Abstract:
The invention pertains to a method and framework and tool for use in developing robust “as-is” and “to-be” cost and benefit summaries for a proposed Enterprise portal in a fast and efficient manner. The cost &amp; benefit summaries make use of core business process data and critical workforce (per industry segment) data which are used along with cross-enterprise efficiency data to produce the Business Case summary reports. The system provides an efficient and effective way of showing the added value which an enterprise portal would bring to strategic business goals.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to the field of Computer Systems and more particularly to a framework and tool for use in developing an efficient and effective plan for showing the added value which an Enterprise Portal would bring to Strategic Business Goals.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    It is desirable that a framework be available for determining values and characteristics of (1) Critical Workforce Effectiveness, (2) Cross Enterprise Efficiencies and (3) Desktop support and application delivery areas (Technology). These values and characteristics can be related to an Enterprise Project, such as, for example, an Enterprise Portal which supports specific strategic business goals. It is desirable to evaluate these three categories “as-is” and to project the changes in these categories and their related costs for a proposed Enterprise portal system (a “to-be” system) which can support either the same strategic business goals more cost effectively or which can support a new set of specific business goals. Moreover it is desirable to have a tool (computer related system) to assist in calculating the as-is and to-be areas and in demonstrating the net benefits which may be realized by the to-be configuration.  
           [0003]    For example, in the wake of recent B2B and dot.com business failures, responsible businesses are continuing to ask “How can we effectively use current telecommunications and computing systems to enhance our business?” In the article titled “Friendly Foes” Red Herring (04/02) No. 112, P. 54; Pfeiffer, Eric W. describes the present business needs. He points out that the Yankee Group estimates that $3.3 billion will be invested in collaboration technologies over the next four years, although collaboration by itself is nothing new. The failure of business-to-business (B2B) exchanges has fueled a need for a deeper form of collaboration. He further indicates in the March 2001 Harvard Business Review that, Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter urged B2B exchanges to move away from differentiation based on price and “instead focus on product selection, product design, service, image and other areas in which they can differentiate themselves.” The automotive industry is often referred to as a model of collaboration: The Covisint™ exchange, for example, is deploying product life cycle management (PLM) applications that facilitate collaborative vehicle design and assembly, and AMR Research™ believes PLM could save car companies $250 in production costs per vehicle. With deeper collaboration, Digital 4Sight™ co-founder Don Tapscott foresees the vertically integrated corporate structure giving way to “business webs”—networks of companies, suppliers, and customers tightly woven into “extended supply chains.” Unfortunately, the collaboration many companies currently boast is ineffective and new and cost effective collaborations both internally as well as with outside companies are difficult to assess and evaluate in the design and pre-implementation stages. The use of “core business processes” and “critical workforce (per industry segment)” models have not been used in current portal evaluations.  
           [0004]    Earlier attempts to make such as-is and to-be value calculations have traditionally focused on paper savings and headcount savings. What is needed is a process which focuses on the “critical workforce segments” and the related key value levers, which have been shown to make or break the success of a portal.  
           [0005]    The present invention provides a framework and tool to demonstrate, for example, that an enterprise portal used for internal collaboration between departments or divisions, or for external collaboration between suppliers and customers, can be designed for increased value when the portal is designed around an “employee to task” set of relationships. Moreover the present invention provides a mechanism for displaying the “as-is” versus “to-be” benefits and costs related to various aspect of the exemplary portal design elements.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The invention pertains to a method and framework and tool for use in developing robust “as-is” and “to-be” cost and benefit summaries for a proposed Enterprise portal in a fast and efficient manner. The cost &amp; benefit summaries make use of core business process data and critical workforce (per industry segment) data, including key value lever per workforce segment data, which are used along with cross-enterprise efficiency data to produce the Business Case summaries.  
           [0007]    Several methods are claimed for using a computer implemented framework to develop new and unique views of cost and benefit summaries for a proposed enterprise portal, which include the effects of critical workforce segments and key value levers related to each workforce segment.  
           [0008]    An apparatus is also claimed for use with a framework to develop new and unique views of cost and benefit summaries for a proposed enterprise portal, which include the effects of critical workforce segments and key value levers related to each workforce segment.  
