AU2001243375A1 - System and method for managing jobs, managing financing, and/or providing materials - Google Patents

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

TITLE: SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING JOBS,

MANAGING FINANCING, AND/OR PROVIDING MATERIALS

SPECIFICATION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a system and method of job management and the management of workflow in which a plurality of tasks must be accomplished, managing financial transactions, and/or providing materials based on orders received from customers using at least one wireless device.

Background of the Invention

The management of jobs having a series of steps requires a great deal of attention and effort. The typical job or project includes a series of steps, phases, or tasks wherein at least one step may not be performed until the completion of a prior step. The use of automated systems to assist in the completion of projects with these requirements has generally been geographically limited to systems in which a manager had to interact with the job management system at its location. Moreover, these job management systems required the manager to interact with the system in a fixed location. An example of these failures in the context of homebuilding is discussed herein. Though the following description notes some of the failures of the prior art with reference to the construction process, there exists a need to improve the management and monitoring of jobs having a series of steps wherein at least one step is contingent on the completion of at least one prior step. The construction or improvement of a home can require purchasing decisions relating to hundreds of product categories and among thousands of differing products and suppliers. The fragmentation of the manufacturing and distribution base in the home building and home improvement industry creates difficulties for purchasers that include limited product selection and information, uneven access to products of specific manufacturers, dependence upon the purchasing and pricing decisions of lumberyards and other aggregators, and the need to visit multiple vendors in the course of obtaining products to support a single job. The large number of suppliers makes it difficult for purchasers to determine which suppliers are offering the best products and prices and which have the best availability, delivery, and support for their products. In addition, no one supplier offers the full range of products that the buyer may need. Because the builder or contractor is often searching for specific materials, identifying the right supplier can be very complex and time consuming.

The prior art illustrates the inefficiencies in the home industry such as the use of inefficient information management process. The typical local builder relies on rough approximations derived from review of a floor plan to determine the quantities of many of the materials that are used in constructing a home, including concrete, lumber, drywall, roofing, insulation, bricks, or other exterior materials, plumbing materials, electrical systems, and fixtures. These estimated quantities are often provided to a building supply sales agent to review as the basis for providing an estimate of pricing for the specified materials. The sales agent's responsibility is to maximize the profits of the distributor, not to minimize the cost to the builder, which has a predictable effect on the price ultimately paid by the builder.

The builder bases the quoted price of the home to the home buyer on these estimations and commences building the home with no firm information on either the quantity of materials actually required to build the home or their prices. The material supplier has only a general idea of which products will be required for delivery to the building site or when each will be required to be delivered. Substantial time is generally spent by management of the builder either obtaining additional small quantities of materials if the original estimate was short, or returning excess materials if the original estimate was high. The builder frequently first learns of the actual prices of the materials ordered when they are delivered, and accordingly is at risk that the material costs of building the home will exceed, possibly substantially, the estimated amounts and result in a reduced profit or a loss on the home. This imprecision in product ordering and pricing adversely affected the builder.

Product orders by builders and contractors are typically handled through internal, paper-based processes that require manual preparation of a purchase order and manual order tracking, billing, and reporting. These processes are cumbersome, time consuming, and require significant amounts of office support as well as time spent in the field confirming product requirements, preparing orders, verifying delivery, managing contractor schedules, and responding to scheduling and delivery changes. Paper-based processes make it difficult for buyers to obtain information relating to product availability, pricing, and shipment or to forecast need and estimate the total cost of a project. These inefficiencies can lead to delays and purchases that are based on convenience instead of cost. In addition, the decentralized procurement process does not facilitate data collection, which is required to take full advantage of volume discounts or other economies of scale.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional purchasing methods, several enterprises in the homebuilding and improvement markets have developed automated purchasing systems or have attempted to utilize existing systems, such as electronic data interchange systems (EDI) or enterprise purchasing software services. These purchasers attempt to streamline the purchasing process and leverage purchasing volumes, but often with limitations. These solutions may only offer access to the products of a limited number of suppliers. Moreover, these systems may not accommodate the amount of jobs managed by a user. In addition, enterprises incur significant costs developing internal solutions, integrating them with other enterprise systems, and maintaining their compliance with the enterprise's business rules and purchasing policies. Most home enterprises in the homebuilding and improvement market simply cannot afford to invest in these solutions. Turning to another aspect of the prior art, interim loans are short-term loans that builders use to purchase supplies needed in the construction of buildings. The interim loans are typically paid off when the permanent mortgage loan is granted. During the building process, the builder will seek and receive interim loans called draws from a lender such as a bank. The traditional draw process is a circular process. A lender provides funds to the builder. The builder provides these funds to a supplier in order to receive supplies for the building project. In turn, the builder must use these supplies in the construction of the building. Next, the builder must contact the lender to inform the lender that the supplies have been incorporated into the building. The lender will contact an inspector to verify that the supplies were used in the construction of the building. The inspector must travel to the construction site, verify that the supplies were used in the construction, and then contact the lender. Once the lender receives confirmation from the inspector, the lender will provide the builder with another draw for the next phase of construction of the building. This circular process will continue throughout the entire building process. In this configuration, each step in the process is inefficient and requires affirmative action from a requestor such as a borrower that must be received by the requestee such as a lender. The entire process is contingent on each person receiving and performing his or her role in the circular process. Each of these communications requires a telephone call or facsimile transmission. The lender typically delivers an inspection request to the inspector.

In the prior art, the inspector had to return to his or her office to receive the request. Next, the inspector would have to travel to the construction site, inspect the construction, and then return to his or her office to send an inspection report to the lender. Similar lags occurred in the process with regard to the other parties. Additionally, each of these transmissions via facsimile or telephone was subject to problems with accuracy. Any error created in any of these communications could affect, hinder, or delay the entire chain of events that followed. The timely and accurate access to information on construction status, the timely and accurate delivery of inspection requests to field inspectors, and the timely and accurate receipt of inspection information represent problems with the prior art.

Furthermore, the construction or improvement of a home can require purchasing decisions relating to hundreds of product categories and among thousands of differing products and suppliers. The fragmentation of the manufacturing and distribution base in the home building and home improvement industry creates difficulties for purchasers that include limited product selection and information, uneven access to products of specific manufacturers, dependence upon the purchasing and pricing decisions of lumberyards and other aggregators, and the need to visit multiple vendors in the course of obtaining products to support a single job.

Moreover, the large number of suppliers makes it difficult for purchasers to determine which suppliers are offering the best products and prices and which have the best availability, delivery, and support for their products. In addition, no one supplier offers the full range of products that the buyer may need. Because the builder or contractor is often searching for specific materials, identifying the right supplier can be very complex and time consuming.

Furthermore, the supplier is faced with the task of receiving delayed and erroneous orders from customers due to the inefficient order and supply systems in the prior art. Within the context of construction projects, the supplier was unable to provide the customer such as a builder with a real-time, accurate representation of the materials available while the customer was on-site. The customer was forced to request supplies and materials without the confidence that the materials were available or whether the pricing for the materials was accurate. The builder frequently first learns of the actual prices of the materials ordered when they are delivered, and accordingly is at risk that the material costs of building the home will exceed, possibly substantially, the estimated amounts and result in a reduced profit or a loss on the home. Given this degree of imprecision in product ordering and pricing by the builder, the customer purchasing the home has little hope of understanding or influencing the process. In turn, the supplier has been unable to provide a more accurate and timely indication of the materials available to supplied to each customer.

Product orders by builders and contractors are typically handled through internal, paper-based processes that require manual preparation of a purchase order and manual order tracking, billing, and reporting. These processes are cumbersome, time consuming, and require significant amounts of back-office support as well as time spent in the field confirming product requirements, preparing orders, verifying delivery, managing contractor schedules, and responding to scheduling and delivery changes. Paper-based processes make it difficult for buyers to obtain information relating to product availability, pricing, and shipment or to forecast need and estimate the total cost of a project. These inefficiencies can lead to delays and purchases that are based on convenience instead of cost. In addition, the decentralized procurement process does not facilitate data collection, which is required to take full advantage of volume discounts or other economies of scale. Prior solutions may only offer access to the products of a limited number of suppliers and may not be adaptable to different size operations. In addition, enterprises incur significant costs developing internal solutions, integrating them with other enterprise systems, and maintaining their compliance with the enterprise's business rules and purchasing policies. Most home enterprises in the homebuilding and improvement market simply cannot afford to invest in these solutions. Therefore, a need also exists to improve the supplying of materials to customers by offering an interface such that customers may receive a timely and accurate depiction of the materials that he or she may purchase. Moreover, a supplies needs the ability to provide this depiction such that customer may receive this information regardless of their location. Finally, there exists a need for a supplier interface such that suppliers may be able to better offer materials to customers via wide area networks such as the Internet. Summary of the Invention

The present invention offers several systems and methods of improving these management needs. First the present invention offers a system and method for job management. Any task, step, routine, process, series, algorithm, and/or job that could benefit from the improved scheduling, estimation, and execution as discussed herein is considered to be within the scope of the invention. Though the preferred embodiment describes the system and method being implemented in the context of home building, these concepts and principles are equally applicable and within the scope of any field in which a plurality of tasks or actions must be taken to accomplish the desired result. This invention is especially advantageous wherein at least one task may not be initiated until the at least partial completion of a prior task. Though the concepts may be performed in virtually any context, those skilled in the art will recognize that construction, engineering, management, and various other fields in which project-style practice is used to accomplish a goal is within the scope of this invention as described and claimed herein. In one such preferred embodiment, the present invention enables homebuilders and home improvement contractors to manage their workflow, automate their procurement process, benefit from a brand enforced by a nationwide media presence, benefit from the reduced prices offered through the e-marketplace, and gain accessibility to leads in this preferred embodiment. This management system and its method of use enables homebuilders to manage the workflow of specific jobs in a cost effective manner by scheduling tasks and delivery of materials, automating the purchase order process, and enabling homebuilders to monitor the progress of jobs through a variety of job reports. In addition, homebuilders benefit from the availability of up-front cost estimates and budgeting applications. In a most preferred embodiment, this system may reside on at least one server that may be accessible through standard Internet browsers and remotely accessible via wireless computers with wireless Web-access, enabling workflow management directly from the ob site. The present invention offers a complete range of products, goods, and/or services, such as building products, through at least one online store, merchant, dealer, or other transactional entity that is sourced from at least one supplier network and sold to the user, such as a builder, through at least one marketplace by a main provider or directly by a supplier. The system allows for a builder subscribing to the service to specify the builder's existing suppliers and to manage the generation of purchase orders and other information functions with that supplier.

