JP2003534584A - Project cost evaluation system and evaluation method - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A system and method for providing a cost estimate for a project using a computer system that is part of a network. The computer system includes a module (110) for submitting a project application plan, a module (120) for estimating the cost of the project, and a module (130) for offering services related to the project.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention particularly relates to the field of support services for small-sized enterprises such as independent contractors and subcontractors, which are project-oriented.

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, small-scale self-employed and freelancer-type service providing companies have become popular in various industries. The mobility of the workplace, economic boom, practicality of the home office, and securing of information sources due to technological advances such as the use of the Internet have enabled individuals to perform freelancer work. Typically, these individuals and other small businesses take advantage of their skills to become independent in a particular market. Freelancers include, for example, carpenters and landscaping contracted by computer consultants and market consultants. While many of these people are very good in their areas of expertise, they are not always good managers, and they do not have the time, skill, management, financing, and legal affairs to manage their business. In many cases, there is no intention to process it.

[0003] One of the jobs that many self-employed persons face for the moment is bidding for new jobs. In order to bid on a project, you must calculate the material costs, labor costs, management costs, target profits, required time, manpower and material arrangements, and so on. Before bidding or bidding, it is necessary to complete and prepare the contract for it, and also check the solvency of the other party who offered the bid. Bidders may also need to consider their ability to pay and borrow money to complete the project.

The above problems are common to freelancers in the construction industry or maintenance industry and small businesses. Painters, waterworks, builders, carpenters, furniture makers, landscapers, roof carpenters, handymen, and many stakeholders in the construction and maintenance industry are self-employed or small entrepreneurs. These people, who have jobs in their own hands, often have problems with the management capabilities needed to successfully manage their jobs. There may be a lack of research, technical, computational, analytical, legal and communication skills, especially in order to evaluate and prepare the work to be bid. Even those who can perform management or evaluation tasks may not have the time or intent to research the resources needed for these jobs. In addition to these people, do-it-yourselfers who are based on their plans often face similar problems in assessing the cost of a plan.

The above-mentioned problems inherent in existing systems can be solved with various embodiments of the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems by providing a project cost evaluation system and method.

The objects of the embodiments of the present invention are achieved by a computer that performs cost evaluation of a project. The computer system includes a submission module that submits a project plan and a cost estimation module that evaluates and returns a cost estimate based on the proposed plan. Further, the cost estimation module includes a material estimation section, a labor cost estimation section, a management cost estimation section, a market evaluation section, and a cost estimation calculation sub-module.

Further objects of the embodiments are achieved by a system for cost evaluation using computer networks. The computer network consists of a central server, at least one terminal connected to it, and electronic documents for the project sent from the terminal to the server. The computer network further includes a cost estimator that estimates the cost of the project based at least in part on the electronic document.

Another object of the embodiment is to provide a method for performing cost evaluation of a project. The method includes receiving at least one electronic file of a project via a computer network, estimating at least in part the type and quantity of materials required for the project based on the data in the electronic file, and at least partially in the electronic file. Estimate the type of labor cost and labor required for the project based on the data of, the market price of the type and quantity of material and the type and labor cost of labor cost, and estimate the total cost based on the estimated market price, and It consists of each step of returning all the costs to the user via the network.

The accompanying drawings, which are used in and as a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and constitute a part of the detailed description and are used for explaining the principles of the invention. .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals correspond to elements of the invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer system 100 is provided to individuals or small entrepreneurs to evaluate and assist projects. Computer system 100 is accessed by contractors, subcontractors, amateur do-it-yourselfers, and other individuals and small entrepreneurs. The user can access the computer system to perform multiple tasks to evaluate and complete the project. The user can access the system for a single process or for multiple periodic processes. In one embodiment, the system is adapted to perform regular processing with the user, such as updating the current status.

The computer system includes a plurality of modules that perform predetermined tasks. Each module is made up of a combination of software or hardware needed to perform one or more tasks. The simplest configuration of a module is a data processor, a memory, and a set of instruction words (for example, computer code), by which predetermined tasks are executed. However, normally, a plurality of input / output units, a short-term and long-term storage system, computer code layers (operating system, application software, etc.), a communication unit, and a multiprocessor unit are used. Furthermore, multiple modules share the same parts of the same hardware or software library. The modules described below are examples at the level of ordinary skill in the art with many equivalent software and hardware. It should be understood that each functional unit of the described module is a conceptual one, and is not limited to a combination of software and hardware for executing the task of the module.

