Abstract:
An information management system for storing related documents, messages, and customer inquires as electronic images for retrieval in a controlled and secure manner. The system is centrally maintained, and provides the capability to manage and integrate different forms of information among multiple remote offices. Information is treated as transaction-related items and are linked together by transaction folders. Inbound paper-based documents are scanned, indexed and reviewed by preprocessing. Document processing from folders is conducted by assigning the item to a Trade Service Representative (TSR) based on routing rules defined by the System Administrator. The TSR has a queue containing documents and inquiries for processing, providing the transaction service representative with a single point of reference to data related to a Letter of Credit, a reimbursement, a collection, and a guarantee. Document work flow can be monitored for backlog and assigned work levels. Transaction folders contain the components related to particular trade services transactions. The folders include all physical input and output media associated with transactions, such as electronic messages, mail items, inquiry history records, system user entered messages, and inbound facsimile messages. The system maintains an internal unique key identifier, to identify each folder and document with the image transaction ID number unique to each item when available from the image management system.

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL IN DISCLOSURE  
       [0001]     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to a system for managing information pertaining to financial transactions, particularly international transactions such as transactions involving letters of credit, guarantees, import collections, export direct collections and export collections.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Letters of credit are issued and advised by a financial institution, such as a bank, on behalf of a customer to give the beneficiary a right to draw upon the issuing financial institution upon the presentation of papers or documents as stipulated between the financial institution and the customer. Commercial or documentary letters of credit are used principally to finance the shipment of merchandise. Such letters of credit require the beneficiary to present such documents as bills of lading, insurance certificates, commercial invoices and so forth, before drafts can be honored or payments realized under the letter of credit.  
         [0004]     It is known to process transactions involving letters of credit on a local processing system. However, any inquiries or investigations concerning the transaction generally require reference to a “hard copy” or original, paper letter of credit files for details of the transaction. These files typically include all paper documents involved in a transaction, such as messages sent by telex or SWIFT, any bills of lading or certificates of origin, and any other documents associated with the transaction. Generally, this information is maintained manually and stored in file cabinets under a conventional indexing system. Thus, when inquiries or investigations are received, a representative must physically remove the folders from the manual storage area for use in processing the inquiry.  
         [0005]     Using such conventional systems, files are frequently lost or misplaced. As a result, inquiries by customers may not be addressed expeditiously. This, in turn, may lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss of business by the financial institution. Moreover, employee time spent tracking down misplaced files also results in a cost to the financial institution.  
         [0006]     As a safeguard against loss of paper files, it is known in the art to reproduce files onto microfiche. While adequately serving as a fall-back when files are lost, microfiche copies are somewhat time consuming to work with since they require reproduction of the archived papers.  
         [0007]     In view of these limitations, there is a need to provide a system for storing and tracking letter of credit transactions that is less time-consuming, less costly, less error-prone, and more convenient than prior art systems. More specifically, there remains a need for a system and process to automate the paper intensive workflow, while maintaining a high degree of information integrity and customer responsiveness.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of the invention to overcome the above described limitations and others by providing a system and process for storing related documents, messages, and customer inquires as electronic images for retrieval in a controlled and secure manner to be used in connection with financial transactions, particularly international transactions such as transactions involving letters of credit, guarantees, import collections, export direct collections and export collections.  
         [0009]     This objective is achieved by the system and process of the present invention and, more specifically, by providing electronic storage at one or more regional processing centers and providing for retrieval of documents across a wide area network that connects each regional processing center with its client customer service units.  
         [0010]     The system according to the invention is centrally maintained, and provides the capability to manage and integrate different forms of information among multiple remote offices. Information is treated as transaction-related items and are linked together by transaction folders.  
         [0011]     The trade records information management system of the present invention stores related documents, messages, and customer inquiries as electronic images and allows users to retrieve these images in a controlled and secure manner. In broad terms, the trade records information management system of the present invention is an information repository for all the trade financing transactions for each region of a bank&#39;s trade finance divisions. The present invention provides a bank with the capability to manage and integrate different forms of information among remote offices to enhance employee productivity and work quality.  
         [0012]     The information to be stored and linked together in the trade records information management system of the present invention comes from multiple sources in multiple forms and is delivered to multiple locations. The information consists of mail, FAX, SWIFT, TELEX, and user input. (SWIFT and TELEX are captured by external systems and stored with the trade records information management system of the present invention). Documents can be presented at any of the service or processing facilities.  
         [0013]     All information related to a particular transaction is linked in the trade records information management system of the present invention by the creation of transaction folders. The system maintains an internal unique key identifier to identify each folder and document with the image transaction ID number unique to each item when available from the image management system. For serving customer inquiries, transaction folders can be accessed by customer service representatives at network locations.  
         [0014]     One significant aspect of the trade records information management system of the present invention is that users may define what documents are placed into what folders. Certain information is maintained on the folder level and is the same for all documents. Other than the internal unique key, however, there is no restriction on duplicate field references.  
         [0015]     Processing of the documents in the transaction folders is performed by assigning the folders to trade service representatives (TSR&#39;s) based on rules defined by the system administrator. Each TSR or processor has a work queue in the trade records information management system of the present invention containing documents and customer inquiries to process. Simulating an in-box and desktop, the trade records information management system of the present invention provides the trade service representative (TSR) with a single point of reference to all data related to any letter of credit, reimbursement, collection, or guarantee. In addition, a trade service representative&#39;s work-in-process can be viewed by supervisors or operations heads at any time to monitor the backlog and assigned levels of work. The system automatically “ages” pending and discrepant work to present in to Supervisors.  
         [0016]     Through a wide area network (WAN), all the trade records information data for a region is immediately available to users in that region, both locally and remotely. Archival storage is provided through the use of optical disks in a jukebox storage system. The information is available indefinitely by retaining optical disk platters off-line. Off-line optical disk platters can be re-mounted in the jukebox via requests to the information management system. Viewing of documents that have been archived requires the document ID stored in an off-line file. Off-line archive files are created through an administration controlled process.  
         [0017]     Another significant aspect of the trade records information management system of the present invention is that database access is streamlined by providing direct access to the relational database. Users will have most of the necessary information accessible at their desktop without the need to use other manual filing sources to retrieve needed information. Access to these transaction folders is available from any authorized location on the trade records information network of the present invention. System administrators however, may restrict user workstations to only retrieve images from the local storage devices.  
         [0018]     In a method according to the invention, inbound paper-based documents are scanned, indexed and reviewed in a preprocessing step. Document processing from folders is conducted by assigning the item to a trade service representative (TSR) based on routing rules defined by a system administrator. The TSR has a queue containing documents and inquiries for processing, providing the TSR with a single point of reference to data related to L/C (Letter of Credit), reimbursement, collection, and guarantee. Document work flow is monitored for backlog and assigned work levels. Transaction folders contain the components related to a particular trade services transaction. The folders include all physical input and output media associated with transactions, such as electronic messages, mail items, inquiry history records, system user entered messages, and inbound fax messages.  
         [0019]     The system and method of the present invention offers several distinct advantages over known trade records management systems that allow banks and other financial institutions to achieve a competitive advantage by offering faster turnaround of customer transactions and improved customer service. To begin with, it is possible to streamline and improve the workflow of the paper-based product delivery process and provide automated control of discrepant and in-process items. Moreover, the invention provides controlled and immediate access through images and indexes to the different forms of information about trade services financial transactions. This allows improved customer service by providing immediate access to all information on a specific financial transaction. The invention also reduces the amount of time trade services representatives (TSR&#39;s) and customer service representatives (CSR&#39;s) spend searching for and retrieving information by, replacing microfiche archiving and improving document organization of the current imaging systems. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     A currently preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an overview block diagram of the information management system in accordance with the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed diagram of the information management system according to the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing the flow of incoming and outgoing data among components of the system of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart that illustrates the operation of the system startup from the operating system.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for allowing a user to select a new password.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for starting an index module with an index queue window.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0030]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are flow charts that continue the process of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart that illustrates a document checking process.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for displaying user status information to a trade service representative and/or a supervisor.  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for displaying information to a customer service representative.  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for displaying information to a system administrator and a system controller.  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is a flow chart that illustrates a process of scanning textual information for use in the system of the invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 20  is a flow chart that illustrates a process of inputting new inquiries into the system according to the invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart that illustrates a process for allowing users to enter information about a folder or a transaction in a folder to find a specific folder for viewing.  
         [0042]      FIG. 22  is a flow chart that continues the process of  FIG. 21  detailing the Folder Detail window.  
         [0043]      FIG. 23  is a flow chart of a process for allowing users to users to pend items by inserting levels 1, 2, and 3 reasons.  
         [0044]      FIG. 24  is a flow chart that illustrates a representative relationship between different types of tables used in the system according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0045]     An information management system in accordance with the invention is broadly illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown therein, an importer  100  applies for a letter of credit, a reimbursement, a collection, or a guarantee through a home branch location  102  or a correspondent bank location  104 . The appropriate requirements are transmitted (by a modem or the like) from a terminal, such as a personal computer  106 , to a server  116  located remotely from the terminal. The server may be any suitable hardware device, but is preferably a general purpose computer such as an HP9000 model G90 server.  
         [0046]     In the system shown, a “hard copy”  134  of the letter of credit, reimbursement, collection and/or guarantee may be transmitted by other means, such as by facsimile  132 , over standard telephone lines. The information contained in the hard copy  134  may also be communicated by telephone  130 . Information corresponding to a request for a letter of credit (L/C), a reimbursement, a collection, or a guarantee may also be communicated to the server  116 , from a SWIFT  126 , a VAX/LAN  124  or a TELEX  128  terminal via a gateway server  122 .  
         [0047]     Once received from any of the above-described means, the information is conveyed, for example, to an exporter  108  via a home branch  110  or a correspondent bank  112 . As shown, this information is conveyed via a personal computer  114  that is in communication with the server  116 , typically via modem.  
         [0048]     The system includes means for inputting hard copy items into the system. A scanner  136  is preferably used for this purpose, but any other input device may also be used to input hard copy items into the system. Other items are obtained electronically or are generated internally. All items are indexed with an indexer  138 , (at step  138 ), reviewed by a document checker  140 , assigned to a transaction service representative  142 , as defined by a system administrator and routing rules. The transaction service representative work flow is monitored by a Supervisor  146 , and all customer inquiries are performed by the customer service representative  148 .  
