PATENT ABSTRACT
A method for managing, storing, and disseminating compliance assurance (CA) information using a web-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database and at least one client system. The method includes receiving CA information from a client system, storing CA information into a centralized database, cross-referencing CA information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain CA information, providing CA information in response to an inquiry; and notifying users electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to managing compliance assurance and, more particularly, to network-based methods and systems for managing compliance assurance information.  
           [0002]    Compliance assurance (CA) information includes information relating to a business entity&#39;s compliance with applicable laws and regulations and/or internal business standards and policies. These laws and regulations and/or internal business standards and policies typically relate to areas such as the environment, health and safety, quality, legal, human resources, and corporate compliance. In at least some known cases, in order for a business entity to comply with applicable laws and regulations and/or internal business standards and policies, a particular facility within the business entity must perform certain CA tasks, including audits, within a specified period of time and submit a report or other documentation to an agency or a manager within the business entity. Many of these CA tasks must be performed on a routine basis at the facility.  
           [0003]    Likewise, other facilities within the business entity might also have to perform and report identical, similar, or different CA tasks. In addition, if a facility is found to be in non-compliance, the facility might be required to take certain action to become compliant and might have to submit documentation showing its compliance. For business entities having numerous employees located in multiple divisions worldwide, managing CA information, which might include scheduling the CA tasks to be performed at each facility, reminding an assigned contact person at each facility of the upcoming CA tasks to be performed, confirming that the required CA tasks have been performed in a timely manner at each facility, properly documenting the CA tasks performed at each facility, and confirming that each facility within the business entity is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and/or internal business standards and policies, is a major challenge. Failure to properly schedule, perform, and report the CA tasks, including audits, can result in delayed system operations, extended or additional maintenance, increased costs, and, in some cases, civil and/or criminal penalties.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0004]    In on aspect, a method for managing, storing, and disseminating compliance assurance (CA) information using a web-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database and at least one client system. The method includes receiving CA information from a client system, storing CA information into a centralized database, cross-referencing CA information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain CA information, providing CA information in response to an inquiry; and notifying users electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines.  
           [0005]    In another aspect, a method for managing, storing, and disseminating compliance assurance (CA) information using a web-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database, at least one managerial user system, and at least one client system. The CA information includes at least one of site information, a CA calendar, a CA audit tracking system, a CA audit tool, and CA contacts information. The method includes the steps of receiving CA information from a client system, storing CA information into a centralized database, cross-referencing CA information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain CA information, providing CA information in response to an inquiry, notifying users electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines, and providing an electronic report of the CA audit tracking system and the CA calendar to the managerial user system.  
           [0006]    In another aspect, a method for manipulating Compliance Assurance (CA) information using a web-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database and at least one client system. The CA information includes at least one of business information, organizational information, site information, assigned contact person information, COE/department information, building information, CA audit tracking information, CA task information, CA calendar information, CA task reminder information, frequency of reminder information, environmental information, health and safety information, quality information, legal information, human resources information, management information, and corporate compliance information. The method includes receiving CA information, storing CA information into the centralized database, and cross-referencing CA information including creating a CA calendar based on at least one of CA tasks to be performed, a change in other previously created CA calendars, and a change in CA audit tracking information. The method further includes updating the centralized database with CA information including adding and deleting information so as to revise existing CA information including at least one of CA task information, CA calendar information, and CA audit tracking information. The method also includes providing CA information including at least one of business information, organizational information, site information, assigned contact person information, COE/department information, building information, CA audit tracking information, CA task information, CA calendar information, CA task reminder information, frequency of reminder information, environmental information, health and safety information, quality information, legal information, human resources information, management information, and corporate compliance information, in response to an inquiry, including downloading requested information from the server system and displaying requested information on the client system, the inquiry including utilizing at least one pull-down lists, check boxes, and hypertext links. Additionally, the method includes notifying users of CA tasks and CA deadlines including transmitting an electronic message to the client system from the server system notifying the user of a CA task to be performed.  
