AU2021107089A4 - System and method of creatiing and maintaining a work diary in integrated enterprise environment for construction companies - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CREATIING AND MAINTAINING A WORK DIARY IN INTEGRATED ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES" Abstract of the Invention A computer implemented project control system and method (300) adapted for creating and managing a work diary of a project is disclosed. The invention make ease of using built in tools to produce a work diary based on the inputted work content (147) and generates work dairy approvals (149) electronically by presenting to internal and/or external approvers (users) based on site-based work, manpower (166) and plants utilized (162) for the said period. The present invention bridges the gap that has traditionally existed between planning and managing project execution and is to provide an efficient, improved, computer implemented project management system with effective monitoring and controlling method which allows a better management of a project work diary. The present invention allows concurrent usage on multi project environment by providing a reliable, secured and practical project management system by recording a work dairy. The present invention has capabilities for real time project data collaboration, manipulation and performance monitoring system. 1 1/20 cu a) E co 0 c cp Of cn M W + a) HE Co o 75 2 0 co 0 3: 1 (D CL -5 -0 a) U)o CO 0 o CD- C (D (D cn -9 Co cn 0 E -sm 2 (D a) 0 -00 S E .2 -2 c _= 0 cn w (D 0 a) __j __j cn a) C-) U) o (D _I_- co CD =3 2- U) 0 (D co a) U) co (D 0 2 C-) E c cn 2 9o .0 0 2 Co co 0 E (D C-) 04 0 C-) -5 C-) 2 CZ- Co a- U) a) - w LU m 2 Q) Co C C-) cn U) C-0 Cl) 04 E C0 < C11-4 cn m -Fo 0 Co 0 U) 00 > 0 0- 0 LU E E co CD 0 C0 LU F= 2 0 T U) 0) cc 00 (D CVI) < 0 U) L- d LL 0 U) 00 00 'C-) 72 cn =3 0 _0 C-) 06-70 a) C).:= 2of 0 C:) cn LO co -2 cn 0 cn cn C.0 04 C-) 2 0 co W cn Co U) 8 c- a) cn 72 C-) U- C-) 9- _0 Co co < c N" E 0 = cn 0 co " 0 co a) E cn (D >, M =3 Co = = a) 0 0 < co a) 0 0 co cn cn 0 - cn 72 cn a) co '= Co cn (D -2 2 a) 0 0 -a :S cn 0 C:L -0 r= :z LU co (D cn = M co L -a cn -D = cn c>u, -Q ): co 2 E E (D co Cl) 0 U) LL. a) =3 C14 (=> w 0 .- 0 LO L I I I I I I I .9 oZ5 20 CY) 0-0 0 i5 10-1 L ------ -i L ------ -i C) C:) T-

Description

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Title of the Invention

"SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CREATIING AND MAINTAINING A WORK DIARY IN INTEGRATED ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"

Technical Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention generally relates to a project control system and method. More particularly, the present invention is related to a computer implemented project control system and method adapted for creating and maintaining a work diary of a project or group of projects in a multi tired organization structure.

Background of the Invention

[002] Project management allows user to create project management schedules for organizing and managing tasks, resources and labor associated with a variety of projects. In the project management the timely activity schedule is one of the project management constraint and managing the day-to-day cost, scope of work are the two other primary constraints of the project management. Monitoring the performance of the resources is other common constraints. Time, cost and scope of the project affects the performance. Along with these maintaining a work diary helps in tracking projects, stay on top of your schedule and record performance details.

[003] Unfortunately, there is no single effective project control system that creates and manages the work dairy is available. Even larger projects are being managed by storing and recording the essential day to day project information either in hard copies or soft copies like MS excel sheets etc., or other form of decentralized databases or applications. By adopting non-standard practice and decentralized method of storing information will result in loosing of essential project data by ignorance of the project team.

[004] Adopting such non-standard practices in collecting data results in minimized transparency and visibility of project status and its performance at any given point of time for the project management team. In most cases collecting reliable data, finding the answers is daunting and difficult. Most of the Organizations have lacked the proper tools. Finance and ERP systems have proven cumbersome and too rigid for project planning and cost controls since they focus on accounting needs. Scheduling systems lack the necessary focus on costs and historical data. Even organizations delivering large megaprojects still rely heavily on Excel spreadsheets and manual, disconnected processes for forecasting, managing as-built historical records and performance measurement. These manual processes for data collaboration, manipulation and reporting system are time consuming, error-prone, and leave little time for analysis and making performance improving recommendations and taking corrective timely actions.

[005] By adopting the non-standard practice and decentralized method of storing information results in loosing of essential project data by ignorance of the project team in the absence of common standard practice for all the project team. Difficulty increases in collecting data and its compilation from project team at regular intervals and requirement of additional resources and efforts there on. Real time data collaboration and monitoring system electronically, lack of transparency and visibility of project status and its performance at any given point of time for the project management team, lost opportunity in terms of right timing to take corrective actions by the project managers, lack of as built records along with actual resources productivity records and project performance information on the project for future business development.

[006] A work diary is a written record of significant activities, events or process that occur during the life of a project. By keeping a daily log of what is happening in the project, you can find marvelous record of problems, issues and progress. The work diary is a definite way to keep everything organized and feel on top of your schedule and helps in picking patterns early so that you can intervene before they become a bigger issue.