The computer system 100 has a single server or a group of servers that can send and receive data via a network. Computer system 100
It consists of personal computers and related peripherals such as input / output and storage devices. Computer system 100 includes a CPU, RAM, one or more hard drives, removable data storage media, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem,
It includes network connection devices, scanners, hardware connection devices, and other normal computer-related equipment. The computer software includes program code and objects corresponding to each module and submodule.
Computer programs can be distributed through multiple interconnected computer devices, such as multiple servers, for non-centralized storage and processing.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system 100 includes submission module 110.
, Cost estimation module 120, service assistance module 130, transaction assistance module 140, technical assistance module 150, business assistance module 160,
It is composed of a user interface module 170. The submission module 110 is for submitting and obtaining data about the project, such as plans, contracts and other details. The cost estimation module 120 uses the data obtained by the submission module 110, market data, material cost, labor cost, management cost, and a cost calculation algorithm for calculating the estimated cost of the project in combination. The service assistance module 130 conducts surveys, comparisons, evaluations, and recommendations of suppliers of materials, manpower, and other project-related services.
The transaction assistance module 140 performs bid preparation, contract evaluation and preparation, and risk assessment associated with the project for users of the system. The technical assistance module 150 is used to access information sources that ensure project completion, such as regulatory agencies, technical support, and education assistance. The business assistance module 160 is used by the user of the system to access information sources such as financing, sales assistance, and education that facilitate the latest or subsequent business operations. The user interface module 170 is used by the user for user access to other modules described above. Module 110
, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 are interconnected, allowing data to pass freely between them. In some embodiments, the data used by the user himself or the project is stored in a central database for use by multiple modules.

The submission module 110 submits data about the project. In one embodiment, the submission module 110 includes a building plan, building contract, transaction details, material specifications, labor specifications, buyer information, user information, and other computer systems 10.
The data that should be collected at 0 is accumulated. The submission module also has a keyboard,
Mouse, existing input devices, menu-based selection methods and other data entry technologies,
Etc. protocol is included. The input data is translated into an electronic document for further processing or recorded in one or more databases. In addition, submission module 110 includes protocols for accepting the transfer of one or more electronic documents and porting existing data to electronic documents. Submission module 110 also includes protocols for using existing scanners, digital cameras, fax machines, and other input devices to convert existing hardcopy materials into electronic format. It also includes types, graphics, and handwriting recognition protocols used to retrieve and manipulate data from the electronic documents obtained. Finally, the submission module 110 has a place where databases and data that can be accessed via the Internet or the like are stored, and also a question or a selection protocol therefor.

The submission module 110 can be further divided into a plurality of sub-modules, a plan submission sub-module 111, a contract submission sub-module 112, and a project data sub-module 113. First, the plan submission submodule 111
It is designed to be able to obtain one or more building plans for a particular project using the data acquisition protocol of the submission module 110 described above. For example, a user of the system first scans a set of hardcopy building plans to obtain electronic data. Then, it may be connected to online information (for example, an online website) that has a construction plan of ready-made electronic data, or the computer system 100 may create a construction plan. The submitted building plan also includes material and other specification specifications.

The contract submission sub-module 112 is also designed to obtain one or more contract templates for a specific plan using the data acquisition protocol of the submission module 110. For example, a user may scan a hard copy of the contract, enter a link to an electronic copy of the ready-made contract, or manually enter the contract into computer system 100. The contract submission module 112 is designed so that only certain parts of the contract or contract that are most relevant to subsequent review are available.

The project data module 113 is designed to obtain additional data related to that particular project using the data acquisition protocol enabled by the submission module 110. Additional data includes transaction details, material specifications, workforce specifications, purchaser information, user information, and other data. For example, a user of the system enters into computer system 100 the name of the contracting party and the transaction details associated with the project. In one embodiment, the party's name can be used to return data from the user or transaction history database. In yet another embodiment, the party's name may be obtained in a query form from multiple external data systems (eg, the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR database, Dun &Bradstreet's report, or various media search services). I can. Additional data regarding project specifications, such as user and purchaser preferences, ie project time factors, preferred materials, preferred manufacturers, preferred manual services, and other specifications and background information, etc., may also be included in this project data submodule 113. It is available at.

