Abstract:
An on-line travel and expense management system integrates and automates the process of arranging, changing and accounting for travel that is made for government or large corporate entities. A method in a computer system arranges travel for large corporate and government organizations. The method may include receiving a customer login at an Internet web site; authenticating the customer; receiving a selection of travel requirements from the customer; making initial travel arrangements for the customer based on the selection of travel requirements; automatically generating a travel authorization form for the customer with the initial travel arrangements; electronically forwarding the travel authorization form to an approver; notifying the customer electronically when the approver has approved the travel authorization form; notifying a travel agency of approval of the travel authorization form whereupon the travel agency confirms the initial travel arrangements; and automatically updating an accounting system electronically for the customer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is related to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/361,697, filed Mar. 6, 2002 by Sommers et al., and entitled “System Method and Computer Program Product for On-line Travel and Expense Management”, which is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to automating business processes, and more particularly to automating the procurement and control of travel itineraries, from pre-trip planning through post-trip accounting/auditing and posting of payment information to relevant disbursement systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The existing business process of setting up and accounting for travel for government or large commercial entities is labor intensive, paper oriented, and error prone.  
           [0004]    [0004]FIGS. 1A and 1B show a typical work flow for arranging travel for government or large corporation travelers under conventional systems. When a traveler receives a travel assignment in step  102 , the traveler initiates a travel authorization form (TAF)  110 , based on mission requirements, in paper format or electronically, and contacts a travel agency to make reservations (step  104 ). The traveler can optionally obtain cost estimates required on the TAF  110  from the travel agency. While the traveler prepares the TAF  110  and submits it for approval to an approving official, such as a project manager in step  108 , the travel agent checks for travel availability in the desired form, such as airline, train, or rental car, with an electronic database in step  106 . Once authorized, the accounting department manually or electronically records an obligation in the accounting system in step  112 . The traveler receives a copy of the authorized TAF  114  in step  116  and then contacts the travel agency, which confirms all reservations in step  118 . Confirmation generates a charge to a traveler individually billed account (IBA) or centrally billed account (CBA) credit card or other method of payment in step  122 . If charge is made to a CBA, a copy of the approved TAF  124  is forwarded to the travel agency to retain for CBA reconciliation in step  126 . Confirmation also generates a traveler paper itinerary  128  and ticket (paper or electronic) that is forwarded to the traveler in step  120 . Meanwhile, the traveler begins his travel, at step  130 .  
           [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1B continues the flowchart of FIG. 1A. If changes to the itinerary are needed during the travel period at decision  132 , the traveler must contact the travel agency to arrange the changes in step  134 , which may result in creation of an amendment  138  to the original TAF in step  136 . If new travel arrangements result in new ticketing at decision step  140 , a copy of the amended TAF  138  must be forwarded to the travel agency for use in future reconciliation in step  142 . Upon returning from travel in step  144 , the traveler must then fill out an expense report  148  to obtain reimbursement for allowable travel expenses, such as meals, hotels, parking, mileage, etc. in step  146 . The expense report  148  must also be approved by an approver in step  150 . Once approved, the expense report  154  is forwarded to the paying activity for computation of entitlements resulting in payment preparation in step  152 . The traveler is then reimbursed at step  156 .  
           [0006]    The primary drawback of this flow is its inefficiency and high potential for inaccuracies and errors. The conventional process of arranging travel is labor intensive, and the number of different people and agencies involved often leads to miscommunication. Other drawbacks include an insufficient and incomplete paper trail, which can result in missing charges or other accounting problems, such as reflecting erroneous accounting data. The inefficiencies and the problems with the paper trail usually mean that the traveler receives reimbursements long after the charges were made. Additionally, the traveler is dependent upon support personnel, which can cause problems when the support personnel are not available.  
           [0007]    What is needed then is an improved method and system that overcomes the inefficiencies of conventional solutions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a system, method and computer program product for online travel arrangement is disclosed.  