Each user may obtain the benefits of automating significant elements of the user's business within existing supply relationships and/or migrating to this system without disrupting the user's existing relationships, while at the same time obtaining the ability to compare the prices and service being provided by the existing network to the prices and service offered by the present invention. This also assures that users in any geographic location can nevertheless immediately implement an integrated solution that incorporates the products that the supply partners can deliver immediately. By eliminating many costly and time consuming functions of traditional paper buying and selling, this system and its method of use may allow users, for example homebuilders and suppliers, to reduce operating costs, and shorten cycle times in the purchasing and selling process. In addition, user groups such as homebuilders and contractors benefit from group buying discounts that are negotiated with suppliers participating in the e-marketplace. The present system and its method of use may allow for the reply to requests for information on user groups, for example homebuilders, in a particular area through the marketplace, which also provides information on a wide variety of information, such as home-related topics and advice on building a home. This system and its method of use will enable users to connect consumers who have requested such information with user groups who have registered on the marketplace.

Furthermore, the present invention offers a system and method for managing financial transactions. The preferred embodiment improves the draw process through the utilization of a wide area network such as the Internet and wireless communications to streamline the construction loan process. This system and method provides for more efficient and accurate loans and/or draw requests from the builder to the financial institution; better communication between the builder to the lender; more accurate and timely instructions from the financial institution to the inspector; and more accurate and timely inspection reports from the inspector to the financial institution. Instead of faxing accounting-based status reports, the builder can request a draw online by answering simple status questions in a preferred embodiment. The draw process may occur automatically by using a system capable of notifying the lender of the completion of that phase of construction. The preferred method of use includes a system that automatically notifies the lender of the progress in completion based upon actions by the builder.

The lender may instruct the inspector within seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the inspector could receive the request by wireless computer remotely connected to the wide area network. This would allow the inspector to receive the inspection request without having to return to his or her office or travel to the lender's financial institution. Moreover, the inspector can actually provide inspection information on-site within seconds of completing the inspection instead of writing down the information and driving back to the inspection office or financial institution. The present invention can manage a multi user tiered security system capable of offering different levels of information based on access management. Moreover, this automated construction loan draw process allows for a system capable of tracking draws through all phases of a construction project. The use of this system may generate an automated summary of total loans, amounts borrowed, draw availability, borrower history on loan usage, turnover, and profitability. This will reduce cost, time, and the opportunity for introduction of error.

The present invention provides a method for managing at least one financial transaction between a lender loaning funds to a borrower for purchasing supplies to complete a job. This method may include receiving a first request for a first portion of the funds for a first portion of the supplies needed to complete a first portion of the job from the borrower and then providing the first portion of the funds to the borrower. Next, the method comprises sending at least one instruction to an inspector to inspect that the first portion of the supplies was used in the first portion of the job wherein the inspector at least one instruction by using a wireless computer. Then the lender may receive at least one confirmation from the inspector that the first portion of the supplies was used in the first portion of the job wherein the inspector sends the at least one confirmation by using a wireless computer. This method may further comprise receiving a second request for a second portion of the funds for a second portion of the supplies needed to complete a second portion of the job from the borrower. In this embodiment, a second portion of the funds is provided to the borrower. This draw process continues through the job. In a preferred embodiment, the job is constructing a building and the loan is an interim construction loan. The method may include actions such as sending a checklist to the inspector, wherein the inspector receives the checklist by using a wireless computer, receiving a completed checklist from the inspector, wherein the inspector sends the completed checklist by using a wireless computer, allocating a first portion of the funds available for a first portion of the supplies needed to complete a first portion of the job, receiving notification from the borrower of the completion of the first portion of the job, and similar actions.

The present invention also offers a system for managing at least one financial transaction between a lender loaning funds to a borrower purchasing supplies to complete a job, the system comprising at least one server connected to a wide area network wherein the server contains at least one inspection list having at least one inspection instruction and at least one wireless computer wherein each wireless computer is capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network, and capable of receiving at least one inspection instruction and transmitting at least one inspection confirmation. The job will typically have a plurality of portions, including a first portion of the job and a second portion of the job, and wherein the inspection list has at least one inspection instruction for each portion of the job. The server is capable of receiving notifications of completion from the borrower and will accept instructions via the wide area network regarding allocating for the funds available for each portion of the job. In a preferred embodiment, the borrower is a builder and the lender is a financial institution. Notably, the at least one wireless computer used in this invention is preferably a handheld computer or similar device. These devices are not only useful for the previously discussed functions, but they may also be capable of receiving directions to a construction site. Moreover, the present invention offers the ability for the supplier to use a system and method for managing orders, offering product catalogs, and providing for communications with builders instantly via the Internet. In the preferred embodiment, builders may use a system to select materials from the supplier's catalog and submit orders for these supplies directly from the job site. In addition, this invention may be used in conjunction with a system that allows builders to manage their work projects and jobs such that some or all of the ordering process of supplies occurs automatically. The present invention allows the management of orders from builders that are received via at least one wireless computer connected or otherwise in communication with a wide area network such as the Internet. The supplier has the power to manage its product catalog including details such as the stock keeping units (SKU) and the ability to set preferred pricing per customer based upon volume or other factors.

In a preferred embodiment, the present system allows suppliers to view future orders and request order history reports such that a supplier may track orders and item trends over time. By reducing the workload for both the purchaser, such as builder, and the supplier, a more efficient and accurate provision process is possible. The present invention reduces the physical task of order entry and reduces the paper documentation associated with conventional ordering methods. The inclusion of the electronic proof of delivery and instant feedback related to delivery problems allows the supplier to streamline and improve its provision of materials. Moreover, the present invention offers improvement inventory control through visible scheduling and the inclusion of a purchase order system creates a more efficient use of inventory and inventory turns that allows the supplier to reduce poor plan costs associated with warehousing supplies.

The present invention provides a method for supplying at least one material to a customer, the method which comprises entering at least one record for the at least one material into a database, wherein the database resides on a server connected to at least one wide area network, receiving at least one order for the at least one material from the customer accessing the at least one record, wherein the customer ordered the at least one material by using a wireless computer capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network, and sending the ordered material to the customer. The present invention may also provide for sending an order confirmation to the customer via the wide area network wherein the customer receives the order confirmation by using the wireless computer. Moreover, the method may include sending the customer an invoice via the wide area network wherein the customer receives the invoice by using the wireless computer. Additionally, the present invention provides for entering additional records, modifying records, receiving customer information including but not limited to shipping and billing information, providing a browsable catalog of materials available, and generating reports. Though the present invention is disclosed in the context of a builder ordering materials such as supplies for home construction in the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for supplying at least one material to a builder, the system comprising at least one wide area network, at least one server containing at least one database having at least one record for the at least one material, wherein the server is connected to the wide area network, and for at least one wireless computer wherein each wireless computer is capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network and capable of remotely receiving the record and transmitting an order for the material. The present invention provides, sends, delivers, ships or similarly issues these materials and supplies based upon the actions taken by the customer via a wireless connection to the wide area network such as the Internet. The system preferably contains a plurality of records associated with a variety of materials that are contained in at least one database connected to the wide area network. This comiection not only allows the customer to view, modify, or otherwise act on or because of these records, via the wireless connection to the wide area network, but the customer or builder preferably uses a similar database to contain a list of materials and supplies needed for completion of the job. In a most preferred embodiment, the transmission of at least a portion of this checklist allows the builder to save time and improve efficiency but at least partially automating the material requesting process such that materials conforming to his or her needs may be provided in a more efficient manner. Though the concepts may be performed in virtually any context, those skilled in the art will recognize that construction and various other fields in which project-style practice is used to accomplish a goal or job requiring materials is within the scope of this invention as described and claimed herein. In one such preferred embodiment, the present invention enables homebuilders and home improvement contractors to remotely order materials while allowing suppliers to automate their procurement process, benefit from a brand enforced by a nationwide media presence, benefit from being able to offer re_duced prices offered through our e-marketplace, and gain accessibility to leads for sales in this preferred embodiment. The present invention may be integrated into the previously described builder management system and financial management system such that homebuilders can manage the workflow of specific jobs in a cost effective manner by scheduling tasks and delivery of materials, automating the purchase order process, and enabling homebuilders to monitor the progress of jobs through a variety of job reports. Homebuilders benefit from the availability of up-front cost estimates and budgeting applications from a supplier using this system. In a most preferred embodiment, this system may reside on at least one server that may be accessible through standard Internet browsers and remotely accessible via wireless computers with wireless Web-access, enabling workflow management directly from the job site. The present invention offers a complete range of products, goods, and/or services to a purchaser, such as building products to a homebuilder, through at least one online store, merchant, dealer, or other transactional entity herein referred to as a supplier through at least one marketplace by a main provider or directly by a supplier. The system allows for a supplier using this system to specify the builder relationships and to manage the receipt of purchase orders and other information functions with that builder. Each user may obtain the benefits of automating significant elements of the user's business within existing purchaser relationships and/or migrating to this system without disrupting the user's existing relationships, while at the same time obtaining the ability to offer comparable prices and services. This also assures that users in any geographic location can nevertheless immediately implement an integrated solution that incorporates the products that the supplier can deliver immediately.