The cost estimation module 120 can be input into the computer system 100 relating to building plans, material specifications, and labor specifications to calculate cost estimates based on the materials and types of labor used for the project. Use the data. The cost estimation module 120 can also calculate fixed costs, such as fixed management costs, insurance, equipment and other costs. Some module designers can use the data submitted to the computer system 100 to manually pull out a portion of the plan. Partial manual removal is done using existing modular technology that specifies the structure of the building plan and the type and quantity of materials. The use of standard electronic planning formats (eg for CAD building software), graphic recognition programs, and computerized algorithms for partial data retrieval reduces manual or partial retrieval. It could be used instead. Market data includes labor costs, materials,
Used to calculate cost estimates based on total fixed costs. This market data can be modified to reflect geographical changes in the market.

The cost estimation module 120 further includes a material estimation submodule 121, a personnel cost estimation module 122, a fixed cost estimation module 123, a market evaluation submodule 124, and a cost estimation calculation submodule 124. The Material Estimate sub-module 121 uses computer-based protocols to extract data from one or more building plans manually or data from the building structures described in those building plans to complete the target project. Calculate the costs associated with the type and quantity of a material. One or more algorithms are used to convert the list of building structures into a material quote. That is, the algorithm first makes a general cost estimate. It is based on walls, floors, per foot area of other structures, and fittings and other articles, such as windows, doors, cabinets, water components, lighting components, etc., that enter a particular building structure. Is. The algorithm also calculates a cost estimate obtained from a detailed analysis of the actual materials needed to build the building structure depicted in the building plan. This includes board (in feet) length and other quantities. In addition, the algorithm takes into account the waste and calculates the quantity of material purchased based on the units actually sold. The algorithm is also
Costs for building materials such as kings, nails, adhesives, wallboard tape, and other consumables are also calculated. In one embodiment, the user is provided with some or all of a list of materials, a description of the project used as the basis for their material estimates, and with or without associated construction plans.

The labor cost estimation module 122 calculates the type and quantity of labor required to complete the project. The personnel cost estimation module 122 uses an algorithm similar to that used for the material estimation sub-module 121. Labor cost estimation algorithms determine the time required by people by technology to build, repair, install, or partially complete a project. Estimates of personnel costs are expressed in terms of people / hours, by work, by service provider, estimated total required time in days or other convenient time units, and the like.

The fixed cost estimation module 123 calculates the type and quantity of fixed costs required in order to receive an order for a project. The fixed cost estimate may be the type and quantity of fixed costs for that particular project, or may be the allocation of all fixed costs across the business to that project, or may be the fixed costs for individual projects. The cost items included in the fixed cost estimate include equipment rental cost, maintenance cost, insurance fee, license fee, bid and contract preparation cost, legal fee, agency fee, and management fee.

The cost estimate calculation sub-module 124 provides an assessment of material, labor, and fixed cost market costs. The cost estimate calculation sub-module 124 calculates general material cost and service cost in the market within a given time in order to calculate the current market cost of materials, labor cost and management cost required for this project. , And collect data regularly. The data collected on a regular basis includes discounts for bulk purchases based on purchase volume, incentives, and special programs. Costs also reflect the regional characteristics of material costs and personnel costs. In terms of cost, real-world competitive manufacturers may divide by the service provider's price offer or bid. These real competitive price offers, bid prices may be queried by the manufacturer's or service provider's database, or online catalogs, WEB sites, online bidding etc materials, labor costs and service prices. You may search for online sources to provide. The computer system 100 regularly updates and maintains the database of materials and service providers to quickly search and obtain data.

The cost estimate calculation sub-module 125 refers to the material cost and service cost determined by the cost estimate calculation sub-module 124, and refers to the material estimate sub-module 121, the personnel cost estimate module 122, and the fixed cost estimate module 12.
Combine the types and quantities of material costs, service costs, and fixed costs determined in 3. Cost estimation is performed by multiplying the quantity related to materials, labor, and fixed costs by the material cost and service cost. The cost estimate calculation sub-module 125
Multiple cost estimates are made based on different approaches to the project, and recommendations for amendments to the project, including cost savings methods, are also provided.
The cost estimation calculation sub-module 125 further includes total man-hours, required labor,
Calculate time schedules based on other factors.

