Abstract:
This web enabled system is capable of facilitating the management of unlimited projects within which an unlimited number of parties may participate to complete an unlimited number of stages, sub-stages and tasks. The system facilitates the efficient disbursal of monies while reducing the inefficiencies that result when money is not timely disbursed. Included is functionality for requesting, managing, allocating, and disbursing funds in accordance with allocation factors. Allowed inputs by users are governed by each party&#39;s function and the password security level provided therefore, in balance with checks against required approvals or releases by other affected parties and intrasystem consistency checks. The system provides net payment function management to provide payor credit for faster payment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/554,518 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 26, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/734,098 filed in the United States Patent Office on Jan. 4, 2013, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 13/051,642 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 18, 2011, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,515,864 on Aug. 20, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/429,081 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 5, 2006, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,933,790 on Apr. 26, 2011, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Complex task management system for multiple parties providing multiple services or paying for them, in a multiple stage project including facilitation of partial payments and approvals therefore. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Contracts pertaining to tasks and projects can involve multiple parties providing services, funding, and loan services and involve multiple stages with a host of imbedded timelines. Like dominoes, completion of the whole project depends on accurate performance of activities and timing that makes up the parts. Although all of this information can and has been tracked on paper or by computer in the past, “tracking” in the passive sense, did not provide the pro-active prompts necessary to keep a project moving toward completion nor a dynamic interface providing real time changes and interaction by participating parties. 
         [0004]    The design and construction industries are highly fragmented and are riddled with inefficiencies, the largest one being how to get paid on a timely basis so that progress on the project can continue. There are conflicting interests relative to the signing of releases, provision of payment to subcontractors and vendors, and the distribution of money to contractors without a means to assure it is properly distributed to those needing payment. Generally, getting paid for services will require a contract and a schedule of values to invoice against over the contract period. The normal turnaround time for partial payment in this environment can exceed 45 days, sometimes 90 days. Moreover, the process of requesting payment, obtaining approvals therefore, and transfer of funds is not consistent month to month. The number of man hours spent per year tracking documents necessary to effect all the partial payments in a large project is staggering. What was needed was a system accessible by all parties that could facilitate the dynamic management of the tasks, materials, and scheduling, and also provide a way to shorten the turnaround time from bill to payment for recurring payments. 
         [0005]    In addition to design and construction, facilities management, legal services, financial services, product development and manufacturing all present the same need i.e. the need to manage recurring payments for long term service contracts. This need requires a remedy for the exchange of money for services wherein money will only be paid upon release by the payee of any obligations to pay and the release will only be provided upon receipt of payment. 
         [0006]    The objectives of the present invention are: 
         [0007]    To provide a web-enabled pay application service to expedite, organize and synchronize the payment process between payors and service provides wherein each is a party to a contract. 
         [0008]    To facilitate any contract for services that requires a recurring pay request, approval sequences and disbursements. 
         [0009]    To automatically prepare, forward and execute an authorized lien waiver as part of the payment process; 
         [0010]    To minimize the time and tasks presently required to obtain waivers and complete payments. 
         [0011]    To reduce error associated with inaccuracies of multiple entries and recordkeeping, provide automatic email notification of process steps in the payment process, create a paperless process facilitated by digital signature sign-offs and provide password-keyed variable access to different parts of the system based on the identity and function of the party holding the password. 
         [0012]    To allow full reporting capabilities to monitor on-going changes to schedule of values, budgets, completion, materials, etc. 
         [0013]    To allow for multiple parties to integrate into a master pay request including sub-contractors and vendors. 
         [0014]    To provide a “bill pay” option to release funds to sub-contractors or vendors. 
         [0015]    To provide a means to request funding and additional funding; 
         [0016]    To provide means to monitor funding; 
         [0017]    To provide means to allocate funding relative to phases, schedules of values, time and to manage funds so allocated. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention comprises a web enabled system capable of facilitating the management of unlimited projects within which an unlimited number of parties may participate to complete an unlimited number of stages, sub stages and tasks. The system facilitates the efficient disbursal of monies while reducing the inefficiencies that result when money is not timely disbursed. Projected timelines for completion, tracking of materials used and materials stored, and partial payments and releases are all managed by the system based on inputs by participating parties. Allowed inputs are governed by each party&#39;s function and the password security level provided therefore, in balance with checks against required approvals or releases by other affected parties and intrasystem consistency checks. 
         [0019]    For example, a party providing drywall services may only be allowed access to the sub stages in which it is engaged to provide services and then, perhaps, only to certain fields relevant to reporting task completion, materials used, change requests, and payment requests. In contrast, a general contractor may have access to all sub-stages but, although not allowed to input progress data regarding task completion by a subcontractor, will be required to approve the progress data input by that sub. A party providing finances for the project may have read-only access to the vast majority of the system&#39;s functions and have active access only to review, comment, approve, reject and actuate release of funds. The system here acts as the transfer agent for funds and waivers. The variations in accessibility are governed by password protected security levels. 
         [0020]    As the project is begun, those parties from whom approval or signature will be required will agree that his signature be electronically applied upon the signor&#39;s activation of a password-protected confirmation and that, upon such application, the electronic signature will be binding as if he had signed it physically. 
         [0021]    The system is multi-relational such that a switch/flag/indicator can be set so that a change in a particular field will be reflected in another field or will be used to re-calculate a value in another field. For example, if a particular task cannot begin until a first task is completed, the system can be set so that if progress in the first task is slowed, the target dates of the other are changed accordingly, necessary and affected parties are so notified, and approval of the change it obtained from the approving party. Materials stored balances are maintained and “red flag” alerts are provided. This system is unique in that it tracks materials relative to the purchase date and use date of each particular lot of goods rather than storing a present inventory versus a total. 
         [0022]    If a pay request goes without response, the system will email a reminder to the recipient of the request. For example, if a pay request is denied, the status of that request is presented to the requestor in a manner that draws its attention. As tasks or sub-stages are completed for which partial payments are due, the appropriate party calls up a form pre-populated with sub-stage information, enters the date and portion completed and requests payment. The system uses a predetermined authentication routine to deliver the request to a pre-determined approver or approvers. Prior to sending the pay request, the requester is presented with the digital Lien Waiver form with all relevant information about the request pre populated. The form is generated by the system reflective of the pay request data and may only require the signor to actuate his electronic signature. The requestor must sign the Lien Waiver again to complete the pay request process. Requiring the signature at this point in time means the requestor completes all entry in the system at one time and simply waits to be paid. The electronically signed Lien Waiver is held by the system and can only be forwarded to the recipient when funds are forwarded to the requestor, or can be deleted if the request for payment is rejected. The Lien Waiver is otherwise inaccessible. 
         [0023]    The approver then checks the work and approves (or disapproves) payment. As part of the approver approval process, the approver must also sign the pay request and the Lien Waiver as proof the Lien Waiver has indeed been reviewed. At this point, the system alerts the requester that approval was made. Then the system alerts the payor of the requested amount, its approval status, and of the completed lien waiver form. Payor releases funds to the system; the system verifies the amount transferred matches that approved on the pay request, and then simultaneously sends the lien waiver form and the funds to the respective destinations. This negates the need for a double signature or temporary release form (one before payment received and a final one after) and ensures fast, reliable payment upon completion of Lien Waiver. When the system is set up to pay vendors and subcontractors as is preferable, the funds go directly to the recipient and do not get paid to the contractor&#39;s account wherein the contractor would be required to take additional steps to forward to the subcontractor or vendor. 
         [0024]    In an alternative arrangement, once the requestor receives funds, he can use a function similar to an online bank bill pay function to transfer funds for direct deposit to pay subcontractors or vendors that may not have been entered as pay requestors on the system. 
         [0025]    Reports generated by the system upon command are many and varied. Running balances; retainage per task, sub-stage, and overall; task completion reports; vendor status and service supplier status across tasks and subtasks; and Next Pay App reports are all available and can be set to auto-generate at predetermined times or on command. In addition, the system stores and makes available read only copies of project documents e.g. subcontracts, vendor agreements, lender documents, and others. 
         [0026]    The system may also be used to request funds, manage the funds provided e.g. by monitoring remaining funds and alerting upon reaching a pre-set minimum, and allocate funds to various projects or contracts using variables such as time line, schedules of values, and contract terms. 
     
