instructions28 can be executed by thecentral processor20 to direct operations of thecentral server12 as described below in further detail. For example, thecentral processor20, executing the backend processing instructions28, can manage the receipt, storage, enhancement, maintenance, etc. of relevant data (e.g., input data, team data and/or other data received from one or more user U of the first party P₁via a terminal14). Additionally, thecentral processor20, executing the backend processing instructions28, can develop and enhance similar relevant data based on information obtained from the second party P₂, atime entry system18, and/or a thirdparty data source19, as well as further functions discussed in more detail below.
• FIG.2 illustrates a representative diagram of an example embodiment of auser terminal14. As illustrated, auser terminal14 can include aterminal processor30 and aterminal memory32. Theterminal processor30 is configured to execute instructions programmed into and/or stored by theterminal memory32. The instructions can be received from and/or periodically updated by theweb interface24 of thecentral server12 in accordance with the methods discussed herein. In an embodiment, the methods described herein are stored as instructions in theterminal memory32 and executed by theterminal processor30.
• In an embodiment, theterminal processor30 can comprise one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, co-processor or the like or combinations thereof capable of executing storedinstructions34 and operating upon storeddata36, wherein theinstructions34 and/or storeddata36 are stored by theterminal memory32. Theterminal memory32 can comprise one or more devices such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, for example, random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). Further, theterminal memory32 can be embodied in a variety of forms, such as a hard drive, optical disc drive, floppy disc drive, etc. In an embodiment, many of the processing techniques described herein are implemented as a combination ofexecutable instructions34 anddata36 stored within theterminal memory32.
• As illustrated, each of the plurality ofuser terminals14 includes one or moreuser input device38, adisplay40, aperipheral interface42, one or moreother output device44, and anetwork interface46 in communication with theterminal processor30. Theuser input device38 can include any mechanism for providing a user input to theterminal processor30, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone and/or suitable voice recognition application, or another input mechanism. Thedisplay40 can include any conventional display mechanism such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat panel display, a touch screen, or another display mechanism. Thus, as can be understood, theuser input device38 and/or thedisplay40 and/or any other suitable element can be considered aGUI25. Theperipheral interface42 can include the hardware, firmware, and/or other software necessary for communication with various peripheral devices, such as media drives (e.g., magnetic disk or optical disk drives), other processing devices, or another input source used as described herein. Likewise, theother output device44 can optionally include similar media drive mechanisms, other processing devices or other output destinations capable of providing information to a user of theuser terminal14, such as speakers, LEDs, tactile outputs, etc. Thenetwork interface46 can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software that allows theterminal processor30 to communicate with other devices via wired orwireless networks16, whether local or wide area, private or public. For example,such networks16 can include the World Wide Web or Internet, or private enterprise networks, or the like.
• While theuser terminal14 has been described as one form for implementing the techniques described herein, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that other functionally equivalent techniques can be employed. For example, some or all of the functionality implemented via executable instructions can also be implemented using firmware and/or hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, state machines, etc. Further, other implementations of theuser terminal14 can include a greater or lesser numbers of components than those illustrated. Further still, although asingle user terminal14 is illustrated inFIG.2, it should be understood from this disclosure that a combination of such devices can be configured to operate in conjunction (for example, using known networking techniques) to implement the methods described herein.
• FIGS.3 to34 illustratedvarious GUIs25 which are generated at one ormore user terminal14 in accordance with the methods described herein. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the disclosedGUIs25 improve the user experience, conserve user time, and prevent errors in generated quotes, while thesystem10 as a whole achieves improved processing efficiency and memory storage via the data enhancement methods used to generate these GUIs25 and the corresponding quotes.
• FIG.3 illustrates an example embodiment of afirst GUI25A displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thefirst GUI25A is a home screen configured to display a summary of options for the user U. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst GUI25A includes a plurality oficons50 that can he selected by the user U. In this embodiment, the plurality oficons50 includes an overview icon50A, a firm-quotes icon50B, a my-quotes icon50C, a quotes-manager icon50D, a check-in/check-outicon50E, a create-budget icon50F, and a partner-dashboard icon50G. In an embodiment, thesystem10 enables rearrangement and/or deletion of theicons50 based on theicons50 that are used most by the user U. In an embodiment thesystem10 is configured to automatically rearrange the icons based on a detected number of selections by the user U. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosure that there are a variety of icons and arrangements which can be used instead of and/or in addition to the arrangement shown by thefirst GUI25A.
• FIG.4 illustrates an example embodiment of a second GUI25B displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 automatically triggers generation of the second GUI25B when a user U selects the overview tile50A of thefirst GUI25A. In the illustrated embodiment, the second GUI25B includes a plurality of first icons52 that can be selected by the user U. The plurality of first icons52 includes an unassigned-quotes icon52A, a worked-quotes icon52B, an unassigned-matters icon52C, an active-matters icon52D, an active-quotes icon52E, a pending-quotes icon52F, an active-status icon52G, and an active-metrics icon52H. In the illustrated embodiment, the second GUI25B further includes a plurality of second icons54. The plurality of second icons54 includes a new-quote icon54A, an all-quotes icon54B, a check-in/outicon54C, a my-quotes icon54D, a create-budget icon54E, and areports icon54F. In the illustrated embodiment, the second GUI25B also includes a workflow table56, which is adjusted based on the first icon52 and/or second icon54 selected by the user U.