The service assistance module 130 provides users with assistance in actually finding and associating the manufacturers, workers, and service providers needed for this project.
The service assistance module 130 includes a material excavation sub-module 131, a worker excavation sub-module 132, and a service excavation sub-module 133. The sub-modules 131, 132, 133 are provided as individual components or as part of a common protocol. The service assistance module 130 provides a plurality of advertisements to the user, and describes service and other contract information for identifying the location of the manufacturer, the worker, and the service provider. For example, if computer system 100 is connected to the Internet, then a headline advertisement or other link to the manufacturer's or service provider's WEB site may be provided. Service assistance module 1
30 uses a method of searching and sorting data to retrieve data about manufacturers, workers, and service providers that match the field of a particular project. For example, a user can use a WEB site search module such as a selection, data search protocol (search, comparison, etc.), or a query format database for searching and selecting a specific manufacturer. The service assistance module 130 can automatically use the information from the submission module 110 or the cost estimation module 120 to evaluate the possible offers for manufacturing, manpower, service, or to base the project on such offers. Allows specific recommendations of the manufacturer, worker or service provider used. Service assistance module 130
Criteria for making such recommendations include the current state of the preferred manufacturer, the geographical location of the manufacturer in comparison to where the project is being carried out, data related to the project, or ranking of selections or such offers. Has been. Direct connection on a computer for business-to-business connection, or connection with one or more manufacturers, workers, service providers' computer systems, connection with search modules, or connection with related services, As a result, it is possible to strengthen the system or improve its performance. The performance mentioned here refers to direct trading, advantageous bidding, collective purchasing for manufacturers, and other performances.

The transaction assistance module 140 provides the user with assistance in completing the business procedures that are part of the project. Such assistance includes general summarization of transaction documents, evaluation, preparation, and other similar functions. Transaction assistance module 1
Common processing items through the use of 40 include preparation of documents for official bidding, purchase contract, purchaser selection, and other transaction memorandum. As an additional auxiliary item, it is provided by extracting, creating, or creating research items related to the transaction and the counterparty.

The transaction assistance module 140 includes a bid preparation sub-module 141, a contract preparation / evaluation sub-module 142, and a risk evaluation sub-module 143. The bid preparation sub-module 141 assists the user in preparing and submitting bid proposals for this project. Such supplements include background information, answers to frequently asked bid preparation questions, tips for preparing a successful bid, forms, and other supplements. The bid preparation sub-module 141 automatically creates a bid proposal in standard form based on the information submitted, calculated, and received from other sources. Bids prepared using the bid preparation sub-module 141 are sent electronically to direct trading partners, their agents, bid clearers, government agencies, and other bid recipients.

The contract preparation / evaluation sub-module 142 prepares and evaluates the transaction contracts and other legal agreements between the parties and provides ancillary services to the user. Such supplementary services may include, for example, common clauses, their legal effect, how they may benefit or detriment users, negotiation techniques and pitfalls, contract templates, and information about other materials. Is provided. Ancillary services also include assessing previously submitted contracts and clauses, providing a rigorous analysis of those decisions and conditions, and providing impact and obligation to the user. For the provided auxiliary service, a manual evaluation technique provided through a computer system 100 or an automatic protocol for evaluating the contents of a contract to raise an important point or searching a database of contract information is used.

The risk assessment sub-module 143 assesses the merits of the transaction, warns the user of potentially dangerous points and provides supplementary services. It also includes an alternate function with the contract preparation / evaluation sub-module 142. This ancillary service includes credit checks, analysis of trading partners to assess whether the user is confident that they will be paid,
It also includes assessing the insurance coverage of the various counterparties and the potential risk and liability for injury, damage, and misfortune resulting from project-related activities.

The technical assistance module 150 provides the assistance services that the project actually completes. The technical assistance module 150 includes a regulatory support sub-module 151,
It includes a technical support sub-module 152, and an education sub-module 153. Regulatory support sub-module 151 includes building permits, inspections, licenses,
Provide guidance, preparation, submission of electronic data, schedules and other tasks regarding other interactions with relevant authorities. The technical support sub-module 152
Provides building technology and construction problem troubleshooting, answers technical problems,
Provide other sources of information. Education sub-module 153 provides access to online training, community training courses, adult education curriculum, how-to guides, and other knowledge for users. Technical assistance module 15
At least some of the 0 tasks will be performed or coordinated by local authorities. Further, some of those tasks are performed by a related service provider connected to the computer system 100 via the Internet, for example.

