Method, apparatus and system for processing compliance actions over a wide area network

[0001] This invention relates in general to document generation and management. More particularly, the present invention is related to the solicitation, storage, manipulation, and retrieval of data over a wide area network in the form of documentation in a format that can be submitted for compliance with federal, state and local equal employment opportunity and fair employment practices laws.

[0002] Federal and state laws require that public and private employees have an opportunity to complain of discrimination and harassment. With the passage of the first civil rights and employment laws in the mid 1960's and until the mid 1990's, such equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) complaints were generally in the form of Charges of Discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or a Fair Employment Practices Agency (“FEPA” or “FEP Agency”) or Formal Agency Charges filed with the employee's public sector employer agency. In the late 1990's, the United States Supreme Court mandated that public and private employers provide a mechanism for employees to file informal or internal complaints of discrimination. Most of the employers that implemented a complaint mechanism did not provide a formalized process or means to intake, track or store the complaints.

[0003] Currently, an employer has a legal obligation under various state and federal laws and regulations, including EEOC Guidelines and Management Directive No. 110, to investigate and respond to formal charges of discrimination. An employer also has a legal obligation to investigate and respond to internal complaints of fair employment practice issues. Public and private employers must also be able to track complaints, the responses and their respective outcomes. Employers have been encouraged by the courts to provide independent investigations and tracking of such complaints.

[0004] In the past, these EEO complaints were received in a typewritten or handwritten form, and all complaints were processed manually. The manual processing of the application is a tedious, labor-intensive and time-consuming operation. Moreover, the requiring of filing either by hand or in typewritten form is cumbersome for the employees. Manual processing of paper documents is prone to loss through mis-filing or other misadventure. In addition to the potential loss of the documents was the potential dissemination of personal information and possible violation of privacy laws.

[0005] The advent of the Internet has enabled many users to have access to remote servers and databases via the World Wide Web (“WWW”) using standard web browsers on client machines that interact with web servers and other processing capabilities at the remote site. To date, however, no EEO compliance system has utilized the capabilities of the Internet. There is, therefore, a need in the art for an EEO compliance mechanism that is capable of utilizing a wide area network such as the Internet to enhance privacy, to automate routine tasks and to enable the handling of EEO that is applicable to private and public sector employers and governmental compliance entities.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with the prior art are solved by providing, in a computer system, a group of modules, each containing a set of objects that interact together to form a flexible and scalable framework for obtaining, storing, sorting, retrieving and implementing, in an automated fashion, information regarding equal employment opportunity claims. The present invention enables various users, such as complainants, employers, and consultants to upload, download, or modify information that is kept at a centralized location in order to facilitate the processing of claims.

[0007] The present invention includes a computer system having at least one server that is connected to one or more networks, such as a virtual private network, or a wide area network such as the Internet. Users can use a wide variety of client devices, such as personal digital assistants, telephones, facsimile machines, and personal computers to interact with the present invention over standard network protocols. Voice or facsimile information is preferably digitized to facilitate storage and manipulation of the data. For instance, voice transmissions (such as over a telephone connection) can be digitized with Voice over IP (“VoIP”) technologies and the voice signals translated into text files by voice recognition software that is executing on the server. Similarly, optical character recognition (“OCR”) software can be used by the servers of the present invention to recognize the words in the facsimile and translate them into text information that can facilitate searching and retrieving. Other information, such as web forms and other files, can be stored in the normal fashion. In the preferred embodiment, all of this information can be stored, searched, and retrieved by authorized personnel in a secure manner. Other aspects of the present invention enable the information contained within the system to be reported, either in paper form, or preferably, in electronic form in order to facilitate automatic filing and reporting to governmental agencies.

[0008] Other features of the present invention will become apparent upon inspection of the following specification and the drawings.

[0028] The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a comprehensive and integrated method, apparatus and system for handling complaints under the various EEO regulations. Specifically, the present invention enables employees of companies to file discrimination complaints, have those complaints investigated, and have the required documents generated in a format required for filing with local authorities. The present invention is useful for complying with various local, state, and national (federal) laws as well as the formal and informal requirements thereof. This enables the present invention to handle internal complaints as well as formal charges by various jurisdictions under, for example, EEOC or FEP agency regulations.

[0029] The present invention also provides the capability of compiling data into a database from many organizations regarding their respective EEO compliance instances and performance. This information can be queried to generate comparisons of, for example, a particular company, vis-à-vis, companies of comparable (or dissimilar) size and/or industry. Other comparisons can be made within the same or multiple organizations regarding compliance within specific jurisdictions or geographic areas, and the like, or for specific demographic groups and/or chronological time periods.

[0030] As the present invention is best utilized via a web-based paradigm, the present invention is also useful for storing frequently asked questions, and for providing interactive consulting via email; Internet Relay Chat (“IRC”), a system for chatting online; channels, I Seek You (“ICQ”), a program that lets a user know when friends and contacts are online.) messaging, streaming video and streaming audio, VoIP, interactive video, static web pages, and other means of communicating over a wide area network such as the Internet. The present invention can also be equipped with a rules module that can accommodate difference in local, state, and federal laws so that answers to standard questions can be readily tailored to the specific jurisdiction of the user. Similarly, the present invention can have flags and switches that are responsive to language settings of the user's interactive software (such as a browser) so that the user automatically views the resultant documents from the present invention in a language familiar to the user. In addition, the present invention can also be utilized for creating and maintaining a list group or news group of information useful to users of the present invention. The email list groups, web logs, and/or news groups of the present invention may be moderated, although this is an optional feature.

[0031] The present invention contains a number of technical terms, an understanding of which is useful to the practitioner and is made possible with the following glossary.

[0032] Actor: Anyone or anything with behavior. An actor may, for example, be a mechanical system, a computer system, a person, an organization, or any combination thereof.

[0033] Artifact: A product of the use case, e.g., document.

[0034] Basis: The reason the Complainant believes he/she has been treated differently—e.g., sex, race, age, disability, religion, and retaliation. In other words, what protected category the individual is complaining about—e.g., sex, race, age, national origin, etc.

[0035] Case: The Complaint or Charge(s) filed by one individual that will be assigned to a Consultant. A Case may encompass one or more claims.

[0036] Cause Finding: A determination by the EEOC or FEP Agency that the employer acted unlawfully.

[0037] Charge of Discrimination (Charge): A document filed by a Complainant with an EEOC, state or local agency alleging unlawful treatment by his/her employer.

[0038] Charging Party (CP): An employee who files a charge with the EEOC or FEP Agency against his/her employer. A Charging Party is synonymous with a Complainant.

[0039] Claim: (1) A charge or internal complaint; or (2) a claim filed by an insured, broker or insurance carrier. There may be more than one claim associated with an EEO case. Insurance claims are separate and distinct and the Case/claim association does not apply.

[0040] Complainant: An employee who files an internal complaint with his/her employer.

[0041] Consultant: A person who will investigate a claim, prepare a response to the claim, and manage the claim.

[0042] Data Item: A reference to either a specific piece of data (e.g., a phone number) or a more generalized set of data (e.g., contact information). These data are used to track interaction with the database at a high level.

[0043] Deductible: The amount that must be paid by an insured before insurance proceeds are paid.

[0044] Director: A person who supervises and who otherwise serves as a resource for one or more Consultants. A Director may investigate discrimination complaints and also prepare charge responses and manage claims.

[0045] Dismissal: A notice of rights issued by EEOC or FEP Agency when (1) requested by Charging Party; (2) the Commission is unable to establish a violation of the statutes; (3) conciliation has failed; or (4) for other reasons.

[0046] Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The federal government agency responsible for enforcing federal civil rights and employment laws. The EEOC accepts discrimination charges, investigates and disposes of these by dismissal, cause finding, conciliation/settlement, or lawsuit.

[0047] Exhibits: With regard to the process models, this term refers to sample work product. Exhibits are also relevant documents attached to a Fact Finding Report, Internal Complaint Memorandum or Position Statement.

[0048] Exit Interview: Consultant's final telephone call to Complainant notifying him/her of the investigation findings. Conducted primarily for internal complaints.

[0049] Extended (or Extension) Use Cases: A Case that is identical to an Extension, but stands on its own. These Cases ‘interrupt’ the main activity and can occur at any time in a given scenario (similar to spell checking a word processing document).

[0050] Extension: A scenario fragment that starts upon a particular condition in another scenario.

[0051] External Complaint: A complaint made by an employee to the EEOC or an FEP Agency.

[0052] Fact-Finding Report (FFR): Report prepared for the client by a Consultant. This type of report is prepared when a charge is filed.

[0053] Fair Employment Practices (FEP): Various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding fair employment.

[0054] Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA): State or local equivalent of the EEOC.

[0055] File History (FH): A brief investigation history prepared by a Consultant for placement in Case File.

[0056] Final Determination: The EEOC or FEP Agency's decision about (1) whether there is cause to believe the employer violated the statute or (2) whether the charge should be dismissed.

[0057] Goal: The goal to be achieved at the conclusion of the Use Case. A goal is tested by answering the question: “Can the primary actor go away happy after having done this?”

[0058] Guarantee: The fewest promises the system makes to the stakeholder(s), particularly when the primary actor's goal cannot be delivered.

[0059] Internal Complaint Memorandum (ICM): Report prepared for the client by Consultant. This type of report is prepared when an internal complaint is filed.

[0060] Internal Complaint: A complaint made by an employee to his/her supervisor, HR department, by online submission, by facsimile, or via toll-free reporting number.

[0061] Issue: The employee relations practices about which the complainant/charging party is complaining about, e.g., failure to hire, discipline, etc. The basis and issue apply to the claim.

[0062] Parameterized Use Case: A Use Case which establishes a common scenario (e.g., finding, creating). The calling Use Case provides the data (or ‘parameters’) needed to complete the action.

[0063] Position Statement (PS): The employer's response to the Charge of Discrimination, which is prepared by the Consultant and is authorized for submission by the client's designee.

[0064] Post-Condition: A condition that must be true after the Use Case is executed. This differs from a guarantee in that successful completion of the Use Case has occurred.

[0065] Pre-Condition: A condition that must be true before the Use Case is executed.

[0066] Reconsideration: A written request by a Consultant urging the EEOC or the FEP Agency to overturn a cause finding.

[0067] Request for Information (RFI): Either (1) one or more documents and/or other information requested by a Consultant intended for a client or client's contact; or (2) a formal request for one or more documents from the EEOC, state or local Commission.

[0068] Respondent: The complaining party or charging party's employer.

[0069] Reports: (1) The work product or result of the investigation; or (2) the information provided as a result of database inquiry.

[0070] Scenario: A sequence of actions and interactions that occurs under certain conditions.

[0071] Stakeholder: An external actor who has a vested interest in the behavior of the system and is entitled to have its interests protected by the system. Satisfying the interests of a stakeholder requires the system to take specific actions.

[0072] Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code: A classification system for categorizing industries.

[0073] State or Local EEO or Human Rights Commission (FEP Agency): A state or local government agency responsible for enforcing state or local civil rights and employment laws. The FEP Agency accepts discrimination charges, investigates and disposes of these by dismissal, cause finding, conciliation/settlement or lawsuit.

[0074] Status Reports: (1) A Consultant's list of Cases with status description for each Case; or (2) a report for the client listing each Case and its status.

[0075] Subfunction Level: Low-level goals required to carry out user goals. Subfunction levels encapsulate complex calculations, business logic, or other steps that accomplish the user goal.

[0076] Submit Reports: Submission of appropriate reports (typically based on the type of Complaint).

[0077] Summary Level: A high-level use case that involves multiple user goals. Summary-level cases show the context in which the user goals operate.

[0078] Types of claims: (1) an internal complaint; or (2) an external charge; or (3) an attorney demand letter.

[0079] User Level: The goal that the primary actor has in trying to get work done or the one the user has in using the system. See ‘Goal’.

[0080] Witness Interview: An interview with witnesses conducted by a Consultant; the interview is conducted via telephone or in-person.

[0081] The present invention can be implemented on a remote server system, preferably interconnected with a wide area network such as the Internet. Other wide area networks, virtual private networks and other interconnection mechanisms can be utilized with the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0082] In general, the present invention facilitates the gathering, storing, dissemination, and analysis of information. Specifically, information that is gathered from voice via the network communication (e.g., the WWW, email, IRC, etc.), facsimile, telephone, and/or paper is preferably digitized and combined with other digitally-received information. Once received, the information can be tagged, categorized, and stored within a database for analysis, processing, and retrieval. Digitization of analog or paper information can be through standard techniques, including, but not limited to, analog-to-digital (“A/D”) conversion, voice recognition, or OCR technologies.

[0083] The present invention is intended to be implemented on a wide area network such as the Internet. Various security mechanisms can be implemented in conjunction with the present invention, such as separate (or combined) authentication and authorization procedures. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented on a local area network that can be separated from unsecured networks by one or more firewalls.

[0084] The system of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Specifically, the server portion of the application is built around local area network 101 through the network connection 102 which may include, but is not limited to, an Ethernet connection, a star configuration, a hub and spoke configuration, a token ring configuration or any other useful network interface connection. The system 100 preferably operates upon an agreed-upon communication protocol, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”).

[0085] One or more servers 104 and 106 are connected to the local area network 101 by the network connection 102. Similarly, one or more disk arrays 108 and 109 are used to store application specific information for the databases 110 and 112, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. A network control station, such as workstation 114, can control the local area network 101. The router 116 can optionally be used for optimizing conductivity between the servers (104 and 106), and database servers (110 and 112), as well as the workstation 114. One or more firewalls 118 and 136 may optionally be placed onto the network for protection against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious activities. Optionally, other networks, such as the Virtual Private Network (“VPN”) 138 may be connected to the local area network 101 through network connection 102 via the optional firewall 136. Similarly, other networks, such as Automotive Network eXchange (“ANX”) 140 may be connected to the local area network 101 at the network connection 102.

[0086] The local area network 101 can be connected through, for example, router 116 and firewall 118 to the network 120. The network 120 is typically a wide area network such as the Internet. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention can utilize a VPN 138, an ANX 140, a frame relay network (not shown), or other combinations of local area and wide area networks 120 to which other client computers may become connected to the local area network 101. The network 120 can provide interconnectivity to the local area network 101 to, for example, personal digital assistants 122 via communication channel 121, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The communication channel 121 can encompass a wide variety of mechanisms including infrared, telecommunications, cable, fiber optic, Ethernet, optic, Bluetooth, wireless access protocol (“WAP”), 802.11, frame relay, fiber channel, and any other mechanism capable of transmitting analog and/or digital signals along a network. Other client devices, such as network terminals 124, workstations 126, personal computers 128, facsimile machines 130, laptop computers 132 and telephones 134, are similarly connected to the network 120. Telecommunications connectivity can be, for example, with VoIP in order to handle, for example, facsimile and telephone transmissions. All that the network 102 needs to facilitate is the communications between the client device and the network 102.

[0087] It is envisioned that all communication to the local area network 101 will be in digital form using a common protocol, such as, for example, TCP/IP. This includes, but is not limited to, the client devices connected to the wide area network 120, or through other networks such as VPN 138 and ANX 140. For instance, request by clients through telephones (one of the many client devices) would be translated into, for example, VoIP and transmitted to one of the servers 104 or 106 for processing by the present invention. Similarly, hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”) requests from a client's web browser are handled in the normal fashion. Facsimile messages from, for example, facsimile machines 130 can also be digitized and processed by the servers 104 and 106. The servers may employ, for example, character recognition software and/or hardware to extract the information from the facsimile, or simply to store the image or information in the storage arrays 108 and/or 109 through the database engines 110 and/or 112.

[0088] The storage devices 108 and 109 can be of any applicable kind, such as a disk drive, optical storage, tape, or other device. While only one storage device is necessary, it is preferable to have multiple storage devices, or an array of storage devices, in order to ensure high availability of the information stored therein.