         [0049]     The data received by the server can be stored in any convenient media. For example, short-term data and data for indexing and ques may be stored on a magnetic disk  120 . Data used for long-term data and image data may be stored on an optical storage and retrieval system (OSAR)  118 . The server supports the system and the image database, updates applications, and supports the gateway systems.  
         [0050]     In accordance with the invention, the system maintains information pertaining to transactions in “transaction folders.” The transaction folders created in the trade records information management system of the present invention contain all the components related to a particular trade services transaction, including images of hard copy documents including original documentation such as bills of lading, insurance certificates, commercial invoices and so forth. The transaction folders may also include messages and notations concerning customer inquiries. The transaction folders are a logical construct for linking individual documents and messages related to a single transaction. The trade records information database maintains an internal unique key attribute to identify each folder and document.  
         [0051]     In accordance with one significant aspect of the trade records information management system of the present invention, users may define what documents are placed into what folders. Certain information is maintained on the folder level and is the same for all documents. Other than the internal unique key, however, there is no restriction on duplicate field references. Although this will allow multiple folders with the same reference number to be stored in the database, two reference numbers are unique for the system. On the folder level, the bank reference number is unique. In addition, where used, the local trade records management system transaction ID is unique to each item.  
         [0052]     The transaction folder created in the trade records information management system of the present invention may contain all the physical input and output media associated with the transaction. This includes, where applicable, electronic messages, mail items, inquiry history records, user entered messages, and inbound fax messages.  
         [0053]     Users have control over what documents are stored in each folder and are allowed to move documents between folders. Users are also allowed to update database information about a document while it is in their queue.  
         [0054]     The central trade records information management system of the present invention provides centralized storage of primary images and database records at the regional processing center. This allows for easy administration and maintenance. Duplicate images may be distributed to the local trade records information management systems maintained at remote customer service units.  
         [0055]     The trade records information management system of the present invention also includes means for local storage of frequently used reference data. This data is maintained using a database management system (DBMS). Reference data is maintained locally at remote customer service units to reduce network traffic.  
         [0056]     The local trade records management system gateway serves as an interface between the local trade records management system and the central trade records information management system of the present invention systems. Images will be stored at the regional processing center in a information management system and at remote customer service units via an image repository. The gateway will handle inbound and outbound image conversion. The local trade records management system gateway will handle communications between the customer service unit and regional processing center.  
         [0057]     The system includes a gateway to automatically update database records with a bank reference number when it is assigned and remove the item from the trade service representative (TSR) work queue. A flag on the document record indicates if the user may close the item or if the item is closed by an automatic feed from the transaction processing system.  
         [0058]     The update application will read a flat file that is transmitted to the central trade records information management system of the present invention server via a network data mover (NDM) from the system. The flat file will contain a local trade records management system ID and a bank reference number for transactions processed during the business day. The update program is run nightly.  
         [0059]     The trade records information management system of the present invention will operate on Local Area Networks (LAN) at each site that are connected via a TCP/IP network. Depending on the capacity of the network, it might be advisable to limit image traffic across the network to batch transmissions between the local trade records management system and the central trade records information management system. However, where network capacity permits, it is preferably to allow direct access of images from the central trade records information management system. Data will traverse the network via structured query language (SQL) requests from the clients to the central trade records information management system of the present invention server at the regional processing center. The system preferable includes a graphic SQL interference to allow use by users not experienced in structured query language.  
         [0060]     The trade records information management system of the present invention is based on several open architectures that will allow a bank to expand the application by adding additional servers, increasing processing power in existing servers, distributing data and images to remote sites, and the like.  
         [0061]     The trade records information management system of the present invention is designed to be flexible in work assignment. Routing rules can be implemented to change workflow from one module to another or one user group to another with minimal or no application modifications. New queues can be created by the system support team by inheriting characteristics from an existing queue class and adding unique queue characteristics.  
         [0062]     The system includes means for inputting hard copy items into the system. A scanner  136  is preferably used for this purpose, but any other input device may also be used to input hard copy items into the system. Other items are obtained electronically or are generated internally. All items are indexed with an indexer  138 , (at step  138 ), reviewed by a document checker  140 , assigned to a transaction service representative  142 , as defined by a system administrator and routing rules. The TSR work flow is monitored by a Supervisor  146 , and all customer inquiries are performed by the customer service representative  148 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 2  illustrates data flow between the system and peripheral devices outside the system. Everything within the dotted line labeled  168  represents features of the system that interact with systems external to the information management system, which are shown outside the boundaries of the dotted line  168 . When an opening bank  150 , (for example an importer&#39;s home branch bank or a correspondent bank) initiates a transaction, transaction information is sent as either electronic data  156  (such as in SWIFT or telex format), or as a hard copy  152 , (such as by mail or facsimile). Other data, such as daily message files, transaction files, header files, and system control files  164  are sent electronically to a gateway server  162  maintained at a regional processing center (RPC). Incoming and outgoing messages and transaction outputs  166  are also sent through the gateway  162 .  
         [0064]     If inbound hard copy data or electronic data from the gateway  162  require indexing, preprocessing is performed at step  158 . After the preprocessing is performed at step  158 , the data is sent to the transaction folders  170 . Items that have already been associated with a folder identification are directly sent to the transaction folders  170 .  
         [0065]     More particularly, for inbound hard copy data  152 , each document (item) is sent to preprocessing  158  for scanning, indexing, and review. Once the review is complete, the item is saved into a particular transaction folder or a new transaction folder is created. If there is an existing folder, internal data  172  from OSAR or the magnetic disks is used to update the folder. The system of the present invention also includes means that allow the transaction service representative  174  to manage the transaction from initiation to completion, and to permit the CSR  175  to handle customer service inquiries  176 . In the currently preferred embodiment these means are specially programmed general purpose computers and telecommunication equipment, but any means that allows the transaction service representative and CSR to perform their respective functions could be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that several different types of reports can be prepared using the system databases  178 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 3  diagrams in greater detail the interaction of the gateway  162  of  FIG. 2 . Incoming data from the customer service units  179  represented in solid lines consist of control files and image files. The image files are stored in a tagged-image-file-format (TIFF) format (a standard that defines a format in which graphic images are stored on a disk). The data records relating to the images are stored in control files  180 . The gateway at the regional processing center  181  passes the control files, converts the image files, writes status and errors  182  to a gateway queue  183 , and sends the data and images  184  to the information management system  185  for data management. The gateway and the information management system functions insert a record into the gateway queue when a system action must be correspondingly performed at the customer service unit.  
         [0067]     For outgoing instructional information, the gateway  189  reads the gateway queue records  187  to determine the action to be taken. This action, sent by the information management system  185 , may be instructions  186 , preparations, or status data  188  stored in the gateway queue that need to be communicated with the customer service unit  179 . For outgoing data and images from the information management system, the gateway converts the TIFF image files and creates control files  191 , and sends the images electronically to the customer service unit  179 .  
         [0068]     The operation of the information management system diagramed in  FIG. 1  is illustrated starting with  FIG. 4  at step  200 . The program manager awaits selection of the system. After selection, the sign-on window prompts the user to enter their user ID number and password at step  202 . If the user ID number does not correspond to that which is stored in a user profile record (at step  204 ) the system displays an error message  206  and returns to the sign on window  202 .  
         [0069]     If the user ID number matches a user profile record, then the system verifies whether the security time period as defined by the system administrator (at step  207 ) has elapsed. If the time period has elapsed, then the system forces the user to change their password (at step  232 ). If the time period has not elapsed, then the user ID number and password is passed to the image server by the system ( 210 ). If the image server does not verify the user ID number and password connection (at step  212 ) and there have not been a specified number of incorrect inputs (at step  214 ), then the system displays an error message (at step  206 ), and returns to the sign on window (at step  202 ). If the user has exceeded the specified number of incorrect inputs (at step  214 ), then the system updates the user profile record with a status of lockout (at step  216 ) and the system exits (at step  218 ). The lockout status can only be unlocked by the system administrator as shown at step  246 .  
         [0070]     When a connection with the image server is made (at step  212 ), then a connection is made with the system server for user ID and password verification (at step  220 ). Once the connection is completed, a connection is made with the local system database at the workstation (at step  222 ) and prompts the user&#39;s sign-on history window indicating the date and time of the successful logon, the number of unsuccessful logon attempts, and in a bar graph form, the transfer and update of reference tables to the workstation (at step  226 ). Once completed, the system prompts the main menu (at step  228 ) to allow the user to select a particular process dependent on the user ID status (at step  230 ). If the user selects the password process (at step  232 ), the system displays the change password window (at step  223 ) described in  FIG. 5 . If the user selects the messages process (at step  234 ), the system displays the message queue window (at step  235 ) described in  FIG. 6 . If the user selects the index process (at step  236 ), the system displays the index queue window (at step  237 ) described in  FIG. 8 . If the user selects the document checker process (at step  238 ), the system displays the document checker queue window (at step  239 ) described in  FIG. 11 . If the user selects the TSR process (at step  240 ), the system displays the TSR Queue window (at step  241 ) described in  FIG. 13 . If the user selects the supervisor process (at step  242 ), the system displays the supervisor queue window (at step  243 ) described in  FIG. 13 . If the user selects the CSR process (at step  244 ), the system displays the CSR Queue window (at step  245 ) described in  FIG. 16 . If the user selects the System Administrator process (at step  246 ), the system displays the table maintenance window (at step  247 ) described in  FIG. 17 . The user may select “Logout” (at step  248 ) to exit the system (at step  249 ).  
         [0071]     If the system forces the user to change their password at step  207 , or if the user selects the “Password” process at step  232 , the system displays the change password window ( FIG. 5 , step  306 ). The user enters the new password (at step  308 ), and then re-enters the new password (at step  310 ). The system prompts the user if the new password should be entered into the system (at step  312 ). A selection of cancel (at step  314 ) exits the process and returns the user to the main menu (at step  326 ). A selection of OK verifies the password against the image server logon password (at step  318 ). If the password is verified, then the system verifies against the database server (at step  320 ). If the password is verified, then the system changes the password for the image and database server (at step  322 ) and exits the process and returns to the main menu (at step  326 ). If the password does not pass either the image server or database server verifications, then the user is asked to either re-enter password or select cancel (at step  324 ).  
         [0072]     When a message is sent from User A to User B, a message from the Message Server Application for new messages (at step  384 ) is received through the Message Alert window. If user does not wish to read the message, the system returns to the previous window (at step  390 ). If the user wishes to read the message, the user selects Read (at step  392 ) to display message.  
         [0073]     If the user selects the Messages process (at step  234 ), the system accesses the Current Message Table ( FIG. 6 , step  352 ) searching for messages with a recipient ID number the same as the User ID number. The following table shows the structure of the Current Message Table.  
                                             CURRENT MESSAGE TABLE            FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE               Message ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Recipient User   Data containing 8   123ABC45       ID   characters       Message Read   Boolean   T = message read       Flag       F = message not read                  
 