[007] In light of the aforementioned present available systems and methods, there clearly exists a need for an alternative system that can bridge the gap that has traditionally existed between creating and managing the work dairy in a project. There exists a need for an alternative, integrated and more effective improved computer implemented project control system with real time data collaboration and effective monitoring and controlling method which allows better management of a project work diary.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[008] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[009] In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, a computer implemented project control system and method for creating and maintaining a work diary is disclosed.

[010] A principal objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient, improved, computer implemented project control system with effective project management method which allows to record the work environment and work history of a project.

[011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop an application consisting a server based and web enabled data base supported by user-friendly front end application for managing the work diary of projects in a multi user environment.

[012] Further objective of the present invention is to provide a reliable, secured and practical project control system and method to maintain a work dairy in a multi-user environment.

[013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide the computer implemented system which allows a user to store, modify or edit, search, retrieve, create or generate, track, support and maintain the work diary which enables the efficient management of day-to-day activities of a project.

[014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide fully developed and single system to implement across the organization with complete inbuilt solutions.

[015] Further objective of the present invention is to provide an economical user friendly application which does not require formal training to make use of.

[016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a computer implemented project control system for creating and managing a work diary is disclosed. The work diary module in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention is configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details. The computer implemented project control system comprises a secured central database for storing a plurality of details of projects by enabling a multiuser environment. The system effectively comprises a plurality of built-in tools to produce a work diary based on inputted work content. The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises a storage sub module for storing work diaries of all the projects and employees involved in a project, wherein, the said work diary module includes a work diary creating sub module for creating a work diary based on the work content and work history information. The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises an approval sub module for approving the work diary by the internal approver and external approver (client based on the created work diary). The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises a searching and editing sub module for searching and editing the work diary records stored in the database and a sub module for requesting the additional time if the normal time exceeds in submitting the project.

[017] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the said work diary creating sub module is configured to create a work diary by inputting cost codes for each work, whereby a work dairy ID is generated.

[018] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the work diary creation sub module is configured to include plurality of data, wherein the data includes progress details, manpower utilization details, plant utilization details and material and store consumption.

[019] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the said system provides a daily work diary depending on the crew, plant and material utilization recorded in the said project.

[020] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the system generates work dairy approvals electronically by presenting to internal and/or external approvers (users) based on site-based work, manpower and plants utilized for the said period.

[021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a computer implemented work diary creation method adapted for enabling an effective management of a project by utilizing the computer implemented work diary creation system, the method comprising a step of creating work diary by selecting the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) or project and head company or sub-contract, a step of adding cost codes to the selected project, a new work diary ID is created, a step of entering the progress details in the progress module by adding scope of work and entering the cost code progress utilization, a step of entering the manpower details in the manpower utilization module by adding the employee attendance details for the project, a step of entering the plant utilization details in the plant utilization module by the entering the list of plants utilized for the project, a step of adding the project and supplier docket details in the material and store consumption module by entering the materials utilized for the project, a step of submitting the created work diary for approval by the internal or external approver, a step of requesting additional time when submit for approval disables, the submit for approval disables when normal time for completion of the project exceeds, a step of copying the template of the created work diary of progress details, manpower utilization, plant utilization and material and store consumption details by selecting the copy template and entering the crew and date details and a step of searching and editing the work diary by selecting the based on the selected period.

[022] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the method enables to create the personalized work report of a manpower utilized based on the used and idle hours spend on the project.

[023] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the method enables to calculate the wage factor of the employee based on the used and idle times generated by the created work diary.

[024] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the method enables in creating the work diary ID after selecting or entering the cost codes of the project.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[025] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein:

[026] Fig.1 is a diagram depicting a computer implemented project control system with the list of modules involved in a project control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[027] Fig. 2 is a flowchart depicting a process flow of a computer implemented project control system and method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[028] Fig. 3 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram depicting the work dairy integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[029] Fig. 4 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram depicting the integrated daily plant work status for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[030] Fig. 5 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram depicting the integrated production records for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[031] Fig. 6 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram depicting the integrated daily employee attendance records for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[032] Fig. 7 is a flowchart depicting the process flow involved with an approval sub system for approving the created work diary in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[033] Fig. 8 is a diagram depicting the work diary and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[034] Fig. 9 is a diagram depicting the employee attendance records and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[035] Fig. 10 is a diagram depicting the plant work status records and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[036] Fig. 11 to 20 is a screen shot displaying a work diary module configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[037] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[038] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[039] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an application for creating and managing a work diary of the project includes a remotely located application server for coordinating the operation of the control system further facilitating the management of the projects of the remotely located entities.

[040] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented project control system for creating and managing a work diary is disclosed. The work diary module in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention is configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details. The computer implemented project control system comprises a secured central database for storing a plurality of details of projects by enabling a multiuser environment. The system effectively comprises a plurality of built-in tools to produce a work diary based on inputted work content. The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises a storage sub module for storing work diaries of all the projects and employees involved in a project, wherein, the said work diary module includes a work diary creating sub module for creating a work diary based on the work content and work history information. The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises an approval sub module for approving the work diary by the internal approver and external approver (client based on the created work diary). The system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises a searching and editing sub module for searching and editing the work diary records stored in the database and a sub module for requesting the additional time if the normal time exceeds in submitting the project.

