COMPUTER ASSISTED ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract: The invention relates to a data analysis system and data analysis method in which client data is submitted to an analysis department of a firm for analysis of the data using customised and standardised data analysis software. A result of the analysis is produced and used to generate a report. Comments are added to the report and the report is made accessible to a client. The system and method is computer network based.

Description: COMPUTER ASSISTED ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a computer assisted analysis system and method. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Computer Assisted Audit Techniques ("CAATs") are well known and widely used. When conducting an audit, auditors or analysts obtain data from clients in electronic format. The auditor or analyst writes or uses existing data analysis software to analyse the data. Analysis results are reviewed by auditors and auditors may interpret the reports. These procedures are not be standardised or automated and it is thus time consuming to produce, review, interpret and comment on analysis results. In some cases reports may be generated from the analysis results. The generation of reports is not standardised and it may thus be time consuming to generate reports. It is further time consuming to extract the necessary data from a client's computer system in the required format. The format may also change when different analysis software programs are used from time to time. Analysis activities are also not centralised and analysts conducting this type of work employ their own methods and write their own analysis software. Different analysts may use different software programs and some software programs may not be ideal for conducting analyses or a specific type of analysis. Where different software programs are used it may be difficult to share knowledge and to work together as a team. It may also be difficult to collate data, analysis results and information. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a data analysis system which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention there is provided a computer assisted analysis method comprising the steps of: receiving computer readable client data to be analysed from a client source; storing the data on a memory means; analysing the data using a processing means and standardised data analysis software stored on the memory means; causing the processor means to produce a computer generated report from an analysis result; adding comments to the report; storing the report on the memory means; and making the report accessible to the client. Further features of the invention provide for the client source to be a client of an auditor firm; the client source to be an auditor the memory means to be a database of a computer; the standardised analysis software to be at least one custom made computer program written to perform a specific analysis; for the analysis of the data to include analysing data relating to any one or more of the following client data types: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data; for the standardised data analysis software to be at least one custom made computer program written to perform an analysis on at least one of the following client data: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data; for the computer generated report to be generated using a template computer document stored on the memory means; for the template computer document is a template word processor document; for the comments to be computer generated. Still further features of the invention provide for the comments to be added manually over a computer network; alternatively, for the comments to be part computer generated and part manually generated and added; for the report to include text and at least one tabulation; for the tabulation to be at least part of a tabulation generated by the data analysis software; for the report to be accessible over a computer network; for the report to include at least one hyperlink to facilitate access to the analysis result over a computer network; for the report to be transmitted over a computer network to a client and/or auditor; for the computer network to be the Internet. Yet further features of the invention provide for the computer network to alternatively be a private computer network; for the method to include the step of a client or auditor placing an order for a computer assisted analysis on a web site hosted by a server computer over a computer network; for the method to include the step of displaying information relating to analysis services provided on at least one web page of a web site hosted by a server computer; for the report to include key performance indicator information; for notification to be given to a client or auditor of an unexpected key performance indicator result or deviation of a key performance indicator; for the notification to include notification of a deviation in the analysis result. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a computer assisted an system comprising a memory means for storing client data to be analysed received from a client source; processor means for analysing the data using standardised analysis software stored on the memory means; the processor means being programmed to produce an analysis result and an analysis report including at least some information of the analysis result; the analysis report being generated from a template report stored on the memory means; and input means for adding comments to the report. Further features of the invention provide for an order for a computer assisted analysis to be inputted on the input means; for the input means to include a computer connected to a computer network; for the computer network to be the internet; alternatively; for the computer network to be a private computer network; for the computer to host a web site on the computer network; for the web site to display information including information relating to computer assisted audit services; for the processor means and memory means to be accessible and controllable from an analyst computer over a computer network; for the analyst computer to be connected to a computer network; for the computer network to be the internet; alternatively, for the computer network to be a private computer network; for the client data to be received via the input means from the client source; for the client source to be an auditor or a client. There is further provided for the analysis result to include a number of tabulations generated by the audit software; for the report to include hyperlinks to facilitate access to at least parts of the analysis result over a computer network; for the report to include computer generated comments; for the client source to be a client computer or an auditor computer; for the standardised data analysis software to include at least one computer program for conducting an analysis on at least one of the following client data types: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data; for the report to be transmitted back over the input means to a client or an auditor; for the analysis result to include a number of graphs; for the report to include a number of graphs; and for electronic notification means to be provided to notify a client of a deviation or unexpected result of an analysis result or of a key performance indicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a data analysis system; Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of a data analysis system; Figure 3 shows a table containing control totals and record counts for client data received from a client; Figure 4 shows a table containing asset addition information; Figure 5 shows a table containing asset retirement information; and Figure 6 shows a table containing fixed asset information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference to figure 1 , a data analysis system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The data analysis system consists of a network server computer 2 connected to two computer networks, the Internet 3 and a private computer network such as an Intranet 4. The Intranet 4 is an in-house computer network such as an in-house computer network, used by, for example, an auditing firm. Network server computer 2 is used as an input means. An analyst computer (5) is connected to the Intranet 4 and is also connectable to the Internet 11. A number of auditor computers such as auditor computer 6 are connected to the Intranet. The computers 6 are also connectable to the Internet 11. Client computer 7 is connectable to the Internet 7 but is not connected or connectable to the Intranet 4. The network server computer 2 is also connected to an upload workstation computer 8. The network server computer 2 includes a database 9 on which active server pages ("ASP's") are stored. The ASP's include pricing, registration, ordering and reports information. The ASP's further include information relating to the type of data required as well as the format in which the data is required to conduct computer assisted analysis of the data. The upload workstation computer 8 has its own memory means in the form of database 10 in which data received from a client source such as a client or an auditor's client (client data), standardised computer analysis software, analysis results, template reports and reports are stored. Upload workstation 8 also includes a memory means and a processing means. In this embodiment the network server computer 2, the upload workstation computer 8, the databases 9 and 10 and the computer software stored thereon and used thereby are implemented and maintained by a data analysis department in an auditing firm. Employees of the auditing firm, such as qualified auditors operate their own in-house client computers 6. Auditors may request that an analysis be conducted by the analysis department on data of an auditor's client. Alternatively, a client may request an analysis directly from the data analysis department as is further explained below. In use, a client or a representative of the analyst department or other computer expert extracts data such as financial, product, materials, payroll or fixed assets data from the client's computer system for conducting a computer assisted analysis on the data. Depending on the type of audit required the data may be checked for duplicate payment codes or duplicate cheque numbers. Reconciliation can be done on, for example, invoices received and payments made. Problem areas can be identified where, for example, cheques were issued by unauthorised personnel or cheques above a predetermined authorised limit were issued by authorised personnel. Computer assisted audit techniques to conduct the aforesaid and other audits are known. However, the analysis software used and stored on database 10 of the upload workstation computer has been standardised. The client data required for analysis must be in a predetermined format in respect of the computer software used as well as in respect of the layout of the data and the data fields required. The analysis department hosts a web site from the server computer 2. The web site is accessible over the Internet 11 and over the Intranet 4. The web site displays the information on the ASP's including information relating to computer assisted analysis services offered such as payroll analysis, creditor analysis, cash book analysis, debtors analysis, inventory analysis, fixed assets analysis, raw materials analysis, medical aid analysis and banking analysis. It will be appreciated that the analysis services are not limited to the aforementioned. As stated above, the type of data and the format of the data required for each of the analysis services are also displayed on the web site. For example, if a fixed asset analysis is required the following information may be displayed with respect to data fields and format: "Fixed Assets: Data layout requirements Below is a list of the files that are required for your order to be completed. Please make sure that the data is in the exact same format. 