         [0074]     The Message Queue window is displayed listing matching records (at step  354 ) with the date of message, the sender ID number, our reference number, other bank reference number, several characters of the message and the status of the message. The uses may read any selected messages (at step  360 ) or send a new message (at step  364 ). If the user does not wish to read or send a message, then select Cancel to return to the main menu (at step  366 ).  
         [0075]     If the user selects Send message, then the system displays the Send Message window (at step  368 ), allowing the user to input a message of less than or equal to 2000 characters using the Message Detail box (at step  372 ). The user must direct the message to a primary recipient and may direct the message to a cc recipient (at step  374 ). To deliver the message, the workstation connects with the message server port (at step  376 ) and reads the parameters from the configuration file (at step  378 ). The message is read as it passes through the message server (at step  380 ) and the system creates a record in the Message Table, the User Message Resolution Relationship Table and in the post processor queue (at step  382 ). The Message Table and the User Message Relationship Resolution Table are represented below.  
                                             MESSAGE TABLE            FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE               Message ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Folder ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Message Date   DD-MON-YY HH.MI.SS.   01-MAR-96       and Time       11:03:22       Sender User ID   Data containing 8   123ABC45           characters       Message Text   Variable length data   This is a           up to 2000 characters   description of               the types of tables.                  
 
         [0076]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 USER MESSAGE RELATIONSHIP RESOLUTION TABLE 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 FIELD NAME 
                 DESCRIPTION 
                 EXAMPLE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Message ID 
                 Integer generated in a 
                 19521400393 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pattern SYYJJJNNNNN 
               
               
                   
                 Recipient User 
                 Data containing 8 
                 123ABC45 
               
               
                   
                 ID 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Primary 
                 Data containing 1 
                 P = primary 
               
               
                   
                 Recipient Flag 
                 character 
                 C = carbon copy 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0077]     If the user wishes to read a selected message ( FIG. 7 , step  402 ), then the system displays the Message Detail window (at step  404 ). The system displays the message retrieved from the Message Table using the key field Message ID (at step  406 ) and displays the date of message sent, the sender name, our reference number, other bank reference number, and the message. Once retrieved, the system marks the message as read on the Current Message Table (at step  408 ). If the user is a primary recipient (at step  410 ), and the message is associated with a folder (at step  412 ), then the system saves the message by deleting the message from the Current Message Table and inserting a record into the post processor to store message on the image server (at step  414 ). If the message read by the primary recipient is not associated with a folder, or if the user is a cc recipient (at step  418 ) and has completed reading the message (at step  420 ), then the system deletes message from the Current Message Table (at step  416 ). The user can reply to the message (at step  422 ) by invoking the Send Message window (at step  368 ).  
         [0078]     If the user selects the Index process (at step  236 ), the system reads the index queue and displays the Index Queue window ( FIG. 8 , step  452 ) listing items awaiting indexing. The index queue provides field boxes for item priority, product type, operation type, scan date, scan type, scan location, number of pages, current status, scanner ID, user ID, and a transmedium code displayed in the Index Queue window.  
         [0079]     To print the Index Queue window, the user selects Item: Print (at step  466 ) to invoke the print function (at step  468 ) and send the displayed items to the print queue (at step  470 ). The user can select Options (at step  472 ) for a array of functions, including Search (at step  474 ) that invokes the Search function (at step  476 ) and Summary (at step  478 ). Sort (at step  482 ) is available allowing the user to change the default index sort using priority, product type, scan date and scan location (at step  484 ). The system reads the new sort (at step  486 ) before returning control back to the Index Queue (at step  488 ). Other available options are Clear (at step  490 ) that erases the content of the queue (at step  492 ), Auto Next (at step  494 ) that initializes the Item Detail window with the next queue entry (at step  496 ) and Messages (at step  498 ) that invokes the Message process described in  FIG. 6 . Selecting help (at step  502 ) invokes the system help function (at step  504 ).  
         [0080]     If there are no items in the index queue, then the user is notified by a message box and control is return to the main menu (at step  456 ). If there are items in the index queue (at step  454 ), then the items are sorted by priority in and scan date and time in descending order (at step  458 ). When the user selects an item to index (at step  460 ), the entry is inserted into the Row Lock table (at step  462 ) and the system displays the Index Entry window for data input alongside the Image Display window (at step  508 ). The structure of the Row Lock Table is shown below.  
                                                 ROW LOCK TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Table Name   Variable length up   Item Table               to 12 characters           Key Fields   Variable length up   Document ID               to 35 characters           User ID   Data containing 8   123ABC45               characters           Locked Date   DD-MON-YY HH.MI.SS.   01-MAR-96           and Time       11:03:22                      
 
         [0081]     Field names are read and updated from the product and operation reference tables when the product and operation type are selected (at step  509 ). The user initially decides to accept or reject the scanned document (at step  514 ). If the image is rejected, the user invokes the reject function (at step  516 ) that passes control to the Reject window illustrated in  FIG. 26  and the item is removed from the locked table and rejected back to scanning described in  FIG. 19 .  
         [0082]     If the image is an inquiry about an instrument that has not been opened by the home bank (at step  520 ), then the user creates a new Customer Service Number (CSN) (at step  522 ). The system creates a new folder with a unique reference number and prompts the Index Entry window with unlocked data entry fields (at step  524 ). The user enters data for the item using the Index Entry window (at step  548 ).  
         [0083]     If the field our reference number is known (at step  526 ), then the user inputs number (at step  528 ). When the inputted our reference number is new and not associated with a folder (at step  530 ), then the system creates a new folder and unlocks the data entry fields (at step  538 ) for data input (at step  548 ). When the inputted our reference number is associated with a folder, then the system accesses the Folder Table illustrated in  FIG. 38 , inputs the available folder level data, and item data fields remain unlocked (at step  532 ) for data input (at step  548 ).  
         [0084]     When the user does not know our reference number, then the user can initiate a folder search (at step  534 ) by selecting Options—Search (at step  540 ) or create a new folder (at step  536 ). The folder search initiates the Search window (at step  542 ) allowing the user to select an appropriate folder (at step  544 ). When the user selects the appropriate folder, the folder level data is locked with item level fields unlocked in the Index Entry window (at step  546 ). If a new folder is created, the Index Entry window is displayed with unlocked data entry fields.  
         [0085]     Once all data is inputted into the unlocked fields (at step  548 ), the user can save the input ( FIG. 10 , step  554 ) by selecting the Complete button (at step  556 ). The item is routed based on the information entered and on routing rules maintained by the System Administrator (at step  558 ). The record is then removed from the Lock Table. The user may also select cancel, which deletes the record from the lock table and unlocks the record (at step  562 ).  
         [0086]     If more detail of the document is needed (at step  510 ), the user can invoke the Document Breakout window ( FIG. 10 , step  566 ) that accesses the Document Breakout Table (at step  568 ), as shown below, which allows the user to delete, add, or modify the existing document type from the table (at step  570 ).  
                                                 DOCUMENT BREAKOUT TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Item ID   Integer   0, 1, 2, 3 . . .           Starting Page   Positive integer   1, 2, 3 . . .           Number           Document Type   Data containing 3   123           Code   characters           Ending Page   Positive integer   1, 2, 3 . . .           Number           Copies   Variable length up   Entered as text               to 10 characters   in form of 1/1,                   2/1 to account                   for multiple                   copies expected                   and received.                      
 
 If the user (checker) selects the Document Checker process (at step  238 ), the system displays the Document Checker Queue window ( FIG. 11 , step  602 ) listing items awaiting review. The queue provides field boxes for item priority, product type, operation type, our reference number, other bank reference number, corporate compliance check, scan date, scan location, current status, scanner ID and scan time displayed in the queue window. 
 