• The second GUI25B is advantageous, for example, due to the positioning of the icons52 on thesame GUI25 as the workflow table56 and the automatic regeneration of the workflow table56 based on a selected first icon52. This improves processing efficiency as the same GUI is used to quickly and easily regenerate the workflow table56 without rearrangement of the icons52 or workflow table56, using minimal processing to provide the user U with the desired quote data and further enabling the user U to quickly regenerate the workflow table56 as needed and/or create a new quote based thereon.
• In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first icons52 triggers automatic regeneration of the workflow table56. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, selection of the unassigned-quotes icon52A triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all previously generated but still unassigned quotes; selection of the worked-quotes icon52B triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that the user U has previously worked on (e.g., created, edited, etc.); selection of the unassigned-matters icon52C triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that have not yet been assigned (e.g., assigned to a particular matter, second party P₂, or lead partner); selection of the active-matters icon52D triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that are currently/actively assigned to the user U and/or attached to a matter or lead partner; selection of the active-quotes icon52E triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that the user U is in the process of generating but that have not been completed and/or attached to a matter or lead partner; selection of the pending-quotes icon52F triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that have been completed and are awaiting approval (e.g., approval from the lead partner); selection of the active-status icon52G triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that are current/active (e.g., as with the active-matters icon52D); selection of the active-metrics icon52H triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes that are current/active (e.g., as with the active-matters icon52D). In an embodiment thesystem10 is configured to automatically rearrange the first icons52 based on a detected number of selections by the user U.
• In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of second icons54 triggers a system function. For example, selection of the new-quote icon54A triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for creating a new quote; selection of the all-quotes icon54B triggers generation of anew GUI25 with all quotes currently stored by thesystem10, which can then be filtered according to various criteria; selection of the check-in/outicon54C triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for editing a selected quote; selection of the my-quotes icon54D triggers the generation of anew GUI25 including the quotes created by the user U; selection of the create-budget icon54E triggers the generation of aGUI25 which enables the user U to create a new budget using an existing quote or from scratch, for example, thetwelfth GUI25L, shown inFIG.23; and selection of the reports-icon54F triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for one of a plurality of reports which display various data from a plurality of previously created quotes.
• The workflow table56 displays summary data for one or more quotes based on selected criteria. In the illustrated embodiment, the system generates a new workflow table56 based on the first icon52 selected by the user U. In the illustrated embodiment, the user U has selected the active-matters-status icon52G, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including active matters (e.g., inFIG.4, only one active matter exists). The user U can then select a quote listed in the workflow table56 and perform further processing by selecting a second icon54.
• FIG.5 illustrates the second GUI25B after the user U has selected the pending-quotes icon52F. The selection of the pending-quotes icon52F has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including pending quotes using minimal processing, while at the same time holding the workflow table56 in a constant position in comparison toFIG.4. In this way the user U can quickly and easily view and access desired information without relocating his or her attention or generating a new GUI. In an embodiment, the new workflow table56 is hot swapped into the second GUI25B without affecting any of the other first icons52 and/or second icons54 and without causing regeneration of the second GUI25B. In this way thesystem10 conserves processing power that would otherwise be dedicated to regeneration of the second GUI25B.
• FIG.6 illustrates an example embodiment of athird GUI25C displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Here, thethird GUI25C is an alternative embodiment of the second GUI25B containing many of the same or similar elements. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically triggers generation of thethird GUI25C when a user U selects the overview tile50A of thefirst GUI25A. In the illustrated embodiment, the third GUI25B includes a plurality of first icons52 that can be selected by the user U. The plurality of first icons52 includes a weekly-status icon52I, an active-quotes icon52J, a completed-quotes icon52K, and a tracked-matters icon52L. In the illustrated embodiment, the second GUI25B further includes a plurality of second icons54. The plurality of second icons54 includes a new-quote icon54G, a quotes-from-actual s icon54H, a worklist icon54I, a check-in/outicon54J, a pricing-database icon54K, a create-budget icon54L, and adashboard icon54M. In the illustrated embodiment, the second GUI25B also includes a workflow table56, which is adjusted based on the first icon52 and/or second icon54 selected by the user U.
• Like the second GUI25B, thethird GUI25C is advantageous, for example, due to the positioning of the first icons52 on the same GUI as the workflow table56 and the automatic regeneration of the workflow table56 based on a selected first icon52. This improves processing efficiency as the same GUI is used to quickly and easily provide regenerated workflow table56 without rearrangement of the icons52 or workflow table56, using minimal processing to provide the user U with the desired quote data and further enabling the user U to quickly regenerate the workflow table56 as needed.
• In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first icons52 causes regeneration of the workflow table56. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the weekly-status icon52I has been selected. Selection of the weekly-status icon52I has triggered regeneration of the workflow table56 with all quotes from the current week. Similarly, selection of the active-quotes icon52J triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all active quotes; selection of the completed-quotes icon52K triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all completed quotes; and selection of the tracked-matters icon52L triggers regeneration of the workflow table56 with all matters that the user U and/orsystem10 has previously identified to be tracked.