1. The file must not contain a header row. 2. Fields must be delimited by || (double pipe). 3. Rows must be delimited by carriage return and line feed. 4. All rows in extract must contain all specified columns. Pad row if necessary. 5. Columns may not exceed the specified maximum width. 6. Columns must occur in same order as specified for that particular data file. 7. All data types for particular columns/fields must be consistent with specifications. 8. Date formats must always be as follows: ccyy-mm-dd. 9. There must not be any thousand separators for numeric fields. 10. A single "." will be treated as a blank field (Null) for numerics and dates. 11. All numerics must be rounded to two decimal places. 12. Each data file must be accompanied by its respective control totals. 13. Control totals must consist of the number of records and a summation of at least one numeric field. 14. This summation must be calculated on the figure after rounding to the second digit after decimal. 15. Any text fields may not contain the pipe character, "||". For a fixed asset audit three files named "asset addition register", "asset retirement register" and "fixed asset register" must be created by the client or on behalf of the client. These files must contain the following fields: Asset addition register jpolu n l Qata Type Responsibility Varchar (20) Responsibility Description Varchar (20) Cost Centre Varchar (20) Asset Type Varchar (20) Account Varchar (20) Reserve Account Varchar (20) Asset Code Varchar (20) Asset Description Varchar (50) Date Placed In Service Datetime (8) Description Method Varchar (10) Life Years Numeric (15.2) Cost Numeric (15.2) Depreciation Ytd Numeric (15.2) Depreciation Reserve Numeric (15.2) Major Category Code Varchar (20) Major Category Description Varchar (20) Sub Category Code Varchar (20) Sub Category Description Varchar (20) Asset retirement register Fixed asset register Colu ri # ι , jffi r r .Patg T pIg XX Book Varchar (20) Responsibility Code Varchar (20) Responsibility Description Varchar (20) Major Category Code Varchar (20) Major Category Description Varchar (20) Sub Category Code Varchar (20) Sub Category Description Varchar (20) Asset Code Varchar (20) Asset Description Varchar (20) Date Placed In Service Datetime (8) Life Years Numeric (15.2) Cost Numeric (15.2) Depreciation Amount Numeric (15.2) Depreciation Ytd Numeric (15.2) Depreciation Reserve Numeric (15.2) Net Book Value Numeric (15.2) The above means that some data fields may have variable characters ("Varcar") with the maximum amount of characters given in brackets. Other fields may only contain numerical values with the maximum number of digits shown in brackets. The data is extracted from the client's computer system and the above files are created. The exact fields required may not be readily extractable from the client computer system and may have to be created. It is envisaged that if created once for a first analysis future extractions could be automated or will at least be conducted quicker. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show examples of some of the data provided by a client for the three files referred to above. The data is shown here in a spreadsheet format but would normally be provided in double pipe ("II") delimited format. The client transmits the data via the Internet 11 from client computer 7 or an auditor transmits the data via the Intranet 4 to the analyst computer 5 or to the server computer 2. An analyst ensures that the data is received and uploaded to workstation computer 8 for storage on the database 10. The client or auditor also provides a record count for each field in the data and numerical control totals for numerical fields of the data. A sample of a tabulation of record counts and control totals received from a client for similar types of files described above is shown in figure 3. The record count is used to check whether any information has been lost during the transmission of the data from the client or auditor to the database 10. The control totals are used to check the accuracy of numerical totals of numerical data fields. Instead of transmitting the data electronically, the data may be stored on a portable storage device for use as a physical transfer means of the data between a client computer system and the database 10. A client or auditor accesses the web site, registers and places an order for a computer assisted analysis. The order is assigned an order number. The data received from the client or auditor over one of the computer networks or otherwise is linked to the order number and the database computer starts the analysis, using the standardised analysis software, in accordance with the order requested by the client or auditor. A software log program is stored on the database 10 and keeps track of the progress of an analysis. The analyst can access the database 10 from any computer connected to the Intranet 4, or over the