           [0009]    A computer system is also claimed having computer hardware and a software tool for use in developing new and unique views of cost and benefit summaries for a proposed enterprise portal, which include the effects of critical workforce segments and key value levers related to each workforce segment.  
           [0010]    A server computer is claimed having computer hardware and a software tool for use in developing new and unique views of cost and benefit summaries for a proposed enterprise portal, which include the effects of critical workforce segments and key value levers related to each workforce segment, which can be outputted to a client computer.  
           [0011]    A computer program product is claimed having logic mechanisms for use in developing new and unique views of cost and benefit summaries for a proposed enterprise portal, which include the effects of critical workforce segments and key value levers related to each workforce segment, which can be outputted to a computer display.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 illustrates a typical Internet network configuration.  
           [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 illustrates a representative general purpose computer configuration which may be used as a client computer, host computer, router, etc.  
           [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 depicts the Enterprise Portal—Value Indicator framework.  
           [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary Main Menu screen for the tool used with the present invention.  
           [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of a Key Strategic Business Goals input form.  
           [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary entry screen for use in inputting critical workforce segments for a given core business process and sub-process.  
           [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary hierarchy of core business processes and sub-processes.  
           [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary list of critical workforce segments by core business process and sub-process.  
           [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary list of critical workforce segments try group and sub-group.  
           [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary list of potential value levers for growth, cost reduction and for working capital and fixed asset management.  
           [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary input screen for inputting as-is data for various value levers.  
           [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary screen for use in calculating the monthly unit payroll cost.  
           [0024]    [0024]FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary screen for inputting as-is data for value levers for estimating current costs for years  2  and  3 .  
           [0025]    FIGS.  14 A, and  14 B illustrate an exemplary input form the input of data to compute projected (to-be) portal impact information for year  1 .  
           [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary form for inputting data to calculate expected values for years  2  and  3 .  
           [0027]    [0027]FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary screen form for selecting Cross-Enterprise Dimensions to be evaluated.  
           [0028]    [0028]FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary screen form for entry of data for a Cross Enterprise dimension activity.  
           [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an exemplary screen form for entry of data related to the technological impact (costs) of a portal installation.  
           [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 19A, 19B,  19 C and  19 D illustrate an exemplary screen form of data related to the implementation of a portal.  
           [0031]    [0031]FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary screen form which indicates the reports available from the tool and which permits the selection thereof.  
           [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an exemplary Overall Portal Business Case Summary Report.  
           [0033]    [0033]FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary Portal Business Case by Core Business Process and Sub-process Report.  
           [0034]    [0034]FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary Portal Business Case by Goals and Value Lever Impact report.  
           [0035]    [0035]FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary Portal Business Case by Critical Workforce Segment Report.  
           [0036]    [0036]FIG. 25 illustrates a depiction of the various data tables in Microsoft Assess used in the exemplary illustration of the invention showing their relationship to each other.  
           [0037]    [0037]FIG. 26 illustrates a Portal Value Indicator Tool Application Flow Diagram used in the exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]    The present invention provides a method and system for evaluating the As-is and To-be (i.e. proposed) costs and benefits of acquiring and operating a new enterprise portal. To illustrate the basic invention, an exemplary project for evaluating the costs and benefits of acquiring and operating an enterprise portal will be described which is directed at identified business goals and the attainment of budgeted goals therefor. Mechanisms are provided for accumulating costs and benefits for cost and benefit levers related to workforce segments and core business process and sub-processes for the stated strategic business goals. Mechanisms are also provided for relating similar data to include and display cross-enterprise efficiencies. Electronic displays and hard copy reports of the various summary and detail data are provided.  
         [0039]    In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Further, well-known elements, devices, process steps and the like are not set forth in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.  
