AU2005229625A1 - Method of asset tracking - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: METHOD OF ASSET TRACKING tt Method of asset tracking

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OThis invention relates to online storage, management and brokering of information related to household or business assets. The primary industries are insurance and O finance companies but can include car servicing agents, jewellers, and other retailers of high value consumer goods.

SIn general, known services offer only a limited part of asset tracking. For example, IND they may offer storage of inventory information, but no warranty tracking.

Each of these sites is entirely consumer focussed and offers no brokering or transactional capability. All these sites are focussed solely on the storage of information and identification of assets and all services are based on annual consumer subscriptions. Consumers subscribe to the site using a credit card.

For example there are countless examples of client software that offer inventory tracking capability. This has the fundamental problem that the inventory is resident on a personal computer (PC) that is most likely stored in the house or workplace. The user is still required to copy the inventory onto a data disc or hard copy and place it in a safe place. Some examples of this software have a slightly broader offering than the online services and include some warranty information. Pricing ranges from free-ware upwards, but the general cost is low.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of asset tracking that allows for interaction between the two or more parties related to the assets.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved method of asset tracking that overcomes or al least ameliorates the problems of the asset tracking methods of the prior art and provides an improved capabilities to the consumer and to service providers.

In accordance with the invention there is provided an asset management system: a database able to receive inputs from one or more input sources regarding the assets of a user; a management control means able to review the database of assets; and one or tn more outputs able to provide an output or connection to an output dependent on the 0 review of the database of assets undertaken by the management control means.

O The database can be an online database.

The outputs can be connections to preselected service providers who are involved in In providing one or more services to the user related to one or more of the user's assets.

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,I The outputs can be outputs to be sent to preselected service providers who are 't 10 involved in providing one or more services to the user related to one or more of the user's assets.

The management control means can automatically review the database of assets dependent on criteria defined by preselected input formats of the inputs into the database.

The management control means can automatically and periodically review the database of assets dependent on a time period criteria defined into the database.

The output from the database to a service provider following a review of by the management control means The method of asset tracking in accordance with an aspect of the invention the invention is a web based application with a large database that allows users to store and to manage information and images about their physical assets. It provides a single view of all aspects of the asset including a plurality of the following: details about the asset; warranty information; transactional information including any insurance claims and service history; and location of the asset.

The holistic view of an asset provides a valuable management tool that distinguishes the method of asset tracking of the invention from known services.

The method as will be further described provides integration to service providing partners which enables some customer relationship management and bureau functions for the partners.

In one form there are three main parts to the method of asset tracking including inventory, community interaction, and transactional capabilities.

The inventory part is provided by a secure online repository and management tool for asset information from time of purchase through to servicing and disposal and includes: Images Warranty information Service History Estate information Identification information Locations People Lists (Reporting) Tools The community interaction part is an adjunct to the inventory service. Users can use this part of the site to anonymously add details of assets that have been lost or stolen on the bulletin board. Potential buyers of second hand goods can refer to the site to see if they the goods they are looking at purchasing are on the site, and therefore are likely to have been stolen.

The transactional component is part CRM system, part marketing tool and part Affiliate directory. The directory of affiliated advertisers provides a range of services that are of value to the member because they require those services to maintain their assets. The affiliate can schedule and book appointments with Members through the

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O method of asset tracking of the invention. Members can be approached by doing promotional activities through the method of asset tracking of the invention or they O may be existing customers of both the Affiliate and the method of asset tracking of the invention.

V After the user has booked and confirmed their appointment, and when the service is I completed, the details can be loaded into the site and sent to the Member. The member can review and accept or reject the details. If the details are accepted, they are saved against the specific item. The member will then have a continuing record of Service History for that Item. Affiliates can also keep a record of the historical activity with that customer.

Once the member receives their details, they are prompted to add feedback about the Affiliate. The feedback is added to the aggregated feedback from other users to give the Affiliate a rating and a collection of comments. As below, this allows users to review potential Affiliates, and the Affiliates are provided with valuable feedback about their performance.

Members can arrange for a service by selecting an Affiliate from the directory because Member location details are recorded, the result are sorted and presented by local and other Affiliates. Once a Member has found an Affiliate they want to look at, the Member can make their final selection based on the reviews and comments provided by other members who have used the service. After the final selection has been made, they can request to make an appointment through the system.

It can therefore be seen that the method of asset tracking of the invention has been developed to address a number of specific issues: o Recovery of rare items such as jewellery: by storing specific information such as markings with images of the jewellery it is easier to identify the item later. Combined with suitable identification technology this may in time also prove to be a deterrent.

t o Provide a true value of an individual, family's or businesses goods: This will assist in ensuring that consumers are correctly insured which saves consumers Smoney and makes risk assessment easier for insurers, resulting in cost savings O to all.

o Offsite storage of information: ensures that in the event of theft or damage from flooding or fire, that people can quickly make correct claims and get In their affairs in order. This also provides convenience if people want to

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IDmanage their inventory from different locations or when they are travelling.

