RU47114U1 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The project management system includes a computer device for storing databases connected to a reporting unit, a planning unit, a project management unit, a budget unit, a resource management unit, a security unit, an integration unit with external systems, a quality management unit, a unit change management in the project, the “open-ended questions” control unit, each of the listed blocks is connected to all the mentioned blocks, as well as to at least , one computer device designed to ensure the receipt and sending of messages by e-mail, and at least one computer device designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet. The system may additionally include a device designed to ensure the safe circulation of users outside the corporate network of the system, based on a filtering mechanism and forwarding requests, connected to all the mentioned blocks and the said device, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when connected systems to the Internet.

Description

The utility model relates to the field of computer technology, namely, to systems for automating business processes, and can be used, in particular, to automate the project management process.

A well-known information-analytical system for modeling a rational business system of a company (RF patent No. 2171498, IPC G 06 F 17/60) containing a computer device for a conceptual description of a company’s business, a computer device for factor analysis of the external environment, a workplace for an operator, a computer device for modeling business -systems of an operating company, a computer device for modeling the optimal structure of a company’s business system, a computer device for testing a company’s business system, computer device ystvo analytical monitoring of the business system of the company and the computing device reengineering. The disadvantages of this system can also include limited functionality, because the specified system does not allow to control the execution of simulated business processes, which is due to the absence in the design of this system of blocks that perform the monitoring function.

A well-known enterprise management system (abstract to the application of the Russian Federation No. 2003108231, IPC G 06 F 17/60) by means of a computer system equipped with processors, information input-output devices, memory with databases located in it, which contains a planning block for technical and economic indicators enterprises, a document management unit for planning indicators of an enterprise, an accounting and management unit for indicators at the planning stage, an enterprise control and management unit, a document management and control workflow unit enterprise, accounting and management accounting unit for control and management of the enterprise, unit for adjusting planned indicators of an enterprise, unit for comparing actual and planned indicators for an enterprise, and unit for adjusting document flow of an enterprise. However, this system has limited functionality, namely, it manages only a specific project of a separate enterprise, which is due to the use of the above blocks with narrowly targeted functionality in the system design.

The closest analogue to the claimed utility model can be considered the well-known project management system described in US patent No. RE 3 8,633, IPC G 06 F 17/60. The specified system includes a computer device for storing databases connected to a reporting unit, a planning unit, a project execution control unit, a budget formation unit, a resource management unit, a security unit, each of these units is connected to all other units and, at least one computer device designed to receive and send e-mail messages. The described system has limited functional capabilities, in particular, it does not provide quality control during the execution of projects and does not provide an optimal way from the economic and technical points of view for organizing the interaction of project team members through the Internet using the appropriate protocol.

For the purposes of the claimed utility model, a project refers to a unique set of interrelated activities aimed at achieving a specific goal with certain requirements for the timing, budget and characteristics of the expected

results. To implement the project, they form a group of people specially trained to solve specific problems within the project. Each of the members of the project team is assigned a specific role, which corresponds to certain powers to access information, the possibilities for changing and supplementing it. A project can be successfully implemented only in case of timely and high-quality solution of all tasks at each stage of its implementation. Project management refers to the process of planning, organizing and monitoring the status of tasks and resources of a project, aimed at the timely achievement of project goals.

The task to which the claimed utility model is directed is to create an automated project management system that provides safe, effective and cheap interaction between project team members, taking into account the hierarchy, as well as full control over the implementation of projects in accordance with the plan.

The technical result of using the proposed solution is to expand the functionality of the system and increase efficiency and reliability.

The above problem is solved, and the specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that the project management system, including a computer device for storing databases, is connected to the reporting unit, planning unit, project execution control unit, budget formation unit, resource management unit , a security unit, wherein each of the listed units is connected to all other units and to at least one computer device, started to ensure the receipt and sending of messages by e-mail, the integration unit with external systems, the quality management unit, the project change management unit, the “open questions” control unit, each of which is connected to each other and to the blocks listed above, are additionally included, and also with a computer device for storing databases, and with at least one computer device for receiving and sending e-mail messages, and at least at least one additional computer device included in the system, designed to form a user interface when the system is connected to the Internet. At the same time, to ensure greater security, a device can be additionally included in the system designed to ensure the safe circulation of users outside the corporate network of the system, based on a filtering mechanism and forwarding requests, connected to all the blocks mentioned above and a device designed to form a user interface in the web browser when the system is connected to the Internet.

The inclusion in the system of an additional integration unit with external systems, a quality management unit, a project change management unit, an “open questions” control unit can significantly expand the system’s functionality, namely, automate quality management processes (for example, monitor for quality claims and their changes as well as the presence of problems (open questions), changes in their status), automate the processes of making changes to projects, and also ensure effective interaction action with external systems.

