AU2014100944A4 - Supply chain management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart device application (App) implemented with a web based platform for recruitment and a management system that connects database information 5 throughout a web server hosting a portal website providing access to websites or email addresses of members wherein information for the entire recruitment and management life cycle of that member is available and managed through the smart application (App) that resides on a smart device. Figure 1 Inputs from various sources VWeb plaffa-rr aggregates informatior LYe dashobards R -An- un thing -5 1 th ___ __1___ 108 C-It al 5 0 l-- Sf-010 110o

Description

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the management and mobilization of workers, 5 suppliers and clients in a supply chain. In particular, the invention provides a central operating platform that aggregates and integrates a people management and an asset management process within a supply chain of the resources, construction and mining industries. It is however not limited to these sectors and discloses a system of managing workforces that are required to be mobile in any 10 industry. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In prior art processes of management and mobilization of workers, the organization of recruitment, induction, training, medicals, bus in bus out, fly in fly 15 out, accommodation, meals, bussing to and from worksites, R&R, travel, emails, events, time, cost and recording of information is not coordinated but carried out traditionally in an un coordinated and disparate and confused manner. While there are claims by human resource departments of employment companies to have in house integrated coordinated systems, in reality, these are generally ad hoc and 20 cobbled together without any true information sharing occurring. There is no total electronic commerce environment or one database environment which coordinates the entire process of management and mobilization of workers, suppliers and clients in a supply chain.The prior art is largely a completely disjointed management process involving many intranet systems that do not link together 25 with many different databases. The individual databases do not allow communication between themselves and proprietary software systems resulting in a very ineffective system that does not benefit industry as a whole. The traditional process is expensive to manage, does not integrate the total process where only some parts operate in an electronic environment. This situation can create many 30 conflicts of interest, is detrimental to the workers and the asset providers. It under utilizes assets and is particularly cost prohibitive to the employer which in turn causes undue pressure on all participants of the prior art processes. The worker is often unhappy because of the disjointed processes involved in his or her management and mobilization which is not conducive to a good 5 working environment. The prior art is detrimental to industry as a whole especially as workforce management and workforce mobilization is a critical element of any industry in the current cost conscious environment and poses a high risk for all concerned if not managed correctly. There is therefore a need of connecting all of the supply chain processes 10 into a single database environment that increases the accuracy and visibility of managing and mobilising workforces. There is also a practical need to seamlessly integrate the entire procedure through an end to end solution that allows a multi layered process to be billed through an integrated billing system relying on a single point of contact and presenting a single service fee note to the client on a regular 15 basis This invention connects all stakeholders in an electronic commerce environment that links all parties on a membership basis through a unique identifier number for each member in a one database environment. 20 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to ameliorate some of the disadvantages and limitations of traditional prior art systems of workforce management and workforce mobilization or to at least provide the public 25 with an alternative and useful choice. It is a specific object of the invention to provide a means to connect stakeholders on a secure electronic commerce platform that links all parties on a membership basis in a single database environment. 30 STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to one but not necessarily the only aspect, the invention resides in a smart device application (App) implemented web based recruitment and 5 management system that connects database information throughout a web server hosting a portal website, the portal website providing access to websites or email addresses of members, the portal contactable through a universal resource locator via a member user system; the web server central processor interfacing with 10 a directory component adapted to enable location of a particular member's web address or website, geographical location or type of property; one or more databases adapted to store member data and information; a database management component adapted to allow input and retrieval of the data and information; 15 a web browser component adapted to interrogate and provide access to the information and data; a member identification component adapted to qualify a member's access to the information and data that allows the qualified member to be connected to the smart device applications 20 package wherein the information for the entire recruitment and management life cycle of that member is available and managed through the smart application (App) that resides on a smart device. Preferably the smart device is a smart phone or smart tablet. 25 Preferably there is an event and verification management module within the app adapted to record and manage all events which occur for that member during the recruitment and management life cycle of a member.

Preferably the event and verification management module includes scanning connection for QR codes at verification stations to log information at 5 various points or steps during the recruitment and management life cycle of a member. The module will preferably use the event verification with artificial intelligence (also known as Al) to predict future events, predict utilization rates and predict asset requirements for all parties in the supply chain relevant to their supply and purpose. 10 In the alternative, other forms of data collection or processing such as near field processing (NFP); global positioning systems (GPS) beacons; geofences; wifi points, location beacons or any other method that is appropriate for the environment and transmitted to the web platform for processing. 15 Preferably the information would include the following: A member's itinerary for starting work at the start of a cycle that would include a member's trip information from home airport to the nearest airport to where accommodation, induction, training and medicals take place and other 20 verification procedures. A member's program of events during accommodation, induction, training and medicals and their verification procedures required during that process. A member's itinerary for travel by bus from the induction accommodation point to the nearest airport and the verification process required. 25 A member's itinerary for the air flight from the induction airport to the nearest worksite airport and the verification process required. A member's itinerary for travel from airport by bus to worksite accommodation and the verification process required.