       Operating Environment  
       [0040]    The environment in which the present invention is used encompasses the general distributed computing scene which includes generally local area networks with hubs, routers, gateways, tunnel-servers, applications servers, etc. connected to other clients and other networks via the Internet, wherein programs and data are made available by various members of the system for execution and access by other members of the system. Some of the elements of a typical internet network configuration are shown in FIG. 1, wherein a number of client machines  105  possibly in a branch office of an enterprise, are shown connected to a Gateway/hub/tunnel-server/etc.  106  which is itself connected to the internet  107  via some internet service provider (ISP) connection  108 . Also shown are other possible clients  101 ,  103  similarly connected to the internet  107  via an ISP connection  104 , with these units communicating to possibly a home office via an ISP connection  109  to a gateway/tunnel-server  110  which is connected  111  to various enterprise application servers  112 ,  113 ,  114  which could be connected through another hub/router  115  to various local clients  116 ,  117 ,  118 . The present invention may be performed on one or more of a number of general purpose computer units each of which includes generally the elements shown in FIG. 2, wherein the general purpose system  201  includes a motherboard  203  having thereon an input/output (“I/O”) section  205 , one or more central processing units (“CPU”)  207 , and a memory section  209  which may have a flash memory card  211  related to it. The I/O section  205  is connected to a keyboard  226 , other similar general purpose computer units  225 ,  215 , a disk storage unit  223  and a CD-ROM drive unit  217 . The CD-ROM drive unit  217  can read a CD-ROM medium  219  which typically contains programs  221  and other data. Logic circuits or other components of these programmed computers will perform series of specifically identified operations dictated by computer programs as described more fully below.  
         [0041]    Generally, in the exemplary embodiment, the programs used include Microsoft™ OS version  2000 , Microsoft Access™ version 2000 SRI, Microsoft Visual Basic™ for Applications, and MS Office™  2000 , using client computer hardware which has installed and can support these Microsoft systems, including most laptop computers such as a Toshiba Protege™ 3480CT. Any client computer workstation including a laptop computer which supports the above listed programs can function as the means for receiving inputted data, and displaying any of the associated reports, as these are described herein below. Those familiar with Access™ will understand that complex database tables and related queries and reports can be constructed as described in any number of commonly available manuals and user guides on Microsoft Access, such as for example, “Microsoft Access 2000 Bible with CD-ROM” by Cary N. Prague and Michael Irwin, Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 0764532863.  
         [0042]    For the exemplary model of Access tables and their inter-relationships see the chart shown in FIG. 25. Those skilled in these arts will understand that other operating systems, and other supporting spread sheet systems, display systems, database systems, hardware platforms, and telecommunications systems and protocols may be used to accomplish equivalent mechanisms in support of this .  
         [0043]    A functional flow diagram of the tool used in the exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 26. The steps in this Portal value Indicator Tool Application Flow Diagram are described in more detail in the detailed description of the use of the tool in connection with the preferred embodiment as follows.  
       Overview of a Preferred Embodiment  
       [0044]    When considering whether to implement a portal, it&#39;s essential to determine how the portal will help a company achieve its key strategic business goals. The Enterprise Portals Value Indicator Process and Tool of the present invention can be used to help determine, in anticipated dollar values, how a company&#39;s portal investment will contribute toward its key strategic business goals.  
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment a high-level Portal Value Indication process can be illustrated with reference to the Portal Value Proposition framework shown in FIG. 3. As indicated in FIG. 3, the first step is to “define strategic business goals”  301 , which can be characterized as defining the strategic business goals to enable one to focus on critical areas that the portal should support.  
         [0046]    Step  2  of the exemplary process  303  can be characterized as identifying processes and critical workforce segments to allow one to begin to determine which business activities and workforces are essential to achieving the goals.  
         [0047]    Step  3  in the exemplary process  305  may be characterized as for each critical workforce segment, determining value levers and their impacts which will help to identify which of their activities are critical to achieving the business goals, and to specify the way in which those activities impact the goal.  
         [0048]    Step  4  in the exemplary process  309  may be characterized as documenting current “As-Is” operations to benchmark how value is generated without an enterprise portal. For each lever, the As-Is Analysis documents costs, returns, and net profits for the current mode of doing business.  
         [0049]    Step  5  of the exemplary process  311  may be characterized as for each lever, the Portal Value documents costs, returns, and net profits for the projected (with-portal) mode of achieving the key strategic business goals.  
         [0050]    Step  6  of the exemplary process  313  can be characterized as assessing cross-enterprise efficiencies to ensure that specific business portal benefits that may not necessarily link directly to a goal are considered.  