    
     
       DETAILED DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  Administrator&#39;s Flow Chart 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  User&#39;s Flow Chart 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  Approver Process Flow Chart 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  Pay Process Flow Chart 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  Project Set Up Flow Chart 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5A-5J  Screen shots illustrating the Project Set Up 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  Set Up of Contracts and Phases Flow Chart 
           [0034]      FIGS. 6A-6D  Screen shots illustrating the Set Up of Contacts and Phases 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  Schedule of Values Flow Chart 
           [0036]      FIG. 7A-7C  Screen shots illustrating the Schedule of Values 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  Profile Round Flow Chart 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  Pay Application Process Flow Chart 
           [0039]      FIG. 9A-9L  Screen shots illustrating the Pay Application Process 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  Screen Shot illustrating Retainage Release 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a view of system in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0042]    and 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a view of a conventional system. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is a screenshot of the retainage release function in accordance with an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]    The invention is a computer- and web-enabled multiparty, multi-contract management system  10  best shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The system  10  is implemented through the web by software that has certain operative functionalities found in other collaborative work software wherein an unlimited number of projects can be managed having an unlimited number of sub-stages, tasks, and involved entities that access and interact through the system. The invention is described in terms of processes or steps some of which are initiated by the user, some of which are managed by the system. According to methods already known in the art, data entered will be checked against stored data, the system will check for data format as necessary and flag missing data where such data is critical. Communication protocols between networked computers accessing the system are used as known in the art. 
         [0046]    As an example of a contract managed by the system  10  of the present invention, a construction project is used as illustration. Construction projects  11  often include a number of different contracts  12  each of which is made up of phases  14  which are typically task oriented. Phases require labor  16 , materials  18 , or both  20 . The project is owned by an owner  22  and often funded by a fund holder  24  (e.g. financial institution). The entities that provide labor or materials or both are traditionally paid upon accomplishment of certain phase milestones  23  e.g. completion of a task, or portion of a task, delivery of materials, etc. In order to use the system  10  of the present invention to manage a construction project  11 , the following functions must be understood and addressed: Project Set Up  30 , Contracts and Phases Set Up  50 , Schedule of Values  70 , Profile Round  100 , Change Order  110 , Pay Application and Payments  120 , Material Stored  82 , and Reporting  300 . 
       Project Set Up  30   
       [0047]    The system  10  provides means for uploading of contract documents which may be viewed by various users. The Project Set Up  30  comprises means to assign multilevel party identity dependent accessibility  31 . Means to assign multilevel accessibility  31  first requires the creation of security zones  36  and the designation of security zones  36  to certain entities. At least one entity must be designated a Super Administrator  32 . The Super Administrator has the highest level of access to various parts of the system  10 , is responsible for setting up a Project  34 , assigning the Project  34  to one or more Security Zones  36 , and setting up Administrator  38 , Company  40  and User  42  accounts  43  with access to certain Security Zones  36 , respectively. The Administrator  38  can also set up User  42  accounts. A Pay Application Administrator  44  is also designated and its function will be described in Contracts Set Up  50 . 
         [0048]    On a Project Form  46 , the Super Administrator  32  simply enters a project name and description and designates a Security Zone  36  for the Project  34 . Other details for the Project  34  can be stored here, as well. Once the Project  34  is set up, the Super Administrator  32  enters information about the Administrator(s)  38  for the Project  34  and designates the appropriate Security Zone  36 . In a preferred embodiment, this information includes the Administrator&#39;s  38  name, email address, mailing address, agreement to be bound by electronic signature, and electronic signature block  49   a . From here, the Administrator  38  or Super Administrator can enter User  42  information and designate an appropriate Security Zone  36  for that User  42 . The system  10  then notifies each User  42  of its login  47  and password  49 . 
         [0049]    Set Up of Contracts and Phases  50   
         [0050]    Projects, Contract, Phases are interchangeable with labels such as Builder, Contract and Vendor or other such appropriate terms. Set up of Contracts and Phases  50  in the project can be simply accomplished. The Pay Application Administrator  44  first sets up the contract  51  in the Contract Set Up screen. He can then enter new Companies  40  or new Users  42  (or select from the list already in the system). The entry of a new Company or new User requires the completion of a series of data fields used for identification. In the preferred embodiment, the User profile further includes email address, position in the Company, his Logon ID, role, electronic signature block, and Security Zone access. 
         [0051]    Once the Users  42  and Companies  40  are entered, the Pay Application Administrator  44  can go to “Phase Setup”  54  where he describes the phase  55 , its duration  56 , provides project numbers  57 , sets up the review schedule  58  and records projected milestone dates  59 , phase cost total  60 , and retainage  61 . Next, he designates the participants  62  for the phase  55  which include entities that can apply for payment on this phase and those that will provide approvals. Those that may apply for payment on this phase are called Originators  66 . Those from whom Approval is required are called Approvers  68 . Means to designate a sequence for approval  64  is provided whereby the Administrator  44  selects Approvers  68  from the participants&#39; list  62  in the Order in which they must provide approval or rejection of this phase  55 . The last Approver is often the Fund Holder  24 . The system  10  also allows the Pay Application Administrator  44  to set up a list of participants that should be email notified relative to each Approver&#39;s  68  response to the application for payment, considered collectively as the Approval Sequence  69 . Once the approval sequence  69  is entered, it and the other Phase information are collectively referred to as the Phase Description  65 . 
         [0052]    Schedule of Values  70   