[041] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said work diary creating sub module is configured to create a work diary by inputting cost codes for each work, whereby a work dairy ID is generated.

[042] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the work diary creation sub module is configured to include plurality of data, wherein the data includes progress details, manpower utilization details, plant utilization details and material and store consumption.

[043] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said system provides a daily work diary depending on the crew, plant and material utilization recorded in the said project.

[044] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said system generates work dairy approvals electronically by presenting to internal and/or external approvers (users) based on site-based work, manpower and plants utilized for the said period.

[045] According to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented work diary creation method adapted for enabling an effective management of a project by utilizing the computer implemented work diary creation system, the method comprising a step of creating work diary by selecting the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) or project and head company or sub contract, a step of adding cost codes to the selected project, a new work diary ID is created, a step of entering the progress details in the progress module by adding scope of work and entering the cost code progress utilization, a step of entering the manpower details in the manpower utilization module by adding the employee attendance details for the project, a step of entering the plant utilization details in the plant utilization module by the entering the list of plants utilized for the project, a step of adding the project and supplier docket details in the material and store consumption module by entering the materials utilized for the project, a step of submitting the created work diary for approval by the internal or external approver, a step of requesting additional time when submit for approval disables, the submit for approval disables when normal time for completion of the project exceeds, a step of copying the template of the created work diary of progress details, manpower utilization, plant utilization and material and store consumption details by selecting the copy template and entering the crew and date details and a step of searching and editing the work diary by selecting the based on the selected period.

[046] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method enables to create the personalized work report of a manpower utilized based on the used and idle hours spend on the project.

[047] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method enables to calculate the wage factor of the employee based on the used and idle times generated by the created work diary.

[048] In accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method enables in creating the work diary ID after selecting or entering the cost codes of the project.

[049] Referring to drawings, Fig.1 is a diagram (100) depicting a computer implemented project control system with the list of modules involved in a project control system adapted for use in construction projects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The project control system and method for use in construction projects include several modules that are in turn integrated with each other to effectively manage the project system. The computer implemented project control system adapted for enabling an effective management of a project including an enterprise project structure module (64) configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details, at least one project library for maintaining a reference data (62).

[050] The said system includes creating and setting project rules (24), estimate contract and budget integration (4) which further includes EPS and project list, users list and user privileges, central and project libraries, define project rules and project settings, budget for resources, materials, plants and cost, baseline schedules for resources, materials, plants, activities and cost. The system includes project schedules (26) to schedule time and cost of the project. The system enables the user to set business rules and impose time limits to carry out certain essential activities by the project team using the project setting tools depending upon the user requirements, scale and complexity of the project. The time limits for initiation and approval process are enforced for procurement, employee transfer, plant transfer, material transfer. and capable to maintain the relationship between project estimates.

[051] The said system includes resources procurement (28) which further includes a pre contract management, post contract management, central project resources register for resources, plants and materials, electronic requisition, approval and notifications, delivery dockets and its accounting, invoices and payment status. Further the system includes resources (38) for performing the tasks, the set of resources being retrieved from the database and describing personnel, equipment, parts and tools.

[052] The system includes production records (44) which further includes monitoring resources budgets through project at tributaries of a computer implemented project control system includes trade wise man-hours-budget versus actual and estimate to complete, plant classification wise- budget versus actual and estimate to complete, material classification wise- budget versus actual and estimate to complete quantities, cost code wise cost- budget versus actual versus earned value and estimate to complete, project wise manhour- budget versus actual earned and estimate to complete and productivity factors, project wise cost - budget versus actual, earned and ETC, SPI and CPI, includes daily work diaries and produced weekly time sheets and overall resources status for a project.

[053] The system includes accounts and finance (48) which further includes payables, receivables, asset value and profits. The system further includes inbuild reports and dash boards (50) which further includes real time data collaboration and reports generation system for over inbuilt reports, table and chart outputs, past, current and forecasts, work diary, time sheet and attendance records, resources, plants, materials and cost, work progress, progress measurement system and progress claims, productivity factors, schedule and cost performance.

[054] Fig. 2 is a flowchart (200) depicting a process flow of a computer implemented project control system and method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flow chart (200) directs to step (94) depicting a registering the client details to provide access to the client super admin. The step (94) is directed to step (100) which includes adding the users and their profiles along with the privileges. The addition of users and their profiles along with the privileges comes under user management. The user management module includes a list of user profiles, a list of privileges and users list and their assigned profile and privileges to access the project. The step (100) is directed to step (101) depicting a step of creating an enterprise project structure (EPS) using built in menu or entry form. The EPS consists of an organizational breakdown structure, a project structure and multiple job identifications (IDs).

[055] According to non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (101) is further directed to the step (98). The step (98) depicting creating a base data or reference data for multiple project tasks which includes companies and sub contractors list and their details, plants and equipment's suppliers and their details, materials suppliers and their details, resources or trade classifications and their details, employee list and their details, leave types, daily crew list and their details, supervisor identification list and their details, plant and equipment classifications list, plant and equipment list and their details, purchase order list approval process and their details, materials, fuels and store items list and their details, materials, fuel and store items inventory, measuring units of work out put, tangible quantity item list, schedule of rates, cost codes classification, cost code list and their details, work break down structure milestone dates, working shifts and calendars, original budget, resource working hours, plant hours and costs, revised budget resource working hours, plant hours and costs, creating baselines for project tasks on work break down structure milestones, resources and cost forecasts, assigning baselines for project tasks on work break down structure milestones, resources and cost forecasts.