• In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality oficons50 provides an individual function. For example, selection of the new-quote icon54G triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for creating a new quote; selection of the quotes-from-actuals icon54H triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for creating a new quote using the basic parameters of a preexisting matter; selection of worklist icon54I triggers the generation of anew GUI25 including quotes worked on by the user U; selection of the check-in/outicon54J triggers54C triggers the generation of anew GUI25 for editing a selected quote; selection of the pricing-database icon54K triggers the generation of thefourteenth GUI25N shown inFIG.25; selection of the create-budget icon54L triggers the generation of aGUI25 which enables the user U to create a new budget using an existing quote or from scratch, for example, thetwelfth GUI25L shown inFIG.23; and selection of thedashboard icon54M triggers the generation of thethirteenth GUI25M shown inFIG.24.
• The workflow table56 displays summary data for one or more quotes based on selected criteria. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 generates a new workflow table56 based on the first icon52 selected by the user U. In the illustrated embodiment, the user U has selected the weekly-status icon52I, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including all quotes from the current week. The user U can then select a quote listed in the workflow table56 and perform further processing by selecting a second icon54.
• FIG.7 illustrates thethird GUI25C after the user U has selected the active-quotes icon52J. The user U has selected the active-quotes icon52J, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including all active quotes using minimal processing and. holding the workflow table56 consistent positioning in comparison toFIG.5. In this way the user U can quickly and easily view and access desired information without relocating his or her attention or generating a new GUI. In an embodiment, the new workflow table56 is hot swapped into thethird GUI25C without affecting any of the other first icons52 and/or second icons54 and without causing regeneration of thethird GUI25C. In this way thesystem10 conserves processing power that would otherwise be dedicated to regeneration of thethird GUI25C.
• FIG.8 illustrates thethird GUI25C after the user U has selected the completed-quotes icon52K. The user U has selected the completed-quotes icon52K, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including all completed quotes using minimal processing and holding the workflow table56 positioning constant in comparison toFIGS.5 and6. In this way the user U can quickly and easily view and access desired information without relocating his or her attention or generating a new GUI. In an embodiment, the new workflow table56 is hot swapped into thethird GUI25C without affecting any of the other first icons52 and/or second icons54 and without causing regeneration of thethird GUI25C. In this way thesystem10 conserves processing power that would otherwise be dedicated to regeneration of thethird GUI25C.
• FIG.9 illustrates thethird GUI25C after the user U has selected the tracked-matters icon52L. The user U has selected the tracked-matters icon52L, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table56 including all tracked quotes using minimal processing and holding the workflow table56 positioning constant in comparison toFIGS.5 and6. In this way the user U can quickly and easily view and access desired information without relocating his or her attention or generating a new GUI. In an embodiment, the new workflow table56 is hot swapped into thethird GUI25C without affecting any of the other first icons52 and/or second icons54 and without causing regeneration of thethird GUI25C. In this way thesystem10 conserves processing power that would otherwise be dedicated to regeneration of thethird GUI25C.
• As illustrated byFIGS.6 to9, thesystem10 enables alternative workflow tables56 to be continuously hot swapped into the same position on theGUI25 as the user selects different first icons. This happens without affecting any of the other first icons52 and/or second icons54, without causing regeneration of thethird GUI25C, and/or without stopping, shutting down or rebooting any of the background functions associated with theGUI25C. In this way, thesystem10 conserves processing power and memory space that would otherwise be dedicated to regeneration of thethird GUI25C and/or stopping, shutting down or rebooting background functions and/or storage of temporary data associated with such functions.
• FIG.10 illustrates an example embodiment of a fourth GUI25D displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 is triggered to generate the fourth GUI25D when the new-quote icon54A is selected in the second GUI25B and/or when the new-quote icon54G is selected in thethird GUI25C. As illustrated, pressing thenew quote icon54A triggers aquote creation panel60.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thequote creation panel60 provides the user U with at least twooptions62A,62B for creation of the new quote. Thefirst option62A is to create a new quote using top-down allocation. Thesecond option62B is to apply phases to the new quote. Thesystem10 enables the user U to select one or both of the twooptions62A,62B. Enabling these twooptions62A,62B for the user U creates flexibility to tailor a quote for the needs of a second party P₂, while also conserving processing power and memory space by avoiding the processing and storage of unnecessary data.
• FIG.11 illustrates an example embodiment of afifth GUI25E displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 triggers thefifth GUI25E when the user U selects the submit icon on thequote creation panel60 of the fourth GUI25D. Here, the user U has selected to perform a top-down allocation using thefirst option62A of the fourth GUI25D, but has not selected to use phases using the second option64B of the fourth GUI25D. As illustrated, thefifth GUI25E enables the user U to input a variety of input data regarding the new quote. In the illustrated embodiment, this input data includes the client name CN, project name PN, matter name MN, lead partner name LP, practice group PG, billing office BO, currency type CT, service area description SA, matter type description MT, template description TD, matter start date MS, matter end date ME, and quote due date QD. In the illustrated embodiment, thefifth GUI25E also includes ateam button64 and a quote creation table66, which are discussed in more detail below.
• FIG.12 illustrates an example embodiment of asixth GUI25F displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thesystem10 triggers generation of thesixth GUI25F when a user U selects theteam button64 on thefifth GUI25E. Thesixth GUI25F includes a team table70 and a member table72. The team table70 includes a plurality of teams, with each team including a plurality of members shown in the member table72. The members correspond to users U (e.g., a first user U₁controlling afirst user terminal14a, a second user U₂controlling asecond user terminal14b, and an nth user U_ncontrolling annth user terminal14n). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of members for each team make up a team that has worked together in the past, such that the user U creating the quote can be confident that the team is able to work together efficiently and effectively and/or thedatabase26 already stores data regarding how work is typically divided amongst the team.