         [0053]    Once the approval sequence  69  has been entered, the Pay Application Administrator  44  may input all the necessary Schedule of Values  70  information. First, a category  71  and at least one subcategory  72  are chosen from a list which describes the Phase  55  in which a line item  73  of the Schedule of Values  70  will belong. Then, a selection is made whether the value  74  pertains to material  18 , labor  16  or both  20 , and the appropriate value  74  is inserted. The scheduled value  74  in dollars is then entered. A “Phase Description”  76  is the combination of the Contract and Phases Set Up  50  and the Schedule of Values  70 . Once the Schedule of Values  70  is completed, the Pay Application Administrator  44  enters his password  49  to sign off and begins the Profile Round  100 . Once the Profile Round  100  is complete (see below) the Schedule of Values screen  78  shows each line item  73  with identifying information and its scheduled value  74  along with other pertinent data including the cumulative sum of all previous pay applications collectively labeled previous application  79  as calculated by the system  10 . Two columns pertaining to the Work Completed this Month  80 ,  81  are presented wherein one shows labor and material installed this month  80 . The other shows labor and material installed plus material installed that was previously stored  81  and is followed by a number of columns pertaining to specificities of Materials Stored  82  (see Materials Stored section below). Calculated totals showing Total Completed and Stored to Date  84 , Percent Completed  86 , Balance to Finish  88 , and Retainage Amount  90  are System-generated amounts also displayed, line by line, on the Schedule of Values  70  screen. 
         [0054]    Retainage  90  is determined by the System  10  by applying the percentage entered at time of Contract Set Up. Retainage is released to the entities that have substantially completed their obligations to that line item when the line item on the Schedule of Values has reached “substantial completion” which, in the preferred embodiment, is set at 90%. 
         [0055]    Profile Round  100   
         [0056]    The Profile Round  100  follows the same approval sequence  69  as a Pay Application (to be further described in subsequent sections) will follow, however, the approval required here is not of a certain payment request but, instead, of the entire Phase Description  65 . So, the Originator  66  looks at the Schedule of Values  70  on an item  73  by item basis. Means to accept or reject each line item  100   a  are provided. If the line item  73  is accepted  99 , the Originator inputs his password  49 . If a line item  73  is rejected  101 , the Originator  66  may input a comment  102  specific to that line item  73 , enters his password  49 , and then the profile goes back to Pay Application Administrator  44  for fix. The Approvers  68  all get a chance to reject/approve each line item  73  as well. Rejections  101  with line item-specific comments  102  are returned to the Originator  66 . Once approved and signed off by last Approver  68 , it is returned to Pay Application Administrator  44  to save and release back to the Originator  66 . 
         [0057]    Change Order  110   
         [0058]    Either by responding to a Request for Proposal or when needing to initiate a required change order  110 , originator  66  who is a contractor may select the Change Order screen  112  and input the requisite information  114 . The Pay Administrator  44  then selects the appropriate approvers  68  and initiates an approval round  116 . If the Change Order  110  is approved, it becomes an Amendment  118  to the Contract and the Pay Application Administrator  44  then adds to the Schedule of Values  70 . The requisite information  114  may also be imported from an outside system. 
         [0059]    Pay Application Process  120   
         [0060]    After the Profile Round  100  is complete, means to apply for payment  121  are available to the Originator  66 . Means to apply for payment  121  allows the Originator  66  to originate a Pay Application  122  upon completion of a Phase Milestone  23  and comprises the following steps: First, the Originator logs into the Project  34 , Selects the correct Contract  51  and Phase  55 . Then, the Originator  66  selects one of the line items  73  from the Schedule of Values  70  for which he is requesting a payment  121   a  and enters information as required by the Payment Application Form  122  including entry regarding stored materials  82  (see Stored Material section below). He completes a Lien Waiver Form  124  as automatically provided by the System  10  upon submission of the Pay Application Form  122 . The Lien Waiver Form  124  includes language releasing all claims relative to the work for which payment is being requested  126  and, upon entry of the Originator&#39;s  66  password  49 , the System  10  applies the Originator&#39;s  66  electronic signature  49   a  to the Lien Waiver  124  and sends the Pay Application Form  122  along with a notice  126  that the Lien Waiver Form  124  has been completed to the first Approver  68 . The first Approver  68  verifies the payment  121  by manually keying in the dollar figure for the payment  121 . If this figure does not match that in the system, the system  10  will not accept it. This requirement acts as a safety door by requiring at least one of the approver&#39;s  68  to truly look at the payment  121  being requested. The system  10  provides means for the first Approver to indicate  127  a response. If rejection  130 , means to indicate  127  allows the Approver to click the box for rejection and then enter reasons  132  therefore. Next, the system  10  removes all electronic signatures  49   a  from this Pay Application  122  and associated Lien Waiver  124 , and sends back to Originator  68  with the reasons  132  for refusal. 
         [0061]    When the first Approver  68  indicates approval, the means to indicate  127  approval  134  provides a check box and the system  10  then emails other entities as directed by the Phase Description  65 . Upon first approval  134 , next Approver  68  is notified there is a Pay Application  122  awaiting his approval  134  and he utilizes means to indicate  127  approval or rejection in the same manner. All other Phase Participants  62  can determine which Approver  68  is next in line by referring to the Schedule of Values  70  screen. The final Approver  68  is the holder of the funds  24  that are available to make the payment  121 . Upon his Approval, the requested payment  121  is transferred to a System Account  136 . The System  10  confirms the payment  121  has arrived and is available for transfer. Upon confirmation, the System  10  direct deposits the payment  121  in an Originator&#39;s  66  account  137  and sends the completed Lien Waiver  124  to the fund holder  124 . This process expedites the completion of the transaction, does not require separate completion steps or double signing by the Lien Waiver signor or the Funds Holder, and provides certainty that the funds are present and transferred at time of the transfer of the Lien Waiver and vice versa. It does not allow a contractor or other individual to control the timing of payment nor does it suffer from the possibility that funds available in the payor&#39;s account at the time the system checks have already been used before the funds can be transferred to the payee. 