           [0007]    In another aspect, a method for manipulating Compliance Assurance (CA) information using a web-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database, at least one managerial user system, and at least one client system. The CA information includes at least one of business information, organizational information, site information, assigned contact person information, COE/department information, building information, CA audit tracking information, CA task information, CA calendar information, CA task reminder information, frequency of reminder information, environmental information, health and safety information, quality information, legal information, human resources information, management information, and corporate compliance information. The method includes receiving CA information, storing CA information into a centralized database, cross-referencing CA information including creating a CA calendar based on at least one of CA tasks to be performed, a change in other previously created CA calendars, and a change in CA audit tracking information. The method further includes updating the centralized database with CA information including adding and deleting information so as to revise existing CA information including at least one of CA task information, CA calendar information, and CA audit tracking information. The method also includes providing CA information including at least one of business information, organizational information, site information, assigned contact person information, COE/department information, building information, CA audit tracking information, CA task information, CA calendar information, CA task reminder information, frequency of reminder information, environmental information, health and safety information, quality information, legal information, human resources information, management information, and corporate compliance information, in response to an inquiry, including downloading requested information from the server system and displaying requested information on the client system, the inquiry including utilizing at least one pull-down lists, check boxes, and hypertext links. Additionally, the method includes notifying users of CA tasks and CA deadlines including transmitting an electronic message to the client system from the server system notifying the user of a CA task to be performed, and providing an electronic report to the managerial user system including transmitting an electronic report to the managerial user system from the server system including a summary of the CA tasks performed at a site location for a time period shown on the CA calendar such that managerial oversight of the CA information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
           [0008]    In another aspect, a network based system for managing, storing, and disseminating Compliance Assurance (CA) information is provided. The system includes a client system with a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to said client system and said database. The server system is further configured to receive CA information from the client system, store CA information into the centralized database, cross-reference CA information, update the centralized database periodically to maintain CA information, provide CA information in response to an inquiry, and notify users electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines.  
           [0009]    In another aspect, a network based system for managing, storing, and disseminating Compliance Assurance (CA) information is provided. The CA information includes at least one of site information, a CA audit tracking system, a CA calendar, a CA audit tool, and contact information. The system includes a client system with a browser, a managerial user system with a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system, the managerial user system, and the database. The server system is further configured to receive CA information from the client system, store CA information into the centralized database, cross-reference CA information, update the centralized database periodically to maintain CA information, provide CA information in response to an inquiry, notify users electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines, and provide an electronic report of the CA audit tracking system and the CA calendar to the managerial user system.  
           [0010]    In another aspect, a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing, storing, and disseminating Compliance Assurance (CA) information is provided. The program includes a code segment that receives CA information and then maintains a database by adding, deleting and updating CA information. The program also generates at least one CA calendar based on the received CA information, manages at least one CA audit tracking system based on the received CA information, and provides the CA calendar, the CA audit tracking system, a CA audit tool system, and contact information to users. The program also notifies users of CA tasks and CA deadlines, and provides a report of the CA audit tracking system and the CA calendar. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a Compliance Assurance Coordination System (CACS) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of the CACS.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a database within the database server of the server system including other related server components.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the processes employed by CACS to facilitate use.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface displaying a home page of CACS.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a Compliance Calendar.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an Add/Edit Task page for the Compliance Calendar.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a Charts page for the Compliance Calendar.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a monthly task compliance summary report.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a monthly task compliance status report.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an Audit Tracking System.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an Add/Edit Task page for the Audit Tracking System.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a Charts page for the Audit Tracking System.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a bi-weekly audit findings status report.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a bi-weekly audit findings summary report.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an Audit Tool.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 17 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a selected audit tool checklist.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 18 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an audit checklist summary.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 19 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying an audit findings report.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 20 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a Contacts Homepage.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 21 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of CACS displaying a page for inputting a contact person&#39;s contact information.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 22 is a list of at least some of the data tables and key fields used by CACS.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 23 is another list of at least some of the data tables and key fields used by CACS.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 24 is another list of at least some of the data tables and key fields used by CACS. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]    Exemplary embodiments of systems and processes that facilitate integrated network-based electronic reporting and workflow process management related to a Compliance Assurance Coordination System (CACS) are described below in detail. The systems and processes facilitate, for example, electronic submission of information using a client system, automated extraction of information, and web-based reporting for internal and external system users. The CACS allows a business entity to conduct and manage its own internal assessments and audit tracking to assure its compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of the environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance.  
         [0036]    In the exemplary embodiment, the CACS collects, tracks, displays, schedules, and disseminates real time information regarding Compliance Assurance (CA) information for a site location within a business entity. CA information includes at least one of business information, organizational information, site information, assigned contact person information, COE/department information building information, CA audit tracking information, CA task information, CA calendar information, CA task reminder information, frequency of reminder information, CA contacts information, environmental information, health and safety information, quality information, legal information, human resources information, management information, and corporate compliance information. In addition, the CACS electronically notifies the users of upcoming CA tasks and CA deadlines, and provides a summary report to a managerial user, which describes at least the CA tasks performed at a site location during a specific period of time.  