         [0051]    Step  7  of the exemplary process  315  can be characterized as assessing the technological impact to help to quantify specific hardware, software, and related processing costs and benefits associated with implementing and operating a portal.  
         [0052]    Step  8  of the exemplary process  317  can be characterized as reviewing the business case with the evaluation team and with clients to verify that the assumptions and numbers are accurate and to make corrections as needed.  
         [0053]    These eight broad steps in the process of the present invention are now described in more detail with respect to the use of the tool which forms a part of the present invention.  
       The Portal Value Indicator Tool  
       [0054]    In the exemplary embodiment, the Portal Value Indicator Tool which is a part of the invention, comprises a specific database and a Microsoft Access program which makes use of Access forms and screens for inputting data necessary to populate the database for a specific Business Case. The program additionally provides for calculation and extension of various data values and for the production of various summary reports as illustrated below. The database tables and their exemplary relationships are shown in FIG. 25. The use of the exemplary forms for data input and display will be described in more detail below.  
         [0055]    In the exemplary embodiment, the tool itself is called by clicking on a program icon designated “Portal ROI Calculator.MDB”. As each screen form is displayed and the relevant data entered, the database is populated with the data when the next screen is called. When the last data is input, the user can call the report summary screen FIG. 20, to select one or more of the available summary reports. Each screen has “Navigate Between Major Steps” buttons which will take the user to the Previous Screen, Next Screen or to the Main Menu FIG. 4.  
       Use of the Portal Value Indicator Framework and Tool  
       [0056]    The following is a description of an exemplary use of the present invention, describing in more detail the process of using the framework and tool.  
       Define Strategic Business Goals  
       [0057]    In an exemplary process, the use of the tool in the process would proceed as follows. First, one begins by defining the client&#39;s strategic business goals and the company&#39;s as-is expected value for each goal. A strategic business goal is a high-level organization-wide goal that directs the client&#39;s business over a prolonged period of time—typically from 1 to 5 years. Usually there are a limited number of strategic business goals, seldom more than three. A client&#39;s continued success often rests upon achieving its strategic business goals, but these goals aren&#39;t always clearly spelled out. Next, on a client computer, the tool is called which causes a screen display to appear titled “Portal Value Calculator” FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, this screen is the main menu which guides the user through the steps used in the entire process. The button for step  1401  is clicked and the Key Strategic Goal form is displayed FIG. 5. Goals are typed in the space provided, as in boxes  501 ,  521 ,  541 . And the estimated values of the goals are typed in the space provided,  503 ,  505 ,  507 ,  523 ,  525 ,  527 , etc. Comments may be added for each goal in the window provided  511 ,  531 .  
         [0058]    The total 3 Year value for each goal will populate automatically based on what&#39;s entered in the other value fields  509 ,  529 ,  549 .  
         [0059]    If the user types data into the Goal  3  box  541  the tool displays additional window boxes for Goal  4  data. Similarly, if the user types data into the Goal  4  boxes (not shown) the tool will display additional window boxes for Goal  5 . a maximum of five (5) Goals are allowed.  
         [0060]    When these goals related data are entered, the user may click the next screen button  553  to go to the next screen, or the user may click the “main Menu” button  555  to return to the main menu FIG. 4. Navigate button  551  will take the user to the Previous screen. When the user is ready she may proceed to the next step by clicking on the step icon  403  in FIG. 4.  
       Identify Core Business Processes, Sub-Processes, and Critical Workforce Segments  
       [0061]    Once the strategic business goals have been defined, the next step is to figure out which business processes and workforces have the capacity to influence the goal&#39;s outcome. FIG. 7 shows exemplary business processes and sub-processes.  
         [0062]    One begins by figuring out which core business process drives each goal. A core business process defines an organization&#39;s market-driven processes of designing (Develop Products and Services)  701 , selling (Generate Demand)  703 , and delivering products (Fulfill Demand)  705 , as well as the infrastructural processes that support the organization&#39;s information, financial, and human resources needs (Plan and Manage Enterprise)  707 .  