A member's check in and check out procedure at the accommodation and the verification processes required. A member's itinerary for travel by bus from their accommodation to worksite and return each day and the verification processes required. 5 A member's worksite requirements during the day at work and the verification processes required. A member's itinerary for travel by bus from their accommodation to the nearest worksite airport at the end of the work cycle for Rest and Recreation (R&R) and the verification processes required. 10 A member's travel itinerary by plane from the nearest worksite airport to the closest airport for their Rest and Recreation (R&R) and the verification processes required. Preferably built into the software is a dashboard of events to measure key performance indicators that can include, utilization rate of assets, go shows and no 15 shows at each verification point and the time taken between verification points, reporting requirements of asset providers including manifest auto feeds. Preferably built into the app are also: A worker events management module adapted to link databases providing a better service and experience to the worker. 20 A diary daily events management module adapted to link all verification points during the day wherein the worker can be reminded by a diary component, typically a text reminder or an email reminder of all events. A communication events management module adapted to link all workers and external stakeholders linked to a remote user module. 25 An invoicing system that allows for the issue and tracking of invoices associated with all facets of the industry so that all stakeholders within the industry are invoicing and receiving payments on one database management system. Preferably the member system is a computer system with an interactive display means for communication via the Internet.

Preferably the interactive display means includes a visual display unit with an interactive device, typically a key pad, touch pad, mouse, joystick device and/or voice activation. Preferably information and data on the website is presented and accessed 5 by all members online via an app or a web browser. Preferably the directory component enables members to have a unique identifier number that recognizes their title, name, physical address, locality, post code, discipline or by the type of goods or services provided. Preferably the member identification component includes security 10 protocols that qualify and restrict access of the member according to the member's security clearance or access levels. The member identification component preferably comprises a firewall, an access manager which utilizes password processing or other forms individual identification relevant to digital technology and a software router to qualify the 15 access of the member to appropriate application layers of the web server according to the security clearance or access level of the member. Preferably member access is via a user name and/or password recognized or rejected by the access manager or by fingerprint recognition, eye recognition or other biometric technology on a handheld device, or an external 20 device at a verification point if they have lost their handheld device. Preferably the transaction management component includes an accounting function which can be interfaced with an externally sourced transaction and record keeping services which also has the ability to repair and generate relevant accounting and transaction management documents and records. 25 Preferably the accounting functions are able to be varied and adjusted via the Internet. Preferably the information and data held in the one or more databases can be interrogated and can be manipulated to produce various reports that can be downloaded or accessed by members in multiple ways including via an app, via 30 the website portal, via reports complied and sent to the member. The databases are preferably relational databases which are managed by a single relational database management system. Preferably the web server also interfaces with a navigation component adapted to provide a virtual display of where any asset is located at any given 5 point of time Preferably there is a contacts management module as part of an internal management system whereby a site manager member can add a new contact by searching the membership database to identify a worker by name. Preferably there is a worker diary management module adapted to function 10 as a diary system that is linked to all events as a diary reminder system utilizing text reminders or email reminders to automatically remind relevant parties of events during their work cycle. Preferably there is a time management module adapted to manage all tasks carried out by all persons associated with a job, allow for billing rates to be set for 15 each member of an internal management team and wherein all time spent on a job are tracked inclusive of telephone calls, emails, documents created, events and any other time spent by the internal and external management team. Preferably there is a communications management module adapted to function as a communication centre to manage all events, text messages, emails, 20 telephone calls, facsimiles and memos that are created in the course of managing a worker on a job. Preferably there is a document management module which is connected to other software programs eg Microsoft ExcelTM, and Microsoft WordTM and Microsoft Power PointTM, and Microsoft Project T M adapted to track all documents 25 and to create a chronological list of all documents that may be required in litigation concerning a worker. Preferably the management system can be linked to or integrated with any external management system through the platform. This invention connects all stakeholders in an electronic commerce 30 environment that links all parties on a membership basis through a unique identifier number for each member in a one database environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations 5 wherein: Figure 1 shows a preferred architecture and interaction between users according to the invention, and Figure 2 shows a preferred dashboard display of the invention of Figure 1. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a graphic representation of the information flow and relationships in the smart application web based management software package that is linked to an applications based platform which the manages the worker through the entire work cycle from recruitment, 15 through training and induction, through mobilisation, through site access, through facilities management and home on and their R&R cycle via a common database according to the invention. In this diagram the web application (platform) created is displayed as a number of tabs such as a recruitment tab 101, a training/induction tab 102, a mobilisation Tab 103, a site access tab 104, a facilities management 20 tab 105. The diagram shows the unique function of the web platform to collect information critical to the personnel supply chain from a variety of sources (typically in a variety of formats) and to aggregate the information into a common format. This function is represented by boxes relating to inputs from various sources feeding into the platform tabs 101, 102, 103, 104, 105. Information input 25 is typically about the worker for the purpose of recruitment and on-boarding 101; about training and qualification certification 102; about mobilisation details (itineraries, travel details, locations) 103; about granting permission to access site, time worked on site 104, and about who is present in a particular facility/camp 105. This critical information is then made available to suppliers to the personnel supply 30 chain as well as managers, clients and owners instantly via dashboards displayed in real time on smart devices, tablets or PCs. For example the dashboard profile 106; the dashboard ready for work 107; the dashboard travel 108; the dashboard site access 109, and the dashboard