[056] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (98) further directed to a step (106) depicting creating or updating a central library which further includes company list, measuring units, whether classification, employee classification, plants classification, materials classification, cost code classification and employee wages rate factors. The step (106) is directed to a step (102) that includes creating a project library which further includes employee classification, plant classification, leave types and its rules, working shifts, crew list, schedule of estimated quantities (SOE), schedule of rates (SOR), cost code schedule and scope of work (SOW) (104).

[057] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (102) is directed to (96) depicting of setting budget for the project that is created in the library. The budget is set for resources and cost and monitor their actual and forecast to complete the project.

[058] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (106) directed to a step (92) depicting the project program with resourced (codes and budgets) loaded data from external application. The step (92) is directed to a step (90) depicting the schedule modules that schedules the project program. The schedule module (90) creates activities, resource schedules, assign baselines and compare forecasts with actual data.

[059] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (90) is further directed to a step (120) depicting the finance module. The step (120) is directed to step (118) depicting the resource module that includes employee, plant, materials and fixed assets. Further the step (118) is directed to a step (126) depicting the production records that includes daily attendance records like daily work diary and weekly time sheets. Then the step (126) is directed to a step (124) depicting the generated production records like work diaries and time sheets are sent for approval by internal and/or external approvers.

[060] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step (125) is further directed to a step (120) depicting the finance module where the approver validates to approve the created work diaries and time sheets.

[061] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step is further directed to (130) depicting a secured central database for storing the details of the plurality of projects by enabling a multiuser environment. The secured central database retrieves a plurality of project tasks, wherein the project task determines an activity to be performed by available resources. The data from the other modules like finance, production, work diary and timesheet modules transfer to and fro from the central database. The central database compares and stores the production records/actual data tables.

[062] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, from the central database the users can generate number of repots in tabular and graphical format through reports and dashboard modules. The central data base provides data manipulation and storage for date wise actual data or production records for manpower, services, plant utilization, material consumption, actual costs, work progress and periodical performance records down to cost code level. The central database provides regular data backup while projects that are in progress and archive data upon completion of a project.

[063] Fig. 3 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram (300) depicting the work dairy integrated in a construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The computer implemented project control system for creating and maintaining a work diary includes multiple sub systems including a server based and web enabled database for storing the data related to the project together with data defining interdependencies of the objects. The project control system includes a remotely located application server (135) for coordinating the operation of the control system and further facilitating the management of the projects of the remotely located entities.

[064] The integrated project control system is configured to enable a user management sub system for adding at least one user, a user profile, and assign roles and privileges to the user. Various clients or users (137) from remote locations are provided with an access with restricted number of users license for each client. The read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin module and built-in security profiles.

[065] The authorized clients or users with the provided access can manage portfolio of projects (141) for each client under enterprise project structure that enables an effective management of a project. The authorized clients or users can select data from project task base data fields for enterprise project structure names and identifications (IDs), multiple supervisor identifications and names, crew names, rate of wages for determining the type of working hours, whether the working hours are normal or overtime, working shifts, cost codes, resource list, plant list, material and store item list, tangible quantity list and material inventory which includes stock and balance.

[066] The project site-based resources are split into number of crews (143) and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of Manpower, Plants / equipment's &

materials details. Then the authorized user creates one work diary for each crew per (147) working shift and submits electronically for approval within a stipulated time frame. The submitted work diary is received for approval (149) then the authorized user electronically process the approval process in one or two stage within stipulated time frame.

[067] The integrated computer implemented project control system further creates a historical work progress and resource wise utilizations records down to cost code level in the data base automatically (151). Further the system provides real time data collaboration and performance monitoring is made available for the project team through various ready to use reports and Dashboards. The automatic periodical progress measure, progress claims and pay roll data is also made available from these verifiable records to the accounts and finance team for further processing (153).

[068] Fig. 4 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram (400) depicting the integrated daily plant work status for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The integrated project control system is configured to enable a user management sub system for enabling to capture or account daily usage of resources cost codes wise for plants & equipment's utilization. The system further provides daily work diary of a computer implemented project control system crew wise work diary creation and approval process electronically for plants utilization with resources register interface-cost code wise, item of work ids interface, used hours and idle hours along with reasons for delays if any are recorded separately and time limits are controlled through projects settings with an aid from auto notification system

[069] The system provides access to various clients or users (158) with restricted number of users license for each client. The read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin module and built-in security profiles. The authorized clients or users with the provided access can manage portfolio of projects (160) for each client under enterprise project structure that enables an effective management of a project. The authorized clients or users can select data from project task base data fields for enterprise project structure names and identifications (IDs), multiple supervisor identifications and names, crew names, rate of wages for determining the type of working hours, whether the working hours are normal or overtime, working shifts, cost codes, resource list, plant list, material and store item list, tangible quantity list and material inventory which includes stock and balance.

[070] The project site-based resources are split into number of crews (162) and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of Manpower, Plants / equipment's

& materials details. Then the authorized user creates one plant work status sheet per crew per calendar month (164) and complete daily work status records within a stipulated time frame. The system further allows to book hours of a plant with work status of "working or idle" category in time sheet or work diary only for present employees (166).