         [0063]    After figuring out which core business process drives a-goal, one needs to determine which sub-processes are critical to the goal&#39;s success. Not all sub-processes may be relevant to a given goal. Certain workforces support each sub-process. One needs to determine which workforces are critical to achieving each goal. It may help to focus on workforces associated with specific core business processes and sub-process. FIG. 8 shows core business processes  801 , sub-processes  803 , and their associated critical workforce segments  805 .  
         [0064]    Additionally, one may want to consider which critical workforces are associated with a given industry slice. FIG. 9 shows which critical workforces are associated with different industries. For example, in the Financial Services Industry  901 , the critical workforces  905  are shown for each industry sub-group  903 .  
         [0065]    Once the core business processes, sub-processes, and workforces associated with each goal have been determined, the display FIG. 6 titled “Core Business Processes and Workforce Segments” is opened by clicking the button for step 2  403  on the Main Menu FIG. 4.  
         [0066]    The goals will carry over automatically from the Key Strategic Business Goal form FIG. 5 into both  651  in FIG. 6 and into other forms as needed.  
         [0067]    For each goal, use the drop-down button  603  to select the Core Business Process  601 . If it is preferable to use one&#39;s own Core Business Process names, one may simply type them in.  
         [0068]    For each goal, use the drop-down buttons  607  to identify the associated sub-processes  605 . If it is preferable to use one&#39;s own sub-process names, simply type them in.  
         [0069]    For each sub-process, use the drop-down button  611  to identify the associated Critical Workforce Segment  609 . If it would be preferable to use one&#39;s own workforce names, they can be typed in. Comments may also be added by typing them into box  617 .  
         [0070]    Adding your workforces to this sheet will cause them to be represented properly and will also add them to the drop-down lists on the subsequent forms. New critical workforce segments can be added by typing them into box  613 .  
         [0071]    In this exemplary embodiment, one can also add their own core business processes and sub-processes to the drop-down lists here if desired, but it is highly desirable that the workforces be added. Buttons  625 ,  627 ,  629  and  631  are used to move to forms for entry of the next goal  631  or previous goal  629  process. Although not shown in this drawing, the form also has the normal Navigate Buttons for next or previous form and for the main menu.  
       Determine Value Levers and Impacts  
       [0072]    For each critical workforce segment, determining value levers and their impacts will help to identify which of their activities are critical to achieving the business goals, and to specify the way in which those activities impact the goal.  
         [0073]    This is facilitated by an understanding of workforce segments and their value levers. An ability to classify levers by their impacts is helpful. FIG. 10 depicts various potential value levers which may affect revenue  1001 , costs  1003  and Capital and fixed asset management  1005 .  
         [0074]    For each goal/sub-process workforce, determine value levers and impacts. Each workforce has levers that affect the goals differently. A value lever is something the workforce does that is critical to achieving the goal. For example, if the goal is to increase sales by 15% in the current fiscal year, “visiting potential buyers to discuss the product” is a value lever, but “participating in performance reviews” may not be. Sometimes the levers may overlap between goals; sometimes they won&#39;t.  
         [0075]    Each value lever affects the business in different ways. When one determines a lever&#39;s impact, one determines if it affects the business primarily by affecting costs, revenue, or competitive advantage.  
         [0076]    When ready to enter the levers and their impacts into the-Portal Value Calculator Tool, open the “Determine Value Levers and Impact” Form by selecting button for step  3405  in FIG. 4. FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an As-is value screen. In the As-Is screen form in FIG. 11A, the goals  1161 , core business processes  1163 , sub-processes  1165 , and critical workforce segments  1101  will carry over automatically from the previous forms.  
         [0077]    On the related display FIG. 11A, for each workforce  1101 , the user would type the value levers in the space provided  1103 .  
         [0078]    For each value lever  1103 , the drop-down button  1107  is used to label how the lever primarily affects the business by selecting revenue, cost, or competitive advantage  1105 .  
       Conduct as-is Value Analysis  
       [0079]    In the exemplary embodiment the user of the invention next documents current “As-Is” operations to benchmark how value is generated “without” an enterprise portal. For each lever  1103 , the As-Is Analysis documents costs, returns, and net profits for the current mode of doing business. The inputs to the system include Client financial data regarding workforce salaries, hours, time estimates per value lever, costs, and returns. Outputs from the system include Per workforce segment&#39;s levers, costs, returns, and profits.  