         [0037]    In addition, a network-based CACS collects, tracks, displays, schedules, and disseminates real time information regarding a CA calendar. The CA calendar shows the CA tasks to be performed at a selected site location within a business entity during a specified period of time. In another embodiment, the CACS collects, tracks, displays, schedules and disseminates information regarding a CA audit tracking system. The CA audit tracking system tracks the CA tasks performed at each site location, records the findings from the CA tasks, documents the findings for purposes of reporting to an agency or the business entity&#39;s management, assures compliance with the certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies, and, if non-compliance is found, tracks the corrective actions taken at the site location. In another embodiment, the CACS includes both the CA calendar and the CA audit tracking system and further includes a CA audit tool system and CA contacts information. The CA audit tool system provides a plurality of audit checklists to help a user in conducting various audits at the site location. The CA contacts information provides information relating to persons associated with certain CA tasks and CA audits. The CA calendar, the CA audit tracking system, the CA audit tool system, and the CA contacts information in the CACS are used by multiple site locations within a business entity, namely each site location or facility subject to compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance.  
         [0038]    CA information relating to each site location within a business entity is received by the CACS which stores the CA information in a database, updates the database with CA information received, cross-references the CA information received, provides CA information in response to an inquiry, notifies a user electronically of CA tasks and CA deadlines, and provides a report to at least one managerial user of the CA tasks performed at specific site locations for a specified period of time.  
         [0039]    In the CACS, CA information is stored in the database. The network based CACS provides convenient access to CA information, including original schedules, preliminary schedules and confirmed schedules. Once into the CACS home page, the user has an option to access the CA calendar, the CA audit tracking system, the CA audit tool, or the CA contacts homepage and access CA information for a specific site location. In an exemplary embodiment, for each site location, an authorized user can access the CA information.  
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the system is a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium implemented utilizing a Structured Query Language (SQL) with a client user interface front-end for administration and a web interface for standard user input and reports. In an exemplary embodiment, the system is web enabled and is run on a business-entity&#39;s intranet. In yet another embodiment, the system is fully accessed by individuals having an authorized access outside the firewall of the business-entity through the Internet. In a further exemplary embodiment, the system is being run in a Windows NT environment. The application is flexible and designed to run in various different environments without compromising any major functionality.  
         [0041]    The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process also can be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a Compliance Assurance Coordination System (CACS)  10  including a server system  12 , and a plurality of client sub-systems, also referred to as client systems  14 , connected to server system  12 . In one embodiment, client systems  14  are computers including a web browser, such that server system  12  is accessible to client systems  14  via the Internet. Client systems  14  are interconnected to the Internet through many interfaces including a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems and special high-speed ISDN lines. Client systems  14  could be any device capable of interconnecting to the Internet including a web-based phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other web-based connectable equipment. A database server  16  is connected to a database  20  containing information on a variety of matters, as described below in greater detail. In one embodiment, centralized database  20  is stored on server system  12  and can be accessed by potential users at one of client systems  14  by logging onto server system  12  through one of client systems  14 . In an alternative embodiment database  20  is stored remotely from server system  12  and may be non-centralized.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of a CACS  22 . Components in system  22 , identical to components of system  10  (shown in FIG. 1), are identified in FIG. 2 using the same reference numerals as used in FIG. 1. System  22  includes server system  12  and client systems  14 . Server system  12  further includes database server  16 , an application server  24 , a web server  26 , a fax server  28 , a directory server  30 , and a mail server  32 . A disk storage unit  34  is coupled to database server  16  and directory server  30 . Servers  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32  are coupled in a local area network (LAN)  36 . In addition, a system administrator&#39;s workstation  38 , a user workstation  40 , and a supervisor&#39;s workstation  42  are coupled to LAN  36 . Alternatively, workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are coupled to LAN  36  via an Internet link or are connected through an Intranet.  
         [0044]    Each workstation,  38 ,  40 , and  42  is a personal computer having a web browser. Although the functions performed at the workstations typically are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42 , such functions can be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to LAN  36 . Work stations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only to facilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that can be performed by individuals having access to LAN  36 .  
         [0045]    Server system  12  is configured to be communicatively coupled to various individuals, including employees  44  and to third parties, e.g., internal or outside consultants,  46  via an ISP Internet connection  48 . The communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being performed via the Internet, however, any other wide area network (WAN) type communication can be utilized in other embodiments, i.e., the systems and processes are not limited to being practiced via the Internet. In addition, and rather than WAN  50 , local area network  36  could be used in place of WAN  50 .  