         [0062]    The Set-up of Contacts and Phases and of Users may include a level deeper than described above. Here, a phase description  65  would be that of a task  142  within a phase to be completed by a vendor  140  and a schedule of values  70  would be entered accordingly. The participants list  62  would include the vendor  140  and/or subcontractors. There would be a single approver  68  in this situation—the contractor for whom the vendor is providing materials/services. Upon completing the pay application form  122 , the vendor  140  would be required to complete a Lien Waiver Form  124 . Upon approval of the request by the approver/contractor  68 , the Fund Holder  24  would release the payment  121  to the system  10 , the system  10  would verify payment amount transferred, and system  10  would then forward the Lien Waiver  124  to the approver/contractor  68  and payment  121  to vendor  140 . This process negates the temptation by the Contractor to hold funds while at the same time expediting the completion of the transaction without necessitating separate completion steps or double signing by the Lien Waiver signor or the Funds Holder. Controlled by Security Zones  36  and the Phase Participants List  62 , the Vendor  140  would not have access to any parts of the system  10  other than the Phase and tasks  142  with which he has been linked and, then, only to request a payment  121 . 
         [0063]    Materials Stored  82   
         [0064]    The System  10  stores and displays information regarding materials providing means to balance and report stored materials levels  144 . Said means to balance and report comprises the following entry and calculated fields: Previous Materials Stored  150 , New Materials Stored  152 , Previously Stored Material Used  154  and Materials Presently Stored  156 . A user  42  on the participants list  62  on a phase  55  can enter changes to New Materials Stored  152 , and to Previously Stored Material Used  154 . These columns are displayed on the Schedule of Values  70  relative to each line item  73  on the schedule  70 . The Previous Material Stored  150  column shows the level of materials stored after processing the previous pay application and is a System-generated amount. Material Presently Stored  156  is a system calculated level showing the value of the materials stored past and present and for which payment has not yet been applied for. Total Completed and Stored  160  shows the value of materials obtained to date, both used and unused. In the preferred embodiment, means to balance and report stored materials levels  144  further comprises the requirement of uploading scanned document images  162  to the system  10  under the “Pay Application Support Documents” folder  164  in the Pay Application  122  tab prior to completion of a Pay Application  122 . The documents  162  required include a proof of purchase  166  and an insurance certificate  168  on the location where the materials are stored. Without uploaded document images  162 , the current Pay Application  122  including payment for materials will not be processed by the System  10 . 
         [0065]    Reporting 
         [0066]    The system links all Budget Fields together and adjusts to changes in real time. For example, if a Contract or Phase is finished under budget, a field holding the actual project balance is affected as is a field holding the actual Contract or Phase budget. Another example of linked fields is illustrated when, at set up, an Administrator indicates which independent Phases or Contracts must be complete before a particular dependent Phase or Contract can be started. Any changes to the independent schedule are automatically used to update the schedule of the dependent. Such an update may be set to require approval by a specified entity and, upon such approval, the schedule change will be communicated to all affected entities by email or intra-system messaging. 
         [0067]    Management Features 
         [0068]    The combination of certain features in the Phase Set up, Schedule of Values and Pay application and means for automatically updating certain data fields in response to new entries in linked fields provides means for contract management. Means for contract management provides information on contract progress and cost, phase progress and cost, and change orders. 
         [0069]    Retainage 
         [0070]    When setting up a contract the contract retainage is determined via a user interface that allows nearly unlimited flexibility to how funds are retained on a “per pay app” basis of retainage. 
         [0071]    Retainage is typically a set percentage or dollar amount that is retained from the Contractor progress payment during the life of the project. Retainage is a tool to hold a portion of the project funds in escrow and to hold contractors (pay applicants) accountable to safeguard that the contract is fully executed to the owner&#39;s satisfaction and according to the plans and specifications. 
         [0072]    Several retainage measures and parameters may be used to affect how retainage will be withheld and calculated. These retainage measures include percent, time, lump sum, or prorated across each pay request. The functionality enables the user to set up retainage on the contract level yet still provides the option to ‘fine-tune’ retainage on a per-originator basis. If they differ, the per-originator retainage parameters are set to override those on the contract level. The following release modes are contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0073]    Apply Retainage to Change Orders or Expenses 
         [0074]    Specify whether retainage is set up on the contract level or fine-tuned on a per originator basis. “Per Originator” applies if retainage will be set in sub contracts individually aside from the primary contract. 
         [0075]    Per-Originator Retainage 
         [0076]    The process allows the user to specify whether Retainage applies to the original Schedule of Values only or globally (that is, including Change Orders). In case of the latter, the user may specify the ‘ceiling’ for Retainage (either ‘unlimited’ or ‘not to exceed a certain $$ amount’). 
         [0077]    Apply Retainage Effective Range 
         [0078]    This option allows the user to specify a set of thresholds in either percentage or absolute amount that will determine when Retainage will ‘kick in’ and when it will be turned ‘off’. A lower limit related to when Retainage kicks in can be set. The upper limit may also be set. Additionally the range can “start at”, “stop at” and/or “start at remaining” values along the payment cycle. 
         [0079]    Release Proportionally Across all Schedule of Values Items 
         [0080]    This option defines retainage to be released equally across all Schedule of Values (SOV) items. 
         [0081]    Release at Each Schedule of Value Item Individually 
         [0082]    This option defines that retainage would be released on a per-SOV-item basis. 
         [0083]    Retainage Not to Exceed 
         [0084]    The measure allows the user to set the upper limit of retainage amount and is enabled only if Apply Retainage to Change Orders option is on. It can be specified either in percentage terms or in terms of money. 
         [0085]    Retainage Release 
         [0086]    Retainage release is a very important part of a complex project. There are many factors that go into allowable retainage release. The norm, however, is the Contract Sum to Date must equal Total and Completed and Stored to Date. In other words the financial value of the contract must equal the work completed before the retainage is released. 
         [0000]    Release can be managed in several different modes
       Released either by % or $ proportionally across all SOV&#39;s   Released either by % or $ at each SOV line item   Released either by % or $ for any sub contract either proportionally or by SOV line item       
 