[0089] The databases 110 and 112 can be relational, object, object-relational database, or other type. The specific type of database used is not important as long as the information contained therein can be mapped to the objects used to manage the information (as described below). While a single database engine/application can be used, it is preferable to utilize multiple database engines in order to balance the loading, provide higher availability, and enable the efficient scaling of the present invention so that large numbers of people can utilize its services.

[0090] The servers 104 and 106 can be of any suitable variety that can handle the expected user load. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are multiple servers 104 and 106. The servers are constructed and arranged to service a wide variety of requests, such as web browsing and form filing, email, voice, facsimile, and other tasks associated with communication of information from users on disparate (and/or remote) client devices. Specifically, the servers are expected to have information uploaded to them from users via client devices, or to provide information in the form of a download to the users, or to facilitate the searching and manipulation of the information associated with the various cases.

[0091] Multiple databases may be subsumed into servers. For example, it is contemplated that an accounting function may include a relational database within a larger software process to store data related to accounting. Accounting software programs, such as TIMESLIPS, manufactured by Sage U.S. Holdings, Inc. of Dallas, Tex., employ application programming interfaces (“API”) that can be used by the present invention to store and to retrieve accounting data. The accounting data so obtained (or provided) is mapped to/from one of the objects of the present invention, typically from one of the objects in the payment module (see the module and object descriptions provided below and in FIGS. 3 and 7).

[0092] FIG. 2 illustrates the various processes and interfaces of the present invention. The present invention is composed of one or more software processes running on a hardware platform. The specific hardware platform is unimportant, as long as it provides sufficient capacity for the desired tasks. Moreover, the following processes need not be implemented in software; instead, they may be implemented in hardware on, for example, application specific integrated circuits (“ASICS”). Similarly, the processes of the present invention may be implemented on a combination of hardware and software and on one or more central processing units (“CPUs”) on one or more computers. The present invention may be implemented as a standalone software program that can be purshased as a unit and installed at the operator's site. The present invention is also amenable to being utilized as an application service provider configuration, wherein the organization that runs the present invention would be separeate from the organization that utilizes the present invention.

[0093] Attention is directed to FIG. 2, wherein several of the processes are illustrated. The processes are connected to one or more data busses 220 and 230 that enable information to be shared between processes. The various information bridges 220 and 230 can be connected directly, or they may be interconnected through, for example, bridge 228 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The bridge 228 may facilitate, for example, the communications between disparate CPU's and/or disparate computer servers and thus allow for the scalability of the present invention to meet user demands.

[0094] In this example, the information bus 220 is operatively connected to one or more communication processes, namely, communication interface 210, web server 216, and email server 218. Additional processes, such as IRC chat, etc., may also be operatively connected to the information bus 220 to enable the present invention to accept or transmit information from/to particular client devices. The communication processes are themselves operatively connected to a pre-existing communications infrastructure. For example, the communication interface 210 is operatively connected to the telecommunications network 206 so that client devices, such as facsimile machine 202 and telephone 204 may communicate with the present invention. Similarly, the web server 216 and the email server 218 are operatively connected to the network 214, which, in turn, is connected to the client devices and their attendant client applications 212, such as a web browser or email client. It is contemplated that some or all of the users of the present invention, such as Complainants, Consultants, clients, private sector and public sector clients, insurance carriers and all other clients, government contacts, and others will access information or be provided with reports and other information in the fashion outlined above. In short, the users of the present invention can include the Complainant, members of the operating organization, employees and/or officers of the client, and individuals associated with one or more government agencies.

[0095] The present invention utilizes a set of one or more processes for handling the input, pre-processing, processing, post-processing, storing, and/or dissemination of information. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a database server 222 is operatively connected to the information bus 220. Similarly, a data storage device/process 224 is also operatively connected to the information bus 220, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A timer process 226 is provided for issuing time-based signals to the various devices/processes illustrated in FIG. 2 so that certain events, such as time-of-input from a client device, or the issuance of a database trigger or batch job, may be initiated automatically.

[0096] The present invention may also implement specific interfaces for customers and/or government agencies. Specifically, the customer interface 236 and the government interface 238 are processes that are tailored for the exchange of information with the specific organization and the present invention. For example, the customer interface 236 can provide a first set of functionality, such as access to the complaint, and documents related to the customer's side of the case. Similarly, an interface can be provided for the Complainant, which would limit access to only that information provided by the Complainant. A government interface 238 can be provided with yet another set of capabilities that allows access to some (or all) of the documents from both the customer and the Complainant, as well as documents held or utilized only by the government agency. Moreover, for each organization (e.g., customer or government), different levels of access to information can be provided that are tailored to specific individuals within that organization. This is accomplished by recording the role that the individual has within the organization, and thus his or her level of access to information stored/received/generated by the present invention.

[0097] A document generator process 232 is used for creating new documents, or otherwise governing the storing, searching, indexing and/or retrieval of existing documents. The documents so generated, stored, or retrieved can be transmitted on the information busses 220 and 230 to the other processes or to client devices and client applications through the interfaces, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, a document may be requested via a web request from a client application 212 that is received over the network 214 to the web server 216, which then transmits the request to the document generator 232. The request may be to transmit a document to a government agency. Consequently, the document generator 232 retrieves the document and forwards the document to the government interface 238 via information bus 230. The government interface process 238 would then determine which government agency should receive the document and how best to transmit it (e.g., email, telephone, facsimile, etc.). The government interface process 238 could, for example, transmit the document to the communication interface 210 for transmission to a facsimile machine 202 via telecommunications network 206.

[0098] The present invention may also be equipped with access to an accounting application 234 that is operatively connected to one of the information busses, such as information bus 230. The accounting application 232 provides a handy mechanism for performing common functions (such as accounting) that are not unique to the present invention. Other third-party software modules (or processes), such as timekeeping, inventory control, and the like, may be similarly connected to the present invention.

[0099] A detailed discussion of the data model, as well as the operation of the present invention, is provided below.

[0100] The Data Model

[0101] The data model of the present invention is used to implement the method of the present invention (discussed below). Specifically, the present invention is a computer network that is composed of one or more client devices that are operative with the computer network, and one or more servers that service the requests sent by the clients. Depending upon the request by the client, the server will receive information, store information, and/or transmit information to the requesting or other client devices, or to other elements within the computer network. It will be appreciated that having a specific object in a specific module may be a matter of convenience or convention. However, it is possible to rearrange objects within the data model as described and achieve the functionality desired. Consequently, the arrangement of objects described herein is for the preferred embodiment. Other embodiments of the present invention can have different arrangements of objects and modules yet provide the same or substantially the same functionality. Yet other embodiments of the present invention may remove objects, albeit with a corresponding loss of functionality. Still other embodiments may exchange properties and methods from one object to another object within the present invention with a corresponding effect on association and performance.

[0102] The servers contain hardware and/or software that enable the functionality desired. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server has one or more processes executing on a central processing unit. One or more of these processes are constructed and arranged to instantiate objects in a preferably persistent, or at least temporary, manner. In the preferred embodiment, the objects are stored persistently on, for example, an object database. In addition, or in lieu of an object database, a relational database can be used. However, if a relational database is used, there will be some object-to-relational mapping issues that must be addressed. This is particularly true for those objects that are based on records in tables that are associated with other records in the same table through a common object that is, for example, stored as a record in a second table. Alternatively, an object-relational database, such as PostrgreSQL (see http://www.postresq1.org) or Oracle 8i, the latter manufactured by the Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, Calif., can be utilized to handle the object-to-relational mapping in an automated fashion.

[0103] The data structure within the server or servers is designed and arranged in such a fashion so as to facilitate the functionality required for servicing the requests issued by the client devices. The objects of the present invention can be conveniently grouped into modules and interconnected as illustrated in FIG. 3. The modules illustrated in FIG. 3 capture and store information within the present invention that describe the set-up and particulars of internal complaints and charges. All of the information related to the charge itself, such as final disposition, are stored in one or more instantiations of objects in one or more of the modules illustrated in FIG. 3. One or more instantiations are used because the case may be comprised of more than one charge, and each charge can have separate agency affiliations and agency contacts.

[0104] The various modules 300 are described in general below. For example, a case status module 304 encompasses all case specific information such as the Complainant identity, type of case, date of receipt, assigned consultant, insurance information if the client is insured, settlement information, final disposition, and all activities associated with the case including calendar events, documents posted and correspondence sent. The case status and activity tracking module 304 comprises the bulk of the information, but it relies heavily on the devices and techniques mentioned above to import and export information.

[0105] An intake module 302 has an operative relationship 352 with the case status module 304. The intake module 302 is used to retain and reference various charges, government agencies, and related contact information.

[0106] A role module 306 has an operative relationship 356 with the case status module 304 as well as an operative relationship 372 with the alert distribution module 310. The role module is used to retain report information and descriptions of the tasks (roles) of the various people associated with one or more cases. The role module 306 captures the user's role and specifications that are utilized by the present invention to tailor the application to the user's general and/or unique requirements.

[0107] An accounting module 308 has an operative relationship with the case status module 304 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The payment module 308 is used to track billing invoices and their payment status. Time and Expense (“TE”) information can be input and stored through the payment module 308. In addition, invoices can be generated via a third party accounting package that is integrated with the present invention. These invoices can be viewed by users of the present invention and payments may be made online.

[0108] An alert distribution module 310 is in an operative relationship 364 with the case status module 304. The alert distribution module 310 is used for issuing alerts, such as docketing items indicating that some activity is due to be completed on a certain date. Alerts to the operator of the present invention, their users, and clients are preferably pre-set based on client preferences and user set-up. Typically, alerts are generated and disseminated based upon a number of parameters and events that occur during the life-cycle of a case.

[0109] The system of the present invention also includes a correspondence distribution module 312 that has an operative relationship 358 with the case status module 304. The correspondence distribution handles correspondence that is sent to the present invention, including receipts, responses and approvals. Correspondence are also tracked through this correspondence module 312 which allows the Consultant to generate pre-set or other correspondence and attach uploaded documents to the correspondence for client review. The correspondence module 312 may also retain information regarding the correspondence between individuals, employers, insurers, courts, and/or government agencies that are associated with the case.

[0110] A document distribution module 314 has an operative relationship 368 with the client information module 316, and an operative relationship 366 with the correspondence distribution module 312. The document distribution module 314 ensures that documents associated with the various cases remain stored, searchable, and retrievable by the various people associated with the case. Documents are uploaded from other sources (e.g., word processing documents on the storage device or forms documents that are received through, for example, a facsimile server) and posted to the present invention. Documents may also be modified, replaced, and/or deleted from the storage device within the present invention. Documents may be distributed as an attachment to correspondence and/or email or other electronic means. Information about various documents may be compiled by electronic processes and a compiled or synthesized version can be electronically uploaded or otherwise sent to remote servers, such as those owned by customers, employers, courts, or government agencies.

[0111] Finally, a client information module 316 is included with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The client information module 316 has a series of operative relationships. First, there is the operative relationship 360 with the case status module 304, the operative relationship 362 with the correspondence module 312, the operative relationship 368 with the document distribution module, and the operative relationship 354 with the agency module 302. Generally, the client information module 316 contains all information about the client, its business, its primary contacts, organizational structure, divisions, locations, unions, and one or more specifications affecting the performance of the intended operator of the present invention.

[0112] All of the modules and associated relationships there between enable the present invention to service one or more requests from the client device. It will be understood that modules can be removed from the present invention in order to consume fewer resources, albeit with reduced functionality and capability for the system as a whole. Conversely, modules can be added to the present invention in order to increase functionality, or to incorporate new client devices some time in the future. The modular design of the present invention also increases the scalability of the system, i.e., the system's ability to handle large amounts of use by a large number of people.

[0113] The structure and interrelationships among the objects of the present invention, and a description of how the data they process perform tangible and useful results, are described below.

[0114] As mentioned before, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a computer network that has at least one client device that is operative with the computer network. There is also at least one server that is constructed and arranged to receive one or more requests from the client device. The server enables (facilitates) the execution and operation of the various objects of the present invention.

[0115] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the case status module 304 (FIG. 4a) is enabled (facilitated) by, for example, one or more case objects 402 (FIG. 4a); at least one settlement object 404 (FIG. 4a) in association 452 with one or more case objects 402; one or more case_—note objects 406 (FIG. 4b) in association 454 with one of the case objects 402; a case_—status object 408 (FIG. 4b) in association 456 with one or more case objects 402; an employment_—status object 410 (FIG. 4a) in association 458 with one or more case objects 402; one or more related_—case objects 414 (FIG. 4a) in association 462 with a case object 402; a case_—type object 416 (FIG. 4a) in association 464 with one or more case objects 402; a content object 418 (FIG. 4c) in association 468 with one or more case_—status objects 408; one or more user objects 420 (FIG. 4c) in association 470 with one or more case objects 402; one or more activity-log objects 422 (FIG. 4b) in association 472 with one of the case objects 402, and one or more activity-log objects 422 in association 492 with one of the user objects 420; one or more employee objects 424 (FIG. 4c) in association 474 with one of the user objects 420; one or more status_—history objects 426 (FIG. 4c) in association 476 with one of the user objects 420; one or more activity objects 428 (FIG. 4b) in association 478 with one of the case_—status objects 408, and the activity object 428 in association 480 with one or more activity_—log objects 422; one or more case_—calendar objects 430 (FIG. 4b) in association 482 with one of the activity objects 428 (FIG. 4b), one or more of the case_—calendar objects 430 in association 484 with one of the user objects 420, and one or more of the case_—calendar objects 430 in association 486 with one of the case objects 402.

[0116] The objects described above perform various functions. For example, the case_—status object 408 defines the various states that cases can have, e.g., OPEN, ASSIGNED, CLOSED, or SETTLED.

[0117] The user object 420 contains user profiles for use by the present invention. Many individuals may be represented by separate object instantiations of the user class. This is a general class that may include (but is not limited to) employees of the operating organization (a.k.a., consultants) (that operates the present invention), client contacts, Complainants, consultants, and agency contacts and investigators, to name but a few. Incidentally, the employee object 424 is intended only for employee-specific information for employees of the operating organization.

[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the intake module 302 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: one or more charge objects 502 (FIG. 5a), one or more of the charge objects 502 in association 552 with one of the case objects 402, one or more of the charge objects 502 in association 554 with the dismissal_—type object 412, one or more agency objects 504 (FIG. 5a), one of the agency objects in association 556 with one or more of the charge objects 502; one or more case_—basis objects 506 (FIG. 5a), one or more of the case_—basis objects 506 in association 558 with one of the case objects 402, one or more of the case_—basis objects 506 in association 560 with one of the agency objects 504; a basis object 508 (FIG. 5a), the basis object 508 in association 562 with one or more of the case_—basis objects 506; one or more case_—issue objects 510 (FIG. 5a), one or more of the case_—issue objects 510 in association 564 with one of the agency objects 504, and one or more of the case_—issue objects 510 in association 578 with one of the case objects 402; an issue object 512 (FIG. 5a), the issue object 512 in association 566 with one or more of the case_—issue objects 510; one or more agency_—contact objects 514 (FIG. 5a), one or more of the agency_—contact objects 514 in association 568 with one of the agency objects 504, one of the agency_—contact objects 514 in association 570 with one or more of the charge objects 502; and an address object 516 (FIG. 5a), the address object 516 in association 572 with one or more of the agency-contact objects 514, and the address object 516 in association 574 with one or more of the agency objects 504; one or more complaint objects 432 (FIG. 5b), one of the complaint objects 432 in association 488 with one or more of the case objects 402; a submission-type object 434 (FIG. 5b) in association 490 with one or more of the complaint objects 432; a dismissal_—type object 412 (FIG. 5b) in association 554 with one or more of the charge objects 502; and at least one determination-type type objects 518 (FIG. 5b) in association 580 with one or more of the charge objects 502.