         [0046]    In the exemplary embodiment, any authorized individual having a workstation  54  can access CACS  22 . At least one of the client systems includes a manager workstation  56  located at a remote location. Work stations  54  and  56  are personal computers having a web browser. Also, work stations  54  and  56  are configured to communicate with server system  12 . Furthermore, fax server  28  communicates with remotely located client systems, including a client system  56  via a telephone link. Fax server  28  is configured to communicate with other client systems  38 ,  40 , and  42  as well.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3 shows a configuration of database  20  within database server  16  of server system  12  shown in FIG. 1. Database  20  is coupled to several separate computer software components within server system  12 , which perform specific tasks. Server system  12  includes a collection component  64  for collecting data from users in database  20 , a tracking component  66  for tracking data, and a displaying component  68  to display information. Tracking component  66  tracks and cross-references data, including modifying existing data. Server system  12  also includes a receiving component  70  to receive a specific query from client system  14 , and an accessing component  72  to access database  20  within data storage device  34 . Receiving component  70  is programmed for receiving a query from one of a plurality of users. Server system  12  further includes a processing component  76  for searching and processing received queries against database  20  containing a variety of information collected by collection component  64 . An information fulfillment component  78 , located in server system  12 , downloads the requested information to the plurality of users in response to the requests received by receiving component  70 . Information fulfillment component  78  downloads the information after the information is retrieved from database  20  by a retrieving component  80 . Retrieving component  80  retrieves, downloads and sends information to client system  14  based on a query received from client system  14 .  
         [0048]    Retrieving component  80  further includes a display component  84  configured to download information to be displayed on a client system&#39;s graphical user interface and a printing component  86  configured to print information. Retrieving component  80  generates reports requested by the user through client system  14  in a pre-determined format. System  10  is flexible to provide other alternative types of reports and is not constrained to the options set forth above.  
         [0049]    Server system  12  also includes a notifying component  88  and a providing component  90 . Notifying component  88  electronically transmits a message to client system  14  based on information inputted into server system  12  notifying a user of CA tasks to be performed and a CA schedule for performing those tasks. Providing component  90  electronically provides a report to manager workstation  56  (shown in FIG. 2) summarizing the CA tasks performed at a specific site location and the time period in which those CA tasks were performed.  
         [0050]    In one embodiment, collection component  64 , tracking component  66 , displaying component  68 , receiving component  70 , processing component  76 , information fulfillment component  78 , retrieving component  80 , display component  84 , printing component  86 , notifying component  88 , and providing component  90  are computer programs embodied on computer readable medium.  
         [0051]    Database  20  is divided into a Plant Information Section (PIS)  92 , a CA Calendar Section (CCS)  94 , a CA Audit Tracking System Section (CAATSS)  96 , a CA Audit Tool Section (CAATS)  98 , and a CA Contacts Section (CAS)  100 . PIS  92  contains information specific to each plant within the business entity. PIS  92 , CCS  94 , CAATSS  96 , CAATS  98 , and CAS  100  facilitate database  20  storage of CA information  102 .  
         [0052]    PIS  90  includes CA information  102  for each site location or plant including, but not limited to, organizational information  104 , site information  106 , assigned contact person information  108 , COE/department information  110 , and building information  112 .  
         [0053]    CCS  94  contains CA information  102  relating to scheduling CA tasks. In one embodiment, CCS  94  includes at least one of CA task information  114 , CA calendar information  116 , CA task reminder information  118 , CA task reminder archive information  120 , and frequency of reminder information  122 . Revisions or modifications to one stored CA calendar can effect other related CA calendars. Tracking component  66  also updates database  20  as it revises CA calendars.  
         [0054]    CAATSS  96  contains CA information  102  relating to CA audits. In one embodiment, CAATSS  96  includes at least one of CA audit tracking information  124 , type of audit  126 , categories for findings in audit  128 , and closure categories in audit  130 . Revisions or modifications to CA audit tracking information  124  can effect CA calendar information  116 . Tracking component  66  also updates database  20  as it revises CA audit tracking information  124 .  
         [0055]    CAATS  98  contains CA information  102  including a plurality of audit checklists  132 . Audit checklists  132  might be used by a user performing a CA audit. CAS  100  contains CA information  102  including at least CA contact information. 134 . CA contact information  134  includes information relating to contact persons that might provide help in performing certain CA audits and CA tasks.  