         [0090]    There are many State and Local laws, however, that permit EARLY release so work completed by sub-contractors early in a project are not harmed financially by long project duration, hold backs or claims against the project. Therefore, in a preferred variation of the system, if labor and materials are yet to be provided at the time the request for the release of the retained funds is made, an amount equal to a set multiple of the value of the labor or materials yet to be provided, as determined by the Owner entity&#39;s authorized contract representative, may be withheld until such labor or materials are provided. The same is also true for other “hold backs” like a claim on the project for example. A Hold Back or claim can be initiated in whole or part on any payment request or retainage release event. 
         [0091]    Early Release or Partial of Retained Funds can be accomplished via a number of features including:
       1. A feature in contract setup to allow override of the default setting of Retainage Release Unlock. The default setting is automatic when Contract Sum to Date=Total and Completed Stored to Date. The override feature results in Retainage Release Unlock only for SOV line items that are at 100% complete.   2. Another feature in Contract Setup will allow an override to allow the user to insert a percent amount that will automatically calculate Balance to Finish amount against the Total Amount of Retainage Released. (200% or other multiple) If exceeded during the Partial Release process then an error dialog box will provide notification that the amount has been exceeded. An adjustment to the SOV line items can be made to result in an amount below the calculated threshold.   3. The system provides accounting for the SOV release process. Specifically, the following statuses are provided but it is contemplated that the system may be altered to provide other means of tracking and status.
           a. Retainage Amount at 100% Complete   b. This Period Retainage Released   c. Previous Retained Released   d. Present Retainage   
           4. Finally, a preferred embodiment of the system includes such features as:
           a. A log of release that is “selectable” to the USER so as he/she can view a history of released activities.   b. A heads up dynamic display showing the running total of retainage release and “Balance” to reach the 200% (or other multiple) threshold.   
               