So Providing a secure transactional system for brokering information: can reduce 10 the time and paperwork required to keep a true value of assets for policies, for Smaking claims and assist in the day to day management of all assets (eg partner bookings for car servicing etc).

o Build a new service channel: for the Partner's customers. This is a channel that consumers can access on their own terms that provides a high perceived value and keeps the Partner at the front of their mind.

o Maintaining correct value of insurance policies: through an automatic policy update function, triggered by exceeding the predetermined value of new goods being entered into the database. Once the value is exceeded a quote for a revision of the users premium is requested automatically, ensuring that the insurance policy includes all items in a users inventory.

The service gives the Affiliate a listing in the affiliate directory, exposing them to the entire the method of asset tracking of the invention customer base. As well as the listing, the Affiliate is given a web page where they can see the size of the customer base in the immediate vicinity of their business.

As well as a view of their potential customers, the web page allows the Affiliate to schedule bookings with their existing customers and see feedback and reviews from the work they are doing, provided by their customers. The deluxe package will also give the Affiliate demographic and marketing information about their catchment and allow them to record useful information about each customer.

For the member, they can choose appropriate Affiliates from the directory. If the

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OAffiliate has a history, the user can also view the comments and feedback and choose who they use to service their goods using this information.

0 Each time a service is booked and completed, the Affiliate enters that information into their administration web page. The information is then sent to the member, who in receives a message in their Messages and Tasks inbox. If the member is satisfied with IND the message, they click Accept and the details are added to the Service History for the C, relevant item.

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The system assists members to keep information about their assets up to date and find the best possible people to look after their assets. End of year reports are generated from the information added during the year. For the Affiliate they are exposed to a group of potential customers that they can manage very closely, provided scheduled servicing and maintaining their relationship with the customer.

The core modules of the website are: o Inventory: a complete list of all household assets a consumer wishes to track including household goods and collectibles and vehicles (includes cars, motorbikes, boats and caravans). Users can store images, identifying marks (or systems), purchase information and other data that is Managed in Lists.

o Lists: Management of items via specified "lists", which are split into two main categories with sub categories: o Tracking Estate: allows the user to assign goods to people in their will.

Travel: compose a list of items to be taken travelling.

On Loan: track items that have been lent to people.

Insured: A complete list of insured items, ordered by insurer.

Medical: A list of all family members and specific medical details such as blood types, inoculations and a childhood diseases.

o Management t Warranties: Here a user is able to view a list of items that have warranty information against them. Users can also locate an item and add warranty information.

O Transactions: This section of the site allows users to manage any transactions, this includes insurance claims and adding service details to an item.

IND o Messages and Tasks Inbox: gives users reminders and messages regarding their assets in an email style inbox. Users can action the message or task by 10 clicking on the link in the message.

o Toolbox: contains various tools to assist the user in compiling their inventory and providing summaries of the total value of the inventory and tax summaries for the end of financial year.

The system can also allow the following: o Automatic Insurance Premium update: This feature requires integration between the method of asset tracking of the invention and the Partner and allows the consumer to automatically request updates to their insurance premium value when items over a nominated value are added to the inventory.

Users are can set a value that when exceeded triggers a transaction with the partner that o Requests a premium update.

o The partner then sends the revised premium and a message is received in the users Messages and Tasks inbox.

o The user can then accept or reject the quote, which sends a confirmation message advising the Partner either way.

o The Partner finalises the transaction with a message confirming receipt of the decision from the consumer which either confirms the new price or acknowledges that no change will occur.

o Claims: this is a function that assists the user to make a claim on any of their insured items. This function also uses the Messages and Tasks inbox to track the claim progress and any actions that need to be taken. A Claim inventory, Claim numbers, dates, contacts and notes are all kept regarding any specific t claim and all claims and their history are retained. Claim history is maintained for later reference.

N o Bookings: Partners such as car servicing agents will be able to send reminders o Q to their customers that they are due for a service along with booking times.

The user can choose a time that suits them and submit a booking acceptance back to the Partner. All service history is automatically returned to the user t where they can accept the details into the Service History section of the site.

o Warranty Bureau Service: Partners may wish to offer their customers a N warranty on their products and by using the method of asset tracking of the IC 10 invention a bureau service allows the users to fill in a warranty card online.

SThis also offers them some back office functions to assist them in managing the warranties.

o Lost Found Stolen: an externally facing site that allows subscribers to the method of asset tracking of the invention to post lost or stolen items anonymously and for external users to post found items.