By eliminating many costly and time consuming functions of traditional paper buying and selling, this system and its method of use may allow users, for example homebuilders and suppliers, to reduce operating costs, and shorten cycle times in the purchasing and selling process. In addition, user groups such as homebuilders and contractors benefit from group buying discounts that are negotiated with suppliers participating in the e-marketplace. This system and method offers suppliers, some of whom have not established an Internet presence, a cost-effective opportunity to transact and communicate with customers and with professionals in their practice area, for example the homebuilding and home improvement industries to potentially increase demand for their products. The present invention can provide tools to suppliers that enable suppliers to update and modify their product databases online and to monitor purchase ^"orders. Additionally, this system and its method of use may offer suppliers the opportunity to advertise through our marketplace and to co-brand their products enabling them to benefit from a nationwide media presence.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings. Though these drawings demonstrate the preferred embodiment of the system and method as described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles and concepts encompass any field in which a plurality of tasks or actions must be taken to accomplish a desired result. The drawings are as follows: FIG. 1 show a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the system and method;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of preferred embodiment of the client architecture;

FIG. 3 is a representative job management interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a close up representative tasks setup interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a close up representative job phases interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a close up representative job management interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a close up plan administration interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a close up representative finance management interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a close ^"up representative job lists interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a close up representative job tasks interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention; FIG. 11 is a close up representative job phases interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a representative bank administration interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a representative bank administration interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a representative bank administration interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a representative bank administration interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a representative wireless computer interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a representative wireless computer interface screen from an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 18 is a representative wireless computer interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a representative wireless computer interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a representative wireless computer interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention; and

FIG 21 is a representative wireless computer interface screen using a preferred device that may be used in the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a representative order management interface screen;

FIG. 23 shows a representative order management interface screen;

FIG. 24 shows a representative order management interface screen;

FIG. 25 shows a representative order management interface screen;

FIG. 26 shows a representative order management interface screen;

FIG. 27 shows a representative catalog management interface screen;

FIG. 28 is a representative report interface screen; and

FIG. 29 is a representative report interface screen.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

The following provides a preferred embodiment of this system and a preferred method to implement this system. As a overall view of the of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a configuration of the overall system and its method of use. In the preferred embodiment, the company 10 is connected to its business partners 11 via the Internet or similar wide area network 19 known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the corporate office 12 connects via a connection such as a Tl (Terrestrial 1) line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, and/or a wireless connection or similar connection 12a using a browser or email client known to those skilled in the art via a wide area network such as the Internet 19. Additionally, each remote location of the company 10, such as remote locations 13 and 14 as depicted in FIG. 1 may be connected by similar connections 13a and 14a, respectively.

In turn, each of the business partners 11 may be connected to a wide area network such as the Internet 19. In this configuration, each supplier 15 may connect via any of the connection methods previously described herein or other means known to those skilled in the art including but not limited to facsimile, voice, telephony, or similar connection 15a. Furthermore, each provider 16 may enjoy a similar connection 16a to the wide area network or Internet 19. Moreover, each manufacturer 17 has a connection 17a to the wide area network or Internet 19. Finally, each service 18 may enjoy a similar connection 18a to the Internet 19.

Notably, any of the connections 12a-l 8a may be based upon a wireless connection to the wide area network such as the Internet 19. The advantages of allowing the builder or manufacturer to receive communications on the job site are preferable because of the ability for the builder to provide more accurate and timely request for supplies, communications with another party, or modification of the scheduling process.

In a preferred embodiment, the lenders may also connect or subscribe to the present invention not only to monitor the progress of the manufacturer 17, but may actually use the present invention to facilitate communications with any of the above entities and its own inspectors and similar personnel that interact with the process. In a most preferred embodiment, the lender may use this network or a similar network to not only monitor and communicate with each party described herein, but also instruct his or her inspectors to inspect the progress in completion of the job and receive confirmation of completion of phases of the job. This may include the use of checklists, confirmation dialogs, or similar methods of instruction. This allows the lender to provide interim construction loans called draws in a more efficient manner.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that this embodiment depicted by the flow charts represents but one of a virtually infinite variety of combinations or permutations of the elements depicted herein. The rearrangement, reclassification, combination, permutation, substitution, insertion, deletion, or any other selection or arrangement of elements in this configuration should be considered to be within the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein. Those skilled in the art will realize that any wireless computer capable of transmitting and receiving signals from a network or network server connected in any fashion to a wide area network, such as the Internet, is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

These wireless computers include but are not limited to computers, portable computers, handheld portable computers, palm-top portable computers, personal computers, palm-size personal computers, personal computer notebooks, handheld organizers, phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, wireless phones, cell phones, cellular phones, digital phones, pagers, Internet appliances, and similar devices that may be used independently or in combination with any other device to at least partially provide at least one wireless connection to a wide area network such as the Internet. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may operate with at least one operating system and devices using these operating systems such as any version of Windows™ operating system including but not limited to Windows CE™ operating system, any version of Palm™ operating system, UNIX™ operating system, LINUX™ operating system, BeOS™ operating system, EPOC™ operating system, or any other operating system known to those skilled in the art. Turning to FIG. 2, a block diagram or representative client architecture is described. In this architecture, each user interface 20 is depicted on any device capable of displaying a user interface. As depicted herein, Web browsers 21 and remote Web clients 22 represent two preferred user interfaces 20 that may be implemented in the present invention. These user interfaces 20 via a Web browser 21, a remote Web client 22, or a similar device that may apply a series of instructions called business rules 23. These business rules may be embodied within a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server 24 or similar device.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modification, substitution, alteration, enhancement, deletion, or addition of these business rules is within the scope of the invention. These business rules are designed to map business knowledge and policies into executable systems. Accordingly, the inclusion of the business rules should be arranged such that it remains flexible and accommodating to the context in which the present invention is to be implemented. As depicted herein, the HTTP server 24 applies server application programming interface (API) interacts with a Web application server interface 25 in the preferred embodiment. These business rules may be applied through Microsoft® Active Server Pages (ASP) to contact and manipulate at least one data access 27 depicted herein as a database server 28. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementation of the present client architecture to access a plurality of databases 28 is considered to be within the scope of the invention. The representative client architecture showed in FIG. 2 is intended to be a simplification for the purposes of discussion and not to be a critical or essential configuration. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the plurality of the elements described herein may be implemented simultaneously to offer greater flexibility and efficiency in the present invention.

With respect to the client interfaces, preferred embodiments of the client interfaces have been depicted in FIGs. 3-29. Moreover, these preferred client interfaces show the application of these systems and methods in the context of homebuilding, but the principles and concepts therein are equally applicable to any series of tasks, jobs, events, managing finances, and/or materials provision systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize significant deviation from the interface as depicted herein are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein.

Turning to FIG. 3, a representative to interface 30 is shown. This interface is depicted as what might be expected while browsing from an interface browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer® browser, Netscape Navigator® browser, or similar browser known to those skilled in the art. A user has to sign in by clicking or otherwise activating a .sign-in link and proceed through an authentication procedure to verify the identity of the user prior to reaching this screen. As shown herein there may be a home navigation tab 1 , a jobs navigation 2, a plans navigation tab 3, a templates navigation tab 4, a supply navigation tab 5, a finance navigation tab 6, a reports navigation 7, and/or a system administration navigation tab 8. Clicking or otherwise activating the jobs navigation tab 2 transports the user to an interface screen such as the one shown in FIG. 3. Amongst the notable features, calendar 31 is depicted herein. As shown herein, calendar 31 is shown in a month format in which each day of the month is depicted. It is important to note that an advantage of the present invention is the integration of hyperlink or similar destination tagging information within each day to enable better selection and navigation of the system. In this figure, July 21st is represented in a contrasting color to remind the user of the present date. Additional information may be included within this interface 30. Notably, an action section 32 lists a series of actions that a user may undertake. These actions may include view the job list, jobs by subdivision, tasks by supplier, tasks in progress, orders in progress, tasks behind schedule and not started, add a new job, add a new subdivision, subdivision list, pending hot shots, and/or similar actions. Moreover, a user viewing the interface 30 will note that deliveries for the day 33 and active jobs 34 are displayed herein. Therefore, the user clicking or otherwise acting upon the actions 32, the deliveries for today 33, active jobs 34, and/or the links embedded within the calendar 31 may be transported to a more detailed screen for that need.