The business support module 160 provides support services for business activities of users related to the project or general projects. The business assistance module 160 includes a loan sub-module 161, a market sub-module 162, and an education sub-module 163. The loan sub-module 161 provides the user with access to the loan service provider, and also provides the user with access to the search and comparison module for confirming and accessing the location of the loan service, the bid loan system, and other loan services. To provide. The loan sub-module 161 can provide auxiliary services for pre-approval of loans, prepare loan applications automatically or electronically, and set up credit accounts for users. Market submodule 1
62 provides market analysis, advice, advertising space, prospective buyer searchable seller registration, and also similar features to assist users in marketing their services in view of future bids. Education sub-module 163 provides access to online training, community training courses, adult education curriculum, how-to guides, and other knowledge for users. At least some of the tasks associated with business assistance module 160 are performed or coordinated by local authorities. Further, some of those tasks are performed by a related service provider connected to the computer system 100 via the Internet, for example.

User interface module 170 provides an interface between a user and various functional modules of computer system 100. The interface includes a graphic interface that is well known in the existing art. For example, the interface presents to the user on the terminal in the form of one or more windows that combine graphics, text, and animation. The interface includes buttons, scroll bars, fields, drop boxes, toggle boxes, and functional graphics for user input. The graphic user interface has associated sounds, such as music, action sounds, voice output and other sounds. The graphic user interface is formatted for existing or future technologies. These are, for example, monitors, LCDs, other personal computer displays, interactive televisions, no-book computers, personal digital devices, mobile phones, pagers, internet devices, and other devices. The graphic user interface contains multiple documents, which can be displayed by application software such as a browser Hypertext Markup Languag
It can be displayed in e (HTML) and can be interconnected by pointers such as hyperlinks. Further, the user interface module 170 has a voice communication system. They are, for example, automatic telephone systems, message systems, e-mail and conventional correspondent systems. The user interface module 170 may be incorporated in a dedicated machine having dedicated function buttons such as specific hardware or a scanner and having a data input / output structure. The user interface module 170 is a computer system 100.
Includes any combination of hardware and software for sending and receiving content and prompting for more desirable user input.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, a hardware system for evaluating and completing projects to assist individuals and small businesses. Computer network 200, in particular shown, includes a computer system that is an embodiment of computer system 100 shown in FIG. The computer network 200 comprises a plurality of systems via the Internet 201, for example, a central server system 210, a government agency system 220, a district agency system 230, a related service system 240, a financial institution system 250 and user systems 260, 270. There is. The systems 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, and 270 are each composed of a server, a personal computer, a local area network, and other devices that can be considered by those skilled in the art. The internet 201 allows data transfer between major responsible parties (central service providers, government agencies, district agencies, etc.) and various systems using electronic information exchange techniques. It also includes computer-to-computer data sharing, WEB site access, file transfer protocols, e-mail, telephone and other electronic exchange methods. The central server system 210 is composed of a WEB server 211 and a transaction server 212. The WEB server 211 functions as a host for the WEB site of the central service provider. The central service provider's WEB site consists of multiple documents and files connected by hypertext connection.
The transaction server 212 is connected to the WEB server 211, and the WEB server 211
Process and store backward transaction data according to the data submitted via the Internet. The WEB server 211 and the transaction server 212 may be installed in the same or different places, and may or may not be operated by the central service provider itself. The central server system 210 is an application server, a transaction server,
A combination of various servers including a data storage and retrieval server, a WEB server, and other servers may be included in part. The central server system 210 also
It may consist of a local area network or a part of a local area network, a plurality of terminals, which consist of personal computers, various shared hardware such as printers, fax machines and similar terminals.

The government agency system 220 means a government agency capable of electronic communication. Such government agencies also include local building agencies, housing corporations, environmental agencies and other authorities. The agency system 220 also includes shared sources or bodies that provide data translation or traffic control of information regarding building standards, regulations or rules affecting buildings and land use. In one embodiment, agency system 220 refers to one or more district building agencies that provide housing permit and inspection. The government system 220 is used for submission of electronic data, processing, issuance of building permit, pre-design permit, inspection reservation, bidding for government contract, and the like. The government system 220 further provides a source of information for users to comply with local building regulations and land regulations. This government system 220
It can be used by the user via electronic mail, WEB site, and other similar electronic communication means.

