Patent ID: 8306887
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A processor-implemented method of project engineering workflow and tracking, comprising: a computer receiving a first message from a client device, the first message requesting at least one manipulation of a cost item associated with a capital asset included in a project, the first message further requesting determination of a total financial impact of the at least one manipulation of the cost item associated with a first subscriber base and a second subscriber base, wherein the capital asset is scheduled to be used by the first subscriber base; the computer accessing a project forecast database and identifying an at least one revenue item associated with the cost item, the at least one revenue item comprising a first forecasted revenue associated with the capital asset projected to be generated by the first subscriber base; the computer accessing a workflow allocations database to determine the approved development expense for the project, the approved development expense for the project comprising approved but not incurred development expense for the capital asset, wherein the approved development expense for the capital asset includes the cost item; the computer accessing an incurred expense database to determine the previously incurred development expense for the project, the previously incurred development expense for the project comprising the previously incurred development expense for the capital asset; the computer determining that a manipulation of the cost item comprising elimination of the cost item causes removal of the capital asset from the project and results in a first revenue impact, the first revenue impact comprising the loss of the first forecasted revenue arising from projected subscription income from the first subscriber base associated with the capital asset; the computer determining a second revenue impact of the elimination of the cost item, the second revenue impact comprising the loss of subscriber revenue from the second subscriber base arising from the first subscriber base placing additional load on the service infrastructure previously used primarily by the second subscriber base; the computer determining a first cost impact of the elimination of the cost item, the first cost impact comprising the write-off of the previously incurred development expense for the capital asset; the computer determining a second cost impact of the elimination of the cost item, the second cost impact arising from the projected increased burden on a customer service function arising from the elimination of the capital asset; the computer determining a third cost impact of the elimination of the cost item, the third cost impact associated with projected reduction in customer satisfaction arising from the elimination of the capital asset; the computer determining a fourth cost impact of the elimination of the cost item, the fourth cost impact associated with the release of budgeted but unspent resources remaining in the approved development expense database for the capital asset; the computer combining the first revenue impact, the second revenue impact, the first cost impact, the second cost impact, the third cost impact, and the fourth cost impact to determine the total financial impact of the manipulation of the cost item comprising elimination of the cost item; and the computer sending a second message to the client device, the second message communicating the total financial impact of the manipulation of the cost item.