• The teams shown in thesixth GUI25F are saved on thecentral memory22. In an embodiment, thesystem10 is configured to generate a team based on data saved in thetime entry system18 for a previous or existing client or matter. For example, thesystem10 can retrieve one or more of the billing timekeepers (e.g., workers) for a previous or existing client or matter, create a team including the timekeepers from the previous or existing client or matter, and generate the member table72 with the members of that team. In this way the user U creating the quote can create a team that the user U knows has worked together for the same client and/or on the same matter in the past. Thedatabase26 also stores data regarding how work is typically divided amongst the team, which improves the accuracy of the quote and prevents redundant data storage/generation. In an embodiment, thesystem10 determines how work was divided for a previous or existing client, for example, by using the billing hours recorded by each timekeeper in thetime entry system18 to determine the percentage of total work performed by each timekeeper for the client or matter from which the team has been generated. In an embodiment, thesystem10 sends a notification to theuser terminal14 of each user U who is being added as a member of the new team. In an embodiment, each user U can accept or reject being added as a member of a new team via his or herrespective user terminal14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload.
• FIG.13 illustrates thefifth GUI25F after thesystem10 has regenerated the quote creation table66 with the members of a team that has been selected using thesixth GUI25F. By automatically regenerating the quote creation table66 with members of a preexisting team, thesystem10 conserves processing power and memory space using prestored team data instead of generating and processing new team data. Thesystem10 further improves the user experience by reducing quote creation time, ensuring that team members who function well together continue to work together, and ensuring that the quote is not missing valuable members of a previous team which could affect the overall budget. In an embodiment, thesystem10 also enables the user U to add additional members to and/or subtract existing members from the quote creation table66.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thefifth GUI25F provides the user U with aninput selection68 which enables the user U to choose to create a quote based on hours worked or based on a fixed fee. Thesystem10 functions differently for each option and is particularly advantageous in ensuring that each member is able to budget the time needed to perform the work in the quote. InFIG.13, the user U has chosen to create a quote based on a fixed fee. Here, the fixed fee is set at $50,000. For each member (e.g., another user U operating with another user terminal14), the quote creation table66 displays basic information, for example, the worker's name, title, practice group, office, and billing rate. Thesystem10 also enables an adjustment to be applied to each worker's billing rate. Here, the user U has applied a 10% adjustment to each worker's billing rate, such that thesystem10 has automatically reduced each current billing rate by 10% to the proposed billing rate. Here, the hours, fee quote and contribution margin percentage (CM %) are still empty because the user U has not yet finished entering input data and applying the percentage allocation. In the illustrated embodiment, thefifth GUI25E also includes anallocation bar78, which indicates how much of the project is currently allocated (90% inFIG.9). In an embodiment, thesystem10 prevents the new quote from being completed until the percentage allocation reaches 100%. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the percentage allocation for one or more members to cause the total percentage allocation to be 100% (e.g., increases each member's percentage allocation by 10% in the illustrated embodiment to adjust from 90% to 100%). In this way, thesystem10 improves the quotes accuracy by generating the maximum number of allowable hours for each member to ensure 100% allocation.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 automatically enables or disables entry of certain information based on theinput selection68 chosen by the user. For example, in an embodiment, when the user selects to create a quote based on hours worked, thesystem10 enables thefifth GUI25F to allow the user to enter desired hours for each member in the hours column of the quote creation table66; however, when the user selects to create a quote based on fixed fee, thesystem10 disables entry of the hours worked and instead automatically generates the hours worked based on the percentage allocation. In another embodiment, thesystem10 allows the user U to enter either the hours and/or the percentage allocation for one or more of the members, and the automatically generates the remaining hours and/or percentage allocation for one or more of the other members in view of the remaining fees available. In these ways, thesystem10 improves processing efficiency and data storage by enhancing minimal information to create a full quote and by preventing the storage of unnecessary data.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically populates the percentage allocations based on previous projects that the team has worked together. That is, thesystem10 processes historical data and determines what percentage of the work each member is likely to perform. In this way, thesystem10 creates an accurate quote based on historical worked amounts. In an embodiment, thesystem10 retrieves the historical data from thetime entry system18. In an embodiment, thetime entry system18 includes time entries for a plurality of matters. Thesystem10 can be configured to retrieve time entry data for a matter including multiple members and determine the percentage of work that each of the members performed for that matter. Thesystem10 is then configured to use this data to populate the percentage allocations based on previous projects, for example, assuming that the members will work the same percentage amounts for the quote that have been worked for previous matters. Thus, in an embodiment, the user U is simply required to enter a total tee amount and select a team, and thesystem10 enhances the data stored from previous time entries and/or quotes to generate the new quote. In this way, thesystem10 improves processing efficiency and reduces data storage redundancy by enhancing and reusing previously available data, while also improving the accuracy of the new quote based on historical trends. In an embodiment, the user U creating the quote can then accept or adjust the percentage allocations determined by thesystem10.