The district agency system 230 means a district agency of a central service provider capable of electronic communication. Such district agents include retailers who can provide technical support to do-it-yourself carpenters, carpenters, district franchisees, licensed contractors, as well as district employees of manufacturers who provide quality control and technical guidance. . The service area agency system 230 is provided to the user via e-mail, a WEB site, a pager, a fax machine, a wireless device (such as a WEB-enabled mobile phone), a business-to-business connection, and other similar electronic communication means. To be done.

Related service system 240 refers to one or more electronic businesses that sell electronic business, domestic or international products, labor and service providers, district products, labor and service providers, construction and finishing supplies and materials. . In addition, the Associated Services System 240 is a district builder, equipment rental and sales company, building and finishing supplier, water supplier, paint shop, surveyor, interior designer, and other areas where buyers can make electronic inquiries. It means business, etc. The related service system 240 is provided to the user via electronic mail, WEB site, pager, fax, radio (such as WEB-enabled mobile phone), business-to-business connection, and similar electronic communication means. .

Financial institution system 250 refers to lenders such as banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and other money lending businesses. The financial institution system 250 is used to make electronic applications such as loans, application for pre-approval and final approval, transfer of funds, and the like. The financial institution system 250 is also used to electronically search for loans, compare the loan information obtained, and connect the selected lender and buyer. In one embodiment, financial institution system 250
Is a good money lender who is electronically associated with a central service provider, can process and approve applications instantly, and can transfer funds efficiently and securely. The financial institution system 250 is also provided to users via electronic mail, WEB sites, pagers, fax machines, wireless devices (WEB-enabled mobile phones, etc.), business-to-business connections, and similar electronic communication means. It

User systems 260, 270 refer to purchasers or potential purchasers, freelancer individuals, small contract companies, and other small companies that have access to a computer system with Internet access. The user systems 260 and 270 are
Homeowners with access to internet PCs, who are homes, workplaces, schools, public buildings (eg public libraries, city halls, internet cafes, etc.), kiosks, retail or commercial PCs, and even home or It means a person who can be accessed by hardware. User systems 260, 270 may also be part of a local area network. The user systems 260 and 270 are composed of terminal devices such as audio and video displays, keyboards and mice, scanners, digital cameras, and personal computers with other input devices. User system 2
The terminal devices of 60 and 270 may be composed of interactive televisions, Internet appliances, and other special hardware devices. The user systems 260 and 270 can be connected to the Internet or a local area network via a communication device, and can be connected to an electronic mail, a WEB site, a pager, a fax, a radio (WEB).
Mobile phones, etc.) or other similar electronic communication means, etc., and information can be input.

FIG. 3 shows the process steps in a method 300 according to an embodiment of the invention for an individual or small business to evaluate and complete a project. Method 30
0 is implemented using a computer system such as computer system 100 shown in FIG. 1 as part of a computer network such as computer network 200 shown in FIG. Method 300 includes multiple steps. These steps are merely exemplary and should not be understood in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the order of steps and the connections between steps are merely illustrative of one embodiment. It is to be understood that variations in the order of steps and their interrelationships are within the technical spirit and scope of the disclosed invention.

At step 310, data is received by the central service provider from the user system or another party's data system. The data received may include a building plan, contract or portion of a contract, bid application information, party information, and other data related to the project. The method of receiving the data includes any of the methods described above with respect to FIGS. For example, step 310
Then, Bob, a user, accesses a WEB site of a central service provider (CSP) using a computer terminal equipped with a scanning device and capable of accessing the Internet. Through the CSP's WEB site, the system user Bob is asked to enter basic information about the project of the orderer, Paula's Ranch Building Project. It also includes the names of the parties and detailed information about the transaction. Bob is then asked to use a scanner to scan the drawings of Paula's Ranch Building Plan, and submits via CSP's WEB site. Bob is prompted to enter a Universal Resource Locator (URL) to locate and obtain the online version of the contract Paula proposed. It also includes a WEB site with bid proposal guidelines. An electronic version of the contract and bid proposal guidelines is copied to the CSP's computer system. C
The SP's computer system records the submitted information in a database and assembles it into electronic documents for use in later steps.