The inclusion of a computer device in the system, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet, allows for efficient and cheap interaction between project team members, taking into account the hierarchy.

The utility model is illustrated in the drawing, which shows a block diagram of the system.

The project management system consists of a computer device 1, designed to store databases, including a database of documents of any format, a reporting unit 2, a planning unit 3, a project execution control unit 4, a budget formation unit 5, a resource management unit 6, a unit security 7, the integration unit with external systems 8, the quality management unit 9, the change management unit in the project 10, the control unit "open questions" 11, the computer device 12, designed for both the cross section of receiving and sending messages by e-mail, a computer device 13, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet, a computer device 14, designed to ensure safe handling of users outside the corporate network of the system. A second computer device 15 may be additionally connected to the system, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet.

A computer device 1 for storing databases is connected to a reporting unit 2, a planning unit 3, a project execution control unit 4, a budget generating unit 5, a resource management unit 6, a security unit 7, an integration unit with external systems 8, a unit quality management 9, the change management unit in the project 10, the control unit "open questions" 11. All of the above blocks are interconnected, as well as with a computer device 12, intended for the reception and sending of messages by e-mail, by a computer device 13, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet, and with a computer device 14, designed to ensure safe handling of users outside the corporate network of the system, which connected to a computer device 15, designed to form a user interface when connecting the system to the Internet.

A computer device 1 designed to store databases containing design information can be implemented on a computer basis, for example, with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, a RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using, for example, an industrial database server Oracle 10g or Microsoft SQL Server 2000. This computer device 1 may include a memory unit designed to store a database with documents presented in any format, for example, technical Cesky project documents, user manuals, etc. For storage of documents special software can be used, for example, Lotus Notes or Microsoft SharePoint

Report generation unit 2, generates reports on the status of projects, in accordance with the regulation of project management of the enterprise. In this case, reports can be in a predefined form or set by users with the appropriate authority. For example, a block generates the following reports: “Report on completed work on the project”, “Report on completed work on the customer”, “Report on the expenditure of working time on the project”, “Report on the expenditure of working time on the project”, etc.

Block 2 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with two Intel Pentium IV processors, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, as well as using special software, for example Crystal Reports or MS Office.

Planning block 3 provides the following functions:

- view the project plan;

- editing (creating / changing / deleting tasks, replacing performers with tasks) of the project plan;

- view a list of personal tasks (for which the employee is

performer). Planning block 3 allows you to:

- Assign resources available for planning on the project;

- change the status of the implementation of their tasks on the project;

- approve changes and additions to the design tasks made by the project participants;

- save the changed project plan in the appropriate database;

- transfer data to generate relevant reports.

Block 3 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock speed of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example Microsoft Project Server 2003 , SAP project system or Primavera P3E.

The project execution control unit 4 is designed to issue instructions and monitor their implementation. The first is carried out by forming the relevant instructions and sending them to addresses. The second by fixing the receipt or absence at certain time points of certain data sets.

Block 4 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example, SAP xRPM (Resource and Program Management) or Microsoft Project Server.

The budget generation unit 5 provides the authorized user with the ability to manage (create, view, change budget versions) the project budget, formed on the basis of specially prepared data. At the same time, block 5 provides the user with access to information on all approved versions of the budget, as well as on the current budget execution (plan-fact) with data comparisons with project plans. Block 5 allows project participants to define rules for sending notifications related to the processing of the budget / budget versions of the project. Block 5 generates data for the report on the state of the project budget.

Block 5 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example, MS Excel tables or Microsoft Project Server 2003.

The resource management unit 6 performs the following functions: creating and modifying the list of user accounts, project participants; definition of roles for each participant in the project, assignment of user privileges, in accordance with his role; analysis of the workload of the project participants, in accordance with the assigned tasks, etc.

Block 6 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example Microsoft Project Server, Microsoft Exchange Server

The security block 7 implements the mechanism of role functions (for example, curator, project manager, team leader, project participant, administrator, customer) providing a hierarchy of users and delimiting user access to system functions.

Block 7 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and

a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

The integration unit with external systems 8 is designed to provide interaction with external structures, for example, with a personnel management system, etc.

Block 8 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with two Intel Pentium IV processors, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, a RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software such as Microsoft BizTalk Sever or SAP Xi.

Quality Management Unit 9 supports remark management. At the same time, users should be able to create / modify / delete claims in accordance with the powers established in the system and the rules for processing comments on projects. The block provides the ability to search for comments in the system, to configure the number and sequence of location of the output parameters of comments in the resulting list, as well as to configure the rules for processing comments on the project.

Block 9 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with two Intel Pentium IV processors, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example, Rational Clear Quest

The change management unit in the project 10 provides the ability to make changes (create, view, edit, delete) in the project, provides the ability to search for changes in the project. Block 10 allows project participants to define rules for sending notifications related to processing change requests on a project and export data on a “change request” from the database to the MS Office document template.