         [0088]     If the item list is empty (at step  604 ), then the system displays a warning message (at step  606 ) and the system returns control to the desktop (at step  608 ). When the item list is not empty, then the items are sorted based on the default sort order (at step  610 ) or user defined sort order (at step  634 ). The checker selects an item for display (at step  612 ), and if the item is viewed by others (at step  614 ), then the item is displayed in read-only status with the edit function disabled (at step  616 ). If the item is not viewed by others, then the system inserts the item record into the Lock Table (at step  617 ).  
         [0089]     If the item is currently pending, then the system displays the Pend History window for review (at step  619 ). If the item is not pending, the system displays a split screen with the Document Checker Item Detail window for indexing information and the Image Display window for viewing the scanned document (at step  620 ). The Save button is disabled and the Complete and Re-check buttons are enabled.  
         [0090]     To reject the scanned item, the checker selects Reject (at step  636 ) that displays the Reject window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To route an item to another user, Route (at step  640 ) is selected that invokes the Route window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To pend an item, Pend (at step  644 ) is selected that invokes the Process Pending function described in  FIG. 23 . To print the Document Checker Queue window, the checker selects Print (at step  648 ) to invoke the print function and send the displayed items to the print queue (at step  650 ). The checker can view the item folder in detail by selecting Folder Detail (at step  652 ) that invokes the folder detail window described in  FIG. 22 . Search (at step  656 ) invokes the Search function (at step  658 ) and Summary (at step  660 ) invokes the Summary function diagramed in  FIG. 25 . Sort (at step  664 ) is available allowing the checker to change the default sort order using the sort window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Other available options are Corporate Compliance Check (at step  668 ) illustrated in  FIG. 24 , Refresh (at step  672 ) that re-reads the Document Checker queue (at step  674 ), and Change Folder (at step  632 ) that invokes the Folder Maintenance window for the System Administrator (at step  634 ) described in  FIG. 17 . Messages (at step  628 ) invokes the Message process described in  FIG. 6 . Selecting help (at step  624 ) invokes the system help function (at step  626 ).  
         [0091]     The checker is allowed to edit fields when in the Document Checker Item Detail window ( FIG. 12 , step  678 ). If the checker chooses to edit fields (at step  680 ), then the system changes mode and disables the Complete and Re-check buttons and enables the Save button and all field are unlocked from the read-only status (at step  682 ). After the checker edits the appropriate fields, the checker can choose to save the edits (at step  684 ). If the checker selects Cancel, then the system re-locks the fields for read-only status (at step  686 ). To choose to save the edits, the checker selects Save, allowing the system to update the document and folder level detail records (at step  688 ). The system disables Save, enables the Edit, Complete and Re-Check options, and places all fields in read-only status by re-locking fields (at step  690 ).  
         [0092]     If there is no field editing to be performed, the system mode remains with the Save button disabled and the Complete and Re-check buttons enabled (at step  692 ). The checker must decide whether to accept the review item (at step  694 ), have the item re-checked by another checker (at step  700 ), or ignore review process with the record deleted from the lock table and the system returns to the queue window (at step  704 ). If the item is acceptable (at step  694 ), the system displays the Route window (at step  696 ) with the route information passing to the route function. A record is created of the route and inserted into the Route History Table displayed below. If the item is re-checked (at step  700 ), then the item is returned to the Document Checker queue flagged for a second check (at step  702 ). The item is never checked by the same checker.  
                                             ROUTE HISTORY TABLE            FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE               Document ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Route Date   DD-MON-YY HH.MI.SS.   01-MAR-96       and Time       11:03:22       From User ID   Data containing 8   123ABC45           characters       To User ID   Data containing 8   123ABC45           characters       Route Memo   Variable length up   This is a           to 2000 characters   description of               the types of routes.                  
 
         [0093]     The TSR and Supervisor processes are similar in user functionality except that the Supervisor has the additional capability of accessing Aging reports and performing reassignment control ( FIG. 13 , step  754 ). If the user selects the TSR (at step  240 ) or Supervisor (at step  242 ) process, the system displays either the TSR or Supervisor Queue window (at step  752 ). The queue provides product type, operation type, receipt date, router User ID number, beneficiary name and location, corporate compliance check status, L/C (letter of credit) amount, currency amount, our reference number, other bank name and reference number, current status, route date, and manual complete flag.  
         [0094]     If the item list is empty (at step  758 ), then the system displays a warning message (at step  760 ) and the system returns control to the desktop (at step  762 ). When the item list is not empty, then the items are sorted based on the default sort order (at step  764 ) or user defined sort order (at step  820 ). The user selects an item for display (at step  765 ), then the system inserts the item record into the Lock Table (at step  768 ) if the item is not pending (at step  766 ).  
         [0095]     If the item is currently pending, then the system displays the Pend History window illustrated in  FIG. 26  for review. If the item is not pending, the system displays a split screen with the transaction service representative or Supervisor Item Detail window for indexing information and the Image Display window for viewing the scanned document (at step  770 ). The Save button is disabled and the Complete and Pend buttons are enabled.  
         [0096]     To reject the scanned item, the user selects Reject (at step  792 ) and the system displays the Reject window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To route an item to another user, Route (at step  796 ) is selected that invokes the Route window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To pend an item, Pend (at step  800 ) is selected that invokes the Process Pending function described in  FIG. 23 . To print the TSR or Supervisor Queue window, the user selects Print (at step  804 ) to invoke the print function and send the displayed items to the print queue (at step  806 ). The user can view the item folder in detail by selecting Folder Detail (at step  808 ) that invokes the folder detail window described in  FIG. 22 . Search (at step  812 ) invokes the Search function (at step  814 ) and Summary (at step  816 ) invokes the Summary function diagramed in  FIG. 25 . Sort (at step  820 ) is available allowing the user to change the default sort order using the Sort window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Other available options are Corporate Compliance Check (at step  824 ) illustrated in  FIG. 24 , Refresh (at step  828 ) that re-reads the TSR or Supervisor queue (at step  830 ), and Change Folder (at step  788 ) that allows the user to change or create a new folder for the item as described in  FIG. 21 . To specifically search for a folder, Search Folder (at step  776 ) is selected, invoking the Folder Search function described in  FIG. 21 . For a history of a particular folder related to the item, Folder History can be selected (at step  772 ), invoking the Folder History window (at step  774 ). Inquiry (at step  784 ) invokes the inquiry function as described in  FIG. 20 . Selecting help (at step  780 ) invokes the system help function (at step  782 ).  
         [0097]     The user is allowed to edit fields when in the TSR or Supervisor Item Detail window ( FIG. 14 , step  834 ). If the user chooses to edit fields (at step  836 ), then the system changes mode and disables the Complete and Pend buttons and enables the Save button and all field are unlocked from the read-only status (at step  838 ). After the user edits the appropriate fields, the user can choose to save the edits (at step  840 ). If the user selects Cancel, then the system re-locks the fields for read-only status (at step  842 ). To save edits, the user selects Save, allowing the system to update the document and folder level detail records (at step  844 ). The system disables the Save, enables the Edit, Complete and Pend options, and places all fields in read-only status by re-locking fields (at step  846 ).  