         [0056]    System  10  accumulates a variety of confidential data. Therefore, system  10  has different access levels to control and monitor the security of the system. Authorization for access is assigned by system administrators on a need to know basis. In one embodiment, system  10  provides access based on job functions. In yet another embodiment, system  10  provides access based on business-entity. The administration/editing capabilities within system  10  are also restricted to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to modify or edit the data existing in the system. System  10  manages and controls access to system data and information.  
         [0057]    The architectures of system  10  as well as various components of system  10  are exemplary only. Other architectures are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the processes described below.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 4 is a flowchart  200  of the processes employed by system  10  to facilitate use. Initially, the user accesses  210  a user interface such as a home page  220  of the web site through client system  14  (shown in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, client system  14 , as well as server system  12 , are protected from access by unauthorized individuals. The user logs-in  230  to system  10  using a password (not shown) or an employee payroll number for security. Client system  14  is configured to receive  232  an electronic notice of CA tasks and CA deadlines from server system  12 . Client system  14  displays  240  options available to the user through links, check boxes, or pull-down lists. Once the user selects  244  an option (in one embodiment, relating to site location and CA task type) from the available links, the request is transmitted  248  to server system  12 . Transmitting  248  the request is accomplished, in one embodiment, either by click of a mouse or by a voice command. Once server system  12  (shown in FIG. 1) receives  252  the request, server system  12  accesses  256  database  20  (shown in FIG. 1). System  10  determines  260  if additional narrowing options are available. In one embodiment, additional narrowing options include CA calendar and CA audit tracking selection pull-down lists. If additional narrowing options are available  264 , system  10  displays  240  the options relating to the prior option selected by the user on client system  14 . The user selects  244  the desired option and transmits the request  248 . Server system  12  receives the request  252  and accesses  256  database  20 . When system  10  determines that additional options  260  are not available  268 , system  10  retrieves  272  requested information from database  20 . The requested information is downloaded  276  and provided  280  to client system  14  from server  12 . Client system  14  transmits a report  282  to manager workstation  56  (shown in FIG. 2) relating to the CA tasks performed at the specific site location for a specified period of time. The user can continue to search  284  database  20  for other information or exit  290  from system  10 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  300  displaying a home page of CACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  300  requires the user to input an organization  302  and a site location  304 . The exemplary embodiment shows organization field  302  and site location field  304  as pull-down lists, however, other means for inputting this information could also be used, e.g., check boxes. User interface  300  is the entry point for anyone trying to access database  20  via the web. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, user interface, i.e., web page,  300  provides a user with selectable hyperlink options including a Compliance Calendar  306 , an Audit Tracking System  308 , an Audit Tool  310 , a Contacts Homepage  312 , and an online tutorial  314 . After inputting the necessary information in organization  302  and site location  304 , the user selects between hyperlink options Compliance Calendar  306 , Audit Tracking System  308 , Audit Tool  310 , Contacts Homepage  312 , and online tutorial  314 . In another exemplary embodiment, user interface  300  provides the user with selectable pull-down list options, check boxes, or radio buttons.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  350  displaying a home page of Compliance Calendar  306  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  350  displays a CA calendar  352  for a selected site location. CA calendar  352  also shows CA tasks  354  to be performed on certain specified days at the site location and an assigned contact person  356  for those tasks. Pull-down list  358  allows the user to display CA tasks  354  based on the assigned contact person  356 . In the exemplary embodiment, CA tasks  354  are hyperlinks which allow the user to select and display additional information relating to selected CA task  354 . User interface  350  also provides selectable hyperlinks including at least one of an Add/Edit Tasks link  360 , Charts link  362 , Reports link  364 , and Logoff link  366 . Add/Edit Tasks link  360  allows the user to add and/or edit the CA information inputted for selected CA task  354 , including the scheduling of selected CA task  354 . Charts link  362  allows the user to chart the CA information by CA task  354 , assigned contact person  356 , and time period. Reports link  364  allows a user to electronically notify other users and designate an assigned contact person for upcoming CA tasks and CA deadlines.