Each of the actions allows the user to perform a specific function. For instance, clicking or otherwise activating view the job list allows the user to quickly assess jobs that are active. Moreover, the user may wish to view jobs by subdivisions or similar categories by clicking or otherwise activating jobs by subdivision. In addition, being able to view the tasks by supplier and/or tasks in progress allows the builder to view tasks based upon these criteria. Furthermore, being able to view orders in progress and tasks behind schedule and not started allows the builder to better-forecast future needs and assess progress in completion of tasks. A user may press, click, or otherwise activate one of these detailed actions. Adding a new job may be simplified by expressly requiring some entries by the user that allows the inclusion of the required information allows the present system and method to calculate important information such as targeted end date. The start date allows for calculations and estimations to be made with regard to progress indicator in the form of actions completed and similar milestones. The inclusion of other information such as to aide in estimations based on the configuration within that plan.

Turning to FIG. 4, an add task screen is shown. The interface may display some of the milestones previously discussed herein. Information related to certain milestones including purchasing the lot as shown in field 61 that allows for the entry of important information such as a "lead time" 42, a "task duration" 43 and a "supplier" 44. As shown herein, the users are initially provided with an add task (1 of 3) screens shown at the top of FIG. 4. This shows the phases by identification and the number of tasks within each phase. By clicking or otherwise activating a link such as the start job link 40, the user is presented with the add task screen (2 of 3) and add task screen (3 of 3) also shown in FIG. 4. This allows the user to assess the tasks within a phase such as shown in add task (two of three) prior to adding a task to this phase.

The job actions interface is similar. Notably, the user may have the option of having administrative actions, supervisor actions, and/or calendar actions. The admin actions allow the user to select from actions including but not limited to job phases, job tasks, job detail, job user, job selection, close job, job tasks setup, add a new task, and/or job orders. Additionally, supervisor actions may include but are not limited to job phases, job tasks, extra PO (Hot Shot), receive an order, job note, and/or job images. Calendar actions may be included but are not limited to view your calendar for the entire job, view your calendar for the month, view your calendar for the week, and/or view your calendar for the day. Choosing the action job phases may send the user to a representative screen 50 as one shown in FIG. 5. This screen 50 allows the user to see each phase of the job and its status. Possible statuses include "scheduled," "in progress," and "work completed." Information that may be helpful includes start date, amount budgeted for that task, and the actual budget that the task ended up costing. As shown herein, the status button 51 is related to each phase 52 depicted in screen 53.

Furthermore, adjusted start column 53 shows information such as the start date and whether or not that particular phase was started on time. Moreover, information related to the budget amount 54 versus the actual amount 55 may be depicted herein. Of note, the status indicators shown in column 81 are all in "scheduled" phase. The legend 56 reflects representative icons that may be placed within the status column 51 to enable a quick assessment of whether that phase is a scheduled phase, a phase in progress, or a completed phase. The activation of a link such as "Foundation" 87 provides the tasks necessary to complete that phase. The tasks may include information such as columns status, action, task, rank, task duration, adjusted start, budget amount, actual amount, and/or supplier.

Referring again to FIG. 3, additional menus allow the user to view each job in a variety of ways. With reference to a particular job, the user may select the view all tasks, only scheduled tasks, only tasks in progress, and/or only completed tasks. Phases may be within a particular job. The user may be able to alter or otherwise act upon any or all of the phases of the job. This provides the user with greater flexibility and a system capable of adapting to the needs of the user. The user may perform any of the administrative actions, supervisor actions, and/or calendar actions. For example, a user clicking or otherwise acting activating a link such as view your calendar by day under calendar action may be transported to a screen such as the representative interface screen shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a calendar 60 wherein the current day is emphasized such as the July 21, 2000, day shown by link 61 on calendar 60. The user may also confirm more tasks are being presented by looking at the task list for that day (shown as tasks for 7/21/2000). This allows the user to immediately view all tasks for the present day as shown in area 62. Notably, links are associated with each task such that the user may click or otherwise activate a link to be provided with greater detail about that task. Moreover, a user may assess the status of the particular task. The inclusion of an asterisk as indicated in the message 63 indicates that lead-time is encountered for a task.

This allows the user to immediately assess the progress and better plan to accomplish the tasks for that particular day. Moreover, the user may assess what deliveries can be expected for that particular day. As shown in area 64 of the interface, the user may see what deliveries are expected and click or otherwise activate a link associated with each. Clicking or otherwise activating a link will provide greater detail with regard to that delivery. Similar interface screens are available not only for all calendars related to fiscal years, years, and other periods may be incorporated into the present invention. Nothing herein limits the scope of the invention to the calendars presented by example only.

Similar screens are available for each of the functions. For example, "tasks in progress" may include information about the job/task, the supplier, the request date, the duration, the end date, the cancel days, the cancelled date, and/or change schedule options. Notably, each of the job tasks includes a link or hyperlink that allows the user to view greater detail about that particular^' task. As provided herein, a user has the option of making single or multiple changes to some or all of these job tasks by clicking, activating, or otherwise checking the boxes presented in change schedule and then entering a change in the schedule days in form box. Moreover, a drop down menu provides the user with the ability to include a reason for changing the schedule. If form box does not include sufficient description or the user wishes to include additional explanation, the form may include more form boxes such as the explanation box shown below drop down menu. This allows the system to be flexible and adaptable to changing needs or contingencies that may arise. A user activating or otherwise acting upon plans navigation tab 3 shown in FIG. 3 may be transported to an interface screen wherein the user is provided immediately with an assessment of the active plans. This allows the user to view greater details by clicking or otherwise activating a link associated with each of these plans. Moreover, the user has the ability to add plans by clicking or otherwise activating a link. The user activating or otherwise acting upon add new plan may be presented with this screen such as the one shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, the user may choose from a drop down menu 70 that contains a series of templates for the particular plan. This reduces the repetitive needs of data entry associated with plans that are used frequently. The tasks associated with each phase for the particular template are provided below. Notably, the user has the ability to edit the rank 72, edit the duration 73, edit the lead-time 74, and/or select boxes 75 to ensure that each task for that particular phase is included in the plan. This method allows the user to start from a template and make any adjustments that are necessary or to exclude a certain task that is not necessary for the particular job. Moreover, the user may choose to update the plans. Using a similar interface, the user is presented with each of the phases and the tasks associated with each phase that are associated with that plan. Notably, the user has the ability to alter the rank, the duration, the lead-time, and/or the supplier. To aid the user in the modification process, the supplier may utilize drop down menus to avoid inconsistencies and description of the supplier. The user may also wish to plan a budget with regards to each plan. Each phase and the task associated with that phase are presented for the particular plan as indicated by the plan name. The user may access each task including the item total for that particular task. Based on his or her assessment, the user may enter a budget total for each task. In addition to plan budgeting, the user may wish to manage the schedule. After assessing the plan name, the user may quickly assess the plan summary to determine not only the duration but also the projected end date for the plan. The interface bases this on calculation parameters. Based on task identification, the user may manipulate the rank and/or the duration. After these alterations, the start/end date will be affected. To aid in the viewer's comprehension of the information presented therein, the inclusion of graphical indicia allows the user to quickly access the scheduling time frames based on timeline presented herein as graphical bars and short descriptions that include information about the phase.

The user of this system may quickly assess what company templates and organizational templates are in the system. In addition, the user has action choices with regard to the company templates and/or the organization templates. Using a similar interface as is described with reference to the jobs 3, clicking tab 4 in FIG. 3 allows the user to view the company template list by clicking or otherwise activating links. The user clicking or otherwise acting on these links may manipulate the templates. The user may immediately assess and edit the template name and the phases associated in the template. A user clicking or otherwise activating a phase link would be presented with particular details regarding that phase such that he or she may alter the actual tasks within that phase. The inclusion of these templates not only saves time and effort by reducing repetitive data entry, but also insures greater consistency. Referring again to FIG. 3, a user choosing to handle supply issues may click or otherwise activate supply navigation tab 5 to be presented with a similar interface screen as depicted with respect to jobs 2. The supply management interface may include information related to any actions that would enable the user to better manage supplies. This may include view catalogs, supplier management, company catalog management, and/or favorites. This will be discussed in greater detail herein. Users wanting more information or wishing to act upon viewing catalogs may be presented with options such as universal catalog, company catalog, supplier catalog, or similar items. Though discussed in greater detail below, a user may focus on managing financial transactions by activating tab 6 in FIG. 3. The finance management process may include actions relating to invoice management, credit management, accounting sets, and incorporation with other systems to help with the interim construction process such as the finance link. With regard to invoice management, actions may include invoices pending input, invoices awaiting payment, invoices awaiting export, completed invoices, and/or all invoices by job. This allows the user to immediately assess the actions with regard to each invoice and also gain a global prospective by assessing invoices by job. In addition, credit management actions may include pending credit requests and/or completed credit memos. In addition to credit management, the user may want to establish accounting sets. The inclusion of accounting sets link allows the user to establish accounting procedures with regard to specific invoices.