         [0098]     If there is no field editing to be performed, the system mode remains with the Save button disabled and the Complete and Pend buttons enabled (at step  848 ). The user must decide whether to accept the reviewed item (at step  850 ), have the item pended (at step  856 ), or ignore the review process with the record deleted from the lock table and the system returns to the queue window (at step  860 ). If the item is acceptable. (at step  850 ), the system updates the document and folder detail records with the completed date and time (at step  852 ). The document is then complete (at step  854 ). If the item is to be pended (at step  856 ), the pend function is invoked (at step  858 ) as described in  FIG. 23  and the item status is changed to Pend. The record is deleted from the lock table and the system returns to the queue window (at step  860 ).  
         [0099]     As stated before, the supervisor has the capability of accessing Aging reports and performing reassignment control (at step  754 ). If the supervisor selects Reassignment (at step  864 ), the user reassigns the work (including mail) from one user to another user indicating the item type and status (at step  866 ). If the supervisor selects Aging (at step  868 ), the system accesses the TSR and/or CSR queue information (at step  870 ) for presenting different types of reports. For an Item Time Report (at step  872 ), the report is prepared by entry or receipt date (at step  874 ). For an Overall Report (at step  876 ), the report is prepared by the overall aggregated status for CSRs or TSRs (at step  878 ). For a TSR Report (at step  880 ), the report is prepared using TSR aggregated by status or status aggregate by TSR (at step  882 ). For a CSR Report (at step  884 ), the report is prepared using CSR aggregated by status or status aggregate by transaction service representative (at step  884 ).  
         [0100]     If the user selects the CSR process (at step  244 ), the system displays the CSR Queue window (at step  902 ). The queue provides product type, operation type, receipt date, router User ID number, beneficiary name and location, L/C (letter of credit) currency and amount, our reference number, other bank name and reference number, current status, route date, and manual complete flag.  
         [0101]     If the item list is empty (at step  904 ), then the system displays a warning message (at step  906 ) and the system returns control to the desktop (at step  908 ). When the item list is not empty, then the items are sorted based on the default sort order (at step  910 ) or user defined sort order (at step  964 ). The user selects an item for display (at step  911 ), then the system inserts the item record into the Lock Table (at step  914 ) if the item is not pending (at step  912 ).  
         [0102]     If the item is pending, then the system displays the Pend History window illustrated in  FIG. 31  for review. If the item is not pending, the system displays a split screen with the CSR Item Detail window containing indexing information and the Image Display window for viewing the scanned document (at step  916 ). The Complete button is enabled.  
         [0103]     To reject the scanned item, the user selects Reject (at step  936 ) which displays the Reject window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To route an item to another user, Route (at step  940 ) is selected that invokes the Route window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . To pend an item, Pend (at step  944 ) is selected that invokes the Process Pending function described in  FIG. 23 . To print the CSR Queue window, the user selects Print (at step  948 ) to invoke the print function and send the displayed items to the print queue (at step  950 ). The user can view the item folder in detail by selecting Folder Detail (at step  952 ) that invokes the folder detail window described in  FIG. 22 . Search (at step  956 ) invokes the Search function (at step  958 ) and Summary (at step  960 ) invokes the Summary function diagramed in  FIG. 25 . Sort (at step  964 ) is available allowing the user to change the default sort order using the sort window illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Other available options are Inquiry (at step  930  for item based and  966  for general inquiry) as described in  FIG. 20 , and Refresh (at step  970 ) that re-reads the CSR queue (at step  972 ). Selecting help (at step  926 ) invokes the system help function (at step  928 ).  
         [0104]     The user must decide whether to accept the reviewed item (at step  918 ), or ignore the review process with the record deleted from the lock table and the system returns to the CSR queue window (at step  917 ). If the item is acceptable (at step  918 ), then the item is sent back to the sender (at step  922 ) when the sender is not an indexer (at step  920 ), or the item is sent by routing rules when the sender was an indexer (at step  924 ).  
         [0105]     If the user selects the System Administrator process (at step  246 ), the system displays the Table Maintenance window ( FIG. 17 , step  1002 ). Access to items different between a System Administrator and a System Controller (at step  1004 ). If the user is a System Controller, access is limited to approving or rejecting modified table records (at step  1006 ). A System Administrator may initially choose Reference or System Data (at step  1006 ) or may select an item from the Target Action box (at step  1010 ) for viewing (at step  1012 ). If the reject flag is “Yes”, then the reset button is enabled (at step  1022 ), allowing the administrator to reset current record (at step  1024 ), which deleted the record from the specified table&#39;s approval table (at step  1026 ). The system updates and locks status flag in the specified table (at step  1028 ).  
         [0106]     If the System Administrator selects System Data, then the system provides a list of all modifiable system tables in the list box (at step  1016 ). If the System Administrator selects Reference Data, then the system provides a list of all modifiable reference tables in the list box (at step  1018 ). The administrator can select the table to be modified using the Target Action box (at step  1018 ). The system displays the table in the Maintenance window (at step  1020 ). The administrator can display the current record (at step  1030 ), add a new record to the table (at step  1032 ), modify a current record (at step  1034 ), delete a current record (at step  1054 ), or unlock a current record (at step  1056 ). When the administrator wishes to modify a current record (at step  1032 ), then the system locks the record and changes the status in the specified table (at step  1036 ). The system then creates the new modified record in the specified table&#39;s approval table addressing the changes made by the administrator (at step  1038 ) and unlocks the record for the modified table (at step  1040 ).  
         [0107]     The System Controller must approve or reject the modifications (at step  1042 ). If the controller approves of the modifications (at step  1050 ), then the system locks the reference table record and updates the changed values and status. The system then unlocks the reference table record and deletes the current record from the approval table. The system then locks the system tables and updates last modified date field. The system unlocks the system table (at step  1052 ). If the controller rejects a modification made by the administrator, then the status of the specified table in the approval table is changed to rejected (at step  1046 ) with a recorded reason. The rejected modification is returned to the System Administrator for review (at step  1048 ).  
         [0108]     If the table selected from step  1018  was a modifiable User or Routing Rules Table (at step  1054 ), then additional detail tables are presented. If a User Table is selected for modification ( FIG. 18 , step  1060 ), then the system displays the User Profile window (at step  1062 ) that access data from the User Profile Reference Table displayed in  FIG. 37 . If the System Administrator is creating a new user (at step  1064 ), then the administrator inserts available information about the user into the associated field boxes (at step  1066 ), and the system creates the new record, inserting the data into the User Profile Reference Table (at step  1068 ). If the System Administrator is modifying an existing record, then the system locks the user record in the User Profile Reference Table allowing the administrator to update the record (at step  1072 ). Once complete, the system unlocks the user record from the User Profile Reference Table (at step  1074 ).  
         [0109]     If a Rules Detail Table is selected for modification (at step  1076 ), then the system displays the Routing Rules window that access data from the Rule Detail Reference Table displayed below.  
                                                 RULE DETAIL REFERENCE TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Rule ID   Integer   0, 1, 2, 3 . . .           Origin ID   Integer   0, 1, 2, 3 . . .           Processing   Positive Integer   1, 2, 3 . . .           Order           Attribute   Variable length up   Attribute               to 31 characters           Operator   Data containing 2   12               characters           Value   Variable length up   Value               to 31 characters           Connector   Data containing 1   1               character           Record Status   Data containing 1   A               character                      
 