facilities management 110 which are represented in the diagram by smaller clouds numbered 106; 107; 108; 109, and 110 respectively. Suppliers are provided access to the dashboard information 5 relevant to their purposes of their designation. For example the recruitment supplier will gain access to the relevant recruitment dashboard only. The platform is also capable of using information from tabs and dashboards in subsequent stages in the personnel supply chain process to remove the need for duplicate information input eg tab 101(worker profile) feeds information to all other tabs. 10 This is represented in the diagram by arrows between tabs numbers 101 - 105. A more detailed description of tab101 is that it includes the following: a live platform to source compliant and ready to work personnel 15 (certifications, testing and references stored in profile); a worker profiles that become the unique identifier for the app to verify throughout the supply chain; 20 clients and third party suppliers who are able to upload worker details to the platform; a module to allow workers to manage their profile by adding information and controlling their availability status; 25 a platform which includes - job board hosts jobs for registered clients, - search facility amongst registered workers, - RSS feeds and alerts on availability to live jobs; 30 a module to enable clients and candidates to interact directly with each other; a module that automatically links to an app of superior mobilization systems and of contractors/partners reducing on-boarding time; 5 an App linked to the recruitment platform; a module within the app that manages authorization from the client, and displays all information collected through the functioning of the app in a 10 number of forms including via the app dashboard, via the website dashboard and in reports created. A more detailed description of tab1 02 is that it includes the following: 15 a module within the app that confirms bookings with provider and worker via alert; a module within the app that confirms worker attendance at induction and successful completion via verification points; 20 a module within the app that uploads and stores verified qualifications, certificates, accreditations, first aid/resuscitation currency, other training; a module within the app that the client has access to completed profile after 25 completing induction as part of a KPI; a module within the app that Alerts of expiry automatically generated (timeline and visibility to be set); 30 a module within the app of a LIVE dashboard that updates the status of worker's induction (e.g. booked, pending, inducted, medically fit to work, worksite ready), and displays all information collected through the functioning of the app in a number of forms including via the app dashboard, via the website dashboard and in reports created. 5 A more detailed description of tabl03 is that it includes the following: a module within the app that allows the client to confirm bookings with 3rd Party travel company/software solutions company with itinerary confirmation sent via app to worker; 10 a module within the app that recognizes a registered user as they pass a 'gated' verification point throughout the mobilisation process verifying their identity as prompted; 15 a module within the app that allows verification points upload information to bus company or coach manager and airline manifests and a live manifest dashboard; a module within the app where verification points provide secure identity 20 checking via a QR device or similar technology (NFP, Geo Fence, WIFI, Location beacon); a module within the app that manages itinerary, check in, locations and produces live manifest reporting dashboard; 25 a module within the app where reports are generated in real time with no requirement for human reporting inputs and live reports accessed from any authorised member of the supply chain (eg transport, contractor, client) via any app enabled device, and 30 displays all information collected through the functioning of the app in a number of forms including via the app dashboard, via the website dashboard and in reports created. 5 A more detailed description of tabl04 is that it includes the following: a module within the app within the App that grants access to site via verification points; 10 a module within the app that allows verification at site entrance to include - Identity (links to tab 101), - Induction (links to tab 102), - Qualification and ticket expiry check (links to tab 102), 15 - Random Breath Test, - Fatigue management; a module within the app that manages verification point at Pre-start; 20 a module within the app that allows assignment of task/team via a productivity tracker; a module within the app that allows verification for machine operation ticket/license verified to operate machine (links to tab 102); 25 a module within the app that manages verification points to manage and report on hours worked, breaks, OT; a module within the app that provides a LIVE Dashboard for hours worked 30 and productivity analysis; a module within the app that provides a LIVE time sheeting signoff on site and uploads; a module within the app that provides a LIVE dashboard for whole site 5 compliance (OHS, incident reporting), and displays all information collected through the functioning of the app in a number of forms including via the app dashboard, via the website dashboard and in reports created. 10 A more detailed description of tab104 is that it includes the following: a module within the app within the App that grants access to camp facilities 15 via verification points; a module within the app that allows check-in to rooms via scanning at verification point via a QR device or similar technology (NFP, Geo Fence, WIFI, Location beacon); 20 a module within the app that allows 3 rd parties to see occupancy rates and book rooms via camp provider's software; a module within the app that allows camp providers to report on status of 25 who is in a particular camp via location tracking of smart phone/android; a module within the app that allows camp providers to capture data at specified points to measure usage of facilities by individuals (eg dining room, leisure facilities), and 30 displays all information collected through the functioning of the app in a number of forms including via the app dashboard, via the website dashboard and in reports created. 5 Figure 2 shows a preferred dashboard display. Information fields of workers 201, events 202, flights 203 and status 204 is displayed in a form that is easily augmented or modified to suit the specific requirements of individual suppliers who choose which data they need to see in their dashboards. Information in the dashboard is verified in the field via handheld devices, 10 smart phones, tablets, scanning points, NFP technology, Geo-Fences, Wifi points, location beacons or any other method that is appropriate for the environment and transmitted to the web platform for processing. Information from the dashboards is stored and can be historically searched. 15 ADVANTAGES The advantages of the present subject management process over traditional prior art management mechanisms are set out in this section. There is not different databases being dealt with as every function is on 20 one database. This introduces significant flexibility to the management process. The ability to operate in a e-commerce environment that will bring down the enormous costs currently associated with the prior art system. The use of a common database between the industry participants in the supply chain and each worker brings many efficiencies. 25 The management of all industry transactions and processes within the one platform for ease of reporting, management of transactions and events, creating industry standards, providing a research tool for the industry, providing members with useful information which eliminates the disjointed prior art approach. Providing members with advantages previously unavailable with prior art 30 systems.

