Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-27
2004-05-25
Amsbury, Wayne (Department: 2171)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C705S014270
Reexamination Certificate
active
06742002
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to computer implemented or computer-assisted systems for automating information, financial and management processes, particularly for personnel and/or temporary staffing, an example of which includes temporary legal staffing.
The present invention also particularly relates to an integrated or combined system for staffing of personnel, including the ability to track project work time, project billing, project future project costs, update personnel skills and to provide performance feedback for future staffing purposes.
2. Related Art
Large quantities of data relating to personnel, financial, and management information conventionally are collected in diverse organizations. Typically, these organizations do not have available, and indeed do not collect in an automated system, a full range of information in order to make sophisticated judgments about, for example, staffing projections. Moreover, the information that is collected in the conventional systems is typically dependent on the organization ensuring that the data is kept current.
FIGS. 1-3
show a prior art human resource management system (RMS) for staffing projects which is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,776, which is used here to illustrate common human resource information which is stored and searched. A RMS server
11
includes a computer system
13
interface through a LAN
20
with external corporate databases shown in FIG.
2
. Also illustrated is a workstation
31
through which a user may access the server.
The external databases
22
, shown in
FIG. 2
, include numerous corporate databases storing information utilized by the RMS server, including a database
50
defining projects, tasks within projects and efforts within tasks; personnel information, skills and resumes database
51
; workbench calendars
52
of individual employees utilizing personal information management systems; personnel timesheet hours database
53
; project assignments database
54
; corporate office communications systems
55
such as e-mail and voice mail. Project assignment and schedule change notifications are provided by the RMS server
11
through the office communication systems
55
.
Further, the external databases include a skills database
56
storing skill information; database systems
57
containing information with respect to education, training and courses; an organizations database
58
containing information such as organization tiers and organization codes; and a customers database
59
containing data relating to corporate customers.
The RMS server
13
includes a system database
70
such as a skills file
71
storing skills, by employee, used in the resource search functions; a skill code file
72
having skill code and description; a calendar file
73
storing all calendar entries for scheduled activities; a holiday calendar file
74
; a projects file containing project information downloaded for the database
50
; a project task file
76
storing task information associated with projects; an effort codes file relating code to effort description; a technical assistance request file
78
; an employee master file containing information from the database
51
; a rates file
80
containing cost and list prices of personnel based on group and job classification; an external services vendor file; a resource comments file
82
containing comments about prior usage, performance, strengths and weaknesses of corporate personnel and vendors; a resume file
83
; a course descriptions file
84
; a course schedule file
85
; and an organizations file
86
.
The RMS server
13
includes an interface module
90
, screen display management functionality
91
; data input and output management functionality
92
; calendar management function
93
; resource search logic function
94
; and project assignment logic function
95
. There is also included a master controller for coordinating and controlling RMS functionality.
Reference is made to
FIG. 3
, illustrating a data flow diagram for the resource search and scheduling functions of the RMS system. The resource search function
94
accesses RMS database files
71
-
73
,
79
and
81
, as well as receiving search parameters from managers
100
, in order to obtain project, personnel, skills and calendar information to satisfy a project requirement. After identifying the resource to fulfill a request, the assignment is made via the project assignment logic
95
, which may be invoked internally
101
or by manager input
102
. The project assignment logic
95
provides for updating the consultant's calendar
52
and notifies the manager of record and consultant of the schedule update via the office communication systems, updates the RMS calendar file
73
, and enters resource assignments into the technical assistance processing systems (TAPS)
54
.
In summary, traditional databases contain information from external databases and direct entry. Conventional calendar functionality, resource search and scheduling functionality, and assignment functionality is provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, there is provided web page integration with a relational database automates the management systems for temporary staffing for both clients and employees. An extensive database provides functionality while web page architecture brings access to clients and temporary employees. Candidates begin the application process online and manage the accuracy of their profile through database access, permitting temporary employees to update availability, experience gained after the interview and to generate reports showing hours worked on assignment, vacation pay accrued, earnings and bonuses. The database proactively seeks employee and client updates on a periodic basis as to availability and feedback on candidates in the field. Candidate database profiles are created, stored and searchable through academic, language and experience as well as “intangible” feedback gathered through the interviewing process. Online interface during the order placement process provides clients a matching to candidates through extensive, candidate-specific, searchable criteria. Searches are customized and highly detailed, covering degrees, language, schools attended, bar memberships, GAP and personality characteristics. A unique candidate summary accompanies each temporary candidate resume, providing a dossier of reference comments, interview impressions, highlights of candidate experience relating to an assignment, past performance feedback, etc. Active clients have the ability to monitor and report on their use of temporaries. This reporting functionality offers up-to-the minute management and financial details such as total and average costs, average bill rates, costs per project, cost per contact, breakdowns by job types, and breakdowns by reference numbers. Tracking systems allow clients to summarize all temporaries working with them according to areas such as dates worked, tasks performed, and client-specific performance feedback.
The CaseManager™ reporting function offers an up-to-the-minute look at management details such as total and average costs, average bill rates, costs per project, cost per contact, breakdowns by job types, and breakdowns by reference numbers for employees working for the client. The ClientMonitor™ is a highly detailed tracking system that allows firm managers to track all the employees who have worked at the firm according to such areas as dates worked, tasks performed, and client specific performance feedback. The SCORE™ client feedback (submission and historical review) provides clients an easy, preferably on-line system for feedback on temporary employees. It ensures quality control through the duration of an employee's assignment and gives clients a hand in recognizing and rewarding a job well done. It also serves as a way to measure qualitative performance for employee bonuses.
The CorrectMatch™ search for candidates is a comprehensive matching tool. Searches are customized and
Amsbury Wayne
Donner Irah H.
Hale and Dorr LLP
MPS IP Services Corp.
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