           [0009]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention covers changes in all facets of the government travel procurement business process, including pre-trip planning, pre-trip funding, automating trip booking and approval, automating post-trip expense reimbursement and reporting, approval and fund allocation.  
           [0010]    The present invention meets the needs described above through the provision of a method in a computer system of arranging travel for large corporate and government organizations. A method according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise receiving a customer login at an Internet web site; authenticating the customer; receiving a selection of travel requirements from the customer; making initial travel arrangements for the customer based on the selection of travel requirements; automatically generating a travel authorization form for the customer with the initial travel arrangements; electronically forwarding the travel authorization form to an approver; notifying the customer electronically when the approver has approved the travel authorization form; notifying a travel agency of approval of the travel authorization form whereupon the travel agency confirms the initial travel arrangements; and automatically updating an accounting system electronically for the customer.  
           [0011]    Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         DEFINITIONS  
         [0012]    The examples given below are not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the scope of the invention.  
           [0013]    A “computer” refers to any apparatus that is capable of accepting a structured input, processing the structured input according to prescribed rules, and producing results of the processing as output. Examples of a computer include: a computer; a general-purpose computer; a supercomputer; a mainframe; a super mini-computer; a mini-computer; a workstation; a microcomputer; a server; an interactive television; a hybrid combination of a computer and an interactive television; and application-specific hardware to emulate a computer and/or software. A computer can have a single processor or multiple processors, which can operate in parallel and/or not in parallel. A computer also refers to two or more computers connected together via a network for transmitting or receiving information between the computers. An example of such a computer includes a distributed computer system for processing information via computers linked by a network.  
           [0014]    A “computer-readable medium” refers to any storage device used for storing data accessible by a computer. Examples of a computer-readable medium include: a magnetic hard disk; a floppy disk; an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD; a magnetic tape; a memory chip; and a carrier wave used to carry computer-readable electronic data, such as those used in transmitting and receiving e-mail or in accessing a network.  
           [0015]    “Software” refers to prescribed rules to operate a computer. Examples of software include: software; code segments; instructions; computer programs; and programmed logic.  
           [0016]    A “computer system” refers to a system having a computer, where the computer comprises a computer-readable medium embodying software to operate the computer.  
           [0017]    A “network” refers to a number of computers and associated devices that are connected by communication facilities. A network involves permanent connections such as cables or temporary connections such as those made through telephone or other communication links, including wireless links. Examples of a network include: an internet, such as the Internet; an intranet; a local area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); and a combination of networks, such as an internet and an intranet. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The left most digits in the corresponding reference number indicate the drawing in which an element first appears.  
         [0019]    FIGS.  1 A- 1 B show a typical work flow for arranging government travel under conventional systems;  
         [0020]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 B show an exemplary embodiment of a work flow for arranging government travel according to the present invention; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0023]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 B show an exemplary embodiment of a workflow for arranging government travel or large commercial entity travel according to the present invention. A traveler receives a travel assignment in step  202  and logs onto the online Travel and Expense Management System (TEMS) of the present invention in step  204 . When the user defines the travel requirements, the online TEMS generates a TAF in step  208 . The online TEMS also interacts with an electronic database of travel information in step  206  and directs the traveler to an on-line booking tool in step  210 . The online TEMS then updates the TAF with real-time cost estimates in step  212  and forwards the updated TAF, including a travel itinerary, to an approver for approval electronically in step  214 . Following approval, any TAF approval information required for reconciliation is electronically forwarded to the Travel Management Center (TMC), which has access to the reservation system, as confirmation for ticketing in step  216 . Additionally, accounting system updates are electronically routed for travel obligations in step  218 . The traveler is notified electronically of the approval of TAF in step  220 . The traveler then begins travel in step  222 .  