Provides all the tools for a total re-engineering of current process to the benefit of the industry as a whole. VARIATIONS 5 It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims this specification the word 10 "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 15 GEOFFREY JAMIESON by his Patent Attorneys, Pegasus IP Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 20 25

Claims (5)

1. A smart device application (App) implemented with a web based platform for recruitment and a management system that connects database 5 information throughout a web server hosting a portal website, the portal website providing access to websites or email addresses of members, the portal contactable through a universal resource locator via a member user system; the web server central processor interfacing with 10 a directory component adapted to enable location of a particular member's web address or website, geographical location or type of property; one or more databases adapted to store member data and information; a database management component adapted to allow input and retrieval of the data and information; 15 a web browser component adapted to interrogate and provide access to the information and data; a member identification component adapted to qualify a member's access to the information and data that allows the qualified member to be connected to the smart device applications 20 package wherein the information for the entire recruitment and management life cycle of that member is available and managed through the smart application (App) that resides on a smart device.

2. The smart device application (App) of Claim 1 wherein there is an event 25 and verification management module within the app adapted to record and manage all events which occur for a member during the recruitment and management life cycle of said member.

3. The smart device application (App) of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein there is a dashboard of events to measure key performance indicators that include, utilization rate of assets, go shows and no shows at each verification point and the time taken between verification points, reporting requirements of asset providers 5 including manifest auto feeds.

4. The smart device application (App) of any one of the above Claims wherein the one or more databases are relational databases which are managed by a relational database management system whereby information and data held 10 in the database(s) can be interrogated and can be manipulated to produce various reports that can be downloaded or accessed by members in multiple ways including via an app, via the website portal, via reports complied and sent to the member. 15

5. The smart device application (App) of any one of the above Claims wherein all stakeholders are connected in an electronic commerce environment that links all parties on a membership basis through a unique identifier number for each member in a single database environment. 20 25