 The System Administrator is required to input the queue class, such as CSR, TSR, Supervisor, Indexer, or Scanner, and input the item status (at step  1078 ). The destination is determined by using C if the item is to be routed to a cluster or U if the item is to be routed to an user (at step  1080 ). The processing order is determined by inputting a positive integer, with processing proceeding in order of the smallest positive integer (at step  1082 ). The administrator must then enter an attribute (item field type), an operator, a value and connecter (at step  1084 ). Once completed, the user selects OK and the system updates or adds the rules to the Rule Detail Reference Table (at step  1086 ). 
 
         [0111]     To perform scanning, the user must go through a separate logon process because it is a standalone module (at step  1102 ). The functionality of the logon process is the same as the system logon process, as the user must sign on to the Scan module to access the scan functions. The scanner must have a user profile record and a user ID and password assigned to the image server and the database server. Once connected, the system retrieves the workspace and document class files, for providing access to the image server scan functions (at step  1103 ).  
         [0112]     The system displays the Scan Queue window to initiate the scanning process (at step  1104 ). The queue provides field boxes for priority, product type, operation type, scan date and time, batch ID, number of pages, scanner ID number, reject reason code, reject user ID number, and reject site boxes. To scan a document, the scanner selects “Scan!” (at step  1106 ) from the menu that displays the Scan Mode window (at step  1108 ). The scanner selects the product type (at step  1110 ), the operation type (at step  1112 ), the document type, the number of copies received and expected to receive inputted (at step  1114 ), and the priority assigned to the task (at step  1116 ). If the item is a rescanned item (at step  1138 ), then the user selects the appropriate item for rescanning (at step  1140 ), and selects “ReScan!” (at step  1142 ), which invokes the system to display the Scan Mode window with the selected entries for rescanning (at step  1143 ). Whether the item is a new document to be scanned, or a rescanned document, the user must select OK to define document batch or Cancel to return to the Scan Queue window (at step  1118 ).  
         [0113]     When OK is selected, the system invokes the image server scanner panel for scanning and scanner control (at step  1120 ). Once the batch is scanned and the user selects Done from the control menu (at step  1122 ), then the system prompts the scanner with a Batch Accept/Reject window (at step  1124 ) to accept or reject the scanned document (at step  1126 ). If the scanner rejects the batch, then the image server panel is closed, the scanned document is deleted and awaiting rescanning (at step  1128 ). If the document is a rescan, then the scan queue entry is unlocked (at step  1130 ). If the scanner accepts the batch (at step  1126 ), and if the document is a rescan (at step  1132 ), then the system deletes the scan queue entry and record from the lock table (at step  1134 ). If the document is accepted but is not a rescan, then the document is saved to optical disk and the post processor queue record is written and processed by the scan batch function in the post processor (at step  1136 ). The document is awaiting indexing.  
         [0114]     The user can select options (at step  1144 ) to initiate the Search and Summary functions (at step  1446 ). The Search selection invokes the View Folder window (at step  1148 ) described in  FIG. 21  and the Summary selection invokes the Summary window illustrated in  FIG. 25 . Selecting help (at step  1152 ) invokes the system help function (at step  1154 ).  
         [0115]     The system provides a method of handling customer inquiries. This option can be selected from the CSR, TSR or Supervisor, and provides the user, upon receiving a customer inquiry, the ability to search for a folder and display the contents. When invoked from the queue window (at step  1172 ), the system displays an empty Inquiry Log window (at step  1174 ). The log provides boxes for product type, current date and time, current User ID number, contact name, name of company/bank, phone number of caller, our reference number, other bank reference number, inquiry party, inquiry type, inquiry method, status, user ID number of router, date item was routed, and a memo field for any additional information. The user inputs the company/bank name, inquiry method, inquiry party and inquiry type (at step  1178 ), and the system returns with a full Inquiry Log window (at step  1180 ).  
         [0116]     If the inquiry can be resolved at the time of review (at step  1182 ), then the user is prompted to select the appropriate reason codes from the Inquiry Resolve window (at step  1184 ) populated by data from the Pend Reason Reference Tables displayed below.  
                                                 PEND REASON LEVEL ONE REFERENCE TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Product Code   Data containing 1   1               character           Operation Code   Data containing 6   123ABC               characters           Pend Reason   Data containing 3   123           Level One Code   characters           Pend Reason   Variable length up   Tom Jones           Level One Name   to 35 characters           Record Status   Data containing 1   A               character                      
 