 
       Resource and Allocation 
       [0102]    The system allows for a sophisticated resource and allocation tracking tool. Corporate or public entities that must plan for large complex projects usually need to budget for their upcoming projects. This information is most likely held in spreadsheets. As projects are set the entity allocates funds to each of several projects and then also enters the contracts parameters for each project. Even more complex is the notion that shared projects across multiple entities require careful and precise accounting of project resource and allocations. Once again User collaboration, transparency and approval play a central role. Features of the Resource and Allocation tracking tool include:
       1. User control of others allowed to view or perform tasks related to data;   2. Real-time reporting of funds allocated, funds remaining, funds needing replenishment   3. Links to other functions in the system       
 
         [0106]    The ability to request and approve funding includes funding and allocation related to a period of time, schedule of values, a plan, phase, labor, materials, for specific projects, individuals, groups and/or departments and functionality that allows the user to add detailed information about the request are also provided. A funding request may be sent to a list of potential funding sources; and responses from the potential funders can be tracked. The system comprises accepting the sourced funds into an account and processing funding requests for funds from that account. Processing funding requests essentially employs the same functionality as processing a request for payment as previously disclosed herein. Finally, the user may prorate a funding request across other entities that will be contributors. The funding request may be phased or integrated with project scheduling. Additional resource and Allocation function may allow setting of minimums and maximums or range of funding complete. The system then monitors the funding and provides notification to the appropriate user when projects or Contracts are getting within a prescribed range of either. 
         [0107]    Once funding becomes a resource it can be allocated to security zones, projects and then also to contracts (or to a phased project with integrated scheduling). The system also allows functionality to remove funding or put funding on hold. 
         [0108]    The funding allocation and resource feature, as preferred, allows each security zone to see available funding and to which projects and contracts. If projects or contracts have not been created, then they can be created at this time and may be directionally attached so various users with differing roles in a project may have access to the resource and funding information. A variety of user functions may be incorporated:
       1. User functions
           a. User may have assigned a security related to what is visible and have access to perform tasks   b. User may have real time reporting   c. User may be bi-directionally linked to the rest of the functions   d. User may import/export other external data like spreadsheets.   e. User may provide collaborative input regarding approval, assignment, and request/response decision making flow with other Users.   
           2. The ability to request, forecast and approve funding may include at least one or more of these features:
           a. Set a period of time, for specific projects, individuals, groups and/or departments   b. Add detailed information about the request   c. Geo linking capabilities relative to project, groups, funding, etc.   d. Integrate phases and integrated scheduling   e. Request additional funding for projects and contracts already allocated   f. Provide minimums and maximums or range of funding complete with alarm triggers for notifying specified users or administrators when projects or Contracts are getting within a prescribed range of either.   
           3. Once funding becomes a resource, the system may provide any of the following features:
           a. Allocate funds to security zones, projects and then also to contracts (will access data base). Projects and Contracts can be created at this time   b. Allocate funds to a phased project with integrated scheduling   c. Remove funding or put on hold for certain projects and contracts   d. Each security zone will see available funding and to which projects and contracts the funds are allocated. Projects or contracts can be created at this time or prior to funding allocation, and may be bi-directionally attached so both the payors and Resource Users can have visibility   
           4. Additional Planning Features may include:
           a. Funding Forecasting: User sets goals, objectives, and budgets for same. After funding is obtained and allocated, and payments out of the funds have begun, the system may forecast when the funds will be reduced to a certain amount and when additional funds will be needed. Requires entry of the following data:
               i. ID of goal/objective/budget creator,   ii. Project description   iii. Date created Desired date start, Date end   iv. Duration   v. Amount   vi. Anticipated Source   vii. Document folder   viii. Project anticipated Draw Schedule, if any   
               b. Funding Sourcing: Tracking the various sources of funding, amounts allocated and remaining, restrictions related to uses, etc. Entry of the following is used to track, allocate, forecast Funding Source uses:
               i. ID of creator of the funding source   ii. Project description of where funds should go   iii. Desired date start, Date created, Date end   iv. Duration   v. Amount   vi. Source information e.g. contact information   vii. Present location of funds   viii. Other dependency sources if linked together to create one pool of funds from multiple sources   ix. Project anticipated Draw Schedule, if any   x. Amount Allocated and where   
               c. Funding Allocation: For allocating sourced funds to real projects. Entry of the following can be used to determine Allocation:
               i. ID of person who created it   ii. Date created Desired date start Date end   iii. Project name, description and ID   iv. Duration   v. Amount   vi. Source   
               
               
 
       Net Payment 
       [0155]    A NET payment functionality is provided to allow an Owner or funding source to take a credit on a payment if it is paid in a shorter time period than the normal 30 day cycle. NET payments do not necessarily have to be based off of a 30 day standard billing cycle. A NET payment can be defined at any point where a credit schedule could be based from. For example, NET payment could be defined at 60 days and credit schedule could be derived working back in time; a prompt payment credit term of 2% discount at 30 days. 
         [0156]    This functionality will have major consequences to the Owner, project and contractor. The Owner can receive credit back of a small percentage in exchange for the prompt payment. The contractor can better cash flow their projects closer to when money is earned, provide higher quality and skilled tradesmen, lower their credit line and be more liquid and be able to negotiate even better terms with their material providers and sub-contractors. The project will benefit from increased velocity, higher level of quality, reduced risk and costs. Where the final Approver in the sequence is the funds holder/payor, the NET PAYMENT functionality may be set to trigger when all the other Approvers in the Approval Sequence have indicated approval in order to avoid self-dealing by the funds holder. 
         [0157]    Features of the NET PAYMENT functionality are:
       1. NET Payment schedule setting several time related events and different credit levels e.g. 3% credit when paid within 5 days of full approval, 2% credit when paid within 10 days of full approval, 1% credit when paid within 15 days of full approval.   2. Full visibility and transparency to the Admin, Owner, Originator and Approvers of the NET Payment schedule in the Contract Summary
           a. Showing current credit taken per pay application   b. Showing summation across all pay applications   
           3. Date and time stamp of Pay Originator and sign off of Approval Sequence that counts down the days left to each NET Payment schedule. This may be preset.   4. Project and Contracting reporting of credits taken
           a. By date or other time duration   b. By project or contract   c. By company and/or individual   
           5. Lien waiver or other contingent document functionality is included; the credits are automatically accounted for in all escrow functions.
           Additional features related to NET Payment may also be included:   
           6. Full visibility and transparency to the Administrator, Owner, Originator and Approvers to the NET Payment schedule in the Contract Summary
           a. Showing current credit taken per pay applications   b. Showing summation across all pay applications   
           7. Date and time stamped of Originator and sign off of Approval Sequence that counts down the days left to each NET Payment schedule. Rejection events will reset the timer from date/time of Originator&#39;s new signature. This could also be preset in advance as well.   8. Allowance for preset days for banking system to transact the EFT. Scheduling program to set time delay for individual days or days or weekends.   9. Project and Contracting reporting of credits taken
           a. By date or other time duration   b. By project or contract   c. By company and/or individual   
           10. Email, phone and txt reminder   11. Lien waiver or other contingent document functionality is included       
 