• As illustrated, in an embodiment, thesystem10 enables the user U to adjust the allocation percentage. In an embodiment, thesystem10 is also configured to automatically adjust the allocation percentage based on work in progress or other quotes for one or more member. For example, thesystem10 can use input data including at least one of the matter start date MS, matter end date ME and/or estimated duration ED to determine the expected commitment for each member during a particular time period. Thesystem10 is configured to determine whether each member is also committed to other work during this time period based on previous quotes, for example, by determining whether the new time period indicated by the input data overlaps with other time periods for which one or more team member has already been committed based on other quotes. Thesystem10 can therefore determine whether the percentage allocation and/or total hours for the current quote would push the member over a threshold for a particular time period. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the allocation percentage to the maximum allowable allocation percentage for that member based on the threshold. In this way, thesystem10 improves processing efficiency and reduces data storage redundancy by enhancing and reusing previously available data, while also improving the accuracy of the new quote using information regarding how much time one or more member can realistically perform over a given time period.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 sends a notification to theuser terminal14 of each user U who is being added to a new quote after determining that the percentage allocation and/or total hours for the new quote would push the user U over the threshold for a particular time period. In an embodiment, each user U can use his or heruser terminal14 to accept or reject the new quote via his or herrespective user terminal14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload. In an embodiment, thesystem10 removes the user U as a member of the new team upon rejection of the addition by the user U. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically creates a placeholder or adds another member with similar credentials in place of the user U who has rejected the membership.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 stores rules which are implemented to automatically adjust the percentage allocations. For example, thesystem10 can store rules about the minimum or maximum percentage of time that should be spent by certain levels of seniority (e.g., partner must perform at least 10%, junior associate must perform at least 50%, etc.). The system is therefore configured to ensure that particular thresholds are met and/or automatically adjust values when the thresholds have not been met.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 retrieves utilization data for various users U to build a team for a new quote. Thesystem10 can retrieve the utilization data from thetime entry system18. In an embodiment, thesystem10 generates a team based on users U with the lowest overall utilization. This way, thesystem10 ensures that each team member is not being overworked and can effectively perform the work in the quote during the requested time period, and also that the first party P1 is efficiently and effectively using all employees.
• FIG.14 illustrates thefifth GUI25E after the total percentage allocation has reached 100% (e.g., as shown by the allocation bar78). Here, thesystem10 has regenerated the hours, fee quote and contribution margin percentage (CM %) for each worker. In the illustrated embodiment based on the flat fee (e.g., here, $50,000), thesystem10 generates the hours for each member based on the member's corresponding percentage allocation while also ensuring that the sum of the fee quotes for each member does not exceed the entered flat fee. Thesystem10 further determines the fee quote for each member based on the generated hours and proposed billing rate. The system determines the contribution margin percentage, for example, based by calculating CM as (Fee Quote-Cost)/(Fee Quote). In an embodiment, thesystem10 flags the quote if a particular threshold is not met by the contribution margin percentage.
• FIG.15 illustrates thefifth GUI25E after the user U has pressed the percentage applybutton80. The percentage apply button has triggered thesystem10 to generate a plurality of additional buttons84. The plurality of additional buttons84 includes anassumptions button84A, adisbursement button84B, a quote-summary button84C, and a fee-arrangements button84D. The assumptions button generates the fifteenth GUI25O ofFIG.26, which enables the user U to add text tags regarding assumptions to one or more quotes generated as discussed herein. Thedisbursement button84B generates thesixteenth GUI25P ofFIG.27, which enables the user U to add additional disbursements to one or more quotes generated as discussed herein. The quote-summary button84C generates the twenty-second GUI25V ofFIG.33. The fee-arrangements button84D generates the ninth GUI25I ofFIG.20.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 at this point is configured to determine whether each member can handle the workload being quoted. For example, thesystem10 is configured to determine whether the total hours for the new quote would push any member over a predetermined threshold for a particular time period when combined with that member's existing hours that have been committed to an overlapping time period in other quotes. In an embodiment, thesystem10 flags the member (another user U) and sends a notification touser terminal14 of each user U who has surpassed the threshold. In an embodiment, each user U can use his or heruser terminal14 to accept or reject the new quote via his or herrespective user terminal14. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically removes the user U as a member of the new team upon rejection by the user U. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically creates a placeholder or adds another member with similar credentials in place of the user U who has rejected the team membership.
• In an embodiment, upon determining that a workload threshold has been surpassed, thesystem10 informs the user U creating the new quote of the workload conflict. In an embodiment, thesystem10 further informs the user U how adjustments can be made so that there is no workload conflict. In an embodiment, thesystem10 proposes a new member to replace a conflicted member, with the new member having for example the same title and/or practice group as the conflicted member. In an embodiment, thesystem10 proposes a new matter start date MS, matter end date ME and/or estimated duration ED which would allow the conflicted member to complete the desired workload without surpassing the threshold. For example, the conflicted member may already be committed to a previous workload for the initial dates entered by the user U, but may be available if the dates are shifted and/or the duration is extended. In this way, thesystem10 ensures that all quotes can be effectively completed by the team members within the particular time period being promised by the quote.