In steps 320, 330, and 340, the types and quantities of materials, labor, and administrative costs are estimated based on the data available in the system. The method used to calculate this estimate includes any of the methods described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2. At steps 320, 330, and 340, the CSP's computer system obtains the building plan, material specifications, and other details submitted by Bob to obtain the C
Display them on the PS headquarters terminal. Ellen, the module designer, uses the information received, her own judgment and experience, and the interactive computer software included in the computer system to extract some of the data from the plan. To do. Based on this partial retrieval of data, the computer system creates a list of materials, labor, and fixed costs. In addition, the computer system asks Bob, the user of the system, for additional information. For example, design and material selection related to estimation. If Bob is not connected online, the CSP's computer system uses email or an automated telephone system to contact Bob for further input.

At step 350, various materials and labor market costs are determined by the various data methods described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, at step 350, the CSP's computer system retrieves information stored in a database of market costs including various materials, labor, services, and regional variations, and collects the information to determine costs. Additionally and additionally, the data obtained from the database can be replaced by materials, labor, and online search and comparison of service providers, or other guidelines that alter market costs.

In step 360, using all types of data and methods described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, market costs and types and quantities for estimating materials, labor, and services account for project costs. Collected to make a decision. In step 360,
The CSP computer system multiplies the market cost determined in step 350 by the materials, manpower, and services required for the project (as determined in steps 320, 330, 340) to calculate the total amount. Special considerations such as quantity discounts on material costs associated with the project are also considered in the CSP computer system. Time for all projects is also taken into account.

In step 370, the project costs obtained using all types of data and methods described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 are sent back to the user in a fixed format. For example, at step 370, itemized breakdowns of materials, labor, fixed cost quantities and costs are presented by the CSP computer system to the CSP's WEB site. The presentation can include alternatives, and the project content can be refined in an interactive step to modify the project cost so that Bob, the user of the system, can meet his business objectives. Note that, as above, if Bob is not online, the CSP's computer system uses email or an automated telephone system to contact Bob for further input.

In steps 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, the user is further provided with various services as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Finally, in step 380, a bid for the orderer Paula's ranch is automatically prepared based on the bid specifications provided by the computer system of system user Bob and module designers Ellen and CSP. At step 381, the results are displayed on the CSP's WEB site and the targeted advertisement is posted for the service provider. This ad helps Bob in completing Paula's ranch construction. The advertisement contains links to the WEB sites of these service providers.
A material, manpower, or service mining module is also provided. Step 3
At 82, Paula's credit check is done and Bob can get advance warning of the risk that Bob will incur project costs for Paula. At step 384, an online loan application is made to cover Bob's upfront costs for the construction of Paula's ranch. At step 385, instructions from the district agents to assist in handling technical issues during project execution are provided by the WE
It is possible on B site.

By using the process disclosed by the present invention, Bob uses a single, unified, interactive WEB site for all services that he uses for bidding and completes Paula's ranch construction. It will be accessible.

As another example of using the process disclosed in the present invention, an amateur do-it-yourself Donna
Imagine a case where you want to make a desk, but she has never actually done that. Donna is asked to open a CSP (Central Service Provider) WEB site and draw her desk. You will also be asked for her budget, desk size, and other information. She draws a sketch in the PAD program that comes with her computer and submits the sketch via the WEB site. The information goes to Sam, a specialist in charge of CSP headquarters. Sam organizes the drawings and uses CSP's computer system to break down common material types and quantities based on the various design variations embodying the desk identified by Donna. The CSP computer system then presents its design choices for further information, such as the choice of materials to use for various parts of the desk (Redwood,
I demand compression plywood, vinyl, etc.) After Donna makes her choice, she will get a detailed blueprint of the Donna's desk and a list of materials, permit information and applications in the area where she needs it, contact in the area for technical assistance services, and district hardware. Various WEB pages are displayed on the CSP WEB site along with application information for participation in the desk making class sponsored by a wear store. Donna may provide a login name and PIN to access these WEB pages. Those WEB pages may be updated due to special sales, subsequent educational opportunities, and the content of the purpose.