Internet 11, using an authorised username and password to check the progress of an order for an analysis. The results of the analysis are compiled in a report by the database computer. This report includes comments which are computer generated as well as headings where comments may be inserted by an analyst or manager or other authorised person. A manager, partner or auditor now reviews and authorises the report and the computer generated comments and may add their own comments. All comments are added on-line by accessing the report stored on database 10 using a username and password. The comments relate to the analysis result. Access control software is used to limit and control, viewing of, changes and additions to reports and data. The reviewed and authorised report is stored on the database 10. The client or auditor is contacted, via electronic mail for example, and informed that the analysis is complete and that the report can be downloaded. The client or auditor can also monitor the progress of the report themselves by accessing the upload workstation computer and providing a username and password. An example of a report is attached hereto marked "Sample Report: Fixed Assets". A hardcopy of the report may be provided to the client or to the client's auditor. Alternatively, the client or auditor can request an online download of the report from the database 10 via the Internet 11 or the Intranet 4 respectively. The client uses a username and a password to download the report electronically. The auditor also uses a username as well as a password. The report includes tabulations or spreadsheet inserts. All the relevant data in a spreadsheet is not visible when viewing the report electronically and hyperlinks are included in the report to call up and view a full spreadsheet if required. Only the most important spreadsheet data or only a select number of records is visible in the report. The full spreadsheet will remain stored on the database 10 until the hyperlink relating to a shortened spreadsheet in the report is activated to link to the database so that the full spreadsheet may be viewed online. Once the same type of analysis has been conducted for a number of clients a number of times, trends or key performance indicators can be reported to clients. For example, if a client acquires fixed assets in a certain amount at a certain frequency this trend is recorded. Any notable or predetermined deviation from this will be detected and included in the report to alert the client. A deviation from the norm for the client's type of business compared to similar types of businesses will also be detected and highlighted in the report. Electronic notification means may be used to alert a client or auditor to such deviation. The standardised analysis software is also standardised in that the same computer software program is used for each type of analysis. The client can also be alerted, by electronic notification means or by inclusion of a comment in a report, if key performance indicators are different from what is expected or are abnormally high or low compared with previous results or an industry standard. For example, a client may expect to see a number of production orders completed per month and if this number is different from what is expected, the client is alerted thereto. After data analysis software has been applied to client data and analysis results in the form of tabulations in the form of spreadsheets as well as graphs have been produced by the data analysis software, the reports are produced from template reports. The template reports are template word processor documents. It is envisaged that the data analysis system described above will reduce on time and costs when compared to conventional data analysis systems in that standardised stored procedures are used. The system will also be convenient to use as the system will be Internet and computer network enabled ensuring that a larger client base can be reached than with conventional analysis systems. It is further envisaged that time will be saved in creating reports as the process is standardised. This will leave more time to generate client specific or customised reports in addition to standardised type reports or as a special service to certain clients, to study and comment on reports and to report on trends in the industry or trends relating to a client's own business. Clients could be alerted where the characteristics of their business deviates from the norm given the age, type, size and other characteristics of the client's business. The invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein. For example, instead of hosting a web site, so called "business-to-business" communications or "peer-to-peer" communications technology can be used. Any computer network such as a Wide Area Network or a Local Area Network can be used to implement the system. Many other variations can also be made to the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Sample Report: Fixed Assets CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 21 1.1 APPROACH 21 1.