[0119] The address class contains information for any entity in the database that requires an address. The object includes properties for telephone, facsimile, email, as well as physical location, mailing address, etc.

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the role module 306 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: one or more user-role objects 602, one or more of the user-role objects 602 in association 652 with the user object 420 of the case status module 304; a role object 604, the role object 604 in association 654 with one or more of the user_—role objects 602; one or more role_—alert objects 606, one or more of the role_—alert objects 606 in association 656 with the role object 604; one or more role_—report objects 608, one or more of the role_—report objects 608 in association 658 with the role object 604; and a report object 610, the report object 610 in association 660 with one or more of the role_—report objects 608.

[0121] The report object 610 can contain a pre-formatted report specification which, when combined with a database query (such as a SQL or OQL statement) will enable the printing or exporting of information contained within the present invention. It is contemplated that one or more of the instances of the report class may be specifically designed to format a report in such a way as to facilitate electronic filing with clients, agencies, or governmental entities.

[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the payment module 308 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: one or more invoice_—master objects 702, one of the invoice_—master objects 702 in association 752 with one of the activity_—log objects 422, one or more invoice master objects 702 in association 758 with a case object 402; and one or more payment objects 704, one or more of the payment objects 704 in association 754 with one of the user objects 420, one or more of the payment objects 704 in association 756 with one of the invoice_—master objects 702.

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the alert distribution module 310 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: an alert object 802, the alert object 802 in association 852 with one or more of the role_—alert objects 606 of the role module 306; at least one alert_—history objects 804, one or more of the alert-history objects 804 in association 854 with the alert object 802, one or more of the alert-history objects 804 in association 856 with the one or more of the user objects 420; and one or more user_—alert objects 806, one or more of the user_—alert objects 806 in association 858 with one of the alert objects 802, and one or more of the user_—alert objects 806 in association 860 with one of the user objects 420.

[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the correspondence distribution module 312 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: one or more correspondence_—template objects 902, one or more of the correspondence_—template objects 902 in association 952 with the case-type object 416; one or more client_—correspondence-recipient objects 904; one or more of the client-correspondence_—receipient objects 904 in association 954 with one of the correspondence_—template objects 902; at least one client_—correspondence objects 906, one or more of the client_—correspondence objects 906 in association 956 with one of the correspondence_—template objects 902; one or more case_—correspondence objects 908, one or more of the case_—correspondence objects 908 in association 958 with one of the case objects 402 of the case status module 304; and one or more of the case_—correspondence objects 908 in association 960 with one of the correspondence_—template objects 902; one or more correspondence_—distribution objects 910, one or more of the correspondence_—distribution objects 910 in association 962 with one of the case_—correspondence objects 908; an approval_—status object 914, and one or more case_—document objects 916; one or more of the case_—document objects 916 in association 970 with one of the case objects 402; and one or more of the case_—document objects 916 in association 972 with the approval-Status object 914.

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the document distribution module 314 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: a document_—template object 1002, the document_—template object 1002 in association 1052 with one or more case_—document objects 916; one or more client_—document_—recipient objects 1004, one or more of the client_—document_—recipient 1004 objects in association 1054 with the document_—template object 1002; one or more client_—document objects 1006, one or more of the client_—document objects 1006 in association 1056 with the document_—template object 1006; and one or more document_—distribution objects 918, one or more document_—distribution objects having an association 974 with an approval_—status object 914 of the correspondence distribution module 312, and one or more document_—distribution objects 918 having an association 976 with a case_—document object 916.

[0126] As illustrated in FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the execution and operation of the client information module 316 is enabled (facilitated) by, for example: one or more client_—contact objects 1102 (FIG. 11b), one of the client-contact objects 1102 in association 1154 with one or more of the correspondence_—distribution objects 910, one of the client_—contact objects 1102 in association 1158 with one or more of the complaint objects 432, one or more of the client_—contact objects 1102 in association 1172 with the address object 516 of the intake module 302, and one or more of the client_—contact objects 1102 in association 1160 with one of the user objects 420 of the case module 304; one or more client_—division objects 1104 (FIG. 11b), one of the client_—division objects 1104 in association 1162 with one or more client_—correspondence objects 906 of the correspondence module 312, one of the client_—division objects 1104 in association 1164 with one or more client_—document objects 1006 of the document distribution module 314, and one or more of the client_—division objects 1104 in association 1166 with one of the address objects 516 of the intake module 302; one or more client_—hq objects 1106 (FIG. 11b), one of the client_—hq objects 1106 in association 1168 with one or more user objects 420 of the case module 304, one of the client_—hq objects 1106 in association 1170 with one or more of the client_—division objects 1104, one or more of the client_—hq objects 1106 in association 1173 with the address object 516, one of the client_—hq objects 1106 in association 980 with one or more client_—correspondence objects 906 of the correspondence module 312; one of the client_—hq objects 1106 in association 1062 with one or more client_—document objects 1006 of the document module 314; one or more client_—sic objects 1108 (FIG. 11a), one or more of the client_—sic objects 1108 in association 1174 with one of the client_—hq objects 1106; a sic object 1110 (FIG. 11a), the sic object 1110 in association 1176 with one or more of the client_—sic objects 1108; one or more client_—location objects 1114 (FIG. 11c), one or more of the client_—location objects 1114 in association 1181 with one of the client_—hq objects 1106, one or more of the client_—location objects 1114 in association 1182 with one of the client_—division objects 1104, one of the client_—location objects 1114 in association 1184 with one or more case objects 402 of the case module 304, and one or more client_—location objects 1114 in association 1185 with the address object 516 of the intake module 302; one or more client_—note objects 1116 (FIG. 11c), one or more of the client_—note objects 1116 in association 1186 with one of the client_—hq objects 1106, one or more of the client_—note objects 1116 in association 1187 with one of the client_—location objects 1114, and one or more of the client_—note objects 1116 in association 1188 with one of the client_—division objects 1104; one or more client_—contacts objects 1118 (FIG. 11c), one or more of the client_—contacts objects 1118 in association 1189 with one of the client_—contact objects 1102, one or more of the client_—contacts objects 1118 in association 1190 with one of the client_—division objects 1104, one or more of the client_—contacts objects 1118 in association 1191 with one of the client_—hq objects 1106, and one or more of the client_—contacts objects 1118 in association 1192 with one of the client_—location objects 1114; one or more client_—union objects 1120 (FIG. 11a), one or more of the client_—union objects 1120 in association 1193 with one of the client_—hq objects 1106, one or more of the client_—union objects 1120 in association 1194 with one of the client_—division objects 1104, one or more of the client_—union objects 1120 in association 1195 with an address object 516 of the intake module 302, and one or more of the client_—union objects 1120 in association 1197 with one of the client_—location objects 1114; and a union_—type object 1122 (FIG. 11a), the union_—type object 1122 in association 1196 with one or more of the client_—union objects 1120.

[0127] The client_—hq object 1106 contains data that pertains to a client of the organization that operates the present invention (the “operating organization”). Certain information stored in the client_—hq object 1106 is made available to “child” client entities for use directly, or for copying from the parent. A copy of the information would be an independent source object (e.g., a separate instantiation), which may be changed within the scope of the child client. This is useful for clients that are holding companies that have subsidiaries that are themselves corporations in their own right.

[0128] The client_—contacts object 1118 is used to contain any client_—contact. This object contains links to an individual's object representation (e.g., the object within the present invention that contains that person's specific information).

[0129] The sic object 1110 represents the many-to-many relationships between the Standard Industrial Classifications (“SIC”) and the clients represented within the present invention.

[0130] The union_—type object 1122 is specific to union organizations. Local unions refer to this as their “union type” within the client information retained within the present invention. An example of a union type would be “United Auto Workers.” The union_—type object 1122 is used to identify certain unions and to enable linking to their names, web sites, abbreviations, and other information.

[0131] Incidentally, it is contemplated that the objects of the present invention will perform certain functions on behalf of, or otherwise representing, the individuals about whom the objects pertain.

[0132] Properties of the Various Objects

[0133] As mentioned before, the present invention is implemented on a computer system, preferably having a server capable of executing one or more processes that facilitate the creation of objects. The objects preferably have data composed of properties that may be stored/retrieved in an object or relational database or in another manner. The properties of the objects of the present invention are of standard types that enable the property to retain the kind and amount of information necessary to fulfill the requirements of the object and the overall system of the present invention. For example, the properties may be a standard integer, or a string variable of finite length. Other properties are specific for datetime and real (non-integer) numbers. Still other properties are of type “bit” for use as boolean variables or simple flags, as well as tinyint, varchar(x), char(x), smallint, numeric(a, b), or other type allowable under the language, database and/or platform upon which the application of the present invention operates.

[0134] The case object 402 has, for example: a case_—id property; a client_—location_—id property; an emp_—status_—id property; a case_—type_—id property; a complaint_—id property; a case_—manager-user_—id property; a case-status_—id property; a dismissal_—type_—id property; a case_—sub_—status_—id property; a settlement_—id property; a ts_—cliinfo_—record_—id property; a consultant_—user_—id property; a case_—number property; a te_—code property; a rate property; a rate_—type property; date_—reactivated property; a date_—closed property; a report_—due_—date property; an insurance_—claim_—no property; a court_—filing_—date property; a court_—state property; a court-circuit property; a date_—added property; a date_—modified property; an added_—by property; a modified_—by property; a first_—name property; a last name property; a job_—title property; a title property; a complaint property; and a data_—received property.

[0135] The case object 402 contains pertinent information about the case being processed within the present invention. The court_—state property contains the two-letter abbreviation for the state in which the court is located where the case litigation is filed, e.g., “ME” for Maine. A value placed in this property does not imply, nor is it to be inferred, that this is a state circuit court. Rather, the court_—circuit property indicates the federal circuit in which the case is filed, whereas the court_—state only indicates the geographical location of the court of the initial filing. Within the court_—circuit property, a non-null value indicates that this is a Federal court case, while a null value indicates a State court case. The court_—filing_—date property contains the date the case was filed with a court. The date-added property indicates the date that the case is added to the table. The date_—closed property indicates the date that the case is closed, i.e., the date that the main status is set to “Closed”. The insurance_—claim_—no property contains the identification number of the claim, as reported by the client (insurance company), e.g., “23654-002.” The report_—due_—date property indicates the date that the Report is due for this case. The date_—reactivated property contains the date that the case was “re-activated.” Possible reasons for case reactivation may include the RFI requiring considerable time to reach a compliance. The title property is the title, or citation, of the case, e.g., “Smith v. ACME, Inc.” The job-title property contains the job property of the Complainant. The complaint property can be either internal or external. Typically, for “internals,” this property contains the online submission of the Complainant or the operating organization's employees' notes if the complaint was received by telephone, facsimile or mail, whereas for “externals” it includes a copy of the original charge. The date_—modified property contains the date of the last modification to the case in question. The added_—by and modified_—by properties contain the user identifier of the person adding and modifying, respectively, this particular row. The last_—name and first_—name properties contain the last name, e.g., “Burns”, and the first name, e.g., “George”, respectively, of the Complainant in the case. The date_—received property contains the date that the complaint or charge, i.e., primary charge only, was received by the operating organization. However, this date is not always the same as the date-added property. A example of this may be a case that was received on a Friday, but not entered into the system until the following Monday. The complaint_—id property contains the database identification for the complaint. The case_—type_—id property contains the database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the object in the database. The case_—manager_—user_—id property contains the user identifier of the case manager who set up the case. The case_—status_—id property contains the current status of the case, e.g., “Closed”, “Active”, “Monitoring”, “Reactivated.” The case_—id property contains the database unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case within the database of the present invention. The emp_—status-id property contains a database unique identifier to an employee_—status object. The client_—location_—id property contains a database-unique identifier for the client_—location object within the database. The rate_—type property determines the nature of the rate in the rate column, i.e., either “F” for a flat rate, or “H” for an hourly rate. The te_—code property uniquely identifies the TE charge account for this case, and that number is the present invention's “foreign key” into the accounting program database, created independently at the case set-up in both the present invention and the accounting program. The case_—number property contains the case number that is assigned to the case by the operating organization in order to identify the case uniquely. Typically, the case number corresponds to the alphanumeric code placed on case folders and is used in the accounting program, i.e., “Name.Nickname1”. This case_—number is read from the accounting program after the TE code (te-code) is created in both the present invention and the accounting program. The rate property contains the rate charged by the operating organization for time spent on the case in question. A default value is extracted from the Client table and is a flat rate “F” and/or an hourly rate “H”, as determined by the rate_—type property. The case_—sub_—status_—id property contains the current sub-status of the case. An example is “Dismissed, No Cause”, which is a sub-status of the status “Closed.” The dismissal_—type_—id property contains the identification representing the type of dismissal for this case, if applicable. An example of a dismissal_—type_—id property is “Successful Conciliation.” The settlement_—id property contains a database-unique identifier that uniquely identifies the settlement object in the database. The ts_—cliinfo_—record_—id property is a “foreign key” into the accounting program Cliinfo table (RecordID) and identifies the case, allowing the present invention to access case-specific accounting program data. The ts_—cliinfo_—record_—id property is read by the accounting program after the te_—code is created in both the present invention and the accounting program.

[0136] The settlement object 404 has, for example: a settlement_—id property; a range_—lower property; a range-upper property; a range_—desc property; a settlement_—date property; a demanded_—amount property; a demand_—desc property; an actual_—amount property; and an actual_—desc property.

[0137] The settlement object 404 contains the details of a settlement. The settlement-id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the settlement object in the database of the present invention. The range-lower property contains the lower boundary or minimum amount, in U.S. dollars, e.g., 1500, or $1,500.00, for the settlement. Similarly, the range_—upper property contains the upper boundary or maximum amount, in U.S. dollars, e.g., 5000, or $5,000.00, for the settlement. The range_—desc property contains any textual description which needs to accompany the settlement. The settlement_—date property contains the date the settlement was reached. The demanded_—amount property contains the amount of money demanded by the Complainant/charging party, in U.S. dollars, i.e., 5000, or $5,000.00. The demand-desc property contains a description of the non-monetary demands, or an elaboration upon the monetary demands, e.g., “reinstatement and a 10% pay increase.” The actual_—amount property contains the amount finally settled upon by the Complainant charging party, in U.S. dollars, i.e., 3000, or $3,000.00. The actual_—desc property contains a description of the non-monetary final settlement, or an elaboration upon the monetary settlement, e.g., “reinstatement and a 5% pay increase.”

[0138] The related_—case object 414 has, for example, a case_—id_—2 property, a case_—id_—1 property, as well as a relationship_—desc property.

[0139] The related_—case object 414 relates two cases to one another, such as when an internal case is later filed by the complainant as a charge or when an internal or external case later results in litigation. Other case relationships could be related here by utilizing the relationship_—desc property column to describe the relationship. Each relationship is represented once, so queries need to inspect both columns when searching for a relationship, i.e., “where case_—id_—1=2039 OR case_—id_—2=2039.” The case_—id_—1 and the case_—id_—2 properties each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the related_—case object within the database of the present invention. The relationship_—desc property contains a textual description of the nature of the relationship represented here, e.g., “CSC-EEO from the same claim.”

[0140] The employment_—status object 410 has, for example: an emp_—status-id property; and a status_—name property.

[0141] The employment_—status object 410 represents the valid statuses applicable to a Complainant regarding his or her employment status with the client. Valid values include, for example, Hourly, Salary, Contract, Applicant, etc. The emp_—status-id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the employment status identifier within the database. The status_—name identifier property contains the name of the employment status, i.e., Hourly, Salary, Contract, Applicant, etc.

[0142] The dismissal_—type object 412 has, for example, a dismissal_—type-id property, as well as a type-name property and an active_—ind property.