By example, a user clicking or otherwise activating one of the invoice management choices such as invoices pending input may be presented with a representative interface screen such as the one shown in FIG. 8. This interface shows information related to invoice number 80, job name 81, task 82, supplier 83, invoice date 84, amount 85, and approval markings 86. A user may quickly assess each invoice and approve the invoice by clicking or otherwise including a check or similar note marking in the approval box 86. This allows the user to quickly approve invoices for payment. A similar process may occur with regard to invoices awaiting payment, invoices awaiting export, and/or completed invoices. Similar interfaces exist for functions such as view all invoices by job. The user may quickly assess the identification information such as the job name and invoice number. Once the user has viewed the invoice detail information, the interface will show invoice totals based on subtotals, discounts, taxes, shipping, and similar information. In addition, the present interface can show a detailed assessment of the supplies and/or materials that were the subject of the invoice. Notably, the user may quickly view another invoice by clicking or otherwise activating the link.

A user may wish to generate reports by clicking or otherwise activating reports navigation tab 7 to be transported to a similar interface as shown previously. Though any report desired by the user may be included, financial reports and schedule reports represent examples of reports that are of use to the user. Financial reports may include total expenses (tasks), profit and loss, over budget tasks, job budget versus actuals, and/or cost per square foot. Schedule reports may include late active jobs, and/or job duration analysis. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional reports related to financial reports, schedule reports, or similar reports that are of use to the user may be included herein. Ultimately, the present invention is able to draw from the information contained within the records of the database to be able to provide automatic reports that do not require significant manipulation by the user. This encourages not only efficiency but also accuracy in the provision of information. These reports are designed to allow the user to quickly assess by year, month, number of tasks, minimum tasks expensed, maximum tasks expensed, average tasks expensed, and/or total. Moreover, the inclusion of a grand total allows the user to view the total expenses for the year. In the event that the user wishes to review in a different time increment such as months, this interface may include links that may be clicked or otherwise activated to transport a user to an expense report for a month. Similar divisions could be done for different time increments including but not limited to days.

A user may use the system to be transported to reports for those purposes. A user may want information related to job, status, budget, actual expenses, and differences. In addition, the user may view more detail about any or all jobs. This enables the user to quickly assess not only differences between budget and actual expenses, but to assess particulars with regard to each job.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the user clicking or otherwise activating system management navigation tab 8 may be transported or otherwise directed to an interface screen that provides actions related to user management, organization management, and/or security roles. With regard to user management, the ability to search for users, delete users, or modify users may be included herein. With respect to organizations, the same functions should be available. With respect to security roles, the administrator has the ability to control the security with regard to each user and/or organization, the system management screen allows the displaying of a security role as that may provide greater detail about roles associated with each user and/or organization. The user has the ability to assign privileges with regard to any or all of the aspects of the system that we have discussed herein. This allows the system administrator to limit or alter the role of each user and/or organization may have in the present system and its method of use.

This allows the security administrator to establish different levels of privilege and access based upon the needs of the user and/or organization. For example, a data entry user may not need access to financial reports. Similarly, an accountant or similar role may not necessarily need the ability to alter the steps required to complete the job. By allowing privileges such as add, change, delete and view, the security administrator may customize or otherwise tailor the present invention to the needs of its users and organizations.

The above embodiment represents but one interface that may be used with the present invention and its system and method of providing an interface to simplify complicated tasks, jobs, steps, or other sequences of events to aid a user in performing these events wherein at least one task is dependent upon the completion or at least partial completion of at least one, previous task. In the preferred embodiment as outlined below, the inclusion of at least one wireless device allows the user to utilize a simplified interface in a wireless environment. In the preferred embodiment, the user will use at least one wireless device during an on-site inspection of at least one building project. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this preferred embodiment represents but one of a wide field of applications that could benefit from the inclusion of at least wireless device utilizing the interface as described and claimed herein.

Turning to FIG. 9, a wireless device 90 displays an interface 91 that may include information such as active jobs 92 as previously discussed herein. By example only, the clicking, pressing, or otherwise activating one of these links such as the "Hillwood 3" link 93 presents a series of screens. First, a job screen shows particulars similar to that as previously discussed herein. Notably, the interface screen provides notable information related to what actions are involved with this job, such that a user may quickly determine what jobs are pending and what jobs have been completed. The user may also see what job actions were scheduled for that day. Additionally, the interface is also capable of displaying greater detail about the job tasks being undertaken with regard to each job. With reference to FIG. 10, a representative detailed job task screen 100 is shown. As shown herein, information related to the job, the phase, and/or the details about the job may be included. Notably, these details may include the task, description, status, job phase, supplier, budget amount, actual amount, lead time, duration, last update information, and or notes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the information included in the previously discussed interface may be incorporated herein. Additionally, screen 100 shows ' specific information related to the SKU numbers, descriptions, and quantities for each job task detail. A user may access this screen by tapping, clicking, or otherwise acting upon job action buttons or similar indicators on other screens. As previously discussed herein, the information presented herein is easily customizable and not limited by the embodiment depicted in this representative screen 100.

Tapping, clicking, or otherwise acting upon a phase list may generate a job phase screen 110 as shown in FIG. 11. Though representative screen 110 shows one variation of the job phase screen 110, this screen 110 provides information to the user about the phases required to complete the job. As shown herein, these phases may include start job, foundation, framing, exterior paint, mechanical roughs, exterior cover, roof, sheet rock and installation, interior trimming cabinets, interior paint, appliances and mechanicals final, trim, and/or flooring. These phases help keep the user apprised of all of the tasks necessary to complete the job. The clicking, tapping, or otherwise acting upon the "to do list" 1 11 enables the user to view the jobs, phases, and tasks on any specific date. A user can enhance his or her productivity and efficiency by frequently visiting this screen on at least a day-to-day basis. Clicking phases will generate a screen showing a list of tasks needed to complete that phase. The user may order the complete takeoff for that task, see if it has been previously ordered, or determine when it was started. Information related the status, the action, the task, the estimated start time, and similar information may be included in this screen. It is envisioned that any function that may be performed on a browser interface may be incorporated in a wireless interface. This may include the ability to create purchase orders that can include information related to the job, the phase, and the job details to be shown. Job details may include tasks, descriptions, status, job phases, suppliers, budget amounts, actual amounts, lead times, durations, update information, and/or notes. Another useful feature of using a wireless device or similar computing device may be showing the history of actions, tasks, and phases activated, viewed, or otherwise acted upon by the user that may be displayed in a drop-down menu.

Turning to financial management, an analogous, preferred interface is shown in FIG. 12. As shown herein, a series of tabs 120-124 allows the user to choose the view of interest. For example, clicking on the bank administration tab 12 would bring the user to a screen such as the one shown in FIG. 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the look and feel of the information under the home tab 120 and the security tab 121 have been discussed above. Clicking or otherwise acting upon security tab 121 would transport the user to a series of security administration screens. Furthermore, the users interacting or otherwise clicking upon inspector utilities tab 123 or upon builder utilities tab 44 would transport the user to screens covering those interests. Similarly, analogous navigation bars 125-129 may be included to aid the user in navigating the present invention. Notably, a home navigation bar 125, a security administration bar 126, a bank administration navigation bar 127, an inspector utilities navigation bar 128, and a builder utilities navigation bar 129 are shown herein. Subnavigation bars such as users navigation bar and rolls navigation bar under security administration 126 may be included. Similarly, loan search navigation bar, builders search navigation bar, inspection types navigation bar, and inspection search navigation bar may be disposed under bank administration navigation bar 127. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional navigation bars and said navigation bars may be included to further ease the manipulation and navigation of the interface screen shown herein. Furthermore, the inclusion of the help navigation button 130 or similar link allows users unfamiliar with the system to learn more information or to overcome problems with the use of the system. In addition, the inclusion of the notification or similar title or branding area 131 allows the user to verify that he or she has reached a destination of interest. A user choosing either security administration tab 121 or security administration navigation bar 126 may add a new users, find a user role, or add a new user role. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional links may be included herein as discussed above. The administrator may edit or control the rods as previously discussed with respect to bankers, builders, inspectors, and security administrators.

A user clicking or otherwise acting upon bank administration tab 122 or navigation bar 127 may be presented with bank actions such as loan searches, builder searches, inspection templates, inspection searches, draw requests, and inspection searches. FIG. 12 shows bank administration loan search in summary page. First, based upon the user information, the main area screen shows the loan status 132 and quantity 133 of loans made by this particular lender. This enables the lender to immediately notice that two active loans have been made using the present invention. If the lender wishes to locate a particular loan, he or she may do so by entering information into some or all of the following boxes: the loan number 134, the builder 135, the company 136, the city 137, the state 138, the status 139, or similar form boxes that may be included in this screen. Additionally, it is advantageous to have the ability to sort the order 140 in which the results are presented. As before, the inclusion of wild card such as an asterisk or similar indicia allows for broader search results. After performing a search based on some or all of the previous criteria, the lender may be presented with a loan detail screen such as the one shown in FIG. 13.