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED 21 2 SCOPE 22 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 23 3.1 CASTING AND SUMMARY 23 3.2 RECALCULATION OF DEPRECIATION 23 3.3 RECONCILIATION 23 3.4 EXCEPTION REPORTS 23 4 CASTING AND SUMMARY 24 4.1 FIXED ASSET REGISTER BY CATEGORY 24 4.2 ADDITIONS REGISTER BY CATEGORY 26 4.3 DISPOSALS/RETIREMENT REGISTER BY CATEGORY 28 5 RECALCULATION OF DEPRECIATION 30 5.1 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION ON OPENING BALANCE 30 6 RECONCILIATION 31 6.1 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FIXED ASSETS REGISTER & THE RETIREMENTS REGISTER 31 6.2 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FIXED ASSETS REGISTER AND THE ADDITIONS REGISTER 32 7 EXCEPTION REPORTS 34 7.1 ADDITIONS WITH COST GREATER THAN R50,000 34 7.2 DISPOSALS/RETIREMENT WITH COST GREATER THAN R30,000 36 7.3 ASSETS WITH NEGATIVE COST VALUES 38 7.4 ASSETS PLACED IN SERVICE & RETIRED FROM SERVICE WITHIN 12 MONTHS OR LESS 40 7.5 DUPLICATE ASSET CODES PER CATEGORY 42 1 Introduction 1.1 Approach Our approach has the following elements: Registered User places an order Analytics On Line ("AOL") Data Analyst contacts User Data obtained Data formatted and reconciled • Report processed, reviewed and ready for download 1.1.1 Registered User places an order The order was submitted by Joe Soap of Testing (Pty) Limited, (order number 001), and the following details are applicable: • Client : Testing (Pty) Ltd • Client Partner : Paul Nel • Project : Fixed Assets Testing • Project Manager : Nic Collins 1.1.2 AOL Data Analyst contacts User The AOL Data Analyst, Ryan Norris, contacted the user, Joe Soap, and it was established that the AOL Data Analyst would be required to obtain the data, format the data and reconcile the data. 1.1.3 Data obtained The AOL Data Analyst contacted the client liaison, Joe Soap, to obtain the required data. The AOL Data Analyst extracted the data from the computer system at the client's premises. 1.1.4 Data formatted and reconciled The data was formatted and reconciled to the control totals provided by Joanne Soap. 1.1.5 Report processed, reviewed and ready for download The report was processed by Ryan Norris (AOL Data Analyst) and reviewed by Jennifer Rose (AOL Operations Manager). The above-mentioned Total amount will be charged to the following code: 1.2 Problems encountered SCOPE 3 Executive Summary This executive summary details the significant findings of this report as detailed in the scope (section 2). Further detail is incorporated within the body of the report. Within the body of the report, we have made certain comments where relevant. We would like to emphasize that the Audit team, with their detailed knowledge of this client and its industry, are likely to be the best users who can interpret the findings contained within this report. 3.1 Casting and Summary • The category "Land Lord C" is negative which may require further investigation • The company holds most of its assets in fixtures and fittings and equipment. 3.2 Recalculation of Depreciation • No important points. 3.3 Reconciliation • No important points. 3.4 Exception Reports • We recommend those additions with an individual cost of more than 50, 000 be investigated. 4 Casting and Summary 4.1 Fixed asset register by category 4.1.1 Graph Output: 4.1.2 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 01 FARAmountsBvCategory OO.xls Major Category Code Major Category Depreciation Amount Depreciation Ytd Depreciation Reserve Net Book Value Depreciatio Descri tion ■ + NBV Comments The fixed assets register has been summarised by company specified categories. The cost, depreciation (Total and Year To Date), net book value and recalculated cost are shown above and in the attached spreadsheet. We note that: • The company holds most of its assets in fixtures and fittings and equipment. • Equipment is almost fully depreciated; • Motor vehicles are ageing; and • The category Landlord C is negative which might require further investigation 4.2 Additions register by category 4.2.1 Graph Output: 4.2.2 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 02 FAAAmountsByCategory OO.xls Comments This test analyses the fixed asset additions during the course of the year. We noted that: • Depreciation has not been charged which should be checked as to whether this is in line with the company's depreciation policy; • Major acquisitions have been in fixtures and equipment; • The company is capitalising its software expenditure; • The Trade Mark is a low proportion of total fixed assets; • The company has also invested in leasehold properties. 4.3 Disposals/Retirement register by category 4.3.1 Graph Output: 4.3.2 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 03 FADA ountsBvCategory OO.xls Comments K This test analyses the retirements made during the year. We note that: • The majority of these relate to fixtures of which only R24, 800 was purchased and R14m retired; • Similarly R5m of equipment was retired; and, • With motor vehicles R7Jm was retired and R2, 8m were purchased. 5 Recalculation of Depreciation 5.1 Accumulated depreciation on opening balance 5.1.1 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 04 FARAccumulatedDeprOpeningBalance OO.xls Comments In this test the accumulated depreciation on the opening balance is shown for the fixed asset register. Further information is shown in the attached spreadsheet. 6 Reconciliation 6.1 Differences between the Fixed Assets Register & the Retirements Register 6.1.1 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 11 FARReconcileFAR ndFAA OO.xls Book Responsibility Responsibility Cost Major Major Sub Asset Asset D „ost Depreciation Depreciation Depreciation Code Description Centre Category Category Categor Code Description Plated Years Amount Ytd Reserve Code Description Code- In Service Comments There were no anomalies recorded for this analytic. 