• FIG.16 illustrates an example embodiment of a seventh GUI25G displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Here, the seventh GUI25G is an alternative embodiment of thefifth GUI25E and contains many of the same elements.FIG.16 does not use the top-down allocation used inFIGS.11 to15. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 triggers the seventh GUI25G when the user U selects the submit button on thequote creation panel60 of the fourth GUI25D while choosing not to use top-down allocation. Thesystem10 enables the user U to input a variety of data regarding the new quote. In the illustrated embodiment, this information includes the project name PN, lead partner name LP, client name CN, matter name MN, currency type CT, quote due date QD, practice group PG, area of law AL, phase/task template PT, matter start date MS, and estimated duration ED. In the illustrated embodiment, the seventh GUI25G also includes ateam button64 and a quote creation table66. The quote creation table can be generated using theteam button64, as discussed above with respect to thefifth GUI25E and/orsixth GUI25F. Similar toFIG.14, the seventh GUI25G also includes a plurality of buttons84. Here, the plurality of buttons84 include anassumptions button84A, adisbursement button84B, a quote-summary button84C, and a fee-arrangements button84D, and amulti-year button84E. The seventh GUI25G can include any of the features discussed herein with respect to thefifth GUI25E, and vice versa.
• FIG.17 illustrates an example embodiment of aneighth GUI25H displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thesystem10 triggers theeighth GUI25H when a user U selects themulti-year button84E on the seventh GUI25G. In an embodiment, thesystem10 also generates theGUI25 ofFIG.19 when a user U chooses to implement thesecond option52B of the fourth GUI25D ofFIG.10. Theeighth GUI25H enables the user U to set increases for team members' billing rates at various intervals, for example, to account for a lengthy project which will span several months/years. This way, the total quoted amount for a lengthy project is not underestimated. As illustrated, theeighth GUI25H enables the user U to adjust the amount of rate increase and the estimated date at which the rate increase will be implemented. In an embodiment, this information is already predetermined by thesystem10 and automatically implemented for projects that surpass a predetermined amount of time.
• FIG.18 illustrates the seventh GUI25G after thesystem10 has regenerated the quote creation table66 for multiple phases using theeighth GUI25H. As illustrated, the seventh GUI has added multiple years (here,Year 1,Year 2 and Year 3). In an embodiment, the system generates a quote creation table66 for each year. In an embodiment, thesystem10 can automatically generate the same quote creation table66 for each year, which the user U can adjust as desired to account for changes which the user U expects to occur over the course of multiple years. The seventh GUI25G inFIG.18 further allows for multiple quote creation tables66 to be generated for each of multiple offices, allowing global work to be included in the quote.
• FIG.19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the seventh GUI25G in which the user U has chosen to generate a quote that includes multiple matters. As illustrated, individual quotes can be generated for each of the multiple matters can be generated as discussed herein for a single matter. In an embodiment, thesystem10 can automatically generate the same quote creation table66 for each matter, which the user U can adjust as desired to account for differences between matters.
• FIG.20 illustrates an example embodiment of a ninth GUI25I displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The ninth GUI25I illustrates a summary of the fee arrangement for the quote. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem10 automatically generates the ninth GUI25I when the user U selects the fee-arrangements button84D on thefifth GUI25E or the seventh GUI25G. In an embodiment, the system uses various data shown in the ninth GUI25I to determine whether particular thresholds are met or exceeded and to prioritize quotes which are more favorable (e.g., based on budget contribution, contribution margin percentage, gearing, realization percentage, contribution margin percentage, etc.). In an embodiment, thesystem10 further creates an addition screen which arranges icons for the quotes based on the priory determined from this data.
• FIG.21 illustrates an example embodiment of atenth GUI25J displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The tenth.GUI25J enables the user U to filter and/or search through existing quotes. In an embodiment, thesystem10 arranges the quotes on thetenth GUI25J based on priority data as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, thetenth GUI25J enables the user U to select multiple quotes and compare data. In an embodiment, a user U can also select one of the quotes shown in thetenth GUI25J and use the parameters to generate a new quote for the same or a different second party P₂; thesystem10 then automatically generates a new quote creation screen, for example, thefifth GUI25E or the seventh GUI25G. With this feature, thesystem10 creates processing efficiency, improves the user experience and eliminates errors by allowing the user U to generate new quotes based. on existing quotes without having to reenter various data.
• FIG.22 illustrates an example embodiment of aneleventh GUI25K displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thesystem10 generates theeleventh GUI25K, for example, when a user U selects multiple quotes to compare using thetenth GUI25J. Theeleventh GUI25K is advantageous, for example, for providing a side-by-side comparison of multiple quotes and their particular statistics which have been generated by thesystem10.
• FIG.23 illustrates an example embodiment of atwelfth GUI25L displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thetwelfth GUI25L enables the user U to filter and/or search through existing quotes and/or budgets. In an embodiment, thesystem10 arranges the quotes in on the twelfth GUI25I based on priority data as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, thetwelfth GUI25L enables the user U to select multiple quotes and compare data. In an embodiment, a user U can also select one of the quotes shown in thetwelfth GUI25L and use the parameters to generate a new quote for the same or a different second party P₂; thesystem10 then automatically generates a new quote creation screen, for example, thefifth GUI25E or the seventh GUI25G. With this feature, thesystem10 creates processing efficiency, improves the user experience and eliminates errors by allowing the user U to generate new quotes based on existing quotes without having to reenter various data. In an embodiment, the twelfth GUI25I enables the user U to create a budget for one or more quotes. The budget can be created based on the total amount of the quote once the quote has been approved, or can be adjusted for example based on changes to the quote and/or additional work requested by the second party P₂. In an embodiment, the budget is automatically created once the quote is approved and/or assigned to a lead partner. In an embodiment, thesystem10 then links the budget to thetime entry system18 so that the budget is used to control time entries entered by individual timekeepers for that project. Thus, in an embodiment, thesystem10 generates a budget threshold for thetime entry system18 once the quote is approved and/or assigned to a lead partner.