Therefore the method of asset tracking provides for the Affiliate: A pool of qualified prospects 0 Make and confirm bookings 0 Update service details Keep history of service activity Record customer facts eg birthdays, likes, dislike etc in essence CRM Demographics of customers in area a Feedback on services provided Marketing campaigns Therefore the method of asset tracking provides for the member: Identify potential service provider from the directory Select by providers in vicinity or from distance 0 Review previous comments Make and confirm bookings Automatically updated service history Add feedback and comments

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The most significant advantage of the method of asset tracking of the invention are 0 the tools and features that not only store the information, but help the user to manage the assets constantly. Most other sites that have some but not all of the features of the method of asset tracking of the invention focus only on storing information that is relevant to that function.

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Main advantages: o All information is stored in a secure location that is highly available.

o Savings in time as they no longer need to interact with insurers and other third parties by telephone to arrange renewals, new premiums etc.

o The claims function reduces the paperwork and ensures that all records pertinent to a claim are kept on record, in a single location that can be reached from anywhere in the world.

o Different views of data for easy management (through lists).

o A single record of assets that is always current.

In order that the invention is more readily understood an embodiment will be described with reference to the Figures and Appendix by way of illustration only wherein: Figure 1 is diagrammatical representation of the method of asset tracking core functions of an embodiment of the invention and relationships between functions Figure 2 is diagrammatical representation of the method of asset tracking core functions of an embodiment of the invention versus other site key functions; and Figures 3 to 22 are various computer screen displays of a system employing asset tracking core functions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a method of asset tracking, which stores and manages information regarding household and business assets and the management and insurance of those assets. There is provided a messaging layer between Partners (insurers etc) and consumers.

t Consumers are provided with a service that allows them to collect information and

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Smanage their assets from purchase to divestment to assist in assessing the value of their goods, manage the location of those assets, make insurance claims against those C assets, and fundamentally assist their understanding of their net asset value.

Partners are provided with a service that helps them understand their customers, helps them manage risk, through enhanced understanding of their customers, provides a IN0 high value /low cost service to their consumer that assists in retaining those consumers and provides a new channel to reach their consumers.

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0 First tier partners can be based in the insurance and financial services industries.

Second tier partners can be in a range of industries that can exploit the method of asset tracking of the invention as a "bureau" type service. This includes retailers, jewellers, cars servicing businesses and others.

First tier partners can be integrated to the system through the Messages and Tasks inbox. Messages will be sent and received through the inbox. Second Tier partners will be able to access parts of the site on a bureau basis, that is, they will pay to use specific parts of the site such as Warranties. This will allow them to track customer warranties online. Lists provide different views of specific sets of data eg Estate list keeps track of the beneficiaries of wills by item.

Referring to the screen displays of Figures 3 to 22 there are shown details of the components of the system as described below.

Register The front screen register appears only once when user first logs in. It allows for the user to register on the first occasion they come to the site. The major functions are: Register the user.

Identify which company they have been sponsored by using the registration code.

o Allows the first time user to register on the site and enter a username and password pair.

o User enters a registration code provided by their sponsoring company (i.e.

insurer).

o This code will also set the branding for the site.

O o This requires a table or a means to define a range of numbers (that may be non consecutive) and associate a company and therefore its branding. (an Admin. Function) t o The user needs to have a CCD code appended to their ID so that data can be Sgathered and aggregated to the level of the CCD code.

o Given that we do not want to store user personal information on the site 10 but we need to locate where they live, this will be achieved by getting them to enter their address in a screen that validates the address and appends the CCD code on the fly.

This can be achieved with products such as QAS. For the purposes of trials, this may be done manually.

The field values comprise: Field Type Registration Code Alpha Numeric Usemrname Alpha Numeric Password Alpha Numeric Confirm Password Alpha Numeric Password Reminder Alpha Numeric Personal Preferences The personal reference screen follows the Register screen and links off the Home page by Quick Links. Personal Preferences is a page that allows the user to configure elements of the site to suit them. This page will be part of the start up wizard when the user first registers and then will be available from the home page off the quick link section. Personal Preferences is designed to allow the user to enter and manage all their details in one location.

Records user details of: o New password o Email address o Insurers details for household, car, personal and other insurance. (This allows users to select a policy for each item) o Create and alias for a policy eg one policy may be known as Household, another as Car etc o Field for user to enter any Identification tools they use eg Data Dot o User can name the ID Type and enter the number. This can be selected in Add/Edit Details.

o Records all user configurations that trigger events such as PIN update reminders and their frequency.

o Language.

There are links provided to Message and Tasks, Claims, Personal Preferences and Lists.