         [0024]    In FIG. 2B, if travel plans change at step  222 , the traveler generates amendments to the approved travel authorization, step  224 . If the changes can be made electronically via the online TEMS, step  226 , the traveler makes the changes to the reservation electronically, step  228 . Otherwise, the traveler can contact TMC to arrange needed changes, step  230 , and a travel consultant makes changes in step  232 . If no changes are needed, or when the travel has ended, the traveler returns in step  234 . The traveler updates original travel authorization then enters travel expense data, such as, meals, fuel, and hotel costs, into the online TEMS in step  236 . The online TEMS automatically generates an electronic expense report in step  238 . The expense report is next submitted electronically to an approver for approval in step  240 . Once approved, the expense report is submitted electronically to the disbursing system for processing in step  242 . Finally the traveler is reimbursed in step  244 . As illustrated, the process of arranging, changing, and approving travel and reimbursement proceeds entirely electronically. No papers need to be generated, reducing the possibility of lost forms. Using electronic data entry and transmittal greatly reduces the potential for human error in reporting expenses, which in turn reduces the time needed to correct errors. Travelers can also be reimbursed more quickly, and accounting data can be more up-to-date, due to the improved efficiency of the process.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention. The system is composed of the online TEMS server  302 , which can be connected via a network  304  to one or more travel information databases  308  and to an online booking system  306 . Fulfillment agency  310  may interface with one or more travel information databases  308 . In addition, the system server  302  can provide remote access  312 , for example, in the form of internet access via a network. The system server  302  can also be connected to an internet  314 . The traveler can log into the system from a traveler client computer  316 , which can be connected to a company network  322 , which is in turn connected to the internet  314 . The financial system  318  and the approver  320  are also connected to the company network  322 .  
         [0026]    In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may comprise an automated online Travel and Expense Management System. The controls, parameters and regulatory requirements of the traveling organization can be configured at the client level. The present invention may provide the traveler with a means to generate travel authorizations, book travel arrangements on-line in real time, obtain approvals, submit actual expenses and receive reimbursement electronically. During the pre-travel authorization process, the present invention can allow customized multi-level approvers, provide “should cost” estimates, and flag exception data. During the post-travel reimbursement process, travelers can update original itineraries, input actual expenses and electronically route expense reports to appropriate approving officials. Following approval, expense reports are routed based upon customized audit parameters to on-line audit, flagging regulatory exceptions.  
         [0027]    The present invention may be an Internet application using open connectivity and can allow password protected, multi-level user access, controlled by system administration. Regulatory guidance can be provided on-line along with reimbursement allowances. The present invention may provide optional payment to a travel charge card. Further, the present invention may automate interfaces performing funds validation, budget monitoring, obligation recording, and distribution payment data to customer financial systems.  
         [0028]    One advantage of the above-described embodiment of the present invention is that it eliminates almost all investment on the part of the end-user, due to its use of existing Internet browser technology, and provides a superior tool for controlling travel expenditures through customized reporting, in accordance with several US Government regulations. In particular, the present invention can comply with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP), Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) and with US Government Request for Proposals (RFP), data access and retention, and pre-load traveler credit card data for validation. Further, the present invention can be made to comply with the travel policies and regulations of any commercial entity.  
         [0029]    A system according to the present invention may comprise the following exemplary modules: system administration; traveler profile management; booking; travel in the continental United States (CONUS) and travel outside the continental United States (OCONUS); travel authorization; travel order authorization approval; expense report; travel expense report approval; local travel/miscellaneous expense; local travel/miscellaneous expense approval; audit; credit card debt management; and reports.  
         [0030]    The system administration module may provide administration personnel the ability to define organizations, for example as major or minor customers, define organization business policies and parameters, add users and define their roles, and monitor and maintain the system database. The system administration module may also provide help desk personnel with a tool for assisting individual users in a prompt and efficient manner. The primary users of the system administration module may be developers and help desk personnel.  
         [0031]    The traveler profile management module is primarily used to allow users to store general travel and secure payment information along with travel preferences that are used for the creation of a trip. The primary users of the traveler profile management module include all users of the system including, for example, the traveler, co-worker alternates, approvers, auditors, and credit card coordinators.  
         [0032]    The primary purpose of the booking module may be to allow users to book their own reservations as defined in the travel authorization such as airline, car, and hotel reservations, for example. The booking module may, for example, be used primarily by travelers or designated co-workers inputting travel authorization requests.  