6.2 Differences between the Fixed Assets Register and the Additions Register 6.2.7 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 12 FARReconcileFARandFAD OO.xls Responsibility Cost Sub Asset Asset Date Placed Life Depreci Depreciati Depreciation Net Date Retired Cost Proceeds Removal Description Centre < Code Description In Service Years atiøn on Ytd Reserve Book From Retired Of Sale Cost Code Amβunt Value Service Responsibility Asset Asset Date Placed Life Cost Depreci Depreciati Depreciation Net Date Retired Cost NBV Proceeds Removal Description Code Description In Service Years ation on Ytd Reserve Book From Retired Retired Of Sale Cost Amount Value Service Comments In this test all those assets, which are listed in the additions register, but not in the fixed assets register are shown: i.e. where assets have been bought but not entered into the Overall register of existing assets. We recommend that the process for entering fixed assets into the fixed asset register be assessed to ensure that the fixed asset valuation is correctly stated. 7 Exception Reports 7.1 Additions with cost greater than R50, 000 7.1.1 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 13 FAACostMoreThanX OO.xls 7.1.2 Comments This test analyses those additions with an individual cost of more than R50, 000. We recommend that these additions be investigated. O cn 7.2 Disposals/Retirement with cost greater than R30, 000 7.2.2 Comments This test identifies all disposals with a cost greater than R30, 000. We recommend that these disposals are investigated, especially those with a large loss on disposal. 7.3 Assets with negative cost values 7.3. Extract of Data Output: rptFA 15 FARNegativeCosts OO.xls Responsibility Responsibility Sub Asset Description Date Placed Liie Cost Depreciation Depreciation Depreciation Net Book Depreciation Code Description Category In Service Years Amount Ytd Reserve Value Reserve + σ Description NBV 7.3.2 Comments This test analyses the fixed assets file for all assets with a negative cost. The top 25 in value are shown above. The results are shown in further detail in the attached spreadsheet. These results require further investigation. 7.4 Assets placed in service & retired from service within 12 months or less 7.4. Extract of Data Output: rptFA 16 FADPlaceαAjαdRetiredWilMtiXMonths OO.xls Account Asset Asset Date Date . Cost NBV Proceeds Removal Major Sub Code Description Placed In Retired Retired Retired Of Sale Cost Category Category Service From Description Description Service Account Asset Asset Date Date Cost NBV Proceei Kemovai <jaιn Code Description Placed tn Retired Retired Retired Of Sale Cost Or L Category Service From Description Service 7.4.2 Comments This test analyses the asset retirement file for those assets that have been retired from service within 12 months. The top 25 is shown above with the full listing in the attached spreadsheet. We recommend that the procurement mechanism for these items be reviewed to ensure the company is making the best use of its assets and is purchasing assets for future utilisation 7.5 Duplicate asset codes per category 7.5.1 Extract of Data Output: rptFA 17 FARDuplicateAssetsByCatagory OO.xls {esp'onsibihty Responsibility Major Catej Sub Category Description Asset Code Asset ■nararπa Depreciation Depreciation Depreciation Net Book I Λ e Description Description Description Amount Ytd Reserve Value Service lespohsibihty Responsibilit Sub Category Description Asset Code . Asset epreciation Depreciation Depreciation Net Book Date Pldee ϋode Description Description Amount Ytd Reserve Value . Service ' 10 [CompanyA (XL Fixtures lOFFICE EQUIPME 007610 NO DESC 526.85 7.5.2 Comments There are 24 duplicates shown above which have been grouped Asset number. These require further investigation.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A computer assisted analysis method comprising the steps of: receiving computer readable client data to be analysed; storing the data on a memory means; analysing the data using a processing means and standardised data analysis software stored on the memory means to generate an analysis result; producing a computer generated report using at least part of the analysis result; adding comments to the report; storing the report on the memory means; and making the report accessible to a client. 2. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in claim 1 in which the client source is a client of an auditor firm. 3. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in claim 1 in which the client source is an auditor. 4. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the memory means is a database of a computer. 5. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the standardised analysis software is at least one custom made computer program written to perform a specific data analysis. 6. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the analysis of the data includes analysing data relating to any one or more of the following client data types: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data. 7. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in claim 5 in which the standardised data analysis software is at least one custom made computer program written to perform an analysis on at least one of the following client data: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data. 8. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the computer generated report is generated using a template computer document stored on the memory means. 9. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in claim 8 in which the template computer document is a template word processor document. 10. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the comments are computer generated. 11. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the comments are added manually over a computer network. 12. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the comments are part computer generated and part manually generated and added. 13. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the report includes text and at least one tabulation. 14. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in claim 13 in which the tabulation is at least part of a tabulation generated by the data analysis software. 16. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the report is accessible over a computer network. 5 17. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the report includes at least one hyperlink to facilitate access to the analysis result over a computer network. 18. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the o preceding claims in which the report is transmitted over a computer network to a client or auditor. 19. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 in which the computer network is the internet. 5 20. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 in which the computer network is a private computer network. 21. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the o preceding claims in which the method includes the step of a client or auditor placing an order for a computer assisted analysis on a web site hosted by a server computer on a computer network. 22. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the method includes the step of displaying information relating to analysis services provided on at least one web page of a web site hosted by a server computer. 23. A computer assisted analysis method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the report includes key performance indicator information. 24. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which notification is given to a client or auditor of an unexpected key performance indicator result or deviation of a key performance indicator. 25. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which notification is given in the report of a predetermined deviation in the analysis result compared with previous result. 26. A computer assisted analysis system comprising - a memory means for storing client data to be analysed; processor means for analysing the data using standardised analysis software stored on the memory means; the processor means being programmed to produce an analysis result and an analysis report including at least some information of the analysis result; the analysis report being generated from a template report stored on the memory means; and input means for adding comments to the report. 27. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 25 in which an order for a computer assisted analysis is inputted on the input means. 28. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 in which the input means includes a computer connected to a computer network. 29. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 28 in which the computer network is the internet. 30. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 28 in which the computer network is a private computer network. 31. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 28 in which the computer hosts a web site on the computer network. 32. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 28 in which the web site displays information including information relating to computer assisted audit services. 33. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 32 in which the processor means and memory means is accessible and controllable from an analyst computer over a computer network. 34. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 33 in which the analyst computer is connected to a computer network. 35. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 34 in which the computer network is the internet. 36. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 34 in which the computer network is a private computer network. 37. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 36 in which the client data is received via the input means from a client source. 38. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 37 in which the client source is an auditor or a client. 39. The computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 38 in which the analysis result includes a number of tabulations generated by the analysis software. 40. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 39 in which the report includes hyperlinks to facilitate access to at least parts of the analysis result over a computer network. 41. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 40 in which the report includes computer generated comments. 42. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in claim 37 in which the client source is a client computer or an auditor computer. 43. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the standardised data analysis software includes at least one computer program for conducting an analysis on at least one of the following client data types: payroll data, creditor data, cash book data, debtor data, inventory data, raw materials data, fixed assets data, medical aid data and banking data. 44. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 43 in which the report is transmitted back over the input means to a client or an auditor. 45. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 44 in which the analysis result includes a number of graphs. 46. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 45 in which the report includes comments added manually over a computer network. 47. A computer assisted analysis system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 46 in which electronic notification means is provided to notify a client of a deviation or unexpected result of an analysis result or of a key performance indicator.

Inventors: RIVETT CAROLINE, RIVETT, CAROLINE
Applicants: ERNST & YOUNG, RIVETT CAROLINE, RIVETT, CAROLINE
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06Q10