[071] The system based on the submitted work diary creates a historical Plant wise daily work records into categories of working, non-working, and Idle types in the data base for all plants and Equipment's automatically (168). The system provides real time data collaboration about all plants deployed in portfolio of projects for the project team through various ready to use reports and Dashboards for managing plants/equipment's in the projects.

[072] The system further provides automatic periodical plant work statistics down to plant/crew level data from these verifiable records for verification and validation of Progress claims or vendor invoices by the accounts and Finance team (170).

[073] Fig. 5 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram (500) depicting the integrated production records for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The computer implemented project control system manages plurality of projects that comprise a plurality of product related components and a plurality of process related components. The computer implemented project control system of further comprising a computer program product adapted for developing a component -based application capable of organizing the plurality of projects.

[074] The project control system is integrated with a production subsystem (157) that manages original projects Scope of work, contracts rates and resources budgets through initiation and approval process followed by management of any variations

/ changes to those through the built-in tools for change order management system. The production sub system is further integrated with procurement sub system (159) that procures various resources and subcontract management electronically with time bound actions and a notification system is integrated with central document management system.

[075] Then in the production sub system all the resources procured and mobilized through procurement sub system are accounted in their respective resources sub systems (161). The deployment/service history and utilization records of individual resources and all other aspects resources management are all managed in this sub system (163). The system further records daily attendance of employees, work status of plants and Stock balance of materials are all updated at regular intervals through an integrated electronic system.

[076] Further the system records Production records including work progress and resources utilization details on regular basis for progress measure, cost tracking and performance monitoring of projects down to cost code level and generates daily work diary and weekly time sheet (165). The system further provides real time data collaboration and monitoring System for all resources deployed under portfolio of projects for the project team through various ready to use reports and Dashboards. Further the system provides progress measure, progress claims, cost tracking, earned value management, vendor invoice management and generation of pay roll data is available in the system with verifiable records (167).

[077] Fig. 6 is a data flow and integrated architecture diagram (600) depicting the integrated daily employee attendance records for creating a work dairy in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The computer implemented project control system and method create a base data or reference data for multiple project tasks which includes companies and sub-contractors list and their details of employee list and their details, leave types and daily crew list and their details.

[078] The system includes weekly time sheets which includes weekly time sheets submission and approval process, electronically for office-based staff, date wise and cost code wise hours worked and tasks performed, employee ID list has got interface with employee register and misc expenses including travel expenses records-date wise and employee wise assigned to cost coded. The system includes daily attendance records which includes crew wise attendance records for all employees, crew wise working status of major plants and equipment's, maintained by a supervisor on a daily basis in monthly input form, set of pre-determined common code values are used and these aligned with leave type code values, aligned with cost codes to determine actual cost for persons on paid leave and also serves as a cross check for resources booked in work diary and time sheets.

[079] Various clients or users (171) from remote locations are provided with an access with restricted number of users license for each client. The read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin module and built-in security profiles. The authorized clients or users with the provided access can manage portfolio of projects (173) for each client under enterprise project structure that enables an effective management of a project. The authorized clients or users can select data from project task base data fields for enterprise project structure names and identifications (IDs), multiple supervisor identifications and names, crew names, rate of wages for determining the type of working hours, whether the working hours are normal or overtime, working shifts, cost codes, resource list, plant list, material and store item list, tangible quantity list and material inventory which includes stock and balance.

[080] The project site-based resources are split into number of crews (175) and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of number of employees of different trades. Then the authorized user creates one employee attendance sheet for each crew per calendar month and submits electronically for approval within a stipulated time frame. The submitted work diary is received for approval (177) then the authorized user electronically process the approval process in one or two stage within stipulated time frame.

[081] The integrated system based on the created attendance sheet allows to book hours (179) of an employee with present status category only in the attendance records either in time sheet or in work diary and not in both documents. First come first serve logic is adopted to avoid duplication of hours for any one employee.

[082] The integrated computer implemented project control system further creates a historical employee wise daily attendance record in to categories of present, absent and leave types in the data base automatically (181). Further the system provides real time data collaboration about all employees deployed in portfolio of projects for the project team through various ready to use reports and dashboards. The automatic periodical employee attendance statistics down to employee/crew level data is made available from these verifiable records for generation of pay roll data by the accounts and finance team (183).

[083] Fig. 7 is a flowchart depicting the process flow (700) involved with an approval sub system for approving the created work diary in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The work diary module configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details and the plurality of built-in tools helps to produce a work diary based on the inputted work content.

[084] The work diary module includes a work diary creating a sub module for creating a work diary based on the work content and work history information. The created work dairies can be searched and edited (156) from the work diary records that are stored in the database. The stored work dairies help in checking the daily usage of resources cost codes wise for manpower utilization, plants and material utilization (158). The created work dairy based on the recorded work content is sent for approving the work diary by the internal approver and external approver (client based on the created work diary) (160).

[085] Fig. 8 is a diagram (800) depicting the work diary and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The computer implemented project control system provides a user-friendly web-based work diary sub system with built in tools for providing the work dairy that records the work environment and work history of a project. The system further provides flexibility to the users to manage multiple projects at required level of attribute depending the size and complexity of project.