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 7 illustrates an example user interface  400  associated with Add/Edit Tasks link  360  (shown in FIG. 6). User interface  400 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 7 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  400  displays a selected CA task  402 , a task date  404 , an assigned contact person  406 , a task category  408 , a task status  410 , a task plan  412 , whether the task is a regulatory obligation  414 , task frequency,  416 , and a number of days prior to when a notice email should be sent  418 . User interface  400  also allows the user to add and/or edit CA information  420  associated with selected task  402 , including the task date  404 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 8 illustrates an example user interface  450  associated with Charts link  362  (shown in FIG. 6). User interface  450 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 8 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  450  displays a bar graph  452  showing CA calendar tasks  454  by a responsible person  456 , and further shows CA calendar tasks  454  as either Open Past Due, Closed, or Open. Web-page  450  further allows a user to chart based on calendar tasks start date  458  and end date  460 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 9 illustrates an example user interface  500  displaying a monthly task compliance summary report  502  for certain selected site locations. Summary report  502  is transmitted to an assigned business manager workstation  56  (shown in FIG. 2). User interface  500 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 9 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  500  displays summary report  502  for each site  504  assigned to the manager user. Summary report  502  also displays the following information for each site  504 : active tasks  506 , tasks completed year to date  508 , total tasks year to date  510 , percentage of tasks completed year to date  512 , total tasks past due  514 , assigned administrator  516 , and assigned managers  518 . Summary report  502  provides the manager user with a summary of the CA tasks performed at a selected site location for a selected period of time such that managerial oversight of the CA information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 10 illustrates an example user interface  550  displaying a monthly task compliance status report  552  for certain selected site locations. Status report  552  is transmitted to an assigned operations manager workstation  56  (shown in FIG. 2). User interface  550 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 10 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. Web page  550  displays summary report  552  by assigned person  554  assigned to the managerial user. Summary report  552  also displays at least the following information for each assigned person  554 : monthly completed tasks  556 , total monthly tasks  558 , percentage of monthly tasks completed  560 , year to date completed tasks  562 , year to date total tasks  564 , percentage of year to date tasks completed  566 , and total tasks past due  568 . Summary report  552  provides the managerial user with a summary of the CA tasks performed at an assigned site location for a selected period of time such that managerial oversight of the CA information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  600  displaying a home page of Audit Tracking System  308  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  600  displays a CA Audit Tracking System  602  for a selected site location. In the exemplary embodiment, CA Audit Tracking System  602  displays pull-lists prompting the user for the following: audit type  604 , audit name  606 , finding type  608 , responsible person  610 , category  612 , repeat finding  614 , center/department  616 , building/area  618 , workstation  620 , and finding reference  622 . Pull-down lists  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620 , and  622  allow the user to input CA audit information. CA Audit Tracking System  602  also provides a status selection  624  which allows the user to display either Open CA audits or Closed CA audits or both. User interface  600  also provides selectable hyperlinks including an Add/Edit Tasks link  626 , Charts link  628 , Reports link  630 , and Logoff link  632 . Add/Edit Tasks link  626  allows the user to add and/or edit CA audit information inputted into CA Audit Tracking System  602 . Charts link  628  allows the user to chart CA audit information. Reports link  630  allows the user to electronically notify other users and designate an assigned contact person for upcoming CA audit tasks and CA audit deadlines. User interface  600  also has a Show Findings button  634  that allows the user to sort CA audit information through the use of radio buttons and display a status summary  636 .  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 12 illustrates an example user interface  650  associated with Add/Edit Tasks link  626  (shown in FIG. 11) shown on CA Audit Tracking System user interface  600  (shown in FIG. 11). User interface  650 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 12 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface  650  prompts the user to input CA audit information with a plurality of pull-down lists including: finding date  652 , finding type  654 , number of items in finding  656 , repeat finding  658 , responsible person  660 , auditor/contact person  662 , audit type  664 , audit name/number  666 , finding category  668 , center/department  670 , building  672 , workstation  674 , and contact phone  676 . Pull-down lists  652 ,  654 ,  656 ,  658 ,  660 ,  662 ,  664 ,  666 ,  668 ,  670 ,  672 ,  674 , and  676  allow the user to add and/or edit the CA audit information.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 13 illustrates an example user interface  700  associated with Charts link  628  (shown in FIG. 11) shown on CA Audit Tracking System user interface  600  (shown in FIG. 11). User interface  700 , i.e., web page, shown in FIG. 13 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  700  allows the user to chart CA audit information based on at least the following: scope and date  702 , findings as desired  704 , chart by  706 , and select chart stacking and show top  708 . In the exemplary embodiment, user interface  700  prompts the user under topics  702 ,  704 ,  706 , and  708  to input CA audit information through a plurality of pull-down lists, data fields, and radio buttons.