Block 10 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example Rational Requisite Pro or Rational Clear Quest.

The control unit "open questions" 11 provides the management of unresolved problems (open questions). An “open question” on a project is understood to mean any functional, technical, organizational or business-related issue that arises in the course of the project and requires permission for the normal continuation of work.

Users have the opportunity to create / modify / delete open questions in accordance with the powers established in the system and the rules for processing open questions on projects. Block 11 provides the ability to search for open questions in the system, as well as the ability to adjust the number and sequence of location of the displayed parameters of open questions in the resulting list and the rules for processing open questions on the project. Block 11 generates the necessary data sets to create the appropriate reports.

Block 11 can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock frequency of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, for example Microsoft SharePoint or Rational Clear Quest.

A computer device 12, designed to provide reception and sending by e-mail to recipients of notifications regarding various events in the system, according to certain rules, can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock speed of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, such as an SMTP server.

Computer devices 13 and 15, designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet, can be implemented on the basis of a computer with one Intel Pentium IV processor, a clock speed of at least 2.2 GHz, RAM of at least 1 GB and a disk subsystem with a capacity of at least 5 Gb, using special software, such as Microsoft Internet Information Server (US).

A computer device 14 designed to ensure safe circulation of users outside the corporate network of the system can be implemented on the basis of a router, for example, Cisco PIX 515 or Checkpoint FireWall 1, which has the functions of controlling the external schedule and protecting the internal corporate network from outside penetration (FireWall) .

The operation of the system can be considered on the example of the formation of the project plan and management of its implementation.

Make a proposal to start a project. To do this, on the computer of the project initiator (not shown in FIG.) Using special software, they prepare a written message (fill out a special form) with a proposal to start work on the project. Data corresponding to the generated e-mail message, in the form of corresponding signals, is transmitted to the system where they are sent to computer device 12. In computer device 12, the received signal is identified as data corresponding to the proposal to start the project, and transmitted to the email address of the person receiving decision on the possibility of starting a project.

A person who has received a proposal to start a project either accepts the proposal or rejects it. In the latter case, the system in relation to this project no longer works, in the case of the adoption of the project, the system continues.

After a decision has been made to begin work on a project, the project is given priority and a project manager is appointed. At the same time, a message is generated about the appointment of a specific person as a project manager, this message is transmitted in the form of a signal corresponding to the specified data to a computer device 12, which identifies the received signal as a message for a specific person, and generates an email, which is sent to the email address in the form of corresponding signals specialist appointed by the project manager. Data corresponding to the proposal to start the project, and data characterizing the priority assigned to the project, are transferred from the computer device 12 to the computer device 1, where they are written to the corresponding database.

The project manager prepares a project plan, identifying the tasks that need to be solved to complete the project, the stages of the project and the timing of their completion. The project manager formed in the light of the requirements of the system is project manager in the form of a specific data set, which includes parameters whose values characterize the project and transfers to computer device 1.

The data received in the computer device 1 is identified as data corresponding to the project execution plan, and recorded in the corresponding database.

The relevant database also records data characterizing the initial requirements for the results of the project, an assessment of risk factors and other information necessary for the implementation of the project. Data before recording should be processed and prepared accordingly.

After the tasks are identified, the solution of which is necessary for the implementation of the project, the project manager forms the structure of the project team and assigns a specific role to each member of the group. The project manager generates the corresponding message and transmits it in the form of a specific data set to the computer device 1 for recording in the appropriate database.

Then, the project manager in accordance with the roles in the project team must select specific contractors. To do this, he prepares the request in the form of a specific data set and, through the integration unit with external systems 8, transfers it to the personnel management system (not shown in Fig.). In response to the received message, the personnel management system generates a list of possible members of the project team and transmits it in the form of an appropriate data set to the integration unit with external systems 8, from which these data are sent to computer device 1, where they are recorded in the corresponding database, and to the computer device 12, from which they are transmitted in the form of a message consisting of a specific data set to the project manager.

Next, the project manager will coordinate the allocation of specialists to the project team with the heads of their resource departments. The heads of the resource departments, when making decisions on the allocation of performers to the project team, are guided by the information on their current and prospective employment contained in the system. If necessary, negotiations and coordination are held.

Coordination and negotiations can be carried out by forming relevant messages and exchanging them between decision makers.

In the process of preparation and approval of the plan, authorized persons can make changes to it using the planning unit 3. In this case, the authorized user is connected to the system through a computer device 13 or 15. The security unit 7 checks the user’s authority in the manner prescribed by the regulation using known software (for example, by checking the login (username) and password, by entering biometric data and comparing them with the data recorded in the corresponding database, or using the hardware key) . After confirming the user's credentials, he forms a team (for example, by choosing the appropriate icon) to perform certain actions. The command in the form of a specific data set is sent to the planning unit 3, where it is processed using the appropriate software. As a result, the planning unit 3 operates in accordance with the received command. For example, a user can view a project plan or edit it.