[086] The work diary sub system is configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details. The work diary creation sub system is configured to include plurality of data by integrating with several sub systems like budget & accounts/finance module (168), manpower utilization details (166), plant utilization details (162) and material and store consumption (164). The created and recorded work diaries are internally integrated and data flows into the sub systems.

[087] The project budget is internally integrated with the work diary and is recorded in the work diary and the data flows into man power reports (166), plant and equipment reports (162), materials reports (164) and budget & accounts/finance module (168). The man power report (166) includes date wise actual hours, periodical actual hours, actual vs standard hours, idle hours records, employee gender statistics, productivity analysis, plan vs actual vs earned hours, progress curve - hours based, periodical progress measure and progress claim, periodical cost and performance monitoring, vendor invoice verification and validation, pay roll data, work dairy - submission and approval status and cost and performance.

[088] The plant and equipment reports (162) include date wise actual hours, periodical actual hours, actual vs standard hours, idle hours records, plan vs actual hours, periodical progress measure and progress claim - cost plus, periodical cost and performance monitoring, vendor invoice verification and validation and cost and performance calculations.

[089] The material reports (164) include delivery and supply details, store items stock balance in transit, stock piled items - stock balance in transit, date wise consumption, periodical consumption, material inventory records, periodical progress measure and progress claim - cost plus, periodical cost and performance monitoring, vendor invoice verification and validation and cost and performance calculations.

[090] The budgets & accounts/financial module (168) include resources - budget, actuals and forecast down resource category level, resources - estimate to complete down to resource category level, resources - estimate at completion down to resource category level, cost- budget, actuals and forecast down to cost code level, cost and performance reports and analysis, accounts- receivables, payables and profit status, employee pay roll data and periodical progress measure and progress claims.

[091] Fig. 9 is a diagram (900) depicting the employee attendance records and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system includes current and historical work progress, actual cost and resources utilization records which further includes daily work diary employee wise- resources utilization and work outputs, weekly time sheets for office resources, daily attendance records for resources employee wise, daily working status records for plants, resources mobilization, demobilization updates in resources registers, material delivery details in material registers.

[092] The employee daily attendance records (191) is integrated with other sub systems and data enters into man power related reports (185), budgets

& accounts/finance module (187) and work diary module (189). The man power related reports (185) include daily employee wise attendance record status, crew wise daily deployment list, monthly employee attendance records, trade wise daily resources status - plan vs actual, cost code wise daily deployment list, employee gender statistics, periodical mobilization statistics and current employee list.

[093] The budgets & accounts/finance module (187) includes cost- budget, actuals and forecast down to cost code level, cost and performance reports and analysis, accounts- receivables, payables and profit status, employee pay roll data and periodical progress measure and progress claims. The work diary module (189) imposes controls on recording of actuals hours in the work diary limiting those employees with present status.

[094] Fig. 10 is a diagram (1000) depicting the plant work status records (199) and its integration with reports and dashboards in an integrated construction management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system includes monitor resources and activity schedules through project at tributaries which includes baseline versus actual and forecast values to a timescale can be monitored for the man-hours, plant hours, materials and cost. The system further includes build in reports which generate real time data collaboration and report which are built in reports, table and chart output, current and past period histograms, work diary, time sheet and attendance records, manpower, materials, plants and cost, periodical work progress its measurement, progress claims, budgets, actual, accruals, earned values, productivity factor, SPI and CPI values.

[095] The plant daily work status records (199) is integrated with other sub systems and data enters into plant related reports/dash boards, budgets & accounts/finance module and work dairy module. The plant related reports/dash boards (193) include daily plant record status, crew wise daily deployment list, monthly plant work status records, category wise daily resources status - plan vs actual, cost code wise daily deployment list, periodical mobilization statistics and current plant list.

[096] The budgets& accounts/finance module (195) include cost- budget, actuals and forecast down to cost code level, cost and performance reports and analysis, vendor invoice management - verification and validations, accounts- receivables, payables and profit status and periodical progress measure and progress claims. The work diary module (197) imposes controls on recording of actuals hours in the work diary limiting those plants with working condition status or idle status.

[097] Fig. 11 to 20 is a screen shot displaying a work diary sub system configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details. Fig. 11 to 17 shows the screenshot displaying the creation and submission of work diary for selected date. The list of created work diary records and the saved work dairy details can be seen by clicking on more details button that is shown in Fig. 11.

[098] Fig. 12 displays a screenshot displaying the progress tab details that can be created and saved for scope of work (sow) items which are approved in project library under scope of work module. Fig. 13 and 17 displays a screenshot displaying the manpower utilization tab details that can be created and saved for employees with attendance as present for selected crew.

[099] Fig. 14 displays a screenshot displaying the plant utilization tab details that can be created and saved for plants with attendance as working for selected crew. Fig. 15 and 16 displays a screenshot displaying the material consumption details that can be noted through project docket and supplier docket buttons based on the supervisor requirement.

[100] Fig. 18 displays a screenshot displaying the selection of data from copy template. The required tab details can be copied from previous days work diary using copy template button as shown in the screenshot.