• FIG.24 illustrates an example embodiment of athirteenth GUI25M displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thethirteenth GUI25M enables the user U to view actual performance of previous quotes, for example, to determine whether previous quotes overestimated or underestimated the amount of work that needed to be performed for a matter. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically adjusts parameters for new quotes based upon whether previous similar quotes were overestimated or underestimated. For example, if a previous quote exceeded the expected time by 10%, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the time for each member in the quote creation table66 by 10% to account for this discrepancy. Specifically, for example, when the user U chooses to create a new quote based on a previous quote that exceeded the expected time by 10%, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the time for each member in the quote creation table66 for the new quote by 10% to account for this discrepancy. In another example, if a team member of a previous quote performed more or less of the total work than expected, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the percentage allocation for that team member in the quote creation table66 for a new quote when that same team is used. Specifically, for example, when the user U chooses to create a new quote based. on a previous quote in which a team member of a previous quote performed more or less of the total work than expected, thesystem10 automatically adjusts the percentage allocation for that team member in the quote creation table66 for a new quote when that same team is used.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 is constantly updating the team data associated with each team (e.g., historical percentage allocation) so that the accuracy of new quotes is improved when the teams are used in new quotes. In this way, the accuracy of the quotes generated by thesystem10 improves as the total number of quotes increases and the accuracy of those quotes is evaluated (e.g., using the data shown in thethirteenth GUI25M).
• In the illustrated embodiment, thethirteenth GUI25M includes an atrisk matter panel90A, a fees panel90B, amatter performance panel90C, anew matters panel90D, and aWIP panel90E. In an embodiment, the atrisk matter panel90A triggers generation of theseventeenth GUI25Q inFIG.28. In an embodiment, the fees panel90B triggers generation of theeighteenth GUI25R inFIG.29. In an embodiment, thematter performance panel90C triggers generation of thenineteenth GUI25S inFIG.30. In an embodiment, thenew matters panel90D triggers generation of thetwentieth GUI25T inFIG.31. In an embodiment, theWIP panel90E triggers generation of the twenty-first GUI25U inFIG.32.
• FIG.25 illustrates an example embodiment of afourteenth GUI25N displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thefourteenth GUI25N is an alternative embodiment of thetwelfth GUI25L and enables the user U to filter and/or search through existing quotes and/or budgets. Any of the features of thetwelfth GUI25L can be included in thefourteenth GUI25N, and vice versa.
• FIG.26 illustrates an example embodiment of a fifteenth GUI25O displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The fifteenth GUI25O is generated when the user U selects theassumptions button84A discussed herein. The fifteenth GUI25O enables the user U to add text tags regarding assumptions to one or more quotes generated as discussed herein.
• FIG.27 illustrates an example embodiment of asixteenth GUI25P displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thesixteenth GUI25P is generated when the user U selects thedisbursement button84B discussed herein. Thesixteenth GUI25P enables the user U to add additional disbursements to one or more quotes generated as discussed herein.
• FIG.28 illustrates an example embodiment of aseventeenth GUI25Q displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Theseventeenth GUI25Q is generated when the user U selects the atrisk matter panel90A in thethirteenth GUI25M ofFIG.24.
• FIG.29 illustrates an example embodiment of aneighteenth GUI25R displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Theeighteenth GUI25R is generated when the user U selects the fees panel90B in thethirteenth GUI25M ofFIG.24.
• FIG.30 illustrates an example embodiment of anineteenth GUI25S displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thenineteenth GUI25S is generated when the user U selects thematter performance panel90C in thethirteenth GUI25M ofFIG.24.
• FIG.31 illustrates an example embodiment of atwentieth GUI25T displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. Thetwentieth GUI25T is generated when the user U selects thenew matters panel90D in thethirteenth GUI25M ofFIG.24.
• FIG.32 illustrates an example embodiment of a twenty-first GUI25U displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The twenty-first GUI25U is generated when the user U selects theWIP panel90E in thethirteenth GUI25M ofFIG.24.
• FIG.33 illustrates an example embodiment of a twenty-second GUI25V displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The twenty-second GUI25V is generated when the user U selects the quote-summary button84C discussed herein.
• FIG.34 illustrates an example embodiment of a twenty-third GUI25W displayed on a user terminal14 (e.g., afirst user terminal14a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. The twenty-third.GUI25W is generated when the user U selects the my-quotes icon54D or worklist icon54I discussed herein.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically sends a notification to theuser terminal14 of each user U who is being added as a member of the new team upon completion of a new quote. In an embodiment, each user U can accept or reject the new quote via his or herrespective user terminal14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload. In an embodiment, thesystem10 further saves the time expectation from the new quote into the digital calendar of theuser terminal14 of the respective user U.
• In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically compares the time expectations of each new quote with the previously existing time expectations for each member. In an embodiment, thesystem10 also automatically compares the time expectations of each new quote with the current utilization of each existing member and/or with members that have not been chosen for the quote. In an embodiment, thesystem10 automatically adjusts new quotes based on these comparisons.
• The systems and methods can be used to create a variety of different client billing quotes. In an embodiment, the client billing quote is a billing quote that is intended to obtain work from a new client. In another embodiment, the client billing quote is a budget for an existing client related to a new or existing project for the existing client. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosure that the systems and methods disclosed herein are advantageous for various types of billing quotes for different types of projects for both existing and new clients.
• The systems and methods described herein are advantageous for processing and generating reliable client billing budgets and quotes because they improve the user experience, optimize processing, and conserve memory space. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the methods described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without diminishing the intended advantages.
GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS
• In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a connecting device.
• The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function.
• While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A system for generating client billing quotes, the system comprising:

a plurality of user terminals each including a user input device, the plurality of user terminals including at least a first user terminal corresponding to a first user and a second user terminal corresponding to a second user;

at least one memory configured to store quote data corresponding to a plurality of quotes created by the first user or the second user; and

at least one processor programmed to: (i) generate a first graphical user interface on at least one of the first user terminal and the second user terminal, the first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table; (ii) upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons using the first graphical user interface, regenerate the workflow table in a same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons; (iii) enable selection of at least one of the plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table; and (iv) upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons by at least one of the first user and the second user using the first graphical user interface, generate a second graphical user interface on the first user terminal that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to hot swap the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without affecting positioning of the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to hot swap the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without causing regeneration of the first graphical user interface.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the regenerated workflow table includes a different number of quotes than the workflow table initially generated on the first graphical user interface.

5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the second graphical user interface is for creating a new quote.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to rearrange the plurality of first icons based on a detected number of selections by one or more user.

7. A system for generating client billing quotes, the system comprising:

at least one memory configured to store quote data corresponding to a plurality of quotes; and

at least one processor programmed to: (i) generate a first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table; (ii) upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons by a first user using the first graphical user interface, regenerate the workflow table in the same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons; (iii) enable the first user to select at least one of the plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table; and (iv) upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons by the first user using the first graphical user interface, generate a second graphical user interface that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.

8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to hot swap the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without affecting positioning of the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons.

9. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to hot swap the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without causing regeneration of the first graphical user interface.

10. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the regenerated workflow table includes a different number of quotes than the workflow table initially generated on the first graphical user interface.

11. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the second graphical user interface is for creating a new quote.

12. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to rearrange the plurality of first icons based on a detected number of selections by one or more user.

13. The system ofclaim 7, wherein

the workflow table includes a plurality of previously created billing quotes.

14. A method of generating client billing quotes, the method comprising:

generating a first graphical user interface including a plurality of first icons, a plurality of second icons, and a workflow table;

upon selection of one of the plurality of first icons using the first graphical user interface, regenerating the workflow table in a same location on the first graphical user interface without adjusting the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons;

enabling selection of at least one of a plurality of quotes from within the regenerated workflow table; and

upon selection of one of the plurality of second icons using the first graphical user interface, generating a second graphical user interface on the first user terminal that is related to the selected at least one of the plurality of quotes.

15. The method ofclaim 14, comprising

swapping the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without affecting positioning of the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons.

16. The method ofclaim 14, comprising

swapping the regenerated workflow table into the first graphical user interface without causing regeneration of the first graphical user interface.

17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein

the regenerated workflow table includes a different number of quotes than the workflow table initially generated on the first graphical user interface.

18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein

the second graphical user interface is for creating a new quote.

19. The method ofclaim 14, comprising

rearranging the plurality of first icons based on a detected number of selections by one or more user.

20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein

the workflow table includes a plurality of previously created billing quotes.

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