The field values are: Field Type Email addresses Text New Password Alpha Numeric Country Text State/Province Text Insurance Type Drop Down: o Household o Vehicle o Boat/Caravan o Specialty Alias For (Insurance Policy) Alpha Numeric Automatic Policy Update Drop Down: o Yes o No Automatic Policy Update Numeric Minimum Value Identification Type Text Identification Number Alpha Numeric Messages and Tasks The inbox helps the user keep track of all the tasks and messages they have to assist them in managing their assets. The Inbox also gives the user a reason to continue to come back to the site regularly. This is in part because the user will receive systemgenerated emails to their nominated email address as reminders that they have Messages and Tasks.

O This section provides Inbox for system generated messages, an Inbox for messages 5 received externally eg Insurers and other partners. It also provides task reminders e¢3 generated by the system and by the user. (eg On Loan Items) (Ni ICDisplay any system-generated messages: o Accept/reject insurance quote from Insurer: 10 When a new inventory item hits the database over a value defined in the users Preferences, this triggers an email to the nominated insurer, requesting a Premium adjustment, with details of the item and its value.

SWhen the Insurer sends the update, it goes to Messages and Tasks where the user can follow the process and Approve or Reject it.

The Insurer is notified regardless of whether the item is Accepted or Rejected, and if approved, the item is added to the database.

The Insurer also issues a confirmation of receipt of the request which the user receives in their Messages and Tasks.

o Accept new item into inventory.

SThis function is based on integration to partners where a partner might sell an item to a user, they then send a file through that contains the details of the item, and the user can accept it or reject it. If it is accepted, the item is added to the database and if rejected it is deleted from the system.

o Receive and select appointment from Partners eg car service.

SThis is also another function requiring integration to a third party.

In this instance it will be businesses such as car servicing companies. They will send a reminder email to the users Messages and Tasks that they are due for a service containing 3 3 times for the user to select from: InO r 10 1.The user can Accept an option and this will return an email to the sender booking that time.

2.The user can reject the service altogether and the sender will receive an email saying that no booking is required.

3.The use can request a different set of times and add a note about a preferred time. This then reverts to option 1.

o Warranty expiry due: This is a message that alerts a user to the expiration of a warranty. This may be relevant where the user is able to extend a warrant. The user is given a link that takes them to the Edit Details box for this item.

o Display a reminder that an item is On Loan.

o Display any messages received from third party: o Lost, Found, Stolen messages from third party.

o Request to Share an item.

There are links provided to Inventory, Warranty and Transactions The message types are: Message and Task Content Link Type PIN update reminder Reminder to go and change PIN. Preferences Based on the user selection in Preferences.

Premium Update This is the response from the To integrated partner insurer after they have received site.

an automatic request from the system to provide a Premium quote based on a new item in the inventory. The user can Accept Confirmation from An email from the partner To integrated partner Partner acknowledging that they have site.

received the Acceptance or Rejection of the Premium Update. The partner then acts accordingly.

Confirmation of Shared When the user shares an item, Share Item being viewed this confirmation arrives in Messages and Tasks after the shared page has been viewed.

Service booking This is initiated by a Partner it To integrated partner is a reminder that the user has an site.

item due for a scheduled service.

User receives an email with a variety of time slots for an appointment. User simply picks their preferred time and replies.

Warranty due to expire A notice to the user that a Warranties Warranty is about to expire.

Lost Found Stolen An item may have been added to Email with details.

LFS and a response has been received.

Approve New Item A new item has been is ready to Opens new window be added to the inventory, the with Edit Box.

user needs to approve it. If it opens in an Edit Box, the user can add a category, any lists etc and then save it.

Add New Service Item A file containing new service Transactions Service details against a specific vehicle or item. The user will need to open it, associate it with the correct item and then approve it.

Messages from Lost, Any messages posted to the Lost, Found, Stolen Found, Stolen anonymous email address on LFS will be mapped back to the users inbox address.

On Loan Reminder When a user loans an item they Lists are able to put a reminder date to contact the person with the item on loan to remind them to return it.

Search Allows the user to quickly locate items to view, edit and delete. Search for an item and present a list of results. User are able to return list of items based on simple search string. The list of results is consistent with the rest of the site. The user can click on the Edit Details button link, which will open, and Edit Details Box for the user to view the details.

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0n Inventory This section provides Storage of information regarding a user's assets. There is storage of minimum information as shown in Figure 6 with categorisation of items to allow users to locate items quickly. The field values are: Add Item Fields Type Type Text Name Text Value Numeric Quantity Numeric Users need to be able to Add, Edit and Delete individual items. When a user clicks on the Edit button for each item they will be taken to the Item Detail screen. There are links to Item Detail, Quick Build and Search Inventory Quick Build While the Item Detail screen is a whole view of a given item, Quick Start provides a means for the user to quickly load a little information about a lot of items into the inventory. At this stage the user can either: o Add the minimum details as per the fields shown above.

o Or add the initial details and then click Edit Details to add more information.