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 14 illustrates an example user interface  750  displaying a bi-weekly audit findings status report  752  for selected site locations. Status report  752  is transmitted to assigned site manager, operations manager, and responsible person at manager workstations  56  (shown in FIG. 2). User interface  750  shown in FIG. 14 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  750  displays summary report  752  of open audit findings  754 . Open audit findings  754  is further shown on user interface  750  as open findings  756  and open past due findings  758 . Summary report  752  provides the manager users with a summary of CA audit information for a selected site location for a selected period of time such that managerial oversight of the CA audit information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 15 illustrates an example user interface  800  displaying a bi-weekly audit findings summary report  802  for selected site locations. Summary report  802  is transmitted to assigned business manager workstation  56  (shown in FIG. 2). User interface  800  shown in FIG. 15 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  800  displays summary report  802  for each selected site location  804  and displays an assigned administrator  806 , an assigned manager  808 , a last finding date  810 , an audit days old section  812 , and an audit closure rate section  814 . Summary report  802  provides the business manager user with a summary of the CA audit information at selected site locations for a selected period of time such that managerial oversight of the CA audit information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  850  displaying a home page of Audit Tool  310  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  850  shown in FIG. 16 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  850  allows a user to access a plurality of audit checklists  852 . In the exemplary embodiment, audit checklists  852  are hyperlinks that allow the user to access and display a selected audit checklist. Audit checklists  852  are categorized by topic. User interface  850  displays at least one of the following audit checklist category topics: U.S. Environmental  854 , U.S. Health &amp; Safety  856 , U.S. DOT  858 , U.S. Construction Safety  860 , and U.S. Health &amp; Safety Special Industries  862 . In the exemplary embodiment, the audit checklist category topics shown on user interface  850  are hyperlinks that allow the user to access and display the audit checklists associated with the selected category. In addition, user interface  850  allows the user to sort and display audit checklists  852  based on applicability. In the exemplary embodiment, an applicability sort function  864  uses radio buttons that include: Master  866 , Laboratory Areas  868 , Manufacturing/Shop Appl. Servicing  870 , and Office  872 . Although radio buttons are shown for applicability sort function  864 , other such inputting means could also be employed, including pull-down lists, check boxes, or hyperlinks. User interface  850  also allows a user to save a selected audit checklist.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 17 illustrates an example user interface  900  of a selected audit tool checklist  852  (shown in FIG. 16). User interface  900  shown in FIG. 17 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface  900  displays a plurality of pull-down menus and data fields that allow a user to input information relating to a selected site location and selected audit checklist  852 . The pull-down menus and data fields include the following: Organization  902 , Site  904 , Location Detail  906 , Audit dates  908 , Auditors &amp; General Comments  910 . User interface  900  also provides an Update and Save button  912 , a Make Report button  914 , a Print Checklist button  916 , and instructions  918  on responding to selected audit tool checklist  852 .  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 18 illustrates an example user interface  950  of a saved audit checklist summary  952 . Saved audit checklist summary  952  is associated with an audit checklist selected from audit checklists  852  (shown in FIG. 16). User interface  950  shown in FIG. 18 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible.  
         [0073]    Saved audit checklist summary  952  provides the user with a summary of the CA audit information at selected site locations for a selected period of time such that oversight of the CA audit information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 19 illustrates an example user interface  1000  of an audit findings report  1002 . Audit findings report  1002  is associated with an audit checklist selected from audit checklists  852  (shown in FIG. 16). User interface  1000  shown in FIG. 19 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. Audit findings report  1002  provides the user with a summary of the CA audit information at selected site locations for a selected period of time such that oversight of the CA audit information is facilitated and compliance with certain laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies relating to certain topics including at least one of environment, health and safety, quality, legal, and corporate compliance is assured.