         [0080]    Referring again to FIG. 11A, for each lever, the following as-is data is collected:  
         [0081]    What is the unit of measurement for the lever? (e.g. orders processed, proposals written, individuals contacted)  1109   
         [0082]    On a monthly basis, what does a unit cost in terms of worker-time?  1111  This can be calculated by using the following formula:  
         (avg. segment worker&#39;s salary)(days required for 1 worker to produce 1 unit)(# of people required for 1 unit) # of working days per month  
         [0083]    Otherwise, clicking on the button labeled “Calculate Average unit payroll costs”  1112  takes the user to the form for “Individual unit cost” FIG. 12. Here one enters the number of monthly units produced  1201 ,  1203  and  1205 , the average monthly salary  1207 ,  1209  and  1211 , and the average monthly unit cost per employee type  1213 ,  1215  and  1217 . Finally, data representing the percentage of the related workforce that is expert, average and novice are entered  1219 ,  1221  and  1223 , and the average unit cost is calculated and displayed  1225 . Clicking on button  1227  returns to the previous page.  
         [0084]    Average unit other costs (non-payroll) are entered in box  1113  and a total unit cost is displayed  1115 .  
         [0085]    What is a single unit of work worth?  1117   
         [0086]    For expert  1119 , average  1121 , and novice performers  1123 , for approximately how many units can they be expected to generate costs in an average month? Average monthly as-is cost is shown at  1125 ,  1127  and  1129 . These costs are calculated by multiplying unit cost by number of units.  
         [0087]    For expert, average, and novice performers, for approximately how many units can they be expected to generate returns in an average month? As-is average monthly return on value information is shown at  1131 ,  1133  and  1135 . Worth information is derived by multiplying unit worth  1117  by number of units then subtracting unit cost  1115  times number of units. The user then repeats the above process for each lever impact  1105  and then for each critical workforce segment  1101  by using the buttons  1145 ,  1147 ,  1149  and  1151  until all workforces and all goals have been covered. Then clicking on button  1141  navigate to the next step takes the user to the “Years  2  and  3  Critical Workforce As-Is Value Screen” FIG. 13. From the previous form FIGS. 11A and 11B, the “total Year 1 average unit worth” (the sum of  1131 ,  1133  and  1135 ) was calculated and is shown on form FIG. 13 in box  1301 . The user enters the percent increase or decrease in Return on Value predicted for years 2 and 3  1303  and  1305 . The tool calculates the As-Is value  1307  and  1311  and cumulative As-Is value  1309  and  1313 . Comments may be added in box  1315  and button  1319  is used to advance to the next workforce segment where similar data for years  2  and  3  are entered until all workforces and goals have been covered.  
       Conduct Portal Value  
       [0088]    The next step in the process involves generating a “To-be” set of costs related to what using a portal would produce. In the exemplary embodiment, for each lever, the Portal Value tool documents costs, returns, and net profits for the projected (with-portal) mode of achieving the key strategic business goals. The inputs are Client financial data regarding workforce salaries, hours, time per lever estimates, units, costs, and returns; Estimates for how a portal affects a given workforce; and Benchmarking data. Outputs are Per workforce segment&#39;s levers, projected costs, returns, and profits.  
         [0089]    After the As-Is Analysis is completed, the user will need to use benchmarking information, input from clients, and experience to help project how the values will change if a portal is introduced.  
         [0090]    When the user is ready to document the projections, recording the projected data is very similar to recording the as-is data as described above. The user begins by opening the relevant goal&#39;s Projected Portal Impact form FIGS. 14A and 14B. This form can be opened by clicking the button for step 4  407  on the Portal Value Calculator main menu (FIG. 4).  
         [0091]    For each value lever&#39;s projected unit of measure  1401 , insert the projected  1405 , and other costs unit cost  1403 . A total projected unit cost is calculated  1407 . The As-Is unit cost  1409  and unit worth  1411  are carried over from the As-Is data form FIG. 11A.  