[0143] The dismissal_—type object 412 represents the possible types of dismissals which can be associated with a case. The dismissal-type-id property contains a database unique identifier which uniquely identifies the dismissal_—type object within the database. The type_—name property contains the name of the dismissal_—type, e.g., “Successful Conciliation.” The term “Dismissed” is contained in the case_—status property column and hence, is not stored in the dismissal_—type object 412. Finally, the active_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates a valid dismissal_—type. Otherwise, this type is no longer considered a valid option.

[0144] The case_—status object 408 has, for example: a case_—status_—id property; a complainant_—content_—id property; a status_—name property; a sort-sequence property; a closure_—ind property; a parent-status_—id property; an active-ind property; a temp_—active_—ind property; a status_—desc property; an abbreviation property; and a client_—status property.

[0145] The case_—status object 408 defines the various states that EEO cases can have, such as, “Open”, “Assigned”, “Closed”, or “Settled”. The case_—status_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case_—status object in the database. The complainant_—content_—id property contains an identifier tag which links to, for example, a Content table and identifies the status message to be displayed for a case with such a status. The status_—name property contains the name of the status as it appears in the user interface (“UT”), e.g., “Open” or “Closed”. The sort_—sequence property contains the numerical indicator of the order in which the status values are listed. The closure_—ind property contains information on how a case was closed, as a case can reach “closed” status in several different ways. The parent_—status_—id property identifies the status of the “parent” case in the case_—status table and is used to denote that a status is a sub-status. “Settled” is one example of a sub-status of “Closed,” because any case which is “Settled” is “Closed” as well. The active-ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates a valid status; otherwise, this status is no longer considered a valid option. The temp_—active_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that a case status is “temporarily inactive,” such as when the case is in the “monitoring” state. The status_—desc property contains a brief description, available to the user, to assist the user in the status assignment or transition of the case. The abbreviation property contains an abbreviated representation of the status which is used where physical space is limited, such as in a report, on a display grid, etc. The client_—status property is the status as it is represented to the client. Typically, client statuses are more generalized than consultant statuses.

[0146] The case_—note object 406 has, for example: a case_—note_—id property; a case_—id property; a note property; a user_—id property; and a note_—date property.

[0147] The case_—note object 406 enables multiple notes to be stored for a single case. The note property contains the actual text of the note. The user_—id property contains the name of the author of the note. The note_—date property contains the date the note was written (or edited). The case_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case_—note object within the database to which the note pertains. The case_—note_—id property contains a database unique identifier that uniquely identifies the note in the database.

[0148] The case_—type object 416 has, for example: a case_—type_—id property; a case_—type_—name property; and an abbreviation property.

[0149] The case_—type object 416 contains the various claim types under which a case can fall. Some examples of claim types include “charge”, “internal”, and “attorney demand”. The case_—type_—id property contains a database_—unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case-type object in the database. The case_—type_—name property contains the name of the claim type as it appears in documents, checkbox labels, etc., e.g., “Internal Complaint.” Finally, the abbreviation property contains the abbreviated representation of the case type for use in places where physical space is limited such as in a report or on a display grid.

[0150] The content object 418 has, for example, an identifier property, as well as a set of properties including, for example: a description property; a language property; and a body property.

[0151] The content object 418 maintains “copy” used with the present invention and is where some of the textual content originates. The id property contains a database identifier which is a text identifier to enable the content object (and its message) to be identified meaningfully within the code referencing it, e.g., complainant:status_—page:open_—case. The description property contains a description of the use of this content. The language property contains the language in which the content is supplied. If this is “null,” then the language is English. Finally, the body property contains the actual “content” displayed on the site.

[0152] The user object 420 has, for example: an id property; a client_—hq_—id property; a last_—name property; a first-name property; a middle_—name property; a prefix property; a suffix property; a username property; a password property; an employee-ind property; an email property; a last_—visited property; a visit_—count property; a client_—ind property; a locked-ind property; and a status_—code property.

[0153] The user object 420 contains the user profiles. The users of the present invention are many individuals including the operating organization's employees, client contacts and agency contacts. It may be useful to create a table or other objects to store contacts that are not standard users but who need to be represented in the database, such as agency investigators. The id property contains a database-unique value that uniquely identifies the particular user object (or database table row) within the database. The client_—hq_—id property, if set to, for example, the value 1, identifies a user who is associated with a client, i.e., not an employee. The last_—name property contains the user's last name, e.g., “Howser.” Similarly, the first_—name and middle_—name properties contain the user's first, e.g., “Doogie,” and middle names, e.g., “Bartholomew,” respectively. Likewise, the prefix and suffix properties contain the user's prefix, e.g., “Dr.”, “Ms.”, “Mr.” and user's suffix, e.g., “M.D.”, “Esq.”, “Jr.”, respectively. The username property contains the user's username, e.g., “dbhowser.” The password property contains the user's password. The employee ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the user is an employee of the operating organization and thus, alleviates the present invention from having to issue, for example, a SQL JOIN statement to an Employee table to determine this fact. Similarly, the client_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, identifies the user as a client. The email property contains the email address of the user. The last_—visited property contains the date and time of the user's last visit to the present invention, whereas the visit_—count property contains the number of sessions on the present invention for this particular user. The locked-ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the user's account has been locked. The status_—code property indicates the status of the particular user with respect to notes and authorization to use various aspects of the present invention.

[0154] The activity_—log object 422 has, for example: an activity_—log_—id property; an actor_—user_—id property; an activity_—date property; an activity_—id property; a case-id property; an invoice_—id property; an activity_—description property; a time_—spent property; a billable_—ind property; a ts_—description property; a ts_—task_—code property; a ts_—slip_—id property; an exported_—ind property; and an export_—date property.

[0155] The activity_—log object 422 is a log of all activities which occur in relation to a specified case 402. Billable entries in this table (where the billable_—ind property is equal to the value 1) are exported to the accounting program for processing. The ts_—description property contains the accounting program description. The ts_—task_—code property contains the accounting program task code, when the default is equal to, for example, the value 1. The billable_—ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this entry represents billable activity that should be exported to the accounting program. The export date property records the date and time at which the activity log entry was exported to Accounting program. The ts_—slip_—id property is uniquely identified in the accounting program via a value of SLPTRANS.RecordID. The exported-ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this activity has been exported to the accounting program. The invoice_—id property contains the invoice in which this slip is included. The actor_—user_—id property identifies the user who carried out the activity. The activity_—date property records the date on which the activity occurred. The activity_—log_—id property is a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the particular activity_—log object within the database of the present invention. The time_—spent property records, in increments of an hour, the amount of time the user spends on a given activity. The activity_—description property is a description of the action performed. The activity_—id property identifies the specific activity on which time was spent. Finally, the case_—id property has a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case object 402 within the database of the present invention.

[0156] The employee object 424 has, for example: an employee_—id property; a supervisor_—user_—id property; an employee_—user_—id property; an initials property; a title property; an education property; a background property; a date_—hired property; a work_—hours property; a friday_—group property; a special_—projects property; an active_—case_—count property; a rating property; a ts_—nickname_—1 property; a ts_—nickname_—2 property; and a ts_—name_—id property.

[0157] The employee object 424 contains supplemental data about employees of the operating organization only. The employee id property contains the database-unique identifier of the individual employee object in the database of the present invention. The supervisor_—user_—id property contains the identifier in the User table of this employee's supervisor (the user table containing instances of the user object 420). The employee_—user_—id property contains a foreign key in the user table. The initials property contains the employee's initials, e.g., MLR, and is used for reporting and displays where space is limited. The title property contains the employee's job position within the operating organization, i.e., “Director”, “Management”, “Consultant”, etc. The education property contains information on the employee's educational background, e.g., “M.S., Horticulture, J.D., Brown University, 1977”. The background property contains background information on the employee. The date_—hired property contains the date this employee was hired. The work_—hours property contains information on the employee's typical work schedule, e.g., “6:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.” Similarly, the friday_—group property contains information on which Friday the employee works, e.g., “A” or “B”. The special_—projects group contains notes on any special projects in which the employee is involved. The active_—case_—count property contains the number of cases currently assigned to the Consultant and is used to “suggest” assignment options. The ratings property contains a numerical evaluation of the relative capability of the Consultant regarding EEO cases which in turn may assist in formulating assignment suggestions made by the present invention. A higher number is better than a lower number. The ts_—nickname_—1 and ts_—nickname_—2 properties contain the employee's “nickname” (NAME.Nick.Name1) for the accounting program, e.g., “MRoach,” and secondary “nickname” (NAME.NickName2), e.g., “9”, respectively. Finally, the ts_—name_—id property contains the accounting program's identifier of the individual, (NAME.RecordID), e.g., “13”.

[0158] The status_—history object 426 has, for example: an entity_—id property, an entity_—name property; a date_—modified property a user_—id property; and a status_—code property.

[0159] The status_—history object 426 represents changes to entities within the database, including the new status, the user involved in the change, and the date the change was made. The previous status will be derived by examining all entries for a specific entity in date order. The entity_—id property contains a Primary Key indicator into, for example, an <entity> table. The entity_—name property contains the table name which represents the entity, and is used in conjunction with the entity_—id property as a key. The date_—modified property contains the date on which the change was made. The user_—id property contains the database-unique identifier for the user. The status_—code property contains the status code resulting from the change to the entity.

[0160] The activity object 428 has, for example: an activity_—id property; a case_—sub_—status_—id property; a case status_—id property; an activity_—name property; an activity_—description property; a ts_—task_—code property; a sort_—sequence property; an activity_—sequence property; and a locked_—ind property.

[0161] The properties of the activity object 428 are the “approved activities” that may be logged into the activity_—jog object 422. This standardization is done primarily to promote consistency in reporting and billing. The activity_—id property contains a database-unique identifier for this activity that is used to identify uniquely the object in the database. The case_—sub_—status_—id and the case_—status_—id properties reveal a sub-status and a status, respectively, of the case after this activity has occurred, i.e., by looking at the latest logged activity for a case on a given date, one can discern the status of the case on that day. The activity_—name property gives a brief, descriptive name for the activity, e.g., “File Assigned.” The activity_—description property allows for a more lengthy exposition on the nature of the activity, e.g., “The case has been reviewed by management and assigned the responsibility of an individual consultant.” The ts_—task_—code property contains the accounting program equivalent activity code for this activity. The default value for the ts_—task_—code property is equal to “I.” The sort_—sequence property indicates the order in which items are displayed in controls such as dropdowns. The activity_—sequence property indicates where in the life cycle this activity occurs in relation to other activities, thus enabling the interface to determine which activity or activities should occur “next,” and suggests same to the user. The locked_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, allows only the system to make entries using this activity, thereby “locking out” the user to prevent him or her from entering activities such as “Case Created” which are under sole control of the application. The activity_—nd property, if set to, for example, the value 1, allows for a_—valid entry in the Activity Log. Likewise, the calendar_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, allows for a valid entry in the Case Calendar.

[0162] The case_—calendar object 430 has, for example: a calendar_—id property, a case_—id property; a user_—id property; an activity_—id property; an event_—date property; a description property; a closed_—ind property; and an event-title property.

[0163] The case_—calendar object 430 tracks the calendar of events for a specific case. The description property contains a textual description of the event for the case. The event-date property contains the date and time of the scheduled event. The closed_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that the event has taken place. The event_—title property contains the title of the calendar event. The calendar_—id property contains the database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case_—calendar object within the database. The activity_—id property contains the activity which has been scheduled for the case. The case_—id property contains the information on the specific case to which the calendar of events pertains. Finally, the user_—id property contains the name of the operating organization's Consultant who is scheduling the event.

[0164] The complaint object 432 (FIG. 5b) has, for example: a complaint_—id property; a submission_—user_—id property; a submission_—type_—id property; a complainant_—first_—name property; a complainant_—last_—name property; a work_—address_—id property; a complaint property; a client_—hq_—id property; a job_—title property; a note property; a date_—reported property; a report recipient property; a client_—action property; a sjbc_—action property; a submission_—no property; a submission_—date property; an emp_—name property; an emp_—division property; an emp_—location property; a status_—code property; and a complainant_—contact_—times property.

[0165] The complaint object 432 (FIG. 5b) contains the salient characteristics of an internal complaint which is filed online, by telephone, facsimile or mail. In internal complaint is not filed with the EEOC or an FEP Agency. The sjbc_—action property contains the action to be taken by the operating organization regarding this complaint, if any, as directed by the client. The submission_—no property contains the identifier number assigned by the present invention for the complaint and which uniquely identifies the complaint. The submission_—no identifier number may not be the same as the case number of the case to which the complaint is assigned. The client-action property contains the action taken to date by the client on this complaint, if any. The report-recipient property contains a concise description of the recipient of the complaint, if the complainant form is completed by one other than the complainant, e.g., “Bess Motta, HR, Workout Productions, Inc.” This corresponds to the date-reported property column in this table, which contains the date the complaint was actually reported to an appropriate agency, authority, consulting firm, etc. This in turn corresponds to the report recipient property in this table, as above. The emp_—location property contains the employer's location. The status_—code property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that this complaint has been deleted from the perspective of the present invention's users. The submission_—date property indicates the date on which the complaint was submitted to the operating organization. The emp_—division property indicates the employer's division. The emp_—name property contains the name of the employer, i.e., the name of the operating organization's client, e.g., “ACMI, Inc.” The complainant_—contact_—times property contains information on the best time to contact the Complainant and is entered into the system during the complaint creation, as provided by the complainant. The submission_—type_—id property contains a database unique identifier, e.g., “2”, which uniquely identifies the submission-type object in the database of the present invention. The complainant_—first_—name and the complainant_—last_—name properties contain the first name, e.g., “Michael,” and the last name, e.g., “Jackson,” of the complainant, respectively. The submission_—user_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies this contact. This contact identifier changes when a modification to the address or title properties is made. The complaint_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the complaint in the database of the present invention. The note property allows for storage of special notes pertaining to this case. The client_—hq_—id property contains the identifier of the Top-Level-Client (such as Employer) in this particular case, e.g., “3124.” The job-title property contains the job title of the Complainant, e.g., “Line Foreman.” The complaint property contains the textual complaint, submitted by the Complainant or a representative. A “charge” indicates the text is submitted by the agency. The work_—address_—id property indicates the office address of the complainant. The home phone of the Complainant is included in the address table row, specifically, in the aux_—phone property.

[0166] The submission-type object 434 has, for example: a submission_—type id property; a type_—name property; and a description property.

[0167] The submission-type object 434 defines the various ways a complaint can be input to the present invention. Valid values may include “Online”, “Fax” or “Phone.” Other potential designations may include “by Proxy” and “by Agency”. The submission_—type_—id property contains the database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the submission_—type object within the database, e.g., “2.” The type_—name property contains the type of submission, e.g., “phone.” Finally, the description property contains a short description of the submission type.

[0168] The te_—counter object 436 has, for example: a counter property. The te_—counter object 436 is a table which serves as a sequence counter for generating unique, sequential TE codes for use in the accounting program. The counter property contains a counter value, such as a large integer.

[0169] The issue object 512 has, for example: an issue_—id property and an issue_—name property. The issue object 512 contains the various issues surrounding a claim, e.g., discipline, promotion, harassment, etc. The issue_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the particular issue object in the database. The issue_—name property contains the name of the issue as it appears in documents, checkbox labels, etc., e.g., “Discipline.”

[0170] The case_—issue object 510 has, for example: an issue_—id property; a case_—id and an agency_—id property. The case_—issue object 510 contains the legal issue under which a case is filed. Examples may include hiring, discipline or promotion issues. The issue_—id and case_—id properties contain database_—unique identifiers which uniquely identifies the case_—issue object 510 within the database. The agency_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the agency associated with the case issue.