         [0033]    The travel authorization module may be used primarily to provide users the ability to input specific travel requirements resulting in a travel authorization, create individual bookings, and track the status from initiation of request through approval. The primary users of the travel authorization module may include, for example, travelers or delegated co-workers inputting travel requirements and processing as a request for authorization to travel.  
         [0034]    The travel order authorization approval module provides users defined as approvers the ability to approve, revise, or cancel travel authorizations. This module displays all pending travel authorizations to include departure date, order number, traveler name, destination, and status of order. The system may allow for various types and levels of approval. Users at different levels of approval may have access to or control over different aspects of the system. Primary users of the travel order authorization approval module may include users defined as approving officials regardless of type and level.  
         [0035]    The expense report module may be used primarily to provide users the ability to file expense reports identifying actual expenses incurred. Expense reports are electronically routed through appropriate approval levels identified by the traveler&#39;s organization, and through audit to paying activity in order for disbursement to be processed. The primary users of the expense report module may include travelers or delegated co-workers inputting travel expense data.  
         [0036]    The travel expense report approval module allows users defined as approvers to approve or revise expense reports. Once the traveler has completed travel and updated the expense report with valid travel expenses, dates, and modes of travel, the expense report is electronically forwarded to a designated approver for review. This system is the same for all levels of approval. The primary users of the travel expense report approval module may include, for example, users defined as approver regardless of level.  
         [0037]    The primary purpose of the local travel/miscellaneous expense module may be to provide users a means to file for reimbursement for transportation expenses incurred conducting official business in the local area of their official duty station or for miscellaneous expenses incurred while conducting official business either on TDY or in the local area. Travelers or delegated co-workers inputting local travel expenses, for example, may be the primary users of the local travel/miscellaneous expense module.  
         [0038]    The local travel/miscellaneous expense approval module may be primarily used, for example, to provide a user defined as a local travel approving official a means to approve or revise local travel expense reports. Once the traveler has completed travel and input expenses the local travel expense report is electronically forwarded to a designated approver for review. This system is the same for all levels of approval. The primary users of the local travel/miscellaneous expense approval module may be users defined as local travel approvers regardless of level.  
         [0039]    The primary purpose of the audit module may be to provide a designated user the ability to audit approved vouchers both pre-payment and post-payment, identifying reason selected for audit as defined by established audit parameters. Primary users of the audit module may be designated auditors at a customer paying location, for example.  
         [0040]    The credit card debt management module may be primarily used, for example, to provide an agency program coordinator (APC) the ability to monitor the day-to-day operations of the Government Travel Charge Card Program. Each APC maintains an up-to-date list of all current cardholders and accounts to include information such as account names, account numbers, addresses, and telephone numbers, for example. The credit card debt management module also allows the APC to suspend and/or cancel delinquent accounts and generate notifications to cardholders and their chain of command. The primary users of the credit card debt management module may be Government APC personnel designated by an activity commander or director.  
         [0041]    The primary purpose of the reports module may be to provide users a tool to retrieve bits of information contained in data elements and display the data in a reportable format depending on the type of user (i.e., traveler, approver, customer manager, auditor, card coordinator, or system administrator, for example). The primary users of the reports module may include, for example, travelers, approvers, customer managers, auditors, card coordinators, and system administrators.  
         [0042]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a new set of application software, system interfaces, and database technology that allows a complete end-to-end solution.  
         [0043]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can use the Internet as the delivery medium for all services, thus allowing for the adoption of the new technologies, such as, e.g. wireless technologies. Unlike current online Internet travel arrangement services which cannot interact directly with a user&#39;s accounting and approval infrastructure, the present invention can provide a complete end-to-end online Travel and Expense Management System to the user.  
         [0044]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface between the on-line booking system and the invention can be implemented through an extensible markup language (XML) client software development kit (SDK) called the travel planner. The travel planner application generates XML files based on uniform resource locator (URL) queries sent to the electronic database of travel information.  
         [0045]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.