         [0092]    Type the number of projected units for which an expert  1412 , average  1413 , and novice  1414  performer might be expected to incur costs. The tool will automatically calculate the cost per proficiency level based on each level&#39;s number of units and the unit cost.  1415 ,  1417  and  1419 . The tool will also automatically calculate the return per proficiency level based on each level&#39;s number of units and the unit worth.  1421 ,  1423  and  1425 .  
         [0093]    Referring now to FIG. 15 the factors  1503  and  1505  for additional percent of projected increase in value in years  2  and  3  are entered. The projected Portal Value in years 1 ( 1501 ), 2 ( 1507 ) and 3 ( 1511 ) are calculated, as well as the cumulative values for years 2 and 3  1509  and  1513 . Comments can be entered in box  1515 . Working between forms FIGS. 14A and 14B and FIG. 15 the user enters the relevant data for all Critical Workforce segments by using buttons  1429  and  1517 . When completed, the user proceeds to the next form by clicking button  1519 .  
       Assess Cross-Enterprise Efficiencies  
       [0094]    Assessing cross-enterprise efficiencies ensures that specific business portal benefits that may not necessarily link directly to a goal are considered. The exemplary embodiment provides a mechanism for displaying the difference between as-is and projected financials for general operational efficiencies not related to specific business goals.  
         [0095]    The ways that a portal can support the key strategic business goals are of primary importance when putting together a business case, but it&#39;s also important to account for other ways that it can improve the business. The cross-enterprise Dimensions form FIG. 16 contains a list of typical cross-enterprise functional areas and the activities associated with them. This form is reached by clicking on the button for step 5  409  in the main menu FIG. 4, or by clicking the next form button on FIG. 15. In an exemplary embodiment, a user begins an assessment by reviewing the list of activities  1600  and determining which are relevant to the company&#39;s business. If there are additional items that the user feels should be considered, they can be added to the list by typing them into the additional dimensions blocks  1607 . The user selects the desired entries from the list  1600  by clicking on the boxes chosen, for example training  1601 , knowledge management  1603 , and Remote Expert utilization  1605 . The user clicks on the next screen navigate button  1609  which brings up the “Cross-Enterprise Dimension: Training” screen form FIG. 17. The activity illustrated is elearning  1703 .  
         [0096]    For each activity, the user will record the as-is state of affairs. The user begins by recording any monthly one-time costs  1705 .  
         [0097]    The user may continue by recording the units of measure  1709 , cost per unit  713 , and number of units  1711  for any monthly variable costs. The tool will automatically calculate the total variable costs  1715  and total as-is costs  1717  based on these entries.  
         [0098]    After documenting the as-is situation, the user can record the projected monthly one-time costs  1707 .  
         [0099]    The user continues by recording the projected units of measure  1719 , cost per unit  1723 , and number of units  1721  for any monthly variable costs. The tool will automatically calculate the total variable costs  1725  and total projected costs  1727  based on these entries.  
         [0100]    Based on the difference between the monthly as-is costs and the monthly projected cost, the tool will automatically calculate the difference  1729  in the total As-Is cost  1717  and the total To-Be cost  1727 . The user may continue by entering more data for a next activity if desired. The form for the next Dimension is brought up by clicking on the “Next Dimension” button (not shown) at the bottom of the form. If completed, the user may click on the next form button (not shown) or may return to the main menu FIG. 4 and click on the button for step 6  411  to go to the Assess Technological Impact form FIGS. 18A and 18B.  
       Assess Technological Impact  
       [0101]    In the exemplary embodiment, the next step is to assess the technological impact which will help to quantify specific hardware, software, and related processing costs and benefits associated with implementing and operating an enterprise portal. Inputs required include Hardware/software costs; operation and amortization schedules and costs; Processing costs and Technology support costs. The output of this phase is the difference between as-is and projected financial technological impact.  
         [0102]    In addition to introducing cross-enterprise efficiencies, an enterprise portal often introduces technological efficiencies, particularly in the areas of support, delivery, and hardware life expectancy. In the exemplary embodiment, the “Technological Impact” form FIGS. 18A and 18B is used to account for these improvements  
         [0103]    The user enters the current number of end-users in box  1805 . for Desktop support, and in box  1806  for application delivery.  