       Unit Pricing Functionality 
       [0180]    Vertical infrastructure projects mostly follow a prescribed path of providing a detailed schedule of values or work breakdown structure to describe the total contract value. As such the Originator then invoices against the scheduled value until the Total Completed and Stored to Date equals the Contract Sum to Date. With horizontal infrastructure, like roads and bridges, the schedule of values is handled differently. The process is usually broken down into quantities of material and not a scheduled value. Additionally there is a closer relationship between the Owner&#39;s representative, the contractor and material provider. There is a tight collaboration on the project site to verify and quantify labor and material on a daily basis. A web enabled process related to a horizontal infrastructure will offer many time, human and money savings.
       1. Projects and Contracts would be set up as previously described herein.   2. Changes to the Schedule of Values in a preferred embodiment would be provided in this order:
           a. Division Item. This is the organized structured break down usually governed by state, local or profession organization   b. Description. Division description   c. Units. Acronym for units of measure like Linear Feet, Cubic Feet.   d. Original Proposed Quantity. A value based on the Unit   e. Quantity Change by Change Order. A value based on Unit   f. Total Quantity. Summation of Original and Changed Order quantities   g. Unit Price   h. Materials Stored columns as previously described.   i. Extended Price. Calculated price for Total Quantity and Unit Price   j. Quantity Complete. Summation of Original and Change Order Quantities   k. Value of Completed Work. Total line item value of original and Change Order Values   l. Percent Complete. Calculation of completed work over scheduled work.   m. Retainage. Calculation of retained funds per line item of Value of Completed Work multiplied by the contract retainage   
           3. The system provides document storage capabilities as well as bar code readers. For material providers or other entities that are not web enabled, an alternate system must be in place. An example employing a fax machine rather than direct entry into the system may include:
           a. Issuing a Cover Sheet with a bar code or unique identification numbers that targets the project, contract, task or system for that day or weeks work   b. The Cover Sheet is physically provided to, for example, a material vendor.   c. Upon completion/filling of an order, the vendor faxes the provided cover sheet to the system which is programmed to receive the fax via the web and read the barcode. The barcode is used to route the information to the correct project, contract and folder in pdf form and name it. Thereafter, the system makes the information available to those with appropriate occurs. Smartphones and other tools also contemplated in addition to fax cover sheets. The system would be able to roll up the reporting in all areas of content collected. Lien waiver or other contingent document storage, categorization, functionality is included   
               
 
       Hourly and Time Based 
       [0200]    Many public and private entities often times will create projects and contracts that utilize a time and material based structure to get certain tasks or work done. This method of accounting for work performed is preferred where either estimates or the project do not require a detailed breakdown for contractual reasons. This may be in conjunction with projects and contract based on schedules of value and/or quantity based invoicing structure.
       1. Projects and Contracts can be set up   2. The system then provides Admin functions above and beyond just setting up companies and individuals. These functions may include any or all of the following:
           a. Creation of a work structure, descriptions and job tasks   b. Creation and application of hourly rates based on work functions and type   c. Creation and application quantity based descriptions   d. Creation and application of retainage or other hold backs   e. Creation and application of column headings in preferred order for the project or contract   
           3. User functions
           a. Creation and application of divisions and descriptions of work from a drop down list   b. Selection of the hourly rate for the type of work function   c. Tool to allow insertion/tracking of time. Ability to insert time   d. Uploading of supporting documents on a line item, project or contract basis   e. Creation of ad-hoc task estimates on a project, contract or line item basis The system also provides application of these functions relative to the waiver function.   
               
 
       Self-Serve Application 
       [0214]    Finally, a different twist on the system is provided. This version does not include approvers but, instead, allows a user to employ many of the system&#39;s features to track progress, recycle pay applications with all the calculations completed automatically, and gain critical reporting information. Details of the Stand Alone version include: User access via a specifically designed portal and functionality for purchase via credit card a single or block of projects and contracts
       1. The “system” will then allocate the capacity to create the number of projects and contracts purchased.   2. Once allocated the User is able to set up resources and allocations, companies, users and any variation of project and contract type.   3. Lien waiver and other contingent document functionality is included in this version and operates generally as previously described but for the fact that there are no approvers.   4. The User will be able to determine whether to assign or provide access to others that will be able to view or change information in a project and/or contract   5. The application will function exactly the same as previously described but it does not include the Approval sequence or the escrow function.       
 
       Flexible/Expandable SOV 
       [0220]    Allows for addition or subtraction of key contract SOV parameters. Examples would be for breakdown of SOV line items by Phase, Sequence or Area. 
       Chat/Text/Social Media Portal Connectivity 
       [0221]    Captures, retains, utilizes and allows collaboration on relevant Project or Contract instant dialog that attaches to a project, contract and/or individual pay application. 
       Geo Spacial Referencing 
       [0222]    Every project has its roots tied to a location on earth. Geotagging the project location enables the Users to gain access to other web content to serve up critical project information that is relevant to the people, companies and the like providing goods and services to the project. Each User is able to check and uncheck content providers that may be relevant to their project. 
       Globalize 
       [0223]    A module is preferably included to increase capacity for multi-cultural interaction. Examples include conversion of currency, language that would be role centric. For example on an international project there could be a German Originator with French, English and Italian Approvers. Each user is able to see the information in their own language and currency. 
       Contract Execution Functionality 
       [0224]    The proposed final contract may be either scanned or otherwise uploaded to a document holder and then an execution sequence will occur wherein Admin, Originator and Approver sequences are employed. This functionality allows project Owners to originate, collaborate, approve and reject the contract process similar to the system&#39;s pay application process. Key components are the ability to create and edit contract templates, to link into the Resource, Allocation and Pay Application process as one continuous seamless event, to have internal and external routing, to revise and mark up comments and revisions, to retain revision history, to retain dollar values, to have unlimited amendments, to retain and integrate Change Order amendments, to have digital signature approval, retain scanned and/or other imaged documents, to approve, reject and reroute the contract during negotiations both internally and externally, and to archive as an original. 
       Expanded Change Order Functionality 
       [0225]    When a contract is written and perfected there are only a few options to amend the dollar value with additions and deductions. This is called the Change Order process. The change order process allows additive and deductive amendments to the original contract. This process is similar to the contracting and pay application process requiring an admin, originators and approvers. The system allows the dollar value of change orders but not the process itself. This functionality allows project Owners and Originators to originate, collaborate, approve and reject the change orders process similar to the application process. Key components are
       1. the ability to
           a. to create and edit contract Change Order templates   b. to link into the Resource, Allocation Contract and Pay Application process as one continuous seamless event   c. to have internal and external routing   d. to revise and mark up comments and revisions   e. to retain revision history   f. to retain dollar values and change order descriptions   g. to have unlimited amendments   h. to have digital signature approval   i. retain scanned and/or other imaged documents   j. to approve, reject and reroute the contract during negotiations both internally and externally   k. archive as an original   
               