         [0117]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PEND REASON LEVEL TWO REFERENCE TABLE 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 FIELD NAME 
                 DESCRIPTION 
                 EXAMPLE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Product Code 
                 Data containing 1 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 character 
               
               
                   
                 Operation Code 
                 Data containing 6 
                 123ABC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Pend Reason 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level One Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Pend Reason 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level Two Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Pend Reason 
                 Variable length up 
                 Greta Jones 
               
               
                   
                 Level Two Name 
                 to 35 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Record Status 
                 Data containing 1 
                 A 
               
               
                   
                   
                 character 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0118]     The inquiry is then deleted from the user work queue, and the inquiry log details are sent as documents to the image server (at step  1186 ). The entry is inserted into the Inquiry History Table and the inquiry is returned to the folder. The Inquiry History Table is shown below.  
                                             INQUIRY HISTORY TABLE            FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE               Document ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Inquiry Date   DD-MON-YY HH.MI.SS.   01-MAR-96       and Time       11:03:22       Inquiry Type   Data containing 4   123A       Code   characters       Inquiry Party   Data containing 4   123A       Code   characters       Inquiry Method   Data containing 4   123A       Code   characters       Inquiry Handler   Data containing 8   123ABC45       User ID   characters       Inquiry Bank   Variable length up   Austin Bank       Name   to 35 characters       Inquiry Contact   Variable length up   John Jones       Name   to 35 characters       Inquiry Contact   Variable length up   15121234567       Phone Number   to 20 characters       Inquiry Contact   Variable length up   15121234567       Fax Number   to 20 characters                  
 
         [0119]     If the inquiry can not be resolved at the time of review, then the user can Pend the inquiry (at step  1188 ), place the inquiry as In-Process (at step  1196 ), or ignore the inquiry and return to the previous window (at step  1194 ). When the inquiry is pended, the user is prompted to select an appropriate reason and source for the pend from data from the Inquiry Pending window (at step  1190 ) that is populated by data from the Pend Reason Reference Tables. The inquiry is updated on the user work queue (at step  1192 ) and the entry is inserted into the Inquiry History table. If the inquiry is classified as In-Process (at step  1196 ), then the system writes the inquiry to the work queue for the originating user with a status of In-Process ( 1198 ). When the placement of an inquiry as Pending or In-process is complete, the system returns control to the previous window (at step  1200 ).  
         [0120]     To clear the fields in the Inquiry Log window, the user selects Clear (at step  1202 ). To go to the Inquiry History window, the user selects History (at step  1206 ). Search (at step  1210 ) invokes the Search function or the Folder Search function if the reference number is included (at step  1212 ). Summary (at step  1214 ) invokes the Summary function diagramed in  FIG. 25 . Selecting Reports (at step  1218 ) invokes the report windows illustrated in  FIG. 25  and selecting Messages (at step  1222 ) invokes the message queue described in  FIG. 6 . Selecting help (at step  1226 ) invokes the system help function (at step  1228 ). To route an item to another user, Route (at step  1230 ) can be selected to invoke the Route window illustrated in  FIG. 24 .  
         [0121]     The folder search function is designed to allow users to enter information about a folder, or a transaction in a folder, or to find the specific folder to review. The folder search function specifically can only be activated from the TSR or supervisor process as described in  FIG. 13 . However, the search function can be called from other functions to link a document to a folder. When the Folder Search function is invoked ( FIG. 21 , step  1252 ), the system displays the Folder Search window with the user entering available folder level information (at step  1254 ). If the user field input is our reference number, other bank reference number, opening bank or beneficiary claiming bank, then a “Wild Card” search can be used (at step  1256 ). If the user enters the date, amount, opening bank or beneficiary/claiming bank only, then the system prompts the user for additional information (at step  1258 ) If the opening bank with beneficiary/claiming bank is entered only, then the system prompts the user for the amount or date (at step  1260 ). If the amounts and opening bank or beneficiary/claiming bank is entered only, then the system prompts user for specific date or date range (at step  1262 ), with the maximum range entered for the date range is one month (at step  1264 ). The system does not enable the Find button (at step  1268 ) until the search parameters are satisfied (at step  1266 ). Once the search parameters are satisfied, the system enables the Find button, which activated the database search of the Folder Table. (at step  1270 ) displayed in  FIG. 29 .  
         [0122]     If the search produced more than one folder that meets the parameters (at step  1272 ), then the system invokes the Folder Select window providing a list of possible folder matches (at step  1274 ). The user may select a folder for detail (at step  1276 ) which invokes the Folder Detail window, or move the item to a new or different folder (at step  1275 ). The move or change folder option can also be invoked from  FIG. 13 , Sub5—Change Folder (at step  1282 ). If there is only one folder that meets the search parameters, then the system invokes the Folder-Detail window.  
         [0123]     If the user selects to move the item to an existing folder (at step  1284 ), the item is locked and inserted into the Lock Table, and the system displays the Document Detail window for updating (at step  1286 ). Once the folder has been moved and the tables updated, the system control returns to the previous window (at step  1292 ). If the user selects to move the item into a newly created folder (at step  1288 ), then the system assigns a new folder ID and displays the Document Detail window for updating (at step  1290 ). Once the system returns control to the previous window (at step  1292 ), the record is unlocked from the Lock Table (at step  1294 ).  
         [0124]     When only one folder meets the search parameters, or when a user selects a folder for detail from the Folder Select window, or when a user invokes the Folder Detail function ( FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 , and  FIG. 16 ), then the system invokes the Folder Detail window ( FIG. 22 , step  1302 ). The system displays a list of items from the folder (at step  1304 ). If no further detail is needed, the user may return to the previous window (at step  1332 ). The user may select an item from the folder for viewing (at step  1305 ), however, if the Folder Detail window was not invoked from the Inquiry Log window (at step  1306 ), then no linkage is needed (at step  1310 ) because the selected Document ID is known (at step  1312 ). If the Folder Detail window was invoked from the Inquiry Log window (at step  1306 ), then the Linkage button is enabled and the user can insert our reference number or other bank reference number (at step  1308 ). If either number is known, then no linkage is needed (at step  1310 ) because the Document ID is known (at step  1312 ). If the item is pending, then the user can view the Process Pending View window (at step  1316 ) by selecting the View Pend Detail (at step  1314 ). The user select display (at step  1318 ) to invoke the Document Detail window and image display window (at step  1320 ). The user can select inquiry (at step  1322 ) to invoke the Inquiry Log View window and image display window (at step  1324 ). The inquiry may be resolved or pending (at step  1326 ). If the inquiry is resolved, then the system displays the Inquiry Resolution Detail window in read-only status (at step  1328 ). If the inquiry is pending, then the system displays the Inquiry Pending Detail window in read-only status (at step  1330 ).  
         [0125]     If neither the our reference number or other bank reference number is known, then the inquiry must be linked with a folder (at step  1334 ). The user selects Link which closes the Folder Detail window, and copies our reference number and/or other bank reference number to the Inquiry Log window and fills data in the field boxes (at step  1336 ). The system returns to the Inquiry Log window (at step  1338 ).  
         [0126]     The Process Pending function can be invoked from the Document Checker, TSR, Supervisor, and CSR processes by selecting the Pend function when the item cannot be processed immediately due to discrepancies. When the Pend function is selected, the Process Pending window is invoked (at step  1352 ). The system displays the Process Pending window with the our reference number, other bank reference number, data and time and current User ID fields filled (at step  1354 ). The user can select a level one discrepancy reason from the pull down menu list accessed from the Discrepancy Level One Reference Table (at step  1356 ). The system returns with one or more level two discrepancy reasons accessed from the Discrepancy Level Two Reference Table (at step  1358 ). The user selects and adds the level two discrepancy reason from the list (at step  1360 ). The system returns with zero or more level three discrepancy reasons accessed from the Discrepancy Level Three Reference Table (at step  1362 ). The user selects and adds the level three discrepancy reason from the list (at step  1364 ).  
                                                 DISCREPANCY LEVEL ONE REFERENCE TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Pend Reason   Data containing 3   123           Level One Code   characters           Pend Reason   Data containing 3   123           Level Two Code   characters           Discrepancy   Data containing 3   123           Level One Code   characters           Product Code   Data containing 1   1               character           Operation Code   Data containing 6   123ABC               characters           Discrepancy   Variable length up   Julie Jones           Level One Name   to 35 characters           Record Status   Data containing 1   1               character                      
 