         [0104]    For both desktop support and application delivery  1801 , the user records the monthly cost per unit  1807 ,  1808  and monthly units per user  1809 ,  1810 . The tool will automatically calculate the total monthly As-Is cost  1811  based on these entries.  
         [0105]    For both desktop support and application delivery  1801 , the user similarly records the projected (to-be) monthly cost per unit and projected (to-be) monthly units per user. The tool will automatically calculate the projected total (to-be) monthly cost  1813 ,  1814 , as well as the difference between the projected and as-is costs  1815  and  1816 .  
         [0106]    To assess hardware life expectancy  1817 , the user records the PC procurement cost in box  1819 , and the number of end users in box  1821 .  
         [0107]    Next, the user records the as-is PC life expectancy  1823 . The tool will will automatically calculate the yearly procurement costs  1827  based on these entries.  
         [0108]    The user then records the projected PC life expectancy  1825 . The tool will automatically calculate the projected yearly procurement costs  1829  based on these entries, as well as the difference  1831  between the as-is hardware life expectancy  1827  and the projected hardware life expectancy  1829 .  
         [0109]    Finally, the user may insert any explanatory comments in box  1833 . The user generally returns to the main menu FIG. 4 by clicking on button  1835 . Thereafter, clicking on the button for step 7  413  in FIG. 4 will bring up the form titled “Determine Portal Implementation Costs” FIGS. 19A through 19D.  
         [0110]    Referring now to FIGS. 19A through 19D Portal Implementation Costs are entered into the system for the following cost elements: Software costs  1901 ; Systems Infrastructure costs  1930 ; Design costs  1940 ; Development costs  1950 ; Deployment costs  1979 ; and Support costs  1980 . Typically, for the software cost elements the number of new users predicted are entered for years  1 ,  2  and  3  in boxes  1903 ,  1905  and  1907 . The cost per user for each year is also entered  1911 ,  1913  and  1915 . The tool computes the total cost for each year  1917 ,  1919  and  1921  and for the 3 year horizon  1923 . Yearly data for maintenance fees are also entered in the relevant boxes  1925  and the total maintenance for the 3 year horizon displayed  1927  as well as the total software cost for the 3 years  1929 .  
         [0111]    Hardware costs for the 3 year period are entered in boxes  1931 ,  1933  and  1935 . and the total cost is displayed  1337 . Boxes are available in the systems infrastructure section of the form for entering other known or predicted costs for items such as Power costs, disaster recovery costs, etc.  
         [0112]    System design costs  1940  are entered. At a minimum, functional design costs would be entered for each year  1941 ,  1943  and  1945  with the total functional design cost being displayed  1947 .  
         [0113]    Similarly Development costs  1950 , test costs  1960 , deployment costs  1970  and support costs  1980  are entered into the form in the appropriate boxes. A total Portal Implementation Cost  1989  is displayed. By clicking on the next form navigate button (not shown) the tool takes the user to the Report form screen FIG. 20.  
       Confirm and Refine Business Case  
       [0114]    In an exemplary embodiment, a “Confirming and Refining” step consists of reviewing the business case to verify that the assumptions and numbers are accurate and make corrections as desired.  
         [0115]    This step, in an exemplary embodiment, is performed by reviewing and discussing the results shown in the Business Case Summary Reports which can be accessed by clicking on the step  8  button  415  in the main menu screen FIG. 4. The reports available are listed on the Value Reports form FIG. 20 and will be display by clicking on one of the report buttons  2001 .  
         [0116]    An exemplary report for the Overall Business Case Summary is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. An exemplary report for the Portal Business Case by Core Business Process and Sub-process is shown in FIG. 22. An exemplary report for the Portal Business Case by Goals and Value Lever Impact is shown in FIG. 23. An exemplary report for the Portal Business Case by Critical Workforce Segment is shown in FIG. 24.  
         [0117]    Those skilled in these arts will recognize that equivalent mechanisms and frameworks may be substituted for those described in the exemplary embodiment shown herein. Such equivalent input forms could be used to produce similar functions, to produce similar results in a similar way. Similarly, various computer systems designs and program implementations, including the application of the invention other operating systems architectures and domains, may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is measured by the following claims.