The loan detail screen shown in FIG. 13 provides the lender with immediate information. The lender is immediately provided with a loan detail screen that allows the lender to view the specifics of the loan including inspection history and whether a draw request was approved. The lender is presented with information regarding the details of the loan. The loan detail can include information related to the bank, the loan number, the builder, the start date, the sales price, the loan amount, address including city, state, and zip code, Mapsco™ or Keymap™ numbers or similar map product pages and grids, and the loan status. Additional information may include the last time the information was modified or otherwise updated.

This screen indicates that a significant portion of the information presented therein may be altered. Of special note, the inspection schedule shown in area 141 shows information related to inspections identification numbers, schedule dates, and status. Upon a quick glance, the lender may determine which inspections need to be preformed and which inspections have been approved. A lender may also wish to search for how many loans or draws have been given to a particular builder. By entering a builder identification, a builder name, a company, or a status, the lender may be presented with information related to his or her search.

It is preferable that a lender establishes loan inspection templates (similar to the building templates previously discussed) as shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, a typical inspection template is shown. Columns related to the step identification 142, a short description 143, in a draw value 144 are shown herein. With regard to step ID 1, the bank is determined that a draw value 145 of 1% may be taken to perform the grade, state and forms as shown in description 146. Similarly, during step ID 2, the borrower may borrow up to 3% of the loan amount to perform the plumbing rough. In the preferred embodiment, the lender would verify that step ID 1 had been performed and that the supplies purchased with the draw amount of 1% had been applied prior to allowing a draw of the 3% related to step ID 2. The lender typically would notify its inspector via the wide area network and remote connection previously discussed such that the inspector may visit the construction site and verify that step 1 was completed. The inspector would immediately notify the lender via its remote confirmation over its wireless connection to the wide area network that in turn would travel to the lender. The bank administrator or lender also needs access to a draw search and summary as shown in FIG. 15. This may be viewed for all loans or on a single loan. By example, the single loan summary is shown in FIG. 15. As shown in the interface, a loan detail 150 is presented. The lender may immediately access the information related to the amount, the amount withdrawn, the address, the builder, and the status and update of the draw. Additional information related to the builder such as the line of credit can also be displayed herein. As shown in draw history area 151, the draw history provides greater detail related to each draw. This method allows the lender to immediately access the draw history for this particular loan. This information may include columns related to identification 152, request day 153, request amount 154, actual amount 155, progress 156, and/or status 157. As shown herein, a lender may immediately access the status of each draw requested. This allows the lender to determine information related to approvals and, depending on the amount of the draw, may be able to approve some or all draws without inspections. This screen also allows the lender to determine which inspections are in progress. For example, draw ID 4 is in progress in this example.

Inspectors also use the present invention as previously discussed. The inspector's utilities may include configuration of some or all of the components over the wide area network. This allows the inspector to view his or her inspection instructions over a browser at their desktop prior to embarking on a day of onsite inspections. Moreover, it is envisioned that the inspector could receive information related to improvements or changes in policy with regard to inspections. This represents also communication conduit between the inspector and each lender such that the lenders could provide information of need to the inspector. The builder can also use the present invention to request or draw, draw search, or loan search. These enable the builder to not only request new draws from lending institutions but also determine what draws are currently taken with regard to certain projects. Notably, the builder can also have access to be able to determine the progress in receiving a draw and other activities in this form. Furthermore, the builder may perform loan searches that allow the builder to seek competitive loan information from multiple lending institutions or to determine which loans from a single lending institution are appropriate for the job.

In addition to the browser interface screens that show the security administrator, the bank administrator, the inspector utilities, and building utilities that could be presented in the present invention, at least a portion of the present invention could be performed by an inspector onsite using a remote connection via a wireless computing device to perform his or her duties as shown in representative screen shots in FIGs. 16-21. An inspector having a wireless computing device may include multiple applications on these wireless computing devices with notably the inspector's activation of application that allows for the wireless computing to remotely connect to the wide area network or Internet and ultimately connect to the system previously described herein. The user will be presented with representative interface screens shown in FIGs. 16-21.

The inspection management screens allow the inspector to view his or her inspections. This allows the inspector to determine if he or she should take on additional inspection assignments and also to assess the workload. By example, an inspector choosing inspections by week link may be presented with a screen such as the one shown in FIG. 16. The main screen 160 of the interface shown in FIG. 16 provides an indication of the week 160 and lists the days 161 therein. Of note, an inspection assignment 162 is shown on Monday, April 24, 2000. Notably, because of the interface screen 160 size, the inclusion of scroll bars or similar navigation tools 163 allow the inspector to view the entire week.

By choosing or otherwise clicking upon job MMR III, the inspector will be presented with an interface screen such as the interface screen shown in the main area 170 of FIG. 17. The inspector is provided with a great deal of information related to the inspection list with regard to this inspection instruction. Information that may be included are the loan 121, the address 122, the Mapsco™ or Keymap™ paging grid 48, directions to 173, directions from 174, and inspection information 175. Clicking or otherwise activating scroll bar 176 shows the bottom of the screen as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows more information such as the date on which the inspection was scheduled 180, the actual inspection date in which to perform the service 181, and the status of each inspection 182. As shown herein, two inspections have been performed and a third has been approved to be performed. Clicking or otherwise activating the scheduled date for the approved inspection indicated by link 183 would present the user with a screen such as the one shown in representative interface screen FIG. 19.

Within the screen area 190 FIG. 19, the inspection checklist 190 shows loan identification information 191, date of scheduling 192, and similar information. Moreover, the inspector is presented with an inspection checklist based upon the previously discussed inspection template that allows the inspector to simply place checkmarks in check boxes beside descriptions of supplies that were properly used in the construction of the building. The inspector may simply move about the construction site and verify that the materials for each aspect of the construction job have been performed. Based upon the indications shown in FIG. 19, the framing-partitions and the roof-raisen deck have not been performed at this time.

Referring again to FIG. 17, clicking or otherwise activating directions to button 173 will provide the inspector with a representative interface screen of FIG. 20. As shown herein, the starting address 200 is provided. The inspector may simply enter a destination address 202 and then click to get the directions button 201. It is important to note that the inspection may choose to have detailed or brief directions by clicking or otherwise activating the detail 203 or brief 204 area. Similarly, the inspector clicking or otherwise activating area 174 of FIG. 17 will be presented with a representative interface screen such as the one shown in FIG. 21. As shown herein, the address has been provided in the destination address 210. By entering a start address in the area 212, and choosing the hit directions button 211, the inspector will have the option once again to choose detailed 213 or brief 214 directions. This enhances the inspector's ability to offer a sufficient and timely inspection of multiple sites by reducing uncertainty as to directions and locations of sites to be inspected. Moreover, it increases the accuracy by insuring the inspector he has actually arrived at the appropriate location to inspect rather than another construction site. Based upon these interface screens, the preferred embodiment shows that an inspector using a wireless computing device has the ability to remotely connect to a wide area network supporting some or all of the features shown in the browser interface screens such that security administrators, lenders, borrowers, and additional users may interact with the system to ensure that more efficient, prompter, and more accurate inspections may occur. The increase in efficiency allows the builder to continue more projects with less interruption due to delay in inspections.

Moreover, the lender may be more comfortable in allowing additional draws because of the connectivity and communication that the present invention allows. The .ability for some or all of the users to have role attribute security rights that allow them to view the progress of some or all of the elements herein improves the efficiency of the system and improves the lender's confidence in distributing draws to a builder. Moreover, the ability to quickly summarize or otherwise report on draws based on builders, jobs, and similar attributes allows the lender to assess the reputation of the builder and may reduce the need for inspections at every draw phase. In addition, the present invention may be incorporated into a system that allows a builder to order his or her supplies and/or monitor his or her progress based upon interactions with systems located on server similar to the one described herein. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that the use of the system that allows a builder to use a handheld computing device to monitor his or her job site and the progress therein is advantageous. In this embodiment, the builder could use a computer device capable of receiving signals via a remote connection connected to the wide area network or Internet similar to the one used by the inspector in this disclosure. In this situation, the builder may visit his or her construction site and perform a similar inspection, checking off checklists that in turn are linked to a system that may actually send requests to suppliers for additional materials. Upon completion of a phase that coincides with a lender's inspection phase, an automatic request for inspection and draw request for the next phase could be sent via a wide area network to the lender such that a great deal of the time taken and manipulating the present interface could be reduced. In this embodiment, the builder would simply inspect their job site and note completion of phases. In turn, this preferred embodiment would automatically order supplies, notify the lender of completion of the phase, and request a draw for the next phase.

In a preferred embodiment, the builder would have access to screens that would allow him or her to enter details regarding the job plans and specifications such that checklists similar to the ones shown herein would be available for use on site via remote connection to the system. This embodiment allows not only the flexibility of inspections disclosed herein, but also the more efficient completion of the phases. Providing lenders with access to the builders' contemporaneous checklists may encourage the lender to release draws based on certain percentages without the requirement of an inspection. Those skilled in the art will recognize that depending on the amount of the draw, the lender may be in a position to forego an inspection and accordingly increase the efficiency of the building process.