In the process of preparing and agreeing on a plan, they also formulate a budget plan. To do this, use the budget forming unit 5. In accordance with the commands received in the form of certain data sets, to the indicated unit 5, unit 5 requests in the appropriate database stored in the computer device 1, or, through unit 8, it contacts external systems for initial data ( for example, it contacts an external personnel management system to obtain data on expenses associated with project participants), the data necessary for calculating budget parameters, processes them according to the request, and transfers them to a computer e device 12, from which they are in the form of messages consisting of a specific set of data transmitted to the user.

After the work plan and the composition of the project team are approved, they initiate the execution of the project, assigning the project the status of approved and executed.

In this case, the project execution control unit 4 reads data (tasks, deadlines, etc.) from the corresponding database according to the project plan and generates data sets corresponding to the project execution instructions, transfers them to the computer device 12, where the received data is identified as messages for members of the project team and send them to the appropriate addresses.

As the project progresses, the executives report on progress in completing tasks. Users tell the system the data that characterizes the execution process.

tasks (percentage of completion, deadlines, etc.), and transfer them to the project execution control unit 4, and to the computer device 1, from which, if necessary (in accordance with the regulations), the data are sent to the reporting unit 2. Moreover, the project execution control unit 4 records the receipt or absence of certain data sets at the corresponding time points, generates the corresponding notifications in the form of certain data sets and transfers them to the computer device 12, where the received data is identified as The messages to team members and send them to the appropriate locations. In the reporting unit 2, reports are generated in accordance with a predetermined form or form specified by users with the appropriate authority. The reports generated in block 2 in the form of data sets are transmitted to a computer device 12, where the received data is identified as messages for members of the project team and sent to the appropriate addresses.

In the process of working on a project, performers may have problems that they cannot solve on their own. In this case, the executor generates a message characterizing the problem (“open question”), and in the form of certain data sets transfers it to the system, where the specified data is received in computer device 1 and recorded in the corresponding database. At the same time, the “open questions” control unit 11 generates a notification about the receipt of the “open questions” and transmits the corresponding data sets to the computer device 12, where the received data is identified as messages for the members of the project team and send them to the appropriate addresses. Using the “open questions” control unit 11, authorized users, by setting the appropriate commands, have the opportunity to create / modify / delete open questions in accordance with the authority established in the system and the rules for processing open questions on projects, search for “open questions” in the system, and also adjust the number and sequence of location of the displayed parameters of open questions in the resulting list and the rules for processing open questions on the project. Block 11 generates the necessary data sets to create the corresponding reports and transmits them to the reporting unit 2.

To ensure quality control of project execution, a check is carried out on the compliance of the project with the requirements for project execution. To do this, use the quality management unit 9. Users using the quality management unit generate descriptions of claims and transmit them in the form of certain data sets to computer device 1, where they are recorded in the corresponding database. Using certain commands in accordance with the software used, authorized users using the quality management unit 9 have the ability to create / modify / delete claims in accordance with the powers established in the system and the rules for processing comments on projects, as well as search them.

When working on a project, it may be necessary to amend the project plan. If necessary, an authorized user, using the change control unit in the project 10, makes changes (create, view, edit, delete) to the project by selecting the appropriate command. In this case, the change management unit in the project 10 generates a set of data corresponding to the changes and transmits them to the computer device 1, where the specified data is recorded in the corresponding database, also the specified data is transmitted to the computer device 12, where the received data is identified as messages for members of the project group and send them to the appropriate addresses.

Information on the progress of the project is stored in the system database for subsequent analysis in order to improve the quality of the implementation of the following projects.

Claims (2)

1. The project management system, including the first computer device for storing databases, connected to a reporting unit, a planning unit, a project execution management unit, a budgeting unit, a resource management unit, a security unit, each of these units is connected to all the mentioned units, as well as with at least one second computer device designed to ensure the receipt and sending of messages by e-mail, distinguishing In that the system additionally includes an integration unit with external systems, a quality management unit, a project change management unit, an “open questions” control unit, each of which is connected to each other and to the units described above, as well as to the first computer device intended for storing databases, and with at least one second computer device designed to provide reception and sending messages by e-mail, and at least one additionally included in the system his third computing device for the formation of the user interface in the system when connecting to the Internet Web browser. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system additionally includes a computer device designed to ensure the safe handling of users outside the corporate network of the system, based on a filtering and redirecting requests, connected to the reporting unit, with the planning unit , with a project management unit, with a budget formation unit, with a resource management unit, with a security management unit, with an integration unit with external systems, with a control unit quality, with a unit for managing changes in the project, with a control unit for “open questions” and with a third computer device designed to form a user interface in a web navigator when the system is connected to the Internet.