[101] Fig. 19 and 20 displays a screenshot displaying the approval of the created work diary. Work diary submitted will be displayed in submitted for approval status. After internal approval (if selected for client approval during submission), status will be seen as submitted for client approval. When client approval is done, status will be seen as client approved. Fig. 19 shows the list of submitted timesheet records and by clicking on more details the user can see the details of the submitted work dairy as shown in Fig. 20.

[102] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS I/We Claim 1. A computer implemented system for creating and maintaining a work diary (300) in an integrated project control system, adapted for use in construction projects, wherein the integrated project control system includes: an enterprise project structure sub system (64) configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details; at least one remotely located central server for facilitating a communication between the enterprise project structure sub system and the at least one secured central database for enabling an operation; a plurality of sub systems like resources budget (38), project documents, activity schedules (26), resources schedule, procurement of resources, resources management, work progress and resources utilization records, performance monitoring, accounts and finance, project closeout; the said integrated project control system is configured to enable a user management sub system for adding at least one user, a user profile, and assign roles and privileges to the user; the said integrated project control system is configured to enable a plurality of libraries (62), comprising at least one central library, and at least one project library for maintaining project data; the said integrated project control system is configured to enable a plurality of built-in tools to produce a plurality of standard periodical reports; the said integrated project control system is configured to enable at least one central processing sub system for performing a plurality of project related operations; the said integrated project control system integrates data from one or more of the sub systems enables a work diary creation and management system to integrate key requirements like 'man power reports' (166), 'plant and equipment's reports' (162), 'budget & accounts/financial sub system' (168) and

   'material reports' (164), wherein the said system for work dairy creation and management integrates: data from one or more parameters like man power (166), plant and equipment (162), budgets and accounts (168) and materials (164); wherein the said system manages the project portfolios for each client (141) under the enterprise project structure (64); wherein the said system splits the project site-based resources into number of crews (143) and each crew is headed by a supervisor and manpower, plants, equipment's and materials; wherein the said system creates one work diary per crew and per working shift (147) by a supervisor (authorized user) and submit electronically for approval within a stipulated time; wherein the said system approves the created work diary created by the authorized user (149) electronically in one or two stage process within stipulated time frame; wherein the said system creates historical work progress and resource wise utilizations records down to cost code level in the data base automatically (151); wherein the said system provides real time data collaboration and performance monitoring system for project team through various ready to use reports and dashboards (153); and wherein the said system provides automatic periodical progress measure, progress claims and pay roll data from these verifiable records to accounts and finance team (153).
2. 2. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system systems include: a work diary sub system, configured to generate a computerized simulation model representing a plurality of project details; a secured central database, for storing the details of the plurality of projects by enabling a multiuser environment; a plurality of built-in tools, to produce a work diary based on the inputted work content; a storage sub system, for storing work diaries of all the projects and employees involved in the project; wherein, the said work diary sub system, includes a work diary creating sub sub system for creating a work diary based on the work content and work history information; an approval sub system, for approving the work diary by the internal approver and external approver (client based on the created work diary); a searching and editing sub system, for searching and editing the work diary records stored in the database; and a sub system, for requesting the additional time if the normal time exceeds in submitting the project.
3. 3. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said work diary creating sub system is configured to create a work diary by inputting cost codes for each work, whereby a work dairy ID is generated.
4. 4. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the work diary creation sub system (164) is configured to integrate with reports and dashboards, wherein the integration sub system generates: manpower reports (166); plant and equipment reports (162); Budget & accounts/finance (168); and material and store consumption reports (170).

   5. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said system provides a daily work diary report depending on the crew (162), plant and material utilization (161) recorded in the said project.

   6. The system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system generates work dairy approvals (149) electronically by presenting to internal and/or external approvers (users) based on site-based work, manpower (166) and plants utilized (162) for the said period.

   7. A computer implemented method (300) of creating and managing work diary adapted for construction projects, wherein the method includes steps of: creating, work diary by selecting the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) or project and head company or sub-contract, accessing, various clients with restricted number ofusers license for each client, read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin sub system and built-in security profiles (137); managing, project portfolios for each client under the enterprise project structure (141); splitting, project site-based resources into number of crews and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of Manpower, Plants/equipment's & Materials (143); creating, one work diary per crew and per working shift by a supervisor (Authorized user) and submit electronically for approval within a stipulated time (147); approving, created work diary created by the authorized user electronically in one or two stage process within stipulated time frame (149); providing, real time data collaboration and Performance monitoring system for project team through various ready to use reports and Dashboards (151); and providing, automatic periodical progress measure, progress claims and pay roll data from these verifiable records to accounts and finance team (153).

   8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the work diary creation and management module is integrated with daily employee attendance records, wherein the process includes steps of: accessing, various clients with restricted number of users license for each client, read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin sub system and built-in security profiles (158); managing, project portfolios for each client under the enterprise project structure (160); splitting, project site-based resources into number of crews and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of Manpower, Plants/equipment's

   & Materials (162); creating, one employee attendance sheet per crew, per calendar month by a supervisor (authorized user) and complete daily attendance records within stipulated time (164); allowing, to book hours in time sheet or work diary only for present employees to avoid duplication of hours for any one employee (166); creating, historical employee wise daily attendance records in to categories of present, absent and leave types in the data base automatically (168); providing, real time data collaboration of all employees deployed in portfolio of projects are available for the project team through various ready to use reports and dashboards (170); and providing, automatic periodical employee attendance statistics down to employee/crew level data is made available from these verifiable records for generation of pay roll data by the accounts and finance team (170).