Similarly, the builder would also have the ability to monitor the status of inspections via his or her computing device remotely connected to a wide area network such that the builder could theoretically send a request for a draw remotely from his or her job site and receive verification of the receipt of another draw from a lender, order supplies from a supplier, and use the present invention in its preferred embodiment to account and generate reports for each of these activities. Ultimately, the present invention may provide builders and borrowers, lenders and banks, suppliers, and inspectors with a better means of communication with each other. The present invention is useful for not only the lending process but for any financial transaction that could benefit from the benefits of this invention.

Turning to a preferred interface related to the system and method for providing materials, a representative order management interface screen is shown in FIG. 22. As shown herein, the user will note that main category orders 220, invoices 221, and quotes 222 are shown. Within each of these main categories 220-222, additional navigation links allow the user to focus on actions such as newly submitted orders, orders pending shipment, ship but not received orders, partially received orders, completed orders, generate invoice from unbilled shipments, new invoices, newly requested quotes, quotes in progress, and/or completed quotes. A user clicking on any of these links may be transported to a focused action based upon the needs of the user. In addition, the main area of this interface allows for the inclusion of additional information such as jobs with active orders 223. This allows the supplier to immediately evaluate the active orders pending that may require attention. By example, a user clicking or otherwise activating newly submitted orders under category 220 may be transported to a similar representative interface screen that provides information order number, order number type, builder, job/task, and/or requested delivery/start date. This allows the supplier to immediately evaluate newly submitted orders to prioritize or otherwise act upon these orders. Similarly, the user clicking or otherwise activating orders pending shipment on FIG. 22 may be transported to an orders pending shipment screen that allows the supplier to immediately assess information related to order number, builder, job/task, request a start/delivery date, acknowledge start/delivery date and similar information. Clicking or otherwise activating link 224 based on order "May Job 2" could transport the user to a screen such as the one shown in FIG. 23. The main area 230 of FIG. 23 shows that order number 231 not only has been acknowledged based on the order status 232, but provides billing information 233 and shipping information 234. Additionally, information related to the supplier, task, requested delivery, acknowledged delivery, backorder handling, and notes from the builder may be included within the order detail 235.

The present invention provides the ability to also generate an order detail page is

• shown in FIG. 24. In addition to information related to the order number, order status, and job name 240, this screen shows information related to billing information 241, shipping information 242, and any additional details 243. Additionally, specific information regarding the units to be supplied is shown in the product numbering in quantity area 244. Clicking or otherwise activating the links on the order detail transports the supplier to a related job summary screen that may provide information related to the company contact information, the starting and ending dates, and the job status. Moreover, particular infomiation such as whether Saturday and/or Sunday are considered workdays for the job may also be included. Similarly, the user clicking or otherwise activating partially received orders link may be transported to screens that provide the supplier with information related to the order number, the status, the builder, the job/task, the will call ability, the request date, the days that are allowed to cancel, and/or the acknowledgment date. Furthermore, as with the other areas of the system, order numbers and similar information may include links that will transport the user to a more detailed information about the order.

The user may be transported to a screen such as is shown in FIG. 25. In addition to information related to the order numbers, order status and job name as shown in the primary identification area 250, the screen includes information related to the billing information 251 , the shipping information 252, and the order detail information shown in the area 253. The particular product information shows that portions of the order have been shipped. For example, SKU 101-26122F shown by indication 255 shows that sixty units were received 256 and that thirty units were shipped 257. Clicking or otherwise activating the scroll bar 258 presents the user with the additional products that have been ordered.

Additional actions may include clicking or otherwise activating a completed orders link that shows information related to the order number, the status, the builder, the job/task, the will call, the request date, the days to cancel, and/or the acknowledgment date. Similarly, the user may generate an invoice from unbilled shipments. The user may be presented with information related to order number, builder, job/task, start/delivery date, and/or number of unbilled shipments. This allows the supplier to immediately assess the need to generate invoices based upon pertinent information such as the number of unbilled shipments.

The main area 260 of FIG. 26 shows a generated invoice for a representative job. As shown herein, in addition to identification information 261, the invoice detail information 262 is shown. Notably, any adjustments to the invoice total based upon discounts, taxes, and/or shipping will be reflected in the adjustment area 263. Following this information, an enumerated list of materials that were shipped is shown at the bottom of FIG. 26 in area 264 This allows the builder to assess or otherwise audit based on information related to each product based on its stock keeping unit (SKU), the quantity ordered, the quantity shipped, the price for each unit, the sell unit, the conversion quantity, the unit price, and/or the total. The supplier may also view invoices that are outstanding. The system is capable of generating invoices that include information on the company, the organization, the status, the invoice count, and/or the total amount. This allows the user to assess the invoices outstanding and the amount that has been invoiced. The present system also allows the supplier to immediately assess the status of each invoice. Notably, the inclusion of links to each company may present the user with a breakdown of invoices by builder for that company. Notably, this information may be organized by invoice number, due date, and/or invoice amount. This allows supplier to immediately assess all of the invoices for a particular builder and the due date for each of these invoices. A user may also click or otherwise activate a catalog tab to be presented with screens such as the one shown in FIG. 27. Catalog screens can show options that are available related to catalog actions, builder accounts, and/or builder collaboration. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inclusion of additional catalog management choices may be included herein. Notably, under catalog actions, subcategories may include links for search catalog, department list, price sheet list, and/or import specifications. Similarly, builder accounts may include links such as messages to a builder and/or messages from a builder. Again, those skilled in the art will recognize substantial deviation from these actions may be helpful. Supplier catalog information allows the supplier to search for materials based on a variety of options. As shown, specific information related to a specific product has been found. It is envisioned that a word search engine wherein the user may input a word in a form box and click or otherwise activate search button could provide this result. FIG. 27 shows a representative product detailing for pine board two foot by four foot. Information related to the sale unit 270, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) 271, the manufacturer 272, and/or the model 273 may be included herein. Visual representations such as a product image 274 are very helpful in assessing that the proper product has been chosen. Moreover, status information such as the message 275 detailing that "the product is active and available for purchase" allows the supplier and builders visiting a parallel page to assess status information related to the product. Notably, the price sheet area 276 allows the supplier to vary the unit price based upon particularly agreements or arrangements with certain builders or similar customers. Notably, this screen also shows which of these price arrangements are active and which price arrangements are not active.

The system also allows for updates to product information by activating link 287.

The product detail information, the SKU number, the name, the description, the universal price code (UPC), the manufacturer name, the manufacturer model and pricing information could be updated. Department information allows the supplier to associate the product with a specific department such as the lumber department. Departments, levels, and similar categories may be established and modified. In addition, the system may provide department detail information such as department name, the top-level department for the department, the status, and the ability to update any department link. The system also allows price sheets to be established for each client such as each builder. This allows each supplier to establish special considerations or bargaining with certain clients. Those skilled in the art will recognize that though builders are shown herein, similar clients seeking materials for any purpose are considered to be within the scope of the invention. The supplier has the option of having organizational accounts or adding organizational accounts.

Moreover, the supplier has with options on how to generate reports. Notably, the supplier has the options of scheduling reports and/or creating financial reports. Within scheduling reports, a supplier may create a thirty day forecasting report, and all potential orders scheduling report, and/or a period order history report. Those skilled in the art will recognize that similar order histories reports may be available for other years or time periods such as monthly, weekly, or fiscal years. Similarly, financial reports may include actions such as total orders and similar reports. A thirty-day forecasting report is shown in the representative screen in FIG. 28. This thirty day product order forecast allows the user to immediately assess the potential orders 280 available in the thirty day period specified. This allows the supplier to assess immediate supply needs.

Of note, the inclusion of information related to the SKU 281, the product 282, the units 283, and/or the inclusion of graphical indicia 284 may provide the supplier with indications related to each product. Notably, the graphic indicia 284 help the supplier determine the relative units needed for each product. Notably, the units 283 for each product had been ranked based upon the greatest potential order to the least. This allows the supplier to focus on supplies and materials that are more likely to be needed and thus reduce the risk of overstocking less needed materials. Additional features such as order history may be included as shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 29 shows an order history for this particular time frame. The order history time frame 290 has been established for the year 2000. Within this time frame, the orders have been divided by month 291 such that the orders 292 for each month are displayed. Moreover, the supplier may quickly assess the actual items 293 within each month. Notably, the inclusion of graphical indicia 294 of this information allows the supplier to quickly assess by comparison the order history for each time unit. Those skilled in the art would recognize that though the yearly order history report that is shown in FIG. 29, that similar time frames such as month order history, week order history, decade order history, and/or fiscal year order history may be useful.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional features are useful. For example, the use of e-invoices or similar electronic financial documents, catalog name field associations, modifiable cancel days, and back order capability, and similar features are within the scope. Notably, the changes made in any of these interface screens will be reflected in real-time. Effectively, a builder or similar customer visiting or otherwise assessing the screens generated as a result of this interface will see the changes made by the supplier while using the interface. This allows for the most current information to be provided to the builder and ultimately insures that the supplier is fulfilling orders based on this current information. Moreover, this interface allows the supplier to automate a considerable portion of his or her role in the displaying, managing, and receiving orders related to materials such as supplies for construction. By automating this portion of the process, a supplier may focus more efforts on the timely supply of materials based upon real-time actual analysis of the inventory in his or her possession.