         [0127]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DISCREPANCY LEVEL TWO REFERENCE TABLE 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 FIELD NAME 
                 DESCRIPTION 
                 EXAMPLE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pend Reason 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level One Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Pend Reason 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level Two Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Discrepancy 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level One Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Discrepancy 
                 Data containing 3 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Level Two Code 
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Product Code 
                 Data containing 1 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 character 
               
               
                   
                 Operation Code 
                 Data containing 6 
                 123ABC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Discrepancy 
                 Variable length up 
                 Andy Jones 
               
               
                   
                 Level Two Name 
                 to 35 characters 
               
               
                   
                 Record Status 
                 Data containing 1 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 character 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0128]                                                      DISCREPANCY LEVEL THREE REFERENCE TABLE                FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE                       Pend Reason   Data containing 3   123           Level One Code   characters           Pend Reason   Data containing 3   123           Level Two Code   characters           Discrepancy   Data containing 3   123           Level One Code   characters           Discrepancy   Data containing 3   123           Level Two Code   characters           Discrepancy Level   Data containing 3   123           Three Code   characters           Product Code   Data containing 1   1               character           Operation Code   Data containing 6   123ABC               characters           Discrepancy Level   Variable length up   Cindy Jones           Three Name   to 35 characters           Record Status   Data containing 1   1               character                        
 The user can select a level one pend reason from the pull down menu list accessed from the Pend Level One Reason Reference Table (at step  1366 ). The system returns with zero to two level two pend reasons accessed from the Pend Level Two Reasons Reference Table (at step  1368 ). The user selects and adds the level two pend reason from the list (at step  1370 ). 
 
         [0130]     Once all the reasons have been selected, the user can delete any reasons (at step  1372 ). If the user chooses to, the reasons are removed from the selected list (at step  1378 ). The user can save the reasons by selects OK that updates the current users work queue with the pending status of the item (at step  1374 ). The system inserts the Level one, two, or three reason entries into the Pend History Table (at step  1376 ) shown below.  
                                             PEND HISTORY TABLE            FIELD NAME   DESCRIPTION   EXAMPLE               Document ID   Integer generated in a   19521400393           pattern SYYJJJNNNNN       Pend Date and   DD-MON-YY HH.MI.SS.   01-MAR-96       Time       11:03:22       Product Code   Data containing 1   1           character       Operation Code   Data containing 6   123ABC           characters       User ID   Data containing 8   123ABC45           characters       Pend Level One   Data containing 3   123       Code   characters       Pend Level Two   Data containing 3   123       Code   characters       Discrepancy   Data containing 3   123       Level One Code   characters       Discrepancy   Data containing 3   123       Level Two Code   characters       Discrepancy Level   Data containing 3   123       Three Code   characters                  
 
 Preferred Hardware and Systems Architecture 
 
         [0132]     The present invention uses an open systems approach that does not lock user sites into a particular hardware of software platform. The preferred client/server architecture splits processing between the end-user workstations and one or more servers.  
         [0133]     A single HP9000, model G90, may be used to support all server processes in a regional processing center. This includes FileNet&#39;s information management system, Oracle7 relational database management system (RDBMS), trade records information management system server processes, the update application, and the gateway between the local and central data storage means.  
         [0134]     The preferred minimum user configuration will consist of a 486/66 microcomputer having 16 Megabytes of RAM, 500 Megabyte hard drive, 19″ monitor with 1600×1200 resolution, mouse, MS-DOS 6.2, MS-Windows 3.11, PowerBuilder 3.0a, SQL*Net 1.1, and FileNet Desktop 3.13 with LAN Workplace for DOS TCP/IP support.  
         [0135]     The infrastructure of the trade records information management system of the present invention is broken into three main areas—image management, data management, and presentation.  
         [0136]     The trade records information management system of the present invention utilizes two image management systems to store and display images. FileNet&#39;s information management system and Optical Storage Retrieval (OSAR) System is implemented at the regional processing center as a central area to store and retrieve images. All images in the system are stored in this location. Remote locations with robust network links can also use this image repository.  
         [0137]     Since the image management and data management systems are separate modules, users have the option of using different management software. Two features of the trade records information management system of the present invention allow this functionality. First, the relational database has been designed to allow for multiple locations and formats of images for each document. This means that the same image can be stored in different locations, or even different image management systems. Second, the front-end application uses specific functions to retrieve images. By replacing or upgrading these functions for different sites, different image management packages can be used. Additionally, the front-end image retrieval function will allow for an escalation scheme to determine if an image that is not stored locally should be retrieved across the network.  
         [0138]     One significant aspect of the trade records information management system of the present invention is the conversion of the database to state of the art relational database management system (RDBMS), preferably Oracle7. The same server may be used for the relational database management system and the information management system (IMS). Larger regions may choose to split these two processes between multiple servers. In addition, it is expected that the data replication of relational database management systems, such as Oracle7, will be improved in future releases. Use of this technology will increase performance at the customer service unit and decrease inter-country network traffic.  
         [0139]     Another significant aspect of the trade records information management system of the present invention is that data access in each application module allows the user to access the database directly, rather than through FileNet queue services. Communication between the server and client is achieved through the provision of any means for allowing a plurality of computers to exchange database data through a network, preferably Oracle&#39;s SQL*Net product over TCP/IP (i.e., Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Standard ANSI SQL should be used wherever possible to ease application maintenance and database portability.