[0171] The basis object 508 has, for example: a basis_—id property and a basis_—name property. The basis object 508 contains the various bases, or criteria, under which a discrimination claim may be filed. Examples include, but are not limited to, age discrimination, sex discrimination, race discrimination, and the like. The basis_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies an object in the database. The basis_—name property contains the name of the individual case basis as it appears in the corresponding documents, checkbox labels, etc., e.g., “sex.”

[0172] The case_—basis object 506 has, for example: a basis_—id property; a case_—id; and an agency_—id. The case_—basis object 506 contains the legal basis (or bases) under which a case is filed, e.g., sex discrimination, race discrimination or age discrimination. The case_—id and agency_—id properties contain database-unique identifiers that uniquely identifies the particular case_—basis object within the database of the present invention. Likewise, the basis_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the legal basis for the case, e.g., “sex”.

[0173] The charge object 502 (FIG. 5a) has, for example: an agency_—id property; a case_—id property; an agency_—contact id property; a primary_—ind property; a date_—filed property; a note property; a determination_—date property; a date_—reopened property; a charge no property; a class_—action_—ind property; a resolution_—date property; and a determination_—type_—id property.

[0174] The charge object 502 (FIG. 5a) contains a claim which is associated with a particular case and which represents a filing with an individual agency regarding a complaint. The set of claims referencing an individual complaint is assigned to a single case object 402. The date_—reopened property contains the date the case was reopened by the agency. The determination_—date contains the date of the final determination that is rendered by the agency. The note property pertains to the particular claim filing. The charge-no property contains the charge number assigned by the filing agency, e.g., “1267-A-00121”. The class_—action_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that this charge has the potential for a class action suit. The resolution_—date property contains the date that the charge was resolved. The case_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the charge object within the database of the present invention. The agency_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the associated agency within the database. The date_—filed property contains the date on which this claim was filed with the agency. The primary_—ind property indicates that this claim is the primary claim in a case. Only the primary agency receives the reports and other like correspondence, although secondary agencies may receive requests to approve a claim closure but only after the primary agency has rendered the final decision. The determination_—type id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the determination_—type object associated with the charge object. Finally, the agency_—contact_—id property contains a database-unique identifier for the agency_—contact object with the charge object.

[0175] The agency object 504 has, for example: an agency_—id property; an address_—id property; an agency_—name property; an agency_—type property; a director-name property; a url property; a time-zone property; a notes property; and a status_—code property.

[0176] The agency object 504 contains information on EEOC and FEP agencies association with specific cases. The agency_—id property contains a database-unique identifier that is used to identify uniquely the agency object in the database. The address_—id property contains the database-unique identifier to the address object of the agency office. Similarly, the agency-name property contains the name of the agency, e.g., “Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission.” The agency_—type property indicates the level at which the agency exists. Values are controlled by user interface and include “Federal,” “State,” “Local,” or “Other.” The director_—name property contains the full name of the Executive Director of the agency, e.g., “Mr. Al E. Katt, Esq.” The url property contains the Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) of the agency's office web site, e.g., http://www.state.ne.us/home/NEOC/. The time_—zone property, abbreviated with E, C, M or P, lists the time zone in which the agency is located, that is, Eastern, Central, Mountain or Pacific time, respectively. The notes property allows for special notations regarding the agency, e.g., the agency's extension policy. Finally, the status_—code property contains a code identifier indicating the status of the agency.

[0177] The agency_—contact object 514 has, for example: an agency_—contact id property; an agency_—id property; an address_—id property; a last_—name property; a first_—name property; a title property; an investigator_—ind property; an executive_—ind property; a notes property; and a status_—code property.

[0178] The agency_—contact object 514 contains information on points of contact at the EEO or FEP agency. The investigator_—ind property indicates whether this individual is an Investigator for the agency. The individual's title, e.g., “Investigator,” is contained in the title property. The executive_—ind property indicates whether or not the individual is the Executive Director of the agency. The notes property allows for the user to include his or her own notes regarding the agency contact, e.g. “never finds in favor of the respondent.” The status_—code property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this contact is no longer an active contact. The agency_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the agency object in the database that is related to the particular agency contact. The agency-contact_—id contains a database-unique identifier that uniquely identifies the agency-contact object in the database. The first_—name property contains the first name of the agency personnel, e.g., “Ronald”. Likewise, the last_—name property contains the last name of the agency personnel, e.g., “McDonald.” The address_—id property allows the user to include the address of the person, with a default value derived from EEO_—AGENCY.ADDRESS_—ID.

[0179] The address object 516 has, for example: an address_—id property; an address_—1 property; an address_—2 property; an address_—3 property; a city property; a state property; a postal-code property; a phone property; an extension property; a facsimile property; an email property; an addressee_—name property; an aux_—phone property; an aux_—phone_—note property; a home_—address_—ind property; and a home-Phone property.

[0180] The address property 516 contains address information for any entity in the database which requires an address. Optional information for a given entity, such as the entity's telephone or facsimile numbers or electronic mail address, may need to be included in certain situations, e.g., when a user has a corporate address_—id but a personal telephone number. The address_—id property contains a database-unique identifier that identifies a particular address object in the database. The address_—1 property contains the user's specific street address information. Likewise, the address_—2 property allows for a second street address line to include additional information such as an office's suite number within a multi-office complex. The third address line, contained within the address-3 property, is used primarily for large offices which may have their own internal mail department codes. The city, state and postal code properties are used to further identify the user's address. The phone property contains the telephone number associated with the user's address. In cases where the address is an office for multiple individuals, this property would contain the main “switchboard” telephone number. The extension property contains the user's specific extension, again used where the address is an office for multiple users. The facsimile property contains the user's facsimile number and can be the user's personal or direct facsimile number or the general facsimile number used in an office with multiple individuals. The email property identifies the electronic mail address of the individual user. The addressee_—name property contains the name of the addressee. However, in cases where this is the user, the addressee value will be null. This column exists to reference individuals who are addressed in the present invention cases but who are not users of the present invention. The aux_—phone property can contain an auxiliary telephone number for the address entry. In the case of a Complainant, for example, this would be used for the home telephone number. Other addresses, however, may use it for a cellular telephone number, a main receptionist telephone number, and the like. The aux_—phone_—note property allows for a brief description of the telephone number listed in the aux_—phone property, such as “Home Phone,” “Cell Phone” “Number for Weekends,” etc. The home_—address_—ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the address listed in this record is a Home address. Similarly, the home_—phone property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the telephone number listed in this record is the user's home telephone number.

[0181] The determination_—type object 518 has, for example: a determination_—type id property; a type_—name property; and an active_—ind property.

[0182] The determination_—type object 518 represents types of determinations that can be associated with an external charge. The determination_—type id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the determination_—type object within the database. The type_—name property contains the name of the dismissal type, e.g., “Cause”, “Dismissal” and “Other.” The term “Dismissed” is contained in the case_—status property column and therefor, is not stored in the determination-type object 518. Finally, the active_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates a valid dismissal type. If set to other than 1, this type is no longer a valid option.

[0183] The user_—role object 602 has, for example: a user_—id property; and a role_—id property. The user_—role object 602 is used to indicate a user's role within a case or organization. The user_—id property links the particular user_—role object to the user object 420. Similarly, the role_—id property links the user_—role object to the particular role object 604.

[0184] The user_—role object 602 associates users with their respective roles in the present invention. The user_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the user in the user_—role database. Likewise, the role_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the role of the user in the user_—role database.

[0185] The role object 604 has, for example: a role_—id property; a role_—title property; a role_—name property; a role_—desc property; an employee ind property; and a client_—ind property.

[0186] The role object 604 represents the roles that users can play in the present invention, as indicated with a corresponding number. Illustrative examples include role 1, Management; role 2, Administrative Assistant; role 3, Consultant; role 4, Client Executive Management; role 5, Client Human Resources Management; role 6, Client Legal; role 7, Client claims; role 8, Client Law Firm; role 9, Government Agency; role 10, Client Contact; role 11, Director; role 12, Complaint Filer; or role 13, Client A/P. The role_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the role in the database. The role-title property contains what is displayed to the user as the name of the role, e.g., “Management.” The role_—name property contains the name of the type of role, used internally to the system as a key, e.g., “MGT.” The role_—desc property contains an extended description of the role, e.g., “The people within the operating organization who make initial decisions as to which cases get assigned to which consultants.” The employee-ind property, when set, for example, to the value 1, indicates the role is applicable to the operating organization employees and is used by the graphical user interface (“GUI”) to populate the selection object. Finally, the client_—ind property, when set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that this role is applicable to clients of the present invention and is used by the GUI to populate the selection object.

[0187] The role_—report object 608 has, for example: a report_—id property; and a role_—id property.

[0188] The role_—report object 608 defines which roles within the present invention are candidates to receive which Alerts. Case affiliation must also be accounted for in alert distribution. The report_—id property and the role_—id property each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the report and the role, respectively, within the database.

[0189] The report object 610 has, for example: a report_—id property; a report title property; and an orientation property.

[0190] The report object 610 represents reports generated with the present invention, e.g., Client General Report, Client Specific Report, Client Numerical Report, Weekly Status Report, etc. Position Reports, Fact Finding Reports, etc. are considered documents and thus, are not represented in this report object 610. The report_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the report in the database. The report-title property contains the default title for the report, i.e., “claims Summary.” If desired, each client can have a unique name for the report as defined in the client_—report table. Finally, the orientation property contains a single character code to designate whether the report is in “P” for Portrait format or in “L” for Landscape format.

[0191] The role_—alert object 606 has, for example, an alert_—id property and a role_—id property. The role_—alert object 606 defines which roles within the present invention are candidates to receive which Alerts. Case affiliation must also be accounted for in Alert distribution. The role_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the role in the database of the present invention. Likewise, the alert_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the alert in the database of the present invention.

[0192] The user_—alert object 806 has, for example, a user_—id property and an alert_—id property. The user_—alert object 806 defines which users of the present invention are recipients of which alerts. Case affiliation must also be accounted for in alert distribution. The alert_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the alert in the user_—alert database. The user_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the user in the user_—alert database.

[0193] The alert object 802 has, for example: an alert_—id property; an alert_—name property; an alert_—desc property; an alert_—message property; an alert_—title property; an alert_—subject property; an email_—ind property; and a website_—ind property.

[0194] The alert object 802 represents alerts delivered by the present invention, some of which will be represented in the database while others will be represented in code. The alert_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the alert object in the database. The alert_—name property contains the name of the specific alert, e.g., “Exit Interview Conducted,” and is used internally by the system code. The alert_—desc contains a textual description of the alert. The alert_—message contains the content of the message to be included in any alert notification, e.g., “The case noted above has been opened.” This could be concatenated into the specifics of the alert, e.g., “Case #”, enabling the tone of the message to be modified at a later date as necessary by the administrator. The alert_—title property is the “name” of the alert to be used when assigning recipients to alerts during client set-up. The alert_—subject property contains textual information on the specific subject to which the alert pertains. The email_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, delivers the alert to the user via electronic mail. Similarly, the website ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, delivers the alert to the user via the web site of the present invention.

[0195] The alert_—history object 804 has, for example: an alert_—history d property; an alert_—id property; a user_—id property; an alert-subject property; an alert_—body property; a date_—added property; a date_—sent property; and a date_—viewed property.

[0196] The alert_—history object 804 contains history of alerts delivered by the present invention. The alert_—history_—id property uniquely identifies the alert_—history object in the database. The alert_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which links the alert_—history object to an alert object 802. The user_—id property links the alert_—history object 804 to a user object 420. The alert_—subject property stores a subject line of the alert. The alert_—body property stores a detailed description of the alert event. The date_—added property indicates when the alert_—history object was added to the database. The date-sent property contains the date the alert was sent. The date_—viewed property contains the date the user viewed the alert.

[0197] The invoice_—master object 702 has, for example: an invoice_—id property; a case_—id property; a start_—date property; an end-date property; an invoice_—date property; a ts_—record-id property; a fee_—amount property; expense_—amount property; and a pif_—ind property.

[0198] The invoice_—master object 702 contains a master file of invoice information associated with all cases of the present invention. The invoice_—id property identifies the invoice_—master object 702 and contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the invoice in the database. The ts_—record_—id property contains the database unique identifier from the accounting program where the invoice is generated. This is used to transfer data between the accounting program and the present invention. The invoice_—date property contains the date of the invoice as extracted from the accounting program. The fee_—amount property contains the amount due in expenses as extracted from the accounting program. The pif_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates the invoice has been acknowledged as “Paid in Full.” This is useful if a portion of an invoice is “forgiven” so that the invoice can be designated as “PIF” even though the paid-amount is less than the total of the fee_—amount plus the expense_—amount. The invoice_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the invoice in the database. The start_—date property and the end_—date property identify the beginning date of the billing period and the ending date of the billing period, respectively, for the invoice. The case_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case within the database of the present invention.

[0199] The payment object 704 has, for example: a payment_—id property; an invoice_—id property; a payment_—no property; an authorizing_—user_—id property; a paid_—amount property; a payment_—date property; a note property; and a payment_—type property.

[0200] The payment object 704 represents payments made against invoices in the invoice_—master table. The payment_—id property identifies the payment object 704. The invoice_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the invoice in the database. The payment no property contains the sequential number of the payment relative to the invoice indicated by invoice_—id, e.g., “2”. The authorizing_—user_—id property indicates the client representative and user of the present invention who authorized the payment. The paid_—amount property indicates the amount which has been paid by the client. Similarly, the payment-date property indicates the date of the client's payment. The note property contains miscellaneous textual notes about the payment, for example, the check number. Finally, the payment-type property contains the single character code denoting the payment type. Valid values for the payment-type property include: “D” for payment via direct deposit; “W” for payment via wire transfer; “C” for payment via credit card; “H” for payment via check; and “0” for payment via other means such as cash, money order, etc.

[0201] The client_—hq object 1106 has, for example: a client_—hq_—id property; an address_—id property; a client_—name property; a client_—name_—short property; a display_—name property; a client_—type property; a client_—dba_—name property; a file_—number prefix property; a file_—number_—counter property; an aliases property; a products_—services property; a president_—name property; a url property; a ceo_—name property; a state_—federal_—contract_—ind property; an employee_—count property; a corporate_—union_—ind property; a time_—zone property; an incorporation_—state property; an rfi_—turnaround property; a ps_—turnaround property; a followup_—period property; an update_—period property; a witness_—interview_—ind property; an int_—rate property; an int rate_—type property; an ext_—rate property; an ext_—rate_—type property; and an exit_—interview_—ind property.

