Method and system for asset transition quality control

[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority based upon prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/342,031 filed Dec. 18, 2001 in the names of Shawn Thomas, Gregory Gray, Michael Woodfin, Warner Mizell and Brian Thomas, entitled Method and System for Deploying, Tracking and Managing Technology-Related Resources.

[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved method and system for asset transition quality control. More particularly, the present invention provides a means for aggregating information into a computerized database. Once an asset transition occurs, information from such transition is input into the computerized database and can subsequently be used to evaluate the efficacy of the transition.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Large enterprises are faced with a daunting task when it comes to managing their information technology resources. Each user within the enterprise demands up-to-date hardware devices. This fact, coupled with the proliferation of new hardware devices, such as PDAs, cell phones and laptops, creates an enormous problem when it comes to tracking each device. This also makes it difficult to determine whether the transition of a device, for example, the installation, replacement, disposition or maintenance of the device, is being conducted efficiently and properly.

[0006] Traditionally, the information technology department of an enterprise may send a technician to the location of the device in order to implement the device transition. In some cases, the technician may be instructed to record information regarding his installation activities. In those cases, the technician may forward inaccurate information or may neglect to record any information at all. As a result, the evaluation of the efficiency of the technician is derived from information provided by the technicians themselves. This is the drawback of the existing technology.

[0007] Even if the technician is providing accurate information regarding the transition period, the typical method is for the technician to deliver information regarding the transition in the form of handwritten notes or information contained on a computer diskette. Thereafter, the information may be input, compiled or analyzed in order to determine whether the transition was conducted properly and efficiently. However, no centralized record or database is maintained in order to track trends in productivity or transition efficacy. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and system for asset transition quality control.

[0008] The present invention addresses the need for an improved method and system for asset transition quality control. The method and system of the present invention provides an improved technique for asset transition quality control. Information regarding the enterprise's assets is aggregated from a variety of sources into a computerized database. Thereafter, as asset transitions occur, information from such transitions are input into the computerized database on a real-time basis. Such information can then be used to evaluate the efficacy of the transition.

[0009] The disclosed invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred method of asset transition quality control; and

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred system for asset transition quality control.

[0012] The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments provide only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features, but not to others.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a work flow process for the preferred embodiment of the asset transition quality control method. The first step in the method is the creation of a computerized database 101. The computerized database 101 will contain substantive information concerning assets owned by the enterprise. The computerized database 101 may be, for example, a relational database. In addition, the database may be located remotely from the location of the asset transition. Information included in the computerized database may include, for example, asset ownership information, usage information, user information, legacy asset information, new asset information, software application information, financial information, site information, event history information and logistical information. The database may include information on such assets as desktop computers, laptop computers, hand-held computers, printers, scanners, networking devices and storage devices.

[0014] Once a thorough, comprehensive computerized database 101 has been created, an asset transition 102 occurs. An asset transition 102 may be an event such as an asset installation, asset relocation, asset disposition or asset maintenance activity. Information from the asset transition 102 may be transmitted to the computerized database 101 through, for example, the Internet or a local area network. In addition, the transition may occur by secure, encrypted means. The information is transmitted to the computerized database 101 concurrently with, and as a part of, the asset transition 102.

[0015] Information from the asset transition 102 is recorded directly into the computerized database 101 based on the real-time recording of information 103 related to the asset transition 102. By instantaneously and simultaneously recording information into the computerized database 101, any delay in updating the database is eliminated. Thereafter, the information in the database can be used to evaluate the transition efficacy 104. The types of transition efficacy that may be evaluated include the technician's installation time, the accuracy of information installed on the equipment, and whether the technician properly completed each task.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment for a system for asset transition quality control. A series of assets 201, 202, 203 and 204 are electronically connected 211, 212, 213 and 214 to the computerized database 200. The computerized database 200 may be located remotely from the assets 201, 202, 203 and 204. If so, transmission of information from the computerized data base 200 to the assets 201, 202, 203 and 204 may be through the Internet or through a local area network. In addition, transmission of information between the assets 201, 202, 203 and 204 may be made in a secure, encrypted manner. The assets 201, 202, 203 and 204 may be such assets as desktop computers, laptop computers, hand-held computers, printers, scanners, network devices and storage devices. When an asset transition occurs, such as asset installation, asset relocation, asset disposition or asset maintenance activity, the system provides a means for recording information related to the transition activity to the computerized database 200. The system then provides a means for evaluating the efficacy of the transition activity based on the information recorded in the computerized database.