As another example, it is assumed that Mark manages a small-scale maintenance service business that provides several types of district businesses and maintenance of equipment rentals all year round. Suppose he heard from a military base in the area that he had a nearly full-year maintenance contract that included snow removal, landscape work, and building maintenance. The base has posted detailed project requirements on its WEB site. When Mark visits the CSP (Central Service Provider) WEB site, he can find information about the project (W
(Including the EB's URL), as well as information about his company's capabilities and current projects. The CSP's computer uses the submitted information to break down the estimated manpower, tools, and materials per year of the project item by item. The CSP's computer evaluates Mark's current responsiveness and business resources and alerts Mark's company if there is a shortage. The CSP computer offers some contractual clauses such that Mark is pay-per-use, and also offers loan options through the preferred CSP lenders. After Mark has signed the contract, the CSP computer can assist Mark with material, labor, and cost analysis of the maintenance work here, via CSP's WEB site, and further out of Mark's employee expertise. You can recommend subcontractors for your work.

It should be noted that the above example is exemplary in order to provide a clear and concise description of one exemplary application of the present invention. It only shows a single application for a single embodiment of the system and method described above. They should not be understood in a limited way.

The invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. These examples are for illustrative purposes. Therefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a computer network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A computer system for providing cost evaluation of a project, comprising: a submission module for submitting a proposed project plan; a cost estimation module for evaluating the proposed project plan and sending back a cost estimate, and further the cost estimation module. A computer system comprising: a material estimation unit; a personnel cost estimation unit; a fixed cost estimation unit; a market evaluation unit; a cost estimation calculation unit; and a user interface module. 2. The computer system according to claim 1, further comprising a service assistance module. 3. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising the bid preparation submodule. 4. The computer system according to claim 1, further comprising a contract preparation / evaluation sub-module. 5. The computer system according to claim 1, further comprising a risk assessment sub-module. 6. The computer system according to claim 1, further comprising a technical assistance module. 7. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising a business assistance module. 8. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer system is accessible via a network and the user interface module is an interface for geographically separated users. 9. A computer system for providing a project cost evaluation: a computer network: a central server; at least one terminal device remote from and connected to the central server, and from the terminal device A computer network comprising at least one electronic document sent to a central server; a cost estimation module, the cost estimation module determining a cost estimate for the project based on at least a portion of the electronic document. Estimate module; A computer system comprising: 10. The computer system according to claim 9, wherein the cost estimation module includes a material estimation unit, a personnel cost estimation unit, and a fixed cost estimation unit. 11. The computer system according to claim 9, wherein the cost estimation module further includes a market evaluation unit. 12. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the electronic document is a building plan for building a building. 13. A user interface module for transmitting from said central server a plurality of interfaces for display on at least one terminal device, wherein a user of the terminal device submits said at least one electronic document, The computer system of claim 9, wherein the computer system is configured to initiate a cost estimate analysis. 14. The computer system according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of additional servers connected to the computer network, providing additional services related to the project and accessible from the terminal device; The computer system of claim 1, wherein the central server is configured to provide a selected link to the additional server. 15. A method of providing a cost assessment of a project: at least one of said projects via a computer network.
Obtaining one electronic document; estimating the type and quantity of materials needed for the project based on at least some of the data of the electronic document; based on at least some of the data of the electronic document Estimating the type and quantity of manpower required for the project, estimating the market value for the estimated material and type and quantity of the manpower, and the project based on the estimated market value A cost estimate for the project, the method comprising: estimating the total cost of the project; and returning the estimated total cost via the computer network. 16. A method for providing a cost evaluation of a project according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of estimating the type and quantity of fixed costs, estimating the market value of the fixed costs of that type, and estimating. A method of providing a cost estimate for a project, comprising: adding a fixed cost determined to the total cost of the project. 17. A method for providing a cost evaluation of a project according to claim 15, further comprising the step of recommending a service provider related to the project. How to provide a cost rating for. 18. A method for providing a cost estimate for a project according to claim 15, further comprising the step of providing means for bid preparation based on said estimated total cost. A method of providing a cost assessment of a project, characterized by: 19. A method of providing a cost estimate for a project according to claim 15 further comprising the step of providing relevant contract preparation means for said project. How to provide a cost valuation. 20. A method of providing a cost estimate for a project according to claim 15, further comprising: assessing the associated risk of the project. How to provide. 21. A method of providing a cost estimate for a project according to claim 15, further comprising the step of: evaluating the associated technical assistance of said project. How to provide a rating. 22. A method of providing a cost estimate for a project according to claim 15 further comprising the step of providing a related loan for the project. How to provide.