[0202] The client_—hq object 1106 contains data pertaining to the client of the present invention. Certain information stored here, e.g., accounting, addresses, etc., is available for “child” client entities to use either directly, or to copy from the parent. A copy would be an independent source which may be changed within the scope of the client, whereas an inherited address, for example, experiences change whenever the parent is changed. The client_—hq property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client in the database. The address_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—hq object 1106 in the database of the present invention. The client_—name property contains the name of the client, e.g., “Sam's Trout Packing Co., Ltd.”, whereas the client_—name_—short property contains an abbreviated 8-character name for the client, e.g., “GM-PTDiv” which uniquely identifies the client within the present invention and is used for dropdown lists and other places. The display-name property contains the name of the client as it is to be displayed on reports, forms, correspondence, etc., e.g., “GM PowerTrain Division.” The client-type property contains a single-character code to indicate the type of client, i.e., “C” for Corporate; “R” for Carrier; and “I” for Insured. The client_—dba_—name property contains the “Doing Business As” name of the client, e.g., “S. J. Bashen, Inc., d.b.a., S. J. Bashen Corporation”, or “S. J. Bashen, Inc., d.b.a., S. J. Bashen EEOC Investigators.” The file_—number-prefix property contains the first portion of the case_—number property identifier which has been assigned to all cases associated with this client, e.g., “AAA”. This identifier would, in turn, have a sequential case number appended to it at case set-up time which results in a unique identifier such as, “AAA-BBB-0012,” or, <client><complainant last name><sequential number>. In the event a last name has fewer than 3 characters, e.g., Wu, zeros are added to the end of the name to make it 3 characters, e.g., Wu0. The file_—number_—counter property is incremented as cases are created for the client and used when creating the case number. It may be necessary to “prime” this number for existing clients so that the file numbers do not overlap with existing cases. The aliases property contains other names by which the client may be known, especially in the case where a buyout has occurred. The products_—services property contains the products and/or services offered by the client. The Standard Industrial Classification (“SIC”), however, is stored within the Client-Sic object 1108 table. The president_—name property contains the name of the client president and is kept separately for information purposes in the event the president is not a user of the present invention. The url property contains the address of the client's web site. The ceo_—name property contains the name of the client's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and is kept separately for informative purposes in the event the CEO is not a user of the present invention. The state_—federal_—contract_—ind property indicates whether the client has contracts with the state of federal government. The Commissions always ask this question in Request for Information (“RFI”). The employee-count property contains the number of employees the client has. This property is relative to the scope of the client, e.g., if this client instance represents a single location, then this will only represent the number of employees at that location. For a “parent” client, however, this column may be used for conglomerate populations. The corporate_—union_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this client is a “union” shop, whereas if set to, for example, the value 0, indicates that it is not a union shop. The time_—zone property is defined using a single character abbreviation to indicate the client's time_—zone, i.e., “E” for the Eastern time zone; “C” for the Central time zone; “M” for the Mountain time zone; and “P” for the Pacific time zone. The incorporation_—state property indicates the client's state of incorporation which may or may not be the same as the location state. The rfi_—turnaround property indicates the number of days required for the client to respond to an RFI and is used to determine a client-specific RFI turnaround time. The ps_—turnaround property contains the number of days required by the client to review a Position Statement. This number can be used to determine how many days in advance of the due date a Position Statement should be submitted for client review. The possibility of Rejection/sb is accounted for here. The followup_—period property contains the number of weeks for which the operating organization will monitor and subsequently inform a client of the activity of a case after the submission of the Position Statement. The default for this followup_—period property is typically set to the value 24. The update_—period property contains the numbers of days between follow-up updates submitted to the client by the operating organization on a “closed” case, e.g., “The operating organization will submit a change update every X days after a case is closed.” The default for this update_—period property is set to the value 30. The witness_—interview-ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that the operating organization conducts witness interviews, and if set, for example, to the value 0, indicates that the client or other organization conducts the witness interviews. The exit_—interview property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates that the client requires an exit interview to be performed by the operating organization prior to the closure of the case. The int-rate property, with a default value rate set in U.S. dollars, is applied to work done for this client for internal cases. This default value rate is inherited by cases pursued for this client. Similarly, the int_—rate_—type property contains a single code indicating the default rate_—type for this client for internal cases. Specifically, valid values are set at “F” for a flat rate and at “H” for an hourly rate. Likewise, the ext_—rate property, with a default value rate set in U.S. dollars, is applied to work done for this client for external cases. The default value rate is inherited by cases pursued for this client. Similarly, the ext_—rate_—type property contains a single code indicating the default rate_—type for this client for external cases. Specifically, valid values are set at “F” for a flat rate and at “H” for an hourly rate.

[0203] A client_—contact object 1102 has, for example, a client_—contact_—id property, as well as a series of properties including, for example: a user_—id property; an address_—id property; a title property; an active_—ind property; and a status_—code property.

[0204] Any client_—contact can be represented in the client_—contact object 1102. The client_—contact_—id property contains a database-unique identifier for this particular contact. The identifier of the contact will change when a modification to Address or Title occurs. The user_—id property contains the client_—contact which may be one of many client contacts. The address-id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—contact object 1102 in the database of the present invention. The title property contains the title of the contact within the scope of the client, e.g., “President.” The active_—ind property allows deactivation of contact, whereas when set to, for example, the value 0, indicates normal activation, and when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates deactivated. Deactivation is not the equivalent of deletion, however. Finally, the status_—code property contains the status of the contact, wherein when set to, for example, the value 0, indicates normal status, and when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates it has been deleted.

[0205] A client_—division object 1104 has, for example, a client_—division_—id property, as well as a series of properties including, for example: a client_—hq_—id property; an address_—id property; a client_—name property; a client_—name_—short property; a display-name property; a client_—type property; a file_—number_—prefix property; a time_—zone property; an rfi_—turnaround property; a ps_—turnaround property; a followup_—period property; an update_—period property; a witness_—interview property; an int_—rate property; an int_—rate_—type property; an ext_—rate property; an ext_—rate_—type property; and an exit_—interview_—ind property.

[0206] The client_—division property 1104 contains data pertaining to the client of the present invention. Certain information stored here, e.g., addresses, accounting, etc., will be available for “child” client entities to use directly or to copy from the parent. A copy would be an independent source which may be changed within the scope of the client, whereas an inherited address, or child, will experience change whenever the parent is changed. The update_—period property indicates the number of days between follow-up updates submitted to the client by the operating organization on a “closed” case, with a default value equal to 30. An example may read, “S. J. Bashen Corporation will submit a change update every X days after a case is closed.” The witness_—interview_—ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the operating organization conducts witness interviews, whereas when set to, for example, the value 0, indicates that the client (or other organization) conducts them. The followup_—period property indicates the number of weeks the operating organization will monitor a case after the submission of a “Position Statement” and subsequently inform the client of the activity. The default value for this followup_—period property is set to 24. The ps_—turnaround property indicates the number of days required by the client to review the Position Statement. This number can be used to determine how many days in advance of the due date a Position Statement should be submitted for client review. The possibility of rejection s/b is accounted for here. The rfi_—turnaround property contains the number of days required for the client to respond to an RFI and is used to determine client-specific RFI turnaround time. The ext_—rate property indicates the default rate, in U.S. dollars, which is applied to work done for this client for external cases. This value is inherited by cases pursued for this client. Similarly, the ext_—rate_—type contains a single character code indicating the default rate_—type for this client for external cases. Valid values for this property are “F” for flat rate and “H” for hourly rate. Likewise, the int_—rate property indicates the default rate, in U.S. dollars, which is applied to work done for a client for internal cases and is inherited by cases pursued for this client. Similarly, the int_—rate_—type property is a single character code containing an indication of the default rate type for this client for internal cases. Valid values for this property are “F” for flat rate and “H” for hourly rate. The exit_—interview_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the client requires an exit interview to be performed by the operating organization prior to closure of the case. The value for this property is inherited from the client_—hq property upon the row creation. The address_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—division object 1104 in the database of the present invention. The client_—name property contains the name of the client, e.g., “Sam's Trout Packing Co., Ltd.” The client_—hq_—id and client_—division properties each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client. The time_—zone property indicates the time zone of the client using the following abbreviations: “E” for Eastern time zone; “C” for Central time zone; “M” for mountain time zone; and “P” for Pacific time zone. The file_—number_—prefix property contains the first portion of the case_—number identifier assigned to cases affiliated with this client, e.g., “AAA.” This would have a sequential case number appended to it at case set-up time, to result in a unique identifier such as “AAA-BBB-0012,” which indicates <client><complainant last name><sequential number>. In the event a last name is fewer than 3 characters, e.g., Wu, the name is padded with 0's so that it is at least 3 characters. The client_—name_—short property contains an abbreviated 8-character name for the client which uniquely defines it within the present invention for use in dropdown lists and other places, e.g., “GM-PTDiv”. The client_—type property contains the single-character code which indicates the type of client, i.e., “C” for Corporate; “R” for Carrier; or “I” for Insured. Finally, the display-name property contains the name of the client as it is to be displayed on reports, forms, correspondence, etc., e.g., “GM PowerTrain Division.”

[0207] The client_—contacts object 1118 has, for example: a client_—contacts_—id property; a client_—hq_—id property; a client_—contact_—id property; a client_—location_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; a bill_—to_—ind property; a primary_—poc_—ind property; a bill_—to_—cc_—ind property; an ap_—poc_—ind property; an active_—. . . ind property; and a status-code property.

[0208] The client_—contacts object 1118 is a table which allows an existing client contact record to be associated to additional clients and supports the case where a single Human Resources person or Manager may be the contact for several locations or divisions. The bill_—to_—cc_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, copies the contact on the invoices. This applies more to recipients of hard copy invoices rather than online invoices. Similarly, the bill_—to_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates the contact who is to receive the original invoices. The primary_—poc_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, establishes this contact as the main point of contact for the client. The ap_—poc_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, establishes Accounts Payable as the point of contact for the client and may or may not be the same person indicated in the bill_—to recipient property. The active_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, allows deactivation of contact, whereas when set to, for example, the value 0, indicates a normal status. Deactivation is not the same as deletion, however. The status_—code property indicates the status of the client contacts, whereas when set to 0 indicates a normal status, and when set to 1 indicates a deleted status. The client_—hq_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client. The client_—contacts_—id uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—contacts object 1118 in the database of the present invention. The client_—division_—id contains a database-unique which uniquely identifies the client. The client_—contact_—id property contains a database-unique identifier for this contact and changes with any modification to the Address or Title properties. Finally, the client_—location_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client.

[0209] The client_—note object 1116 has, for example: a client_—note_—id property; a client_—location_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; a client_—hq_—id property; a note property; a user_—id property; and a note-date property.

[0210] The client_—note object 1116 enables multiple notes to be stored per client. The note property contains the text of the note. The client_—h id property, the client_—division_—id property and the client_—location property each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the specific client in the client_—note object. The user_—id property identifies the user (author) of the note. The note_—date property indicates when the note was created or edited. The client_—note property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—note object 1116 in the database of the present invention.

[0211] The union_—type object 1122 has, for example: a union_—type_—id property; a name property; an abbreviation property; and a url property.

[0212] The union_—type object 1122 contains the union organizations. Local unions refer to this as their union_—type in the client table. An example of a union_—type is the “United Auto Workers.” The union_—type_—id property uniquely identifies the union type. The name property contains the full name of the union, e.g., the “United Auto Workers”, whereas the abbreviation property contains the abbreviation for the union, e.g., “U.A.W.”

[0213] The client_—union object 1120 has, for example: a union_—type_—id property; client_—location_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; a client_—hq_—id property; an address_—id property; a local_—number property; a url property; a cba_—online_—ind property; and an abbreviation property.

[0214] The client_—union object 1120 represents the relationship between the client and the union(s) which exist(s) in its shop. The local_—number property contains the union's local_—number, e.g., “UAW Local #524”. A null value implies that there is no local union. The address_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—union object 1120 in the database of the present invention. The url property contains the URL address to the web site of the local union. The cba_—online_—ind property, if set, for example, to a value of 1, indicates that the Local Union's Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) is available online, presumably at the web site of the Local Union. The abbreviation property indicates the client union's abbreviation, e.g., “UAW” for United Auto Workers. The union_—type_—id property indicates that the type of union, typically the national or world organization under which the local union exists, e.g., “United Auto Workers”. The client_—hq_—id property, the client_—location_—id property and the client_—division_—id property each has a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client union in the database.

[0215] The client_—location object 1114 has, for example: a client_—location_—id property; a client_—hq_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; an address_—id property; a client_—name property; a client_—name_—short property; a display-name property; a client_—type property; a time_—zone property; a policy-number property; and a policy_—deductible property.

[0216] The client_—location object 1114 contains the specific client_—location for this case. The client_—location_—id, the client_—h id and the client_—division_—id properties each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client in the database. The address_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—location object 1114 in the database of the present invention. The client_—name property contains the name of the client, e.g., “Sam's Trout Packing Co., Ltd.” The display-name property contains the name of the client as it is to be displayed on reports, forms, correspondence, etc., e.g., “GM PowerTrain Division,” whereas the client_—name_—short property contains an abbreviated 8-character name for the client which uniquely identifies it within the present invention for use in dropdown lists and other places. An example of a client's short name may be “GM-PTDiv.” The client_—type property contains a single character code to indicate the type of client, i.e., “C” for Corporate; “R” for Carrier; “I” for Insured. The time-zone property uses a single character code to indicate the time zone where the client is located, i.e., “E” for the Eastern time zone; “C” for the Central time zone; “M” for the Mountain time zone; and “P” for the Pacific time zone. The policy-number property contains the policy number of the insured. The policy_—deductible property contains the amount of the deductible on the insurance policy of the insured.

[0217] The sic object 1110 has, for example: a sic_—code_—id property; a sic_—name property; a sic_—description property; and a sic_—code property.

[0218] The sic object 1110 contains a sic-code property which identifies the sic object 110. The sic_—code_—id property contains the actual Standard Industrial Classification (“SIC”) codes and is also used as a database id. The sic_—name property contains the name of the classification, whereas the sic_—description property contains the description of the classification.

[0219] The client_—sic object 1108 has, for example: a client_—h id property; and a sic_—code_—id property. The client_—sic object 1108 represents the M:M relationship between SICs and clients of the present invention. The sic_—code_—ind property is the actual SIC code which is also used as a database id. The client_—hq_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client in the database.

[0220] The document-template object 1002 has, for example: a document-template-id property; a document-title property; a filename property; a version property; an open-date property; a close_—date property; and an active_—ind property.

[0221] The document-template object 1002 represents templates for client reports. When a Consultant requires communication to a client, the Consultant can generate a document-template and modify it to suit the specific details of the case. The DAT-002 has a list of available templates. The document_—template_—id property identifies the document_—template object 1002 and if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates a valid document_—template. The document_—template_—id property, when set to the value 0, for example, indicates that this template is retained for historical purposes only and is not to be used. The document_—title property indicates a general but identifying name for the document, e.g., “Acknowledgment Letter.” The filename property indicates the location of the physical file containing the template documents, typically in Microsoft WORD, manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., or an equivalent software application. In order to maintain an historical audit trail on the templates, a new physical file is made whenever there is an edit to a template. The previously active template is then denoted as “inactive” and the close_—date is set appropriately. The version property indicates a version number used to track revisions of the template, e.g., “1.3a”. The open date property indicates the date that this template became effective, e.g., Jul. 12, 2001. Likewise, the close-date property indicates the date that this template became inactive, e.g., Jul. 12, 2002. One reason a template may become inactive, for example, is possibly due to revision. Finally, the active-ind property, when set to the value 1, indicates that this is an active document_—template.

[0222] The client_—document_—recipient object 1004 has, for example: a document_—template_—id property; a client_—contacts_—id property; an approval-ind property; and a copied-ind property.

[0223] The client_—document-recipient object 1004 contains the relationship between reports and client_—reps who receive the reports. Reports are associated with individuals rather than with roles which enables customization at every client level. The document_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the document_—template within the database. The client_—contacts-id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—document-recipient object 1004 in the database of the present invention. The approval_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the user has approval authority to access the document. Typically, the default for the approval_—ind property is set to, for example, the value 0. Finally, the copied_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this client representative receives a copy of this document, i.e., in cases where a “cc” is distinguished from an original.

[0224] The client_—document object 1006 has, for example: a document_—template_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; a document_—title property; a required_—ind property; a hardcopy_—ind property; a hardcopy_—distribution_—method property; an approval_—ind property; a client_—document_—id property; and a client_—hq_—id property.

[0225] The client_—document object 1006 contains reports that are required by a client. The required_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this document must be delivered to the client as appropriate in a case. The document_—title property contains the tile applied to the document for this client. The default value is defined by document_—template.document_—title but can be changed should a client require a different title. The hardcopy_—ind property indicates whether the client requires a hard copy of the report or reports submitted. Similarly, the hardcopy_—distribution_—method property indicates how a hard copy, if required, is distributed, e.g., by facsimile, by standard mail, via a weekly basket, etc. The approval_—ind property, if set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that this document, e.g., the Position Statement, requires client approval. The default for this approval_—ind property is set to, for example, the value 0. The client_—document_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—document object 1006 in the database of the present invention. The document_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the document in this database. The client_—division_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client division. Typically, locations will inherit the documents. Finally, the client_—hq_—ind property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client.