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 20 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  1050  displaying a home page of Contacts Homepage  312  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  1050  shown in FIG. 20 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  1050  allows a user to search for a contact person and access the contact person&#39;&#39;s contact information. The contact person would be involved with at least one CA audit tasks. In the exemplary embodiment, a pull-down list of contact persons  1052  is provided on user interface  1050 . The user can select a contact person from pull-down list  1052 . In addition, user interface  1050  provides a sorter  1054  for sorting contact persons on pull-down list  1052 . In the exemplary embodiment, the sorter includes an All Contacts link  1056 , a Location link  1058 , and an Organization link  1060 . User interface  1050  also provides a Contacts Details button  1062  which, when selected, provides the user with the selected contact person&#39;s contact information.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 21 illustrates an example user interface  1100  for inputting a contact person&#39;s contact information  1102 . User interface  1100  shown in FIG. 21 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. User interface  1100  allows a user to add or edit contact information  1102 . In the exemplary embodiment, user interface  1100  displays a plurality of pull-down lists and data fields that allow a user to input contact information  1102 . The pull-down lists and data fields include at least one of the following: Full Name  1104 , Title  1106 , First Name  1108 , DialComm Phone  1110 , Organization  1112 , Location  1114 , Building  1116 , Address  1118 , Last Name  1120 , External Phone  1122 , Fax  1124 , Cell Phone/Pager  126 , Home Phone  1128 , Internet Email Address  1130 , and Expertise/Responsibility  1132 .  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 22 is a list  1150  of at least some of the data tables  1152  and key fields  1154  used within Plant Information Section (PIS)  92  (shown in FIG. 3) in database  20  (shown in FIG. 3). List  1150  shown in FIG. 22 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. List  1150  includes the information that might be used by either Compliance Calendar  306  or Audit Tracking System  308  (both shown in FIG. 5). Data tables  1152  shown on list  1150  include: Org.  1156 , Site  1158 , Contact  1160 , COE/department  1162 , and Building  1164 . The key fields  1154  shown below data table Org.  1156  include: orgname  1166 , table  1168 , orgpassword  1170 , business  1172 , administrator  1174 , and suborg  1176 . The key fields  1154  shown below data table Site  1158  include: location  1178 , admin  1180 , password  1182 , suborg  1184 , atscc on  1186 , project  1188 , and subsite  1190 . The key fields  1154  shown below data table Contact  1160  include: contact name  1192 , contact last name  1194 , contact first name  1196 , contact phone  1198 , contact title  1200 , EHS dedicated  1202 , contact location  1204 , contact org  1206 , and contact email  1208 . The key fields  1154  shown below data table COE/department  1162  include: location  1210 , COE/department  1212 , subsite  1214 , and archive  1216 . The key fields  1154  shown below data table Building  1164  include: location  1218 , and building  1220 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 23 is a list  1300  of at least some of the data tables  1302  and key fields  1304  used within CA Audit Tracking System Section (CAATSS)  96  (shown in FIG. 3) in database  20  (shown in FIG. 3). List  1300  shown in FIG. 23 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. Data tables  1302  shown on list  1300  include: Audit  1306 , Audit Type  1308 , Category  1310 , and Closure  1312 . The key fields  1304  shown below data table Audit  1306  include: location  1314 , ID  1316 , audit name  1318 , audit date  1320 , audit type  1322 , finding type  1324 , category  1326 , citation  1328 , numitems  1330 , repeatitem  1332 , classification type  1334 , COE/department  1336 , bldg  1338 , workstation  1340 , responperson  1342 , description  1344 , corrective action  1346 , contact person  1348 , contact phone  1350 , close date  1352 , close comment  1354 , close person  1356 , status  1358 , closure due date  1360 , update date  1362 , and update user  1364 . The key fields  1304  shown below data table Audit Type  1308  include: audit name  1366 , and audit group  1368 . The key fields  1304  shown below data table Category  1310  include: category  1370 , and super category  1372 . The key fields  1304  shown below data table Closure  1312  include: closure  1374 .  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 24 is a list  1400  of at least some of the data tables  1402  and key fields  1404  used within CA Calendar Section (CCS)  94  (shown in FIG. 3) in database  20  (shown in FIG. 3). List  1400  shown in FIG. 24 is an example only and there are a plurality of variations possible. Data tables  1402  shown on list  1400  include: Task  1406 , Calendar Media  1408 , Task Reminder  1410 , Task Reminder Archive  1412 , and Frequency  1414 . The key fields  1404  shown below data table Task  1406  include: location  1416 , task name  1418 , resp person  1420 , resp cc  1422 , mult cc  1424 , media  1426 , remind  1428 , first rem date  1430 , rem freq  1432 , rem days prior  1434 , reg comp  1436 , task plan  1438 , weblink  1440 , comp  1442 , comp date  1444 , project  1446 , and update date  1448 . The key fields  1404  shown below data table Calendar Media  1408  include: media  1450 . The key fields  1404  shown below data table Task Reminder  1410  include: location  1452 , task name  1454 , reminder date  1456 , resp person  1458 , complete  1460 , complete date  1462 , comment  1464 , and reminder plan  1466 . The key fields  1404  shown below data table Task Reminder Archive  1412  include: location  1468 , task name  1470 , reminder date  1472 , resp person  1474 , complete  1476 , complete date  1478 , comment  1480 , and reminder plan  1482 . The key fields  1404  shown below data table Frequency  1414  include: type  1484 .  
         [0080]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.