The field values are: Add Item Fields Type Type Text Name Text Value Numeric Quantity Numeric The major functions are Storage of asset information by category.

Storage of vehicle information in specific category.

Ability to add new items that are not listed.

Present the information in an organised category structure.

Items are organised by category. In the default list view the user sees when they open the page Item, Description, Value and Quantity by line are visible. Clicking the Edit Details button takes the user to the Item Detail screen. There is also a Delete button when the user clicks this button, the item is deleted. At the bottom of each window is an Add New Item button. By clicking this button, a new line is added into the category window. The user can enter data into the description box, and then add price and quantity data. Once the user has finished adding that detail they can click Save or Cancel to Save the item or delete the detail. There are links to Add New Item and Edit Details Item Details (Edit Item, Add Item) Referring to Figure 8 the Add Details of Item Detail is the central module of the site effectively it creates a view of an item that ties together all the components of the site and allows the user to perform all the tasks from a single location, once they have located the item. The user can access each component by clicking the Open/Close button in the top left corner. Once the user has saved or cancelled the operation, they are taken back to the screen where they started.

Field Type Item Type Text Value Numeric Quantity Numeric Category Drop Down; o *This will be full list of inventory categories Item Description Text Manufacturer Text Model Text Identification As per Personal Preferences Serial Number Alpha Numeric Barcode Numeric ID Type Alpha Numeric Certification Text Insurer Drop Down Needs to capable of adding values and multi selecting values) o Based on values in Personal Preferences.

List Drop Down (Needs to capable of adding values and multi selecting values) o Travel o On Loan o Change of Address tC)

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o Estate o Medical The major functions are to Add an item that does not exist in the inventory and to Edit existing items in this mode the user can add more detail than when they initially entered an asset into the inventory through Quick Start.

Add Item Using the component in this mode the user must be able to add a new item into the database. The user is presented with a template that reflects the fields in the table, which they populate and then save, adding a new record to the database. There is also a drop down box with categories so a user is able to associate the new item with a category so that next time they view the item they can locate it in a category.

Users must also be able to associate an insurance policy with an item. The list of policies will be determined by what the user enters in their Personal Preferences if they don't put any policies in they can't nominate items against them.

It is also necessary to have a means for the user to select which List Categories an item belongs to. These categories reflect those that are in the List module on the site.

The user must be able to select one or more List Categories that an item belongs to and when they go to the List module, they will see those items listed in the correct List. (List categories Insured, Travel, On Loan, Change of Address, Estate, Medical). There will be a requirement to manage and add further List Categories from the administration module Edit Item To Edit an item, the user must first locate it. This can be done by: o Going to the inventory section of the site and manually navigating to the Category and then to the item and clicking Edit Item.

o By performing a search. The search will return any items that fit the search string and then user can then select the item and Edit it.

Once the item has been located the users can then make changes and save them or press Cancel to discard the changes. Changes include: o Changing list membership.

o Changing the value of an item o Changing the insurer O o Updating any of the data fields.

Both variations of the screen need the capability to Save or Cancel the screen.

IDImages This section allows user to associate images for each item in the database. The user 't 10 can browse to an image file, Upload the file, Associate keywords or associate all the Sabove with an item in the database. The fields comprise: Field Type Image Image Image Location (via browse buttons and Text corresponding screens) Image Description Text (256 characters) Keywords Text User must be able to browse to a folder on their PC or elsewhere to locate images.

o A capability to upload the selected image to the database is required.

o Limitation of the image size will be necessary unless it can be converted on the fly to a suitably sized image. (Is this a .NET capability?) o User must be able to enter a short description of the item limited to 256 characters.

o *Nice to Have: The total size of the images should be tracked so that a ceiling can be put on the amount of images being stored.

an administration module allows the image storage to be increased for individual users that pay extra for the increased space There are links provided to Inventory and Warranty.

Share Referring to Figure 10 The Share capability allows users to Share an item or items eg O for an insurance claim, a list of CD's to show to a friend or the service history of an item or vehicle. The fields include: Field Type Recipient Name Text C Recipient email address Text It allows Select an item or list of items and group them for the purposes of the share.

t Enter and email address for the recipient.

o The user is able to nominate and email address or addresses for recipients of the list.

o The user enters some details including the recipients email address..

o The system collects a receipt that the email has reached the correct user.

This will be displayed in Messages and Tasks.

Warranties This section of the site is focused around managing the warranties that are associated with user's assets. It is for associating warranty information with specific assets and displaying items with Warranty information against them, and tracking tasks associated with warranties.

For example When the Warranty Expiry date is less than 4 weeks away, a message should be triggered to Messages and Tasks alerting the user. The message should contain a link to the Item that opens an Edit Box so the user can contact the manufacturer and extend the warranty.