[0226] The document_—distribution object 918 has, for example: a document_—distribution_—id property; a response_—date property; a view_—date property; a response property; an approval_—ind property; a date_—added property; a client_—contact_—id property; an approval_—status_—id property; and a document-id property.

[0227] The document_—distribution object 918 contains the individual distributions of documents to clients. It tracks data regarding view_—date, approval status and distribution date. Further, multiple approvers are handled by this table via the approval_—status_—id property which is summarized to determine the ultimate approval status of the document. The document_—distribution_—id property identifies the document_—distribution object 918. The response_—date property contains the date the response was made by the client_—contact. The view_—date property contains the date that the client_—contact first viewed the correspondence. The response property contains the content of the response by the client_—contact. The approval_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates the recipient must participate in the approval process for this document. The date_—added property indicates the date that this distribution was made by the consultant. The approval_—status_—id property indicates approval status for an individual recipient of a document. The approval status for the documents overall is stored in case_—document and represents a summarization of the approval statuses logged herein.

[0228] The correspondence-template object 902 has, for example: a correspondence_—template-id property; a case_—type_—id property; a correspondence_—name property; a body property; a subject property; an open_—date property; a close_—date property; an active_—ind property; and a document_—ind property.

[0229] The correspondence_—template object 902 represents templates for client correspondence. When a Consultant requires communication to a client, the Consultant can generate a correspondence and modify it to suit the specific details of the case. The DAT-005 has a list of the available templates. The correspondence_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the correspondence in the database. The case_—type_—id property, when specified, can offer multiple templates with the same purposes, customized by case type and can be used to filter offerings made to consultants. The correspondence_—name property contains a general yet identifying name for the correspondence, e.g., “Acknowledgement Letter.” The body property contains the “boilerplate” body of the correspondence and is presented to the user for completion of specifics. The subject property contains the subject line to appear with this correspondence. The open-date property contains the date that this template became effective, e.g., Jul. 12, 2001. Similarly, the close_—date property contains the date that the template became inactive, e.g., Jul. 12, 2002. One reason a template may become inactive is because of a revision, for example. The active_—ind property, if set, for example, to the value 1, indicates an active document_—template. Finally, the document_—mid property indicates if the correspondence has an attachment to send with it.

[0230] The client_—correspondence_—recipient object 904 has, for example: a client_—correspondence_—template_—id property; and a client_—contact_—id property. The client_—correspondence_—recipient object 904 contains the relationship between the correspondence and client_—reps who receive the correspondence. Correspondences are associated with individuals rather than with role which enables customization at every client level. The client_—contacts_—id property uniquely identifies the instances of the client_—correspondence object 906 in the database of the present invention. The correspondence_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client correspondence in the database.

[0231] The client-correspondence object 906 has, for example: a correspondence_—template_—id property; a client_—division_—id property; a required-ind property; a client_—hq_—id property; and a client_—correspondence_—id property.

[0232] The client_—correspondence object 906 represents those correspondences which are valid and/or required of the client, e.g., an acknowledgement letter. The client_—division_—id, the client_—hq_—id and the correspondence_—template_—id properties each contain a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the client. The required ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the correspondence MUST be delivered to the client as appropriate in a particular case. Finally, the client_—correspondence_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the client_—correspondence object 906 in the database of the present invention.

[0233] The case_—correspondence object 908 has, for example: a correspondence_—id property; a correspondence_—template_—id property; a case_—id property; a date_—added property; a body property; a subject property; and an added_—by property.

[0234] The case_—correspondence object 908 contains the correspondence information which has been published to different users of the present invention for a specific case. The body property contains the actual content of the body of the correspondence after the Consultant has modified it. The date_—added property contains the date the correspondence was sent to the user. The subject property contains the actual content of the subject line of the correspondence after the operating organization Consultant has modified it. The added_—by property contains the user identifier of the operating organization Consultant who constructs the correspondence. The correspondence_—id property contains an identifier which uniquely identifies the instance of the case_—correspondence object 908 in the database of the present invention. The case_—id property contains the database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case within the database of the present invention. The correspondence_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the correspondence within the database of the present invention.

[0235] The correspondence_—distribution object 910 has, for example: a correspondence_—distribution_—id property; a correspondence_—id property; a client_—contact_—id property; a view_—date property; a response_—date property; and a response property.

[0236] The correspondence_—distribution object 910 contains a history of case correspondence that has been distributed to various client contacts. The view_—date property contains the date that the client_—contact viewed the correspondence, whereas the response_—date property contains the date the response was made by the client_—contact. The response property contains the content of the response by the client_—contact. The correspondence_—distribution_—id property contains an identifier which uniquely identifies the instance of the correspondence_—distribution object 910 in the database of the present invention. The client_—contact_—id property contains the identifier of the client_—contact who is receiving the correspondence. Likewise, the correspondence_—id property contains the identifier of the case_—correspondence constructed for distribution to various client_—contacts.

[0237] The approval_—status object 914 has, for example, an approval_—status_—id property, as well as a series of properties including, for example: a status_—name property; and an active_—ind property.

[0238] The approval_—status object 914 contains those valid values for approval status, e.g., Approved, Rejected, etc. The approval_—status_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the object in the database. The status_—name property contains the text of the status, e.g., “Approved.” Finally, the active_—ind property, if set, for example, to a value of 1, indicates a valid status; otherwise, i.e., if set, for example, to a value of other than 1, it has been deactivated from further use.

[0239] The case_—document object 916 has, for example: a document_—id property; an approval_—status_—id property; a case_—id property; a document_—template-id property; a date-approved property; a locked_—ind property; an override_—by property; an override-reason property; a date_—added property; an added_—by property; a date_—modified property; a modified_—by property; a filename property; a document_—title property; and an offline_—ind property.

[0240] The case_—document object 916 contains the present invention client reports. Examples of reports may include a “Tact Finding Report”, a “Position Statement Report”, etc. The added_—by property contains the user identifier of the present invention Consultant who created the document. The date_—modified property contains the date of the most recent modification to the document, while the date_—added property contains the date the report was associated with a specific case. The override_—reason property contains the reason the user performs the approval override action. The user who performs the approval override_—reason action is identified in the override_—by property. Override actions always require an explanation and are warranted when an approver is unavailable for review of the document. The document_—title property contains the title of the document to distinguish it from other documents upon user review. The modified_—by property contains the user identifier of the Consultant modifying the document. The filename property pertains to the name of the physical file which contains the actual case document generated using a document_—template id property. The document_—template_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the document in the database. The offline_—ind property, when set to, for example, the value 1, indicates that the “attached” document exists in hardcopy or electronic form for outside the present invention only. The approval_—status_—id property contains the code indicating the status of approval. The case_—id property contains a database-unique identifier which uniquely identifies the case within the Database of the present invention. The document_—id property uniquely identifies the instance of the case_—document object 916 in the database of the present invention. The locked_—ind property indicates that the case can no longer be modified. Finally, the date_—approved property contains the date the document received approval by the client. This date-approved property indicates complete approval, i.e., all client representatives who are designated to approve a particular document have done so.

[0241] Operation of the Present Invention

[0242] In operation, the present invention can be accessed by a user on a client device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, email, company intranet, or via a wide area network such as the WWW of the Internet. While the present invention is accessible from the client devices mentioned above, the below explanation assumes that the user (Complainant) is accessing the present invention through the WWW. It should be noted that any other device that is capable of communicating with the server via a standardized protocol, such as TCP/IP, WAP, Bluetooth, or other protocol can be used as a client device and enable interaction with the present invention.

[0243] In the examples that follow, the user is accessing the present invention through a web browser on a personal computer that is connected to the Internet. The user designates the URL of the company intranet or web site that acts as a portal or interface for the user and the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user is challenged to authenticate himself or herself. The authentication is accomplished by having the user enter a username and password. Once the user is authenticated to the present invention, the user is free to use the services of the present invention. It is contemplated with the present invention that access to the server may be accomplished by a proxy, such as an employee of the employer's human resources department. In such a scenario, the present invention may be enabled to restrict some, none, or all of the user's information stored on the present invention from the proxy, depending upon the requirements of the situation. While web-based examples are illustrated, other types of client devices, such as telephone and facsimile machines, are equally useful with the present invention.

[0244] In the preferred embodiment, the user is first presented with a welcome page that contains announcements, information regarding the user's case status, and one or more navigation aids. At this point, the user has several options, all accessible via navigation hyperlinks. The following example is illustrative of various tasks that may be accomplished by the present invention.

[0245] Adding a Calendar Event

[0246] The present invention is equipped with a calendar option that utilizes one or more of the objects in the alert distribution module 310 (see FIG. 8). To enter a calendar event, the user first gains access to the present invention through the authentication/authorization procedures, typically through a device such as personal computer 128. On the web page retrieved by server 104, a hyperlink to the calendar feature can be selected by the user. A Hyper Text Markup Language (“HTML”) form is then presented to the user, who then inputs the appropriate data and submits the form for processing by the server, e.g., server 104 of FIG. 1.

[0247] Generally, data between the objects of the present invention and the data stored on the various database, either the databases of the present invention, or other database, are synchronized on a periodic, or on an as-needed basis. Other tasks or activities that can be accomplished by the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following:

• • [0248] Opening or closing a case;
  • [0249] Logging in to the present invention;
  • [0250] Associating a document with a case;
  • [0251] Selecting a user account;
  • [0252] Resetting a password obtained from a server;
  • [0253] Submitting a form to a server;
  • [0254] Generating a report;
  • [0255] Forwarding phone messages to a server of the present invention;
  • [0256] Forwarding an electronic facsimile to a server of the present invention;
  • [0257] Creating/editing contact information;
  • [0258] Completing a calendar event;
  • [0259] Creating an activity log entry;
  • [0260] Approving a pending item including, but not limited to, a payment, an invoice, a document, a task, and/or a request;
  • [0261] Viewing a case document;
  • [0262] Creating a case correspondence;
  • [0263] Viewing a case correspondence;
  • [0264] Selecting a document template;
  • [0265] Establishing a secure connection with the present invention;
  • [0266] Exchanging data in a secure manner between a server of the present invention and a client device in a secure manner;
  • [0267] Logging out of the present invention;
  • [0268] Searching for anything stored within the present invention;
  • [0269] Sending an email to the present invention;
  • [0270] Submitting an extension request;
  • [0271] Closing a file by a client;
  • [0272] Confirming a submission of a request or other activity to the server;
  • [0273] Reassigning a case;
  • [0274] Exporting an item to the accounting database;
  • [0275] Importing an item from the accounting database;
  • [0276] Sending a facsimile message internally within the present invention;
  • [0277] Obtaining a consensus among members of a project; and
  • [0278] Displaying and maintaining related cases.

[0279] Workflow

[0280] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred methods of the present invention. While an order of steps is described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many of the steps described herein may be reordered without effect to the useful result of the present invention. Consequently, the order to the steps described herein are intended as a guide and not as a specific requirement of the order of steps.

[0281] The lifecycle of a typical case is illustrated in FIG. 12. The method starts generally at step 1201. It should be noted that at any step within the method illustrated in FIG. 12, the case may settle, be reassigned, be closed by the client or be queried for a status check. In any one of those four instances mentioned previously, the method illustrated in FIG. 12 would immediately halt and execution would resume within the sub-methods for settling, reassigning, closing, or checking status. In the case of checking status, however, execution could resume at the point where the status check was called.

[0282] In the method according to FIG. 12, the case is received in step 1202. Next, case-related objects, such as the case object 402, the user object 420, etc., are instantiated and appropriate records committed to the database 110 and/or 112, in step 1204.

[0283] The purpose of the method illustrated in FIG. 12 is to depict the flow of business activity required to process complaints and agency charges with the operating organization. The business activity being accomplished via the present invention enables the receipt of a complaint or charge through any of the communications mechanisms supported by the present invention, including, but not limited to: telephone, facsimile and/or email.

[0284] Once the claim is submitted, a case object 402 (see FIG. 4) is created in the database of the present invention and displayed for review, typically by the management of the operating organization. Eventually, the case is assigned to a Consultant who is generally (although is not required to be) employed by the operating organization. The Consultant subsequently performs a review, investigation, and prepares one or more reports for the client of the operating organization (typically, the employer of the Complainant). The various reports can then be reviewed and/or approved by the client or local/state/federal agencies. The objects within the database of the present invention facilitate the storage, categorization, searching, and retrieval of the various documents used in the investigation and reporting. The objects and methods of the present invention also enable automatic docketing of various events and can generate, automatically, many of the reports as well as file (electronically) certain formal documents or reports to governmental agencies so that those government agencies will render their opinions and/or rulings. The Consultant then monitors and coordinates the complaint or charge case activities until the case is closed, i.e., the case_—status_—id property of the particular instance of the case object 402 is set to “Closed.”

[0285] In step 1204, a new case object 402 is instantiated. This new object represents a submitted claim that is ready to be assigned and investigated within the present invention. In this step, case object 402 is the primary object; however, one or more related objects are also instantiated in order to capture and process related case information. FIG. 4 contains examples of objects that are set up for case status and tracking tasks. For example, in addition to the case object 402, a user 420, an employee object 424, an activity_—jog object 422, an activity object 428, a case_—calendar object 430, a case_—status object 408, a content object 418, a case_—note object 406, a settlement object 404, a related_—case object 414, an employee_—status object 410, a case_—type object 416, and a te_—counter object 436 are also instantiated.

[0286] The intake module 302 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) may have other critical objects that are also generally instantiated upon the creation of a new case, such as: a complaint object 432, a submission_—type object 434, a charge object 502, a case_—basis object 506, a basis object 508, an agency object 504, an agency_—contact object 514, an address object 516, a case_—issue object 510, and an issue object 512. Other objects in other modules, such as the client information module 316 (see FIGS. 3 and 11), and the Accounting module 308 (see FIGS. 3 and 7) are other modules (among others) that have new objects instantiated upon the creation of a new case.

[0287] Thereafter, in step 1206, a management review is conducted and one or more personnel are assigned to the case. Once the personnel are designated, appropriate objects, such as employee object 424 (see FIG. 4) are instantiated and appropriate records committed to the database 110 and/or 112. Next, in step 1208, an initial case review is conducted by a consultant. Then, in step 1220, a detailed case review is performed. Next, in step 1222, the case is investigated. In some cases, one or more reports can be prepared, using, for instance, report object 610. Thereafter, in step 1226, post-response activities (“PRA”) are performed. The case is then closed in step 1230 and the method ends generally at step 1232.

[0288] The purpose of the close case flow diagram of FIG. 13 is to depict the flow of activities required by a Consultant to close a case in the present invention. The method of the present invention for closing an internal case requires that the Consultant conduct an exit interview if that particular client's protocol so mandates. The case closure of external cases may be through a settlement or dismissal with the Complainant in order to inform the Complainant of the final decision by the Client, Commission or Court. The case closure may be through a settlement or dismissal. Once a settlement decision has been determined, the closing of a case in the present invention requires several steps that involve the use of several objects within the database of the present invention.

[0289] In order to prohibit modification of documents in or for closed cases, the case_—status_—id property of the case object 402 may to be set to the “CLOSE” value. Once locked, any attempts to update or add new attachments to the case will be rejected. A user attempting to modify the case after closure will be notified that the case has been closed and locked from further changes. The present invention notifies all interested client personnel, the Consultant of the operating organization, and optionally, a Director of the operating organization that the case is closed.