Allowing the builder to remotely connect via a wireless computer or similar device to a wide area network containing at least one server processing the information described herein allows the builder to assess and order supplies while on site. This allows the builder make faster and more accurate decisions. Accordingly, the inclusion of at least one system as described herein allows the supplier to provide more accurate and detailed information about the products available for purchase. By providing the supplier with a searchable and editable platform to offer his or her supplies via a wide area network that may be remotely accessed, the supplier is in a position to enter more markets previously unavailable and to better serve customers such as builders by providing accurate real time information related to their provision of materials and supplies. Moreover, the additional advantages in allowing the supplier to generate detailed reports based on the information dynamically available within the system, the supplier is able to assess and predict the customers by evaluation and accurate real time information.

The interface for the wireless device as described herein represents but one embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this one embodiment offers some of the notable features that may be incorporated into any system or method that falls within the scope of this invention as described and claimed herein. Furthermore it is envisioned that any device capable of wirelessly interfacing with the system and method may be used. The use of this device such as a Palm™ VII device represents but one wireless device that may be used in this fashion. Any handheld device such as any Internet-ready digital phone or similar device capable of offering a wireless connection to the present system and method is within the scope of this invention as described herein.

All of the security firewalls, algorithms, and formats for systems using wide area networks, wireless devices, and or the Internet are considered to be within the scope of the invention also. This ensures that the user may feel comfortable that his or her information is being transferred in a method such that unauthorized third parties may not view or act upon the transactions being implemented via the wireless device or view of the system interface as described herein.

Moreover, the customization options offered by the present invention allow the user to mold the system to his or her needs and his or her field of practice. Accordingly, though this invention was preferentially described in the context of building a home, it is envisioned that these methods and system features are equally applicable to any set of tasks wherein at least one task requires the at least partial completion of at least one, previous task that needs materials. The phase management aspects of the invention allow for the itemization and review such that the user may be more efficient in his or her exploration of the system and method. Furthermore, as in the preferred embodiment, the inclusion of details about the materials necessary to complete certain phases allows for better cost estimation and better provision of estimates to customers seeking the services, products, or goods of the user. In addition, the flexibility of the present invention allows the user to oversee multiple projects or jobs and may actually increase the work capacity of the user. The present invention may actually allow the user to provide for additional jobs, additional tasks, better budgeting, and better product upgrades. Moreover, the implementation of this system may be successful in eliminating less effective methods of job management such as conventional scraps of papers, calculators, note pads, clip boards, and similar materials. Finally, the ability to verify current inventory from suppliers and similar third parties allows the user to give better advice to their customers. Ultimately, the present invention may provide a useful component in an electronic work flow process such that a single interactive business-to-business electronic commerce solution is available to the user. The management of building schedules and purchases through one easy interface increase their efficiency and accuracy and estimation.

Once the user is added to this system, the user's customary suppliers and preferred materials may be incorporated within the templates as described herein. This allows for the system to act more efficiently in future dealings not only with this user but to determine if a pattern of preferred materials is discemable for all users using the present system.

Accordingly, this system will actually improve through the continual incorporation of these preferred lists. The system may encourage an increasing knowledge base to better service new and existing users of the system. For example, if the lead time for a specific task is determined to be too long or too short based upon previous experience with past users, this information may be altered within the estimates for that specific task. Accordingly, the schedule for that lead-time would be adjusted and future users would benefit for the knowledge that was gained through that experience.

The reductions in purchasing by this one stop shopping solution will not only reduce manpower needed but will increase user satisfaction by reducing the negotiation time and work force needed to accomplish these tasks. The ability to budget accounts payable in single payment solution as offered herein will effectively reduces accounting and budgeting needs. Moreover, the electronic invoicing and data input of the present system and its methods will improve the accuracy and timeliness of these needs. Better control over delivery and scheduling are also offered by the present invention. Finally, the communication improvements offers by these wireless solutions represent a major improvement such that a user now has access seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to their job tasks, accounting, budgets, and similar activities from almost anywhere that their wireless devices may reach.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that substantial variation from the components that have been used in this explanation is to be envisioned within this scope of this invention. Moreover, the embodiment of this system and its method of use as disclosed herein should not be limited to the preferred embodiment disclosed. This system and method, and many of its intended advantages, will be understood from the disclosure herein and it will be apparent that, although the invention and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made in the form, construction, and/or arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, or sacrificing its material advantages, the form described previously and subsequently herein as being merely a preferred or exemplary embodiment thereof.

Claims (26)

1. What is claimed is: 1. A method for managing a job having a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, the method which comprises: (a) inputting the tasks into a database wherein the database is connected to a wide area network; (b) remotely receiving at least one task including the first task from the _ database by using a wireless computer capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network; (c) remotely transmitting completion of the first task to the database by using the wireless computer; and (d) remotely receiving at least one task including the second task from the database by using the wireless computer.
2. 2. The method of Claim 1 wherein Step (a) further comprises entering a materials input into the database for each task.
3. 3. The method of Claim 1 wherein in Step (a) the tasks are inputted into the database by using a browser connected to the wide area network.
4. 4. The method of Claim 1 which further comprises remotely providing a cost estimate based on a review of at least one cost input.
5. 5. The method of Claim 1 which further comprises remotely ordering a least one material to complete at least one task by using the wireless computer after Step (b).
6. 6. The method of Claim 1 which further comprises remotely monitoring the completion of each task by transmitting and receiving a new task using the wireless computer.
7. 7. The method of Claim 1 wherein at least one of Steps (a) through (d) occurs at a construction site.
8. 8. A system for managing a job having a plurality of tasks including a first task and a second task wherein the second task may not be delivered until completion of the first task, the system comprising: at least one wide area network; at least one server containing at least one database of the tasks wherein the server is connected to the wide area network; at least one wireless computer wherein each wireless computer is: capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network; and capable of remotely receiving, modifying, and transmitting the tasks.
9. 9. The system of Claim 8 wherein the job comprises a schedule to build at least one house.
10. 10. A method for managing at least one financial transaction between a lender loaning funds to a borrower for purchasing supplies to complete a job, the method which comprises: (a) receiving a first request for a first portion of the funds for a first portion of the supplies needed to complete a first portion of the job from the borrower; (b) providing the first portion of the funds to the borrower; (c) sending at least one instruction to an inspector to inspect that the first portion of the supplies was used in the first portion of the job, wherein the inspector receives the at least one instruction by using a wireless computer; and (d) receiving at least one confirmation from the inspector that the first portion of the supplies was used in the first portion of the job wherein the inspector sends the at least one confirmation by using a wireless computer.
11. 11. The method of Claim 10 which further comprises receiving a second request for a second portion of the funds for a second portion of the supplies needed to complete a second portion of the job from the borrower after Step (a).
12. 12. The method of Claim 11 which further comprises providing the second portion of the funds to the borrower after Step (d).
13. 13. The method of Claim 10 wherein Step (c) further comprises sending a checklist to the inspector, wherein the inspector receives the checklist by using a wireless computer.
14. 14. A system for managing at least one financial transaction between a lender loaning funds to a borrower purchasing supplies to complete a job, the system comprising: at least one server connected to a wide area network wherein the server contains at least one inspection list having at least one inspection instruction; and at least one wireless computer wherein each wireless computer is: capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network; and capable of receiving at least one inspection instruction and transmitting at least one inspection confirmation.
15. 15. The system of Claim 14 wherein the job has a plurality of portions, including a first portion of the job and a second portion of the job, and wherein the inspection list has at least one inspection instruction for each portion of the job.
16. 16. The system of Claim 14 wherein the borrower is a builder.
17. 17. The system of Claim 14 wherein at least one inspection instruction is a checklist.
18. 18. A method for supplying at least one material to a customer for use in a job having a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, the method which comprises: (a) entering at least one record for the at least one material into a database, wherein the database resides on a server connected to at least one wide area network; (b) receiving at least one order for the at least one material from the customer accessing the at least one record, wherein the customer ordered the at least one material by using a wireless computer capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network; and (c) sending the ordered material to the customer; wherein the at least one material is ordered for use in the first task.
19. 19. The method of Claim 18 further comprising sending the customer an order confirmation via the wide area network after Step (b) wherein the customer receives the order confirmation by using the wireless computer.
20. 20. The method of Claim 18 which further comprises entering additional records for additional materials into the database via the wide area network wherein at least additional material is ordered for use in the second task.
21. 21. The method of Claim 18 which further comprises creating a catalog that may be viewed by the customer using the wireless computer, wherein the catalog contains at least one of the least one records.
22. 22. A system for supplying at least one material to a builder for use in a job having a plurality of tasks, including a first task and a second task, the system comprising: at least one wide area network; at least one server containing at least one database having at least one record for the at least one material, wherein the server is connected to the wide area network; at least one wireless computer wherein each wireless computer is: capable of remotely connecting to the wide area network; and capable of remotely receiving the record and transmitting an order for the material; and a shipping means capable of sending the material to the builder wherein the at least one material is ordered for use in the first task.
23. 23. The system of Claim 22 wherein the database contains a plurality of records for a plurality of materials.
24. 24_. The system of Claim 22 wherein the at least one record is modified via the wide area network.
25. 25. The system of Claim 22 wherein the system further comprises a second database, wherein the second database contains a series of builder tasks.
26. 26. The system of Claim 25 wherein the second database contains a list of materials needed for each builder task.