The field values include: Add Item Fields Type Manufacturers Address Text Manufacturers Phone Numeric Warranty Length Alpha Numeric Warranty Terms Text Warranty Expiry Date Date Item* Text Description* Text Make* Text Model Text ID Number Alpha Numeric Serial Number Alpha Numeric Barcode Numeric Place of Purchase Text Date of Purchase Numeric Receipt Number Alpha Numeric Notes Text The section is linked to Warranty List Service This part of the Item Detail allows the user to track any service against any item in the database. The user can track service history against Inventory Items (such as Fridges) and Vehicles.

Fields Type Serviced By Text Date Location Vehicle/Item Description Parts Cost Hours of Labour Cost of Labour Entered By A vendor can add the service details and those details will be sent to the Messages and Tasks inbox as a task to approve. The details will then be added against the Service item. There is a link to Service List Claims A single view and record of all claims the user makes against Items or Vehicles against any of the Insurers defined in the users Personal Preferences. Claims assists in recording the details and delivering them to the Insurer and then keeps a record of the claim. There is a link to Claims List.

The user can Lodge the claim with the insurer and track all the details of the claim from the time it is lodge until it is closed.

Other details as per below can then be added and the user saves the claim, adding it to the Claims box. Records in the claims box can be selected and then viewed by clicking View Details.

Fields Type Claim Number Text Name of claim contact Text Phone number of contact Numeric Note Table for multiple entries Date of Note Table for multiple entries If Vehicle Registration of other vehicle Alpha Numeric Name of Driver Text Contact Phone Number Numeric Other Parties Insurer Text Date of Incident Date Notes Table for multiple entries Date of Note Table for multiple entries People Referring to Figure 14 this section allows the user to define people who will be named against goods within the database. The section allows Definition of people and Recording medical details of people and Recording Passport details.

1 5 Users are able to enter as many people as is necessary for them to generate Estate and other lists. Users can load a scanned copy of passport details against each entry in the database There are links to Item Detail and Lists Travel, Estate Medical This section shown in Figure 15 has the following fields: Field Name Type Blood type Text Immunisations Text Diseases suffered Text Allergies Text Last Tetanus Shot Text Last Hospital Stay Text Notes Text Name of Doctor Text Doctor's Contact Details Text There is a button to initiate creation of a new member a new member is added to the list of members below. Each member contains the same set of fields to record the same information. Each member should function as an Category does in Inventory view ie an open and close button on the header exposes the detail below. There is a Save Changes button.

This section is linked to Edit/Add Details and Preferences Passport Details This section allows storage of passport details or people that will be recorded within Asset Tracker. The fields include: Field Name Type Blood type Text Immunisations Text Diseases suffered Text Allergies Text Last Tetanus Shot Text Last Hospital Stay Text Notes Text Name of Doctor Text Doctor's Contact Details Text It also allows Upload of images of passports for easy access. There is a link to Travel List.

Locations This section allows the user to define any location where they have goods. The defined areas then allow the user to make selections against each item. Referring to Figures 16A and B the major functions are Definition of locations. Tracking detail of t locations if users wish to store the information eg Purchase and sale price, name and contact details of Real Estate Agent and conveyancer etc. User is able to identify Smultiple locations, which may be houses or other places such as storage units and O deed boxes. There is a link to Item Detail ¢€3 Insurance tt Referring to Figures 17A and B this section allows Recording of all details of IO insurance policies. It Maintains records of each policy the user has and for each item ,IC allow the selections of a policy or policies for the item and keeps contact details etc 't 10 current.

The user is able to enter many policies in this section. Further the user is able to track the policy that preceded it so there is continuity in insurance policy history. The user can also initiate claims against a specific policy by clicking on the details screen of the policy and selecting the claims tab There is a link to Item Detail and to Claims List Toolbox This section contains various tools that assist the user in compiling their list in the first place and then managing the assets ongoing.

o Downloadable template spreadsheet this is a simple pre-formatted spreadsheet that the user can download, fill out and then upload using the: o Upload utility: This will allow the user to upload the filled out spreadsheet.

o PDA package download.

o View and Print total inventory summary view only.

o Tax summary o Upload utility to allow the user to match fields in their existing inventory and load the details into asset trackery.

r Lists This module allows the user to see simple lists of items. Items are organised into SLists based on the selections users make about the item in the Edit Details screen.

O Refer to Figure 18.

There is a means for the user to track lists of items the user can: r nominate which lists an item belongs to in the Edit Details module.

Printing, Sharing and Exporting capability is required for each List.