 
       Internal Routing 
       [0238]    Currently the system&#39;s routing to Approvers is an outwardly visible and transparent process. There are many processes and situations that would require an internal routing mechanism that is not visible and transparent. This functionality allows a check box or similar indicator to be used in the participant setup for “hidden” or “internal” routing. 
       Account Conversion 
       [0239]    Each business sector, vertical or industry follows an accounting and financial system best suited for their profession. It is not uncommon for dissimilar industries to provide goods and services to each other. It is no wonder then why invoicing, accounts payable, receivables and other business functions are all paper based. All accounts, items, PO&#39;s, addresses must be manually input from one business structure to fit another. This is also true with the construction industry. Accounting “best practices” and financial structure for contractors are not the same as the project funding source like a school district, for example. The contractor Schedule of Values or Work Breakdown Structure account codes are completely different than those of a school district&#39;s. This is one of the major reasons paper invoicing continues today. 
         [0240]    The system of the present invention has the capability to map the Originator&#39;s account codes to that of the funding source providing an electronic means of conversion from one system to another. Important features and abilities are
       provision of commands to set rules that can individually or group account codes to both the Payee or Payor wherein the account codes may be numerical and/or alphabetical and in any combination   once defined either account code can be mapped to the other in any combination or sequence or by a given set of business rules; the account codes may be grouped by project, contract, company, individual, phase, area, date, time or any combination.   once grouped, the account codes can be converted or translated to each other by project, contract, company, individual, phase, area, date, time or any combination. Upon translation, the codes can be summed and reported by project, contract, company, individual, phase, area, date, time or any combination and may be exported to other file formats that support reading and writing of structured data.       
 
       Currency Exchange 
       [0244]    When working with international companies it is sometimes necessary to convert from one currency to another. As such the timing of payment and subsequently the currency exchange fees can be greatly enhanced if the Payor and Payee have visibility into the currency exchange markets. Both the Payor and Pay have much to gain by building in market indicators into eznetpay. The Currency Exchange module includes:
       ability to convert project/contract/SOV currency data to other currencies and have it displayed   ability to have currency be role centric   ability to feed in live market data and exchange rates for review and trending analysis   ability to retain history over user specified time to bracket trends for origination, approval and funds transfer timing   Ability to display all information graphically       
 
       Building Information Modeling (BIM) Integration 
       [0250]    Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. The resulting building information models become shared knowledge resources to support decision-making about a facility from earliest conceptual stages, through design and construction, through its operational life and eventual demolition. 
         [0251]    There are several concepts and methods of BIM, 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D referring to additional levels of data exchange. 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. 4D BIM, an acronym for 4D Building Information Modeling and a term widely used in the construction industry, refers to the intelligent linking of individual 3D CAD components or assemblies with time- or schedule-related information. The use of the term 4D is intended to refer to the fourth dimension: time, i.e. 4D is 3D+schedule. 5D BIM, an acronym for 5D Building Information Modeling and a term widely used in the construction industry, which refers to the intelligent linking of individual 3D CAD components or assemblies with schedule (time) constraint and cost-related information. The use of the term 5D is intended to refer to the addition of fourth dimension: time and fifth dimension: cost to the 3D model, i.e. 5D is 3D+schedule (time)+cost. 6D BIM, an acronym for 6D Building Information Modeling and a term widely used in the construction industry, refers to the intelligent linking of individual 3D CAD components or assemblies with all aspects of project life-cycle management information. Together all represent a form of Integrated project delivery (IPD), is a collaborative alliance of people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction. 
         [0252]    Until now there has been no mention of an additional layer which we will call 5D 2 . 5D 2  is a term to refer to the addition of tracking payments along with progress of the design or build process and includes the 3D model, i.e. 5D 2  is 3D+schedule (time)+cost+payment cycle; regardless of it phase in the cycle of origination, approval or funds transfer process. The reason this is not an apparent mechanism in the BIM cycle is there has not been a data process to date for tracking payment processes that have the ability to integrate with the model, schedule, cost estimate and payment of progress. 
         [0253]    There are significant advantages for 5D 2 . With the current BIM processes 3D-6D project stake holders can virtually build a building, for example, before actual construction begins and before hundreds of additional trades show up on the project. This process greatly reduces risk and increases project velocity. Additionally the virtual model can be leveraged with time, schedule and cost estimates to see exactly how the project will be built over time and where project is being spent as time moves forward to completion. Until now the entire payment process is a separate process external to the BIM process. 
         [0254]    Advantages include but are not limited to
       The ability to predict the flow of funding as the design and/or construction is happening in real time.   Cross reference progress of completed phases and stored to date in the field with payments that are In the future, Just completed, In origination, approval and/or funding stages.   Bringing finer clarity to responsibility, accountability and contractual obligations of estimated, complete and future progress.       
 
         [0258]    Key functionality and novelty of 5D 2  includes but not limited to
       Linking all payment data to the model, schedule, cost estimate   Mapping contract and payment data sets to unlimited models   Providing a visual representation of a progressive view to the model whether simulated or actual   Displaying trending analysis   Functionality to approve and/or reject progress of simulated and/or actual progress   Retain a historical analysis of progression whether simulated and/or actual