   9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the work diary creation and management module is integrated with production records, wherein the process includes steps of: managing, original projects scope of work, contracts rates and resources budgets through initiation and approval process followed by management of any variations and/or changes to those through the built-in tools for change order management system (157); procuring, various resources and subcontract management electronically with time bound actions and notification system integrated with central document management system (159); accounting, all resources procured and mobilized through procurement module in the respective resource module (161); deploying, history and utilization records of individual resources and all other aspects of resources management are all managed in the resource modules (161); updating, records for daily attendance of employees, work status of plants and stock balance of materials at regular intervals through an integrated electronic system (163); recording, production records including work progress and resources utilization details on regular basis for progress measure, cost tracking and performance monitoring of projects down to cost code level (165); producing, real time data collaboration and monitoring system for all resources deployed under portfolio of projects and are made available for the project team through various ready to use reports and dashboards (167); and providing, progress measure, progress claims, cost tracking, earned value management, vendor invoice management and generation of pay roll data is made available in the system with verifiable records (167).

   10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the work diary creation and management module is integrated with daily plant work status records, wherein the process includes steps of: accessing, various clients with restricted number of users license for each client, read and write access is controlled to various authorized users through Admin sub system and built-in security profiles (171); managing, project portfolios for each client under the enterprise project structure (173); splitting, project site-based resources into number of crews and each crew is headed by a supervisor and it consist of number of construction equipment's and plants (175); creating, one plant work status sheet per crew, per calendar month by a supervisor (authorized user) and complete daily work status records within stipulated time (177); allowing, to book hours of a plant with work status of "working or idle" category only in the work dairy (179); creating, historical plant wise daily work records into categories of working, non-working, and idle types in the data base for all plants and equipment's automatically (181); providing, real time data collaboration about all plants deployed in portfolio of projects made available for the project team through various ready to use reports and dashboards for managing plants/equipment's in the projects (183); and providing, automatic periodical plant work statistics down to plant/crew level data is made available from these verifiable records for verification and validation of progress claims or vendor invoices by the accounts and finance team (183).

   11. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein it enables to create the personalized work report of a manpower utilized (166) based on the used and idle hours spend on the project.

   12. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wage factor of the employee (191) is calculated based on the used and idle times generated by the created work diary.

   13. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the work diary ID is created after selecting or entering the cost codes (158) of the project.

   100 68 72 Admin 64 Help & Module Enterprise Tutorials Project 62 74 Structure Central Library User List POT Internal Notification Audit Trails Security Profiles Reference Project Library Official E Mails Data

   24 Project Business Rules Digital Template 6 & Forms Notifications Rules and Controls Project Controls Project wise 4 Documents Project Schedule of Estimate 52 Estimate, Documents Ontrack Contract and Schedule of Rates Budgets Cost Codes Schedule Integration 1/20

   Inbuild 50 Scope of Work 200 Reports Reports and 26 Dash Boards Project Integration with P6 50 Dashboards Schedules Primavera Accounts 48 28 Payables Schedules-Built in and Tools Option Finance 38 Procurement Receivables Production Procurement of Resources Assets Value Records Resources 44 Subcontract Management Profits Daily Attendance Records Plant Daily Work Dairies Employee Weekly Time Sheets Immovable Assets Materials FIG. 1

   Calendars & Resources 88 Curves Schedules Module 90 94 Actual Data Client Registration Project Program with Create activity and Through Project Resourced loaded Data Resources Schedules Actual Data On Track Admin & from External application Assign Baselines and Plan Data 116 Provide access to (Primavera P6) 120 Client Super IT admin compare Forecasts Forecasts Generate a Number of with Actual data Reports in Tabular and Finance 100 92 Set budgets for Resource Budgets Module Graphical Format through (without P6) Base Reports and Dash Board Resources and Cost 118 Data Create Users list, their (Projects) and monitor 124 Modules security Profiles and Budgets Resources their actual and Module Approval for Privileges & Access to Forecasts to Complete Work Diaries Projects 122 1. Employee and Time 128 Set 2. Plant Sheets Production Records/ Data manipulation and Admin PM 3. Materials

   Resource Codes 101 Project 96 Procurement Storage for Date wise actual Actual Data

   Resource Budgets Rules 4. Fixed Actual Base Data Data data or production records Create EPS through Time Zones, Request & Approvals Assets for Manpower, Services,

   [Enterprise Project Project Tables in Plants Utilization, material 2/20

   Structure] & add Settings Time Zones, Request & Approvals Production Central Records Database Consumption, Actual costs new Project ID 98 102 Estimating Data from and Work progress and Daily Periodical Performance Create or 104 External application Attendance Update Create (Candy) Records down to Cost Project Records code Level Central Library SOE and SOR Data from Project 106 Library SOR Table Contract Document Legend for Responsibility data Daily Work Diary 132 IT Administrators Weekly Project Manages Regular Data backup while 126 Time projects in progress and High Level Users (Line Manages & Senior Project Engineers) Sheets Archive data upon completion Mid Level Users (Project Engineers, Superintendents & Admin) of a Project Site Supervisors 130 Site Administrators (Time Keepers & Clerks) Site Engineers Automatic Process Project Planners or Senior Engineers 136 FIG. 2