Some reminder capability utilising Messages and Tasks.

cI It s possible to Display items by list category, Share the list with a recipient, Print the list or Export the list to a spreadsheet. There are links to Edit/Add Details and to Preferences Travel The field types that can be entered as in Figure 19 include: Field Name Type Item Text Trip Name Text Status Drop Down: o Open o Complete The section allows display items taken travelling in a list and allow users to keep old lists so they can be used as a comparison and copied to create a new list that can have items subtracted or added.

o To enable this, a Copy button is required and a mechanism to select an old list for copying.

o The copy is added to the Travel List category, ready to be renamed.

o When ADD NEW is selected, the user is taken to Inventory View. The user can then select items from the Inventory view for the list and save them by pressing Finish.

o Once the selection is complete the user names the list and selects the status from the drop down box.

There are links to Edit/Add Details and to Preferences On Loan Display any items that may be on loan in a list.

Field Name Type Item Text Who Text When Lent Text Contact Details Text Reminder Date Selection o Ability to search for an item, select it from the results and add it to the list.

o Ability to add details about the contact and add a reminder date that will trigger a reminder in Messages and Tasks.

o Make selections from the People list.

When the item is due for return, a reminder should be sent to Messages and Tasks.

There are links to Item Detail and On Loan List Estate Referring to Figure 20 there is provision for a Display a list of items that have been bequeathed to individuals in the event of the user's death. The user can select Estate in the Item Detail screen as they enter information about each item. There is an ability to search for an item, select it from the results and add it to the list.

Field Name Type Item Text Beneficiary Text Notes Text There are links to Estate List and Preferences Warranty List This allows users to easily track all items with Warranty information against them.

Add Item Fields Type Item Text Description Text Value Numeric Quantity Numeric Edit Details Link (Button o Listing all items with Warranty information.

o Adding new Warranty Items.

o By a link to Edit Details the user is able to edit each item this allows them to quickly identify an item they are seeking and then update information.

Inventory List o Referring to Figure 22 this section provides the user with a full view of all items in the Inventory and a means for them to makes selections for purposes such as Claims and lists. Allow users to select items for: o Claims o Lists o Share Displays in a list that resembles Quick Start i.e. same category based structure, same items under each category and same fields for each item.

o User must be able to get to the Edit Details module.

o Users must be able to make selections from the Inventory View so that when the user returns from the screen where they launched Inventory View, the selections are in a form that is usable.

o Eg If the user is making a claim, they will start in the Claims screen and launch the Inventory View by clicking the Make a Claim button. The user then scrolls through the categories, selects the items for the claim and clicks the Finish button to save the list and return to the Claims screen where the list has been added to the Claims box, ready to be named and have further details added.

Administration Module o This module Provide tools to administer the site. It allows Create promotion code ranges for partners to distribute to new customers.

o Add new List Categories and add new items under categories.

t o Manage image storage ie give capability to assign user greater space for image storage based on increasing their subscription o Adding and administering users and passwords

O

O o Checking reports (new sign ups, total sign ups, sign up by partner, external sign ups etc) o Issuing user numbers t o Checking error reports ie failed emails etc N o Partner admin levels and access to modules need ability to manage by individual C stores and by groups and then do reporting based on groups (to facilitate checking etc) o Pricing control o Reporting on internet payments/access to merchant account o Usage and space reporting o Extract and manage data: o Includes checking of CCD codes.

o Fixing codes where they have not appended correctly.

It should be noted that the above description is of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Clearly variations understandable by a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness are included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. An asset management system comprising: a database able to receive inputs from one or more remote input sources over a O communication means regarding the assets of a user; 5 a management control means able to review automatically the database of assets; ¢€3 and In one or more outputs able to provide an output or connection to an output IDdependent on the review of the database of assets undertaken by the management ,IC control means.

2. An asset management system according to claim 1 wherein the database is a remote online database with a user secure access.

3. An asset management system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the outputs are 1 5 communication connections to preselected service providers remote from the database and the user and who are involved in providing one or more services to the user related to one or more of the assets of the user.

4. An asset management system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the outputs are outputs to be sent to preselected service providers who are involved in providing one or more services to the user related to one or more of the assets of the user. An asset management system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the management control means automatically reviews the database of assets dependent on criteria defined by preselected input formats of the inputs into the database.

6. An asset management system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the management control means automatically and periodically reviews the database of assets dependent on a time period criteria defined into the database. t 7. An asset management system according to claim 6 wherein the output from the O Odatabase to a service provider is automatically generated following the review by the management control means. O

8. An asset management system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the database of assets includes a plurality of the following: a. descriptive and identification details about the asset; ND b. warranty information about the asset; ,I c. transactional information about the asset including any insurance claims and service history; and d. location of the asset; wherein a holistic database view of an asset provides the user with a holistic management tool of the assets by usage of a single database of the assets but multiple service providers with regard the assets.

9. A method of asset tracking of a user including the steps of: storing and managing information regarding household or business assets of the user; undertaking automatic management and insurance of those assets; and the method further including the step of: providing automatic integration of communication with service providing partners enabling automatic customer relationship management and bureau functions with regard the household or business assets of the user.

10. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including the user providing information to a single database while allowing selected connection of a plurality of service providers to aid the user in managing the assets.

11. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including an automatic messaging layer between users and the service providing partners generated by a database.

12. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including three main parts including inventory, community interaction, and transactional capabilities.

13. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including the inventory part being Sprovided by a secure online repository and the management tool for reviewing asset O information from time of purchase through to servicing and disposal and including one or more of: Images, Warranty information, Service History, Estate information, Identification information, Locations, People, Lists (Reporting) and Tools ¢In INO 14. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including a community IC interaction part, which is an adjunct to the inventory service wherein users can 't 10 anonymously add details of assets that have been lost or stolen on an online bulletin board. A method of asset tracking according to claim 9 including a transactional component wherein a partner provides a range of services that is of value to the user because the user requires those services to maintain their assets.

16. A method of asset tracking according to claim 14 wherein the partner is in communication with the user through the database management and can schedule and book appointments with users dependent on service requirement determined by he automatic management assessment.

17. A method of asset tracking according to claim 14 wherein after the user has booked and confirmed the appointment, and when the service is completed, the details are remotely loaded into the site and sent to the user to maintain up to date details of the assets database including a continuing record of Service History for that Item.

18. A method of asset tracking according to claim 14 wherein after the member receives their details, they are prompted to add feedback about the service provider or affiliate which is added to the aggregated feedback from other users to give the service provider or affiliate a rating and a collection of comments.

19. An asset management system having core modules on a website including: O 23. An asset management system according to any one of claims 19 to 22 including Automatic Insurance Premium update provided by integration between the method of O asset tracking of the invention and the Partner and allows the consumer to automatically request updates to their insurance premium value when items over a nominated value are added to the inventory wherein users can set a relative value or n excess value that when exceeded triggers an automatic transaction request with the I partner that requests a premium update and the partner sends the revised premium and C, a message is received in the users Messages and Tasks inbox which the user can then accept or reject the quote, which sends a confirmation message advising the Partner either way.

24. An asset management system according to any one of claims 19 to 22 including automatic Claims that assists the user to make a claim on any of their insured items and uses the Messages and Tasks inbox to track the claim progress and any actions that need to be taken. An asset management system according to any one of claims 19 to 22 including automatic Bookings in which partners such as car servicing agents are able to send reminders to the users that they are due for a service along with booking times and the user can choose a time that suits them and submit a booking acceptance back to the Partner with all service history being automatically returned to the user where they can accept the details into the Service History section of the site.

26. An asset management system according to any one of claims 19 to 22 including automatic Warranty Bureau Service for partners to offer their customers a warranty on their products and by using the method of asset tracking of the invention a bureau service allows the users to fill in a warranty card online.

27. An asset management system according to any one of claims 19 to 22 including automatic Lost Found Stolen in which an externally facing site that allows subscribers to the method of asset tracking of the invention to post lost or stolen items anonymously and for external users to post found items. Sinventory for a complete list of all household assets a consumer wishes to track including household goods and collectibles and vehicles (includes cars, motorbikes, (-i boats and caravans) including storage of images, identifying marks (or systems), O purchase information and other data that is Managed in Lists. An asset management system according to claim 18 or 19 wherein lists are split Sinto two main categories with sub categories: INO a. Tracking i.Estate: allows the user to assign goods to people in their will. ii.Travel: compose a list of items to be taken travelling. iii.On Loan: track items that have been lent to people. iv.Insured: A complete list of insured items, ordered by insurer. v.Medical: A list of all family members and specific medical details such as blood types, inoculations and a childhood diseases. b. Management i. Warranties: Here a user is able to view a list of items that have warranty information against them. Users can also locate an item and add warranty information. ii. Transactions: This section of the site allows users to manage any transactions, this includes insurance claims and adding service details to an item. 21. An asset management system according to claim 19 or 20 wherein including module of Messages and Tasks Inbox which interacts between users, database and partners and gives users reminders and messages regarding their assets in an email style inbox so that users can action the message or task by clicking on the link in the message. 22. An asset management system according to claim 19, 20 or 21 including a module of an online Toolbox which contains various tools to assist the user in compiling their inventory and providing summaries of the total value of the inventory and tax summaries for the end of financial year. 0 28. An asset management system, which stores information of assets of a plurality of Susers, and includes automatic user controlled constant management of each of the O user's assets with all information stored in a secure online location that is readily available to multiple users and multiple service providers while retaining a secure controlled access. ¢In INO 29. An asset management system according to claim 28 comprising a web based (i application with a large database that allows users to store and to manage information and images about their physical assets as a single view of all aspects of the asset including a plurality of the following: details about the asset; warranty information; transactional information including any insurance claims and service history; and location of the asset. A method of asset tracking substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.