[0290] Closing of a case will often affect those objects associated with the instance of the case object 402 that represents the case in question. For example, the status or disposition of instances of the case_—status object 408, the user object 420, the user_—type object 424, a status-history object 426, and a settlement object 404 may also be affected. Similarly, other objects in other modules may also be affected by the change of status of the case object 402.

[0291] The method illustrated in FIG. 13 starts generally at step 1301. A check is made at step 1302 to determine whether an exit interview is required. If so, an exit interview is conducted in step 1304 and the case is then closed in step 1322. If no exit interview is required because the case is external or the client does not require one, execution continues to step 1306. If so, then step 1308 is executed where a status property of, for example, the case object 402 that creates the association with the case_—status object 408 (see FIG. 4), is set to indicate that the case was settled. Otherwise, execution continues to step 1318, where a check is made to determine whether the case was dismissed. If so, then step 1320 is executed where a property of, for example, the case_—status object 408, is set to indicate that the case was dismissed. Steps 1318 and 1320 can encompass a variety of scenarios. The closure substatus of a case can differ depending upon the reasons for the closing of the case. For example, the case may be settled, in which case the substatus can be set to “SETTLED.” Similarly, the substatus may be set to “CLOSED BY CLIENT” or “DISMISSED.” Even a “DISMISSED” setting can have additional explanation, such as “no cause,” “right to sue upon request,” “administrative closure,” or “failure of conciliation,” depending upon the circumstances. The present invention has the flexibility and capacity to record this type of information, which is useful for compiling statistical information regarding a company's compliance or effectiveness of given laws and/or regulations.

[0292] If step 1318 is negative, step 1322 is executed where a property of, for example, the case_—status object 408, is set to indicate that the case was simply closed and the method ends generally for all scenarios at step 1324.

[0293] FIG. 14 illustrates the method of login and placement of the user within the present invention by acquiring access to the present invention via, for example, a web browser through a preferably secure connection. The present invention displays a login form that contains text boxes for the user's name (username) and password. After the appropriate username and password have been submitted and authenticated, the user, whether a Consultant, Complainant, or client representative, is provided a display of their respective home page.

[0294] The method illustrated in FIG. 14 begins generally at step 1402. When the user first sends an access request signal through a client device to the network 102 of the present invention (see FIG. 1), the user is challenged to provide (login) with, for example, a username and password to verify his/her identity (authentication), step 1404. A check is made to determine whether or not the response from the user to the challenge was successful, step 1406. If the response did not match an authenticated user, then an error message is displayed to the user in step 1408 and execution resumes back at step 1404, providing the user with another opportunity to login. If the response from the user matches, for example, the username/password of an authenticated user, then that user is granted access to the network 102 of the present invention and provided with an entry screen depending upon the level of authorization as described below.

[0295] In step 1410, a check is made to determine if the user to the system is an employee of the organization that operates the present invention (the “operating organization”, e.g., an organization that conducts the investigations). If so, then step 1412 is executed, where the user is presented with the home page of the organization that owns the site. Otherwise, a check is made in step 1414 to determine if the user is a Complainant. If so, step 1416 is executed, where the user is presented with a home page relevant to Complainants in general, and optionally includes information that pertains to his/her case in particular. Otherwise, step 1418 is executed, where a check is made to determine if the user is a representative of the owning organization's client (i.e., client representative). If not, an error message is displayed to the user, step 1408, and the user is given an opportunity to re-authenticate, step 1404. Otherwise, i.e., the answer to step 1418 was positive, then the server will return a page designed for the client, step 1422. Once the pages have been returned (rendered) by the server, the method ends generally at step 1430.

[0296] A detailed explanation of step 1416 is provided to illustrate one of many features of the present invention. Step 1416 represents the present invention's method of displaying relevant information that is necessary for the Complainant, for example, to electronically submit a new complaint, to view their employer's relevant policies, and/or to view the status of a previous complaint that is stored within the database of the present invention. In the process of viewing documents, it is typical for the particular case object 402 to be referenced. The case object 402 will have links and associations with other instantiations of objects, such as case_—document 916, that contains information about the document desired to be viewed by the user. Similarly, the case_—status object 408 that is associated with the particular case object 402 (of the user's case) will also contain information that the user may wish to view. Other objects within one or more modules 300 (see FIG. 3) of the present invention, may be similarly accessed. Still other objects may affect control over one or more relevant object instances in order to govern the amount or type of information accessible by the user based on role information stored by, for example, the user_—role object 602 and the role object 604.

[0297] Once the claim is submitted by the Complainant, the case manager will then proceed with case setup for further review and assignment to a Consultant for investigation. Once the case is under investigation the Complainant may return to his/her home page within the present invention in order to check the status of that case.

[0298] FIG. 15 depicts the methodology for monitoring a case once the case reports (generated via the present invention) have been approved by the client and submitted to the EEOC or FEP agency for a decision. The Consultant will coordinate agency activities and respond to appropriate requests for information (retrieved via the present invention) until the case is finally settled or dismissed.

[0299] The method of FIG. 15 starts generally at step 1502. First, the case object 402 is placed into “monitor” mode in step 1504, preferably by setting a property, such as the case_—sub_—status_—id property to indicate monitor mode.

[0300] In step 1504, the case is placed in monitor mode for base-lining case progress and setting follow up reminders on the case calendar automatically by the present invention. Upon choosing the monitor case option, all of the case documentation or other artifacts will be locked in order to prohibit modification. Then the case_—status_—id property of the particular case object 402 will be set (updated) to “MONITOR.” The present invention also notifies all interested client personnel, SJBC Consultant and SJBC Director that the case is being monitored. The names and addresses of those individuals involved are stored within specific object instances that are related to the specific case object 402 (see FIG. 4) within the database of the present invention. For example, a user object 420 that is associated with the case object 402 may have a client_—ind property value set to indicate that the user represented by the user object 420 is a member of the client's organization for which a specific client_—contact object 1102 (see FIG. 11) will have been instantiated. Information about client_—contact's organization is stored in a client_—hq object 1106 (see FIG. 11) associated with both the user object 420 and the client_—contact object 1102. Similarly, address information for the client contact (and/or his/her organization) is stored in an address object 516 (see FIG. 5).

[0301] The Consultant may, using the objects in the alert module 310 of the present invention, proceed to schedule follow up reminders on the calendar of the present invention based on the client-required frequency. When calendaring an event, the Consultant will create and update a follow up event to include date, time, type, title and description that are modeled with objects within the present invention. The Consultant is also able to correspond with the client and other appropriate users via the present invention by, for example, email, telephone (VoIP), etc. As a starting point, correspondence is performed through pre-defined templates, such as those defined in an instance of the correspondence_—template 902 (see FIG. 9) that is associated with, for example, the a case_—type object 416 that is itself associated with the case object 402 (see FIG. 4) that are stored within the present invention. Typically, the Consultant modifies the template content as necessary and the present invention sends notification via email to selected recipients. Actual content is never sent over the Internet; instead, the notification will contain a secure URL to the correspondence that is stored within the database of the present invention. The notification recipient may then gain access to the present invention and view the correspondence in question.

[0302] Next, in step 1506, the activities of various agencies (designated in the objects of the agency module 302 of FIGS. 3 and 5) are coordinated. In step 1508, a check is made to determine if an RFI has been submitted by an agency. If so, then a reply to the RFI is prepared in step 1510 and execution is looped back to step 1506. Otherwise (i.e., the result of step 1508 is negative), execution moves forward to step 1512, where a check is made to determine whether an agency has made a cause finding or issued a dismissal. If the result of step 1512 is negative, then the dismissal is processed in step 1522. However, if there is a cause finding by the agency (i.e., the result of step 1512 is positive), then execution continues to step 1514, wherein a determination about the case is received from, for example, an external organization such as a government agency or outside investigator. Next, step 1516 is performed, where a reconsideration may optionally be requested by filing a motion to reconsider. In step 1518, a check is made to determine whether the motion for reconsideration was accepted. If so, then the case is dismissed and the dismissal is processed in step 1522 as illustrated in FIG. 15. If the motion to reconsider was not granted, then there is an opportunity to settle the case. Thus, in step 1520, a check is made to determine if the case was settled. If not, the case is either dismissed or there was a failure to conciliate so the case is processed as a dismissal in step 1522. Otherwise, the case is settled in step 1524.

[0303] FIG. 16 illustrates the methodology for achieving case settlement. This methodology entails several steps in order to authorize a settlement, negotiate settlement terms, and prepare settlement documents. Once the settlement documents and terms have been approved, the settlement process can be brought to a conclusion.

[0304] The method for settling a case is illustrated in FIG. 16. The method starts generally at step 1602. First, in step 1604, the settlement is authorized. Typically, this entails obtaining from the client the authorized limits (parameters) that the client is willing to tolerate to settle the case. Next, the settlement is negotiated in step 1606. Thereafter, settlement documents are drafted and/or edited in step 1608.

[0305] Step 1608 is an iterative method to draft separate document settlements for approval of all parties in the settlement process. One or more Consultants draft and/or edit settlement documents for review by the client and attach these documents to the particular case within the present invention. The present invention then emails the client to inform them that the settlement documents are available for review along with a URL indicating their specific location within the present invention. As this iterative process continues, the Consultant records events in the activity_—jog object 422 that is associated with the particular case object 402 (see FIG. 4). Other objects in other modules, such as the correspondence distribution module 312 (see FIGS. 3 and 9) and the document distribution module (see FIGS. 3 and 10) also contain objects that represent or contain documents generated by users or by the present invention. Similarly, the alert distribution module 310 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) is used to coordinate the email alert to the client and other affected parties.

[0306] The documents are stored in the network 102 of the present invention using, for example, the case_—document object 916 in order to maintain a complete set of information regarding the negotiations. Moreover, use of these objects enables linking of the documents to the case itself and all the attendant information about the case itself with, for example, the case object 402. The parties approve of the settlement in step 1610 and the settlement is concluded in step 1612, typically with the signing of one or more documents generated by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method then ends generally at step 1614.

[0307] FIG. 17 illustrates the methodology for electronically passing data between the present invention and the accounting program. This methodology follows several steps to synchronize case information in both systems relative to case TE codes, Consultant activity logged during the case investigation (through, for example, the activity_—jog object 422), case invoice contents (through, for example, an instance of the invoice_—master object 702) and case payment history (through, for example, in one or more instances of the payment object 704). This is accomplished through the implementation of automated (application) programming interface (“API”) technology.

[0308] FIG. 17 illustrates the interface of the present invention with an accounting system. As illustrated in FIG. 17, two boxes 1701 and 1703 illustrate the main processes of the present invention and the external accounting program, respectively. The two boxes are arranged in parallel with a timeline 1726 indicating the emergence or instantiation of a particular sub-process in either the main process 1701 or the external accounting program 1703. Similarly, the process flow 1730 and the data flow 1732 go from left to right, indicating that, generally speaking, information flows from the main process 1701 to the external accounting program 1703. The case manager 1702, one of the users of the present invention, invokes the main process of the present invention. First, in step 1704, a check is made to determine whether the particular payment/invoice items are for a new client. If so, a set of objects specific to the new client are created in the present invention in step 1706. Next, in step 1708, the case is set-up within the present invention, specifically within the case status module 304 (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, in step 1710, a notification, preferably in the form of an email message is forwarded to the external accounting program 1703.

[0309] In step 1710, the present invention issues an email notification to the operating organization's accounting department that a new case has been set-up within the present invention. The accounting department will be provided with the necessary case information (stored in, for example, the case object 402) to enable them to set up a new case in the accounting program (such as TIMESLIPS) for case tracking, client invoicing and payment history. The automatic notification of the accounting personnel is facilitated by objects within the present invention, such as user object 420, employee object 424 and address object 516 that are associated with the particular case object 402 and store personnel-specific information. The particular alerting event is controlled by, for example, an alert object 802 that is associated with a role_—alert object 606 (and a role object 604 and user_—role object 602 that is associated with the particular user object 420 mentioned above). The alert object then issues the email message that is sent, via the e-mail server 218 (see FIG. 2) to a client device 212 such as PDA 122 via the network 120 (see FIG. 1).

[0310] The notification 1710 itself indicates that a new client/case has been set-up in the present invention and indicates that a similar set-up should be accomplished within the external accounting program. It will be understood that alternate mechanisms may be employed for the notification step as long as sufficient information is transferred to the external accounting program. The notification itself alerts an accounting assistant 1750, which may be a human being or may instead be an automated process with limited intelligence. As with the main process of the present invention, the external accounting system determines whether or not the client identified in the message 1710 is a new client. If so, a client record is created in the external accounting program 1703. Next, in step 1756, the case identified in the message 1710 is set-up in the external accounting program. Next, the TE code 1758 (specific to the case itself) and the client data 1762 are stored in the accounting system database 1760.

[0311] After the case has been set-up in the main process 1701 (i.e., step 1708 has been completed), the TE code for the case data 1722 as well as the client data 1724 are stored in the system database 1718 (corresponding to databases 110 and 112 of FIG. 1). Thereafter, in step 1712, the Consultant (a user of the present invention) logs activities into the payment module 308. Payment data 1720 can then be loaded into the database 1718 as illustrated in FIG. 17. Finally, in step 1716, the data in the database 1718 is synchronized with the data in the accounting database 1760.

[0312] The present invention includes a set of objects used for alerting individuals to various events, such as the assignment of a case, or some activity with a case. The present invention can retain a set of rules for alerting particular individuals, depending upon that individual's role within the case. As indicated before, the case object 402 is the main repository of information about a particular case. However, other objects, such as the role object 604, define the roles that individuals play within the system of the present invention. The alert objects within the alert distribution module 310 work in conjunction with the user object 420 of the case status module 304 and the role_—alert object 606 of the roles module 306. This interaction is typical among the various objects of the present invention. All of the objects of the present invention facilitate this type of interaction.

[0313] The present invention provides alerts to individuals for instances including, but not limited to, the following:

• • [0314] When a case is assigned;
  • [0315] When a case is not reviewed;
  • [0316] When a case is inactive (for a set period.);
  • [0317] When case status changes;
  • [0318] When a new case is received;
  • [0319] When a new case set-up has been completed;
  • [0320] Upon availability of an invoice;
  • [0321] Upon receipt of an RFI;
  • [0322] Upon receipt of a report;
  • [0323] Upon receipt of a request made internally within a particular organization to close a case;
  • [0324] Upon termination of the case by a governmental or other agency;
  • [0325] Upon the closure of a case from an external authority;
  • [0326] Upon receiving a case;
  • [0327] Upon the completion of the setting-up of a case;
  • [0328] Upon the completion of one or more reports;
  • [0329] Upon the closure of a case made internally within a particular organization;
  • [0330] Upon a determination by a government agency regarding a case;
  • [0331] After an exit interview has been conducted;
  • [0332] After a lawsuit has been filed; and
  • [0333] Upon availability of an invoice.

[0334] FIG. 18 illustrates a help object of the present invention. The help object 1802 is used to provide context sensitive help to various aspects of the present invention. The help object 1802 has a help_—id property, that uniquely identifies the specific help object within the database of the present invention. The help object also has a title property and a filename property as illustrated in FIG. 18. The title property is useful for both search catalog indexing (to identify a help category) and for human searching, to aid in finding the correct help information. The filename property is used to hold a URL or external file location address. The external file would hold the contents of the help information, preferably in HTML format for easy publishing by the web server to a browser that is employed by the user. Multiple instances of the help object 1802 can be instantiated and stored within the database of the present invention for various different help-related issues in order to provide comprehensive and context-sensitive help to users.

[0335] The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain both the ends and the advantages mentioned, as well as other benefits inherent therein. While the present invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to particular embodiments of the invention, such references do not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alternation, alteration, and equivalents in form and/or function, as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent arts. The depicted and described embodiments of the invention are exemplary only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects.