US20230094108A1

US20230094108A1 - Systems and methods for generating billing quotes which account for diversity, equity and inclusion

Info

Publication number: US20230094108A1
Application number: US17/704,833
Authority: US
Inventors: Ahmed Farouk Shaaban; Venkat Thandra; Kofi MUNDY-CASTLE; Drew BLAZAITIS
Original assignee: Fulcrum Global Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Fulcrum Global Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2021-09-30
Filing date: 2022-03-25
Publication date: 2023-03-30
Also published as: EP4409385A1; CN117916701A; EP4409503A1; WO2023055439A1; US20230094977A1; BR112024001934A2; AU2022357142A1; WO2023055440A1; US20230098485A1; AU2022353661A1; CN117882105A

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating client billing quotes are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method of generating a client billing quote which accounts for diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations includes generating a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create a team from a plurality of available members, calculating at least one score based on member data related to one or more category including at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation, displaying on the first user terminal at least one grade based on the at least one score, and generating the client billing quote including the at least one score or the at least one grade.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/250,388, filed Sep. 30, 2021, entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating Reliable Client Billing Quotes”, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for generating billing quotes which account for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Background Information

Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations (“DEI”) are essential for creating effective project teams for business in all industries. Incorporating DEI can create particularly time consuming and speculative challenges for companies creating billing quotes or proposals for work to be performed for current or potential clients, particularly for companies that bill by the hour for a wide variety of workers with different billing rates, such as consulting firms, law firms, accounting firms, etc. Further, processing DEI can be important for third-party certification agencies that monitor and track the use of DEI. This can also consume significant resources and result in data storage redundancies when a considerable number of workers and clients are involved. The number of resources saved is increased exponentially for companies with offices across multiple geographic locations and jurisdictions.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that new systems and methods for generating billing quotes which account for DEI are desired, particularly new systems and methods which improve the user experience, increase reliability, increase compliance with local regulations, optimize processing, and conserve memory space.
A first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, is to provide a method of generating a client billing quote which accounts for DEI considerations. The method includes generating a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create a team from a plurality of available members, calculating at least one score based on member data related to one or more category including at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation, displaying on the first user terminal at least one grade based on the at least one score, and generating the client billing quote including the at least one score or the at least one grade.
In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises calculating the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.
In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises calculating the at least one score based member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.
In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises calculating a plurality of scores based on member data related to a plurality of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation.
In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.
In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes dividing the member data by at least one benchmark.
In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes adding a plurality of subscores for each category.
In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises displaying the at least one grade on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises triggering display of the at least one grade based on selection of an icon on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, a system is programmed to perform the method(s) described herein.
An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, is to provide another method of generating a client billing quote which accounts for DEI considerations. The method includes storing member data for a plurality of available members eligible to be placed on a team, the member data relating to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation, generating a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create the team from the plurality of available members, calculating at least one score based on the member data, and generating the client billing quote including the at least one score or at least one grade based thereon.
In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises calculating the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.
In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the method comprises calculating the at least one score based member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.
In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the member data relates to a plurality of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation.
In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.
In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes dividing the member data by at least one benchmark.
In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, calculating the at least one score includes adding a plurality of subscores for each category.
In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, a system is programmed to perform the method(s) described herein.
A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, is to provide a system for generating a client billing quote which accounts for DEI considerations. The system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The at least one memory is configured to store member data for a plurality of available members eligible to be placed on a team, the member data relating to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation. The at least one processor is programmed to: generate a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create the team from the plurality of available members; calculate at least one score based on the member data; cause display on the first user terminal of at least one grade based on the at least one score; and generate the client billing quote including the at least one score or the at least one grade.
In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.
In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based on member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.
In a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based on member data related to a plurality of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation.
In a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.
In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by dividing the member data by at least one benchmark.
In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by adding a plurality of subscores for each category.
In a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to cause display of the at least one grade on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
In a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to trigger display of the at least one grade based on selection of an icon on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
A twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, is to provide a system for generating a client billing quote which accounts for DEI considerations. The system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The at least one memory is configured to store member data for a plurality of available members eligible to be placed on a team, the member data relating to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation. The at least one processor is programmed to: generate a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create the team from the plurality of available members; and generate the client billing quote including at least one score or grade determined from the member data.
In a twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.
In a thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.
In a thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the member data relates to a plurality of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation.
In a thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.
In a thirty-third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by dividing the member data by at least one benchmark.
In a thirty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect disclosed herein, the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score for a category by adding a plurality of subscores for each category.
Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for generating billing quotes which account for DEI in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a representative diagram of an example embodiment of a user terminal which can be used in the system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a method of generating billing quotes which account for DEI in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 4 to 11 illustrate various example embodiments of user interfaces generated by the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the method of FIG. 3 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system 10 for generating billing quotes which account for DEI. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a central server 12 and one or more user terminals 14 operated by one or more users U₁, U₂. . . U_nof a first party P₁. In use, the central server 12 is configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the user terminals 14 via a network 16. In an embodiment, the central server 12 is also configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more client for whom the quote is being generated. The one or more clients are also referred to herein as second parties P₂. Each of the plurality of user terminals 14 can be, for example, a cellular phone, a tablet, a personal computer, or another electronic device. Here, the plurality of user terminals 14 includes a first user terminal 14 a, a second user terminal 14 b, and an nth user terminal 14 n. Each user terminal 14 can be controlled by a distinct user U₁, U₂. . . U_n(e.g., a first user U₁controls the first user terminal 14 a, a second user U₂controls the second user terminal 14 b, and an nth user U_ncontrols the nth user terminal 14 n). The user U₁, U₂. . . U_nof each user terminal 14 can be, for example, a member or employee of the first party P₁. Each user terminal 14 is configured to accept member data from its respective user U. As used herein, each of the users U₁, U₂. . . U_ncan also be referred to generally as a user U. In an embodiment, the first party P₁can be any business that uses timed billing rates (e.g., hourly time entries) to bill clients, such as a consulting firm, a law firm, an accounting firm, or a similar business. In another embodiment, the first party P₁can be any business that bills clients using flat fees.
The first party P₁includes a plurality of users U₁, U₂. . . U_n. Although a single first party P₁and a single second party P₂are discussed herein for simplicity, it should be understood from this disclosure that the system 10 can operate to support any number of such parties and significantly improves processing efficiency and decreases time spent and memory storage needed as the number of users U, first parties P₁and/or second parties P₂increases.
The system 10 is configured to access various data sources. As seen in FIG. 1 , the system 10 is configured to access a time entry system 18 and/or a third party data source 19. The time entry system 18 can include a database controlled by the first party P₁using the system 10, for example, an existing time entry system 18 which is used by each of the users U of the first party P₁to record time entries which are then used for billing purposes. In an embodiment, the time entry system 18 includes the time entry system described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/235,187, entitled “Systems and Methods for Time Entry, Management and Billing,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. The third party data source 19 can include a data source which is controlled by a third party and accessed by the central server 12 via the network 16. In an embodiment, the third party data source 19 is accessible by the system 10 via a public website. In an embodiment, the system 10 is also configured to send data directly to and/or receive data directly from the second party P₂via the network 16. In an embodiment, the system 10 is configured to retrieve member data from the time entry system 18 and/or the third party data source 19.
The user terminals 14 can communicate with the central server 12 via various communication protocols, for example, via an Internet Protocol Suite or TCP/IP supporting HTTP. The network 16 can comprise a public network (e.g., the Internet, World Wide Web, etc.), a private network (e.g., local area network (LAN), etc.), and/or combinations thereof (e.g., a virtual private network, LAN connected to the Internet, etc.). The network 16 can include a wired network, a wireless network, and/or a combination of the two.
The central server 12 can comprise one or more server computers, database servers and/or other types of computing devices, particularly in connection with, for example, the implementation of websites and/or enterprise software. The central server 12 can further comprise a central processor 20 and a central memory 22. The central processor 20 is configured to execute instructions programmed into and/or stored by the central memory 22. In an embodiment, the central processor 20 can comprise one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, co-processor or the like or combinations thereof capable of executing stored instructions and operating upon stored data, wherein the instructions and/or data are stored by the central memory 22. The central memory 22 can comprise one or more devices such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, for example, random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). Further, the central memory 22 can be embodied in a variety of forms, such as a hard drive, optical disc drive, floppy disc drive, etc. In an embodiment, the steps of the methods described herein are stored as instructions in the central memory 22 and executed by the central processor 20.
In the illustrated embodiment, the central memory 22 includes a web interface 24, a database 26, and back end processing instructions 28. Here, the web interface 24, the database 26, and the back end processing instructions 28 can be controlled or accessed by the central processor 20 implementing appropriate software programs by executing the back end processing instructions 28 or other instructions programmed into and/or stored by the central memory 22.
The web interface 24 is configured to provide a graphical user interface (“GUI”) 25 that can be displayed on a user terminal 14 for a user U, and is configured to manage the transfer of data received from and sent to the GUI 25 on the terminal 14. For example, the GUI 25 can be employed by a user U to provide member data to the central server 12 for the generation of a quote for a second party P₂. In an embodiment, each user terminal 14 includes an application A comprising software downloaded to and executed by the user terminal 14 to provide the GUI 25 and to manage communications with the central server 12. The application A can be downloaded to the user terminal 14 from the central server 12 or from some other source such as an application distribution platform. In an embodiment, the application A can also be viewed via a web browser.
The database 26 is configured to store data related to current or previous quotes. The data can include member data and/or other data discussed herein. The member data can include one or more designation or response for each user U with respect to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation. The database 26 is also configured to store data relevant to the second party P₂, as well as data retrieved from the second party P₂, a time entry system 18, and/or a third party data source 19. In an embodiment, the database 26 comprises a database management system (DBMS) operating on one or more suitable database server computers. The database 26 can also comprise storage components from other systems, such as a time entry system 18 having relevant data concerning already stored therein. In an embodiment, the same database 26 is used for the system 10 and the time entry system 18. The database 26 can be further configured to store editable rules regarding generation of each respective GUI 25 for one or more user terminal 14.
The back end processing instructions 28 can be operatively coupled to both the web interface 24 and the database 26, and can be programmed into and/or stored by the central memory 22 and implemented by the central processor 20. In an embodiment, the back end processing instructions 28 can be executed by the central processor 20 to direct operations of the central server 12 as described below in further detail. For example, the central processor 20, executing the back end processing instructions 28, can manage the receipt, storage, enhancement, maintenance, etc. of relevant data (e.g., member data and/or other data received from one or more user U of the first party P₁via a terminal 14). Additionally, the central processor 20, executing the back end processing instructions 28, can develop and enhance similar relevant data based on information obtained from the second party P₂, a time entry system 18, and/or a third party data source 19, as well as further functions discussed in more detail below.
FIG. 2 illustrates a representative diagram of an example embodiment of a user terminal 14. As illustrated, a user terminal 14 can include a terminal processor 30 and a terminal memory 32. The terminal processor 30 is configured to execute instructions programmed into and/or stored by the terminal memory 32. The instructions can be received from and/or periodically updated by the web interface 24 of the central server 12 in accordance with the methods discussed herein. In an embodiment, the methods described herein are stored as instructions in the terminal memory 32 and executed by the terminal processor 30.
In an embodiment, the terminal processor 30 can comprise one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, co-processor or the like or combinations thereof capable of executing stored instructions 34 and operating upon stored data 36, wherein the instructions 34 and/or stored data 36 are stored by the terminal memory 32. The terminal memory 32 can comprise one or more devices such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, for example, random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). Further, the terminal memory 32 can be embodied in a variety of forms, such as a hard drive, optical disc drive, floppy disc drive, etc. In an embodiment, many of the processing techniques described herein are implemented as a combination of executable instructions 34 and data 36 stored within the terminal memory 32.
As illustrated, each of the plurality of user terminals 14 includes one or more user input device 38, a display 40, a peripheral interface 42, one or more other output device 44, and a network interface 46 in communication with the terminal processor 30. The user input device 38 can include any mechanism for providing a user input to the terminal processor 30, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone and/or suitable voice recognition application, or another input mechanism. The display 40 can include any conventional display mechanism such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat panel display, a touch screen, or another display mechanism. Thus, as can be understood, the user input device 38 and/or the display 40 and/or any other suitable element can be considered a GUI 25. The peripheral interface 42 can include the hardware, firmware, and/or other software necessary for communication with various peripheral devices, such as media drives (e.g. magnetic disk or optical disk drives), other processing devices, or another input source used as described herein. Likewise, the other output device 44 can optionally include similar media drive mechanisms, other processing devices or other output destinations capable of providing information to a user of the user terminal 14, such as speakers, LEDs, tactile outputs, etc. The network interface 46 can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software that allows the terminal processor 30 to communicate with other devices via wired or wireless networks 16, whether local or wide area, private or public. For example, such networks 16 can include the World Wide Web or Internet, or private enterprise networks, or the like.
While the user terminal 14 has been described as one form for implementing the techniques described herein, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that other functionally equivalent techniques can be employed. For example, some or all of the functionality implemented via executable instructions can also be implemented using firmware and/or hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, state machines, etc. Further, other implementations of the user terminal 14 can include a greater or lesser numbers of components than those illustrated. Further still, although a single user terminal 14 is illustrated in FIG. 2 , it should be understood from this disclosure that a combination of such devices can be configured to operate in conjunction (for example, using known networking techniques) to implement the methods described herein.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a method 100 of generating billing quotes which account for DEL. In an embodiment, one or more of the steps of the method 100 can be stored as instructions on the central memory 22 and executed by the central processor 20. In an embodiment, one or more of the steps of the method 100 can be stored as instructions on the terminal memory 32 and executed by the terminal processor 30. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that some of the steps described herein can be reordered or omitted without departing from the spirit or scope of the method 100.
The method 100 can be used to create a variety of different client billing quotes. In an embodiment, the client billing quote is a billing quote that is intended to obtain work from a new client. In another embodiment, the client billing quote is a budget for an existing client related to a new or existing project for the existing client. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosure that the method 100 is advantageous for various types of billing quotes for different types of projects for both existing and new clients.
At step 102 of the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 , a user U begins the creation of a client billing quote. FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a first GUI 25A displayed on a user terminal 14 (e.g., a first user terminal 14 a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) which is configured to enable the user U to create a client billing quote. In the illustrated embodiment, the first GUI 25A includes a plurality of first icons 52 that can be selected by the user U. The plurality of first icons 52 includes an unassigned-quotes icon 52A, a worked-quotes icon 52B, an unassigned-matters icon 52C, an active-matters icon 52D, an active-quotes icon 52E, a pending-quotes icon 52F, an active-status icon 52G, and an active-metrics icon 52H. In the illustrated embodiment, the first GUI 25A further includes a plurality of second icons 54. The plurality of second icons 54 includes a new-quote icon 54A, an all-quotes icon 54B, a check-in/out icon 54C, a my-quotes icon 54), a create-budget icon 54E, and a reports icon 54F. In the illustrated embodiment, the first GUI 25A also includes a workflow table 56, which is adjusted based on the first icon 52 and/or second icon 54 selected by the user U.
The first GUI 25A is advantageous, for example, due to the positioning of the icons 52 on the same GUI 25 as the workflow table 56 and the automatic regeneration of the workflow table 56 based on a selected first icon 52. This improves processing efficiency as the same GUI is used to quickly and easily regenerate the workflow table 56 without rearrangement of the icons 52 or workflow table 56, using minimal processing to provide the user U with the desired quote data and further enabling the user U to quickly regenerate the workflow table 56 as needed and/or create a new quote based thereon.
In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first icons 52 triggers automatic regeneration of the workflow table 56. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, selection of the unassigned-quotes icon 52A triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all previously generated but still unassigned quotes; selection of the worked-quotes icon 52B triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that the user U has previously worked on (e.g., created, edited, etc.); selection of the unassigned-matters icon 52C triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that have not yet been assigned (e.g., assigned to a particular matter, second party P₂, or lead partner); selection of the active-matters icon 52D triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that are currently/actively assigned to the user U and/or attached to a matter or lead partner; selection of the active-quotes icon 52E triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that the user U is in the process of generating but that have not been completed and/or attached to a matter or lead partner; selection of the pending-quotes icon 52F triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that have been completed and are awaiting approval (e.g., approval from the lead partner); selection of the active-status icon 52G triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that are current/active (e.g., as with the active-matters icon 52D)); selection of the active-metrics icon 52H triggers regeneration of the workflow table 56 with all quotes that are current/active (e.g., as with the active-matters icon 52D). In an embodiment the system 10 is configured to automatically rearrange the first icons 52 based on a detected number of selections by the user U.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of second icons 54 triggers a system function. For example, selection of the new-quote icon 54A triggers the generation of a new GUI 25 for creating a new quote; selection of the all-quotes icon 54B triggers generation of a new GUI 25 with all quotes currently stored by the system 10, which can then be filtered according to various criteria; selection of the check-in/out icon 54C triggers the generation of a new GUI 25 for editing a selected quote; selection of the my-quotes icon 54D triggers the generation of a new GUI 25 including the quotes created by the user U; selection of the create-budget icon 54E triggers the generation of a GUI 25 which enables the user U to create a new budget using an existing quote or from scratch; and selection of the reports-icon 54F triggers the generation of a new GUI 25 for one of a plurality of reports which display various data from a plurality of previously created quotes.
The workflow table 56 displays summary data for one or more quotes based on selected criteria. In the illustrated embodiment, the system generates a new workflow table 56 based on the first icon 52 selected by the user U. In the illustrated embodiment, the user U has selected the active-matters-status icon 52G, which has triggered the generation of a workflow table 56 including active matters (e.g., in FIG. 4 , only one active matter exists). The user U can then select a quote listed in the workflow table 56 and perform further processing by selecting a second icon 54.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a second GUI 25B displayed on a user terminal 14 (e.g., a first user terminal 14 a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 is triggered to generate the second GUI 25B when the new-quote icon 54A is selected in the first GUI 25A. As illustrated, selecting the new quote icon 54A triggers a quote creation panel 60 in the second GUI 25B. In the illustrated embodiment, the quote creation panel 60 provides the user U with at least two options 62A, 62B for creation of the new quote. The first option 62A is to create a new quote using top-down allocation. The second option 62B is to apply phases to the new quote. The system 10 enables the user U to select one or both of the two options 62A, 62B. Enabling these two options 62A, 62B for the user U creates flexibility to tailor a quote for the needs of a second party P₂, while also conserving processing power and memory space by avoiding the processing and storage of unnecessary data.
At step 104 of the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 , the user U selects timekeepers and/or builds the client billing quote. FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a third GUI 25C displayed on a user terminal 14 (e.g., a first user terminal 14 a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) which is configured to enable the user U to select timekeepers and/or build the client billing quote. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 triggers the third GUI 25C when the user U selects the Submit icon on the quote creation panel 60 of the second GUI 25B. Here, the user U has selected to perform a top-down allocation using the first option 62A of the second GUI 25B, but has not selected to use phases using the second option 6413 of the second GI 25B. As illustrated, the third GUI 25C enables the user U to input a variety of input data regarding the new quote. In the illustrated embodiment, this input data includes the client name CN, project name PN, matter name MN, lead partner name LP, practice group PG, billing office BO, currency type CT, service area description SA, matter type description MT, template description TD, matter start date MS, matter end date ME, and quote due date QD. In the illustrated embodiment, the third GUI 25C also includes a team icon 64, a quote creation table 66, and a D&I icon 82, which are discussed in more detail below.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a fourth GUI 25D displayed on a user terminal 14 (e.g., a first user terminal 14 a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) which is configured to enable the user U to select timekeepers and/or build the client billing quote. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 triggers generation of the fourth GUI 251) when a user U selects the team icon 64 on the third GUI 25C. The fourth GUI 25D includes a team table 70 and a member table 72. The team table 70 includes a plurality of teams, with each team including a plurality of available members shown in the member table 72. The available members correspond to users U (e.g., a first user U₁controlling a first user terminal 14 a, a second user U₂controlling a second user terminal 14 b, and an nth user U_ncontrolling an nth user terminal 14 n). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of available members for each team make up a team that has worked together in the past, such that the user U creating the quote can be confident that the team is able to work together efficiently and effectively and/or the database 26 already stores data regarding how work is typically divided amongst the team.
The teams shown in the fourth GUI 25D are saved on the central memory 22. In an embodiment, the system 10 is configured to generate a team based on data saved in the time entry system 18 for a previous or existing client or matter. For example, the system 10 can retrieve one or more of the billing timekeepers (e.g., workers) for a previous or existing client or matter, create a team including the timekeepers from the previous or existing client or matter, and generate the member table 72 with the members of that team. In this way the user U creating the quote can create a team that the user U knows has worked together for the same client and/or on the same matter in the past. The database 26 also stores data regarding how work is typically divided amongst the team, which improves the accuracy of the quote and prevents redundant data storage/generation. In an embodiment, the system 10 determines how work was divided for a previous or existing client, for example, by using the billing hours recorded by each timekeeper in the time entry system 18 to determine the percentage of total work performed by each timekeeper for the client or matter from which the team has been generated. In an embodiment, the system 10 sends a notification to the user terminal 14 of each user U who is being added as a member of the new team. In an embodiment, each user U can accept or reject being added as a member of a new team via his or her respective user terminal 14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload.
FIG. 8 illustrates the third GUI 25C after the system 10 has regenerated the quote creation table 66 with the available members of a team that has been selected using the fourth GUI 25C. By automatically regenerating the quote creation table 66 with available members of a preexisting team, the system 10 conserves processing power and memory space using prestored team data instead of generating and processing new team data. The system 10 further improves the user experience by reducing quote creation time, ensuring that team members who function well together continue to work together, and ensuring that the quote is not missing valuable members of a previous team which could affect the overall budget. In an embodiment, the system 10 also enables the user U to add additional available members to and/or subtract existing available members from the quote creation table 66.
In the illustrated embodiment, the third GUI 25C provides the user U with an input selection 68 which enables the user U to choose to create a quote based on hours worked or based on a fixed fee. The system 10 functions differently for each option and is particularly advantageous in ensuring that each member is able to budget the time needed to perform the work in the quote. In FIG. 8 , the user U has chosen to create a quote based on a fixed fee. Here, the fixed fee is set at $50,000. For each member (e.g., another user U operating with another user terminal 14), the quote creation table 66 displays basic information, for example, the worker's name, title, practice group, office, and billing rate. The system 10 also enables an adjustment to be applied to each worker's billing rate. Here, the user U has applied a 10% adjustment to each worker's billing rate, such that the system 10 has automatically reduced each current billing rate by 10% to the proposed billing rate. Here, the hours, fee quote and contribution margin percentage (CM %) are still empty because the user U has not yet finished entering input data and applying the percentage allocation. In the illustrated embodiment, the third GUI 25C also includes an allocation bar 78, which indicates how much of the project is currently allocated (90% in FIG. 8 ). In an embodiment, the system 10 prevents the new quote from being completed until the percentage allocation reaches 100%). In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically adjusts the percentage allocation for one or more members to cause the total percentage allocation to be 100% (e.g., increases each member's percentage allocation by 10% in the illustrated embodiment to adjust from 90% to 100%). In this way, the system 10 improves the quotes accuracy by generating the maximum number of allowable hours for each member to ensure 100% allocation.
In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 automatically enables or disables entry of certain information based on the input selection 68 chosen by the user. For example, in an embodiment, when the user selects to create a quote based on hours worked, the system 10 enables the third GUI 25C to allow the user to enter desired hours for each member in the hours column of the quote creation table 66; however, when the user selects to create a quote based on fixed fee, the system 10 disables entry of the hours worked and instead automatically generates the hours worked based on the percentage allocation. In another embodiment, the system 10 allows the user U to enter either the hours and/or the percentage allocation for one or more of the members, and the automatically generates the remaining hours and/or percentage allocation for one or more of the other members in view of the remaining fees available. In these ways, the system 10 improves processing efficiency and data storage by enhancing minimal information to create a full quote and by preventing the storage of unnecessary data.
In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically populates the percentage allocations based on previous projects that the team has worked together. That is, the system 10 processes historical data and determines what percentage of the work each member is likely to perform. In this way, the system 10 creates an accurate quote based on historical worked amounts. In an embodiment, the system 10 retrieves the historical data from the time entry system 18. In an embodiment, the time entry system 18 includes time entries for a plurality of matters. The system 10 can be configured to retrieve time entry data for a matter including multiple members and determine the percentage of work that each of the members performed for that matter. The system 10 is then configured to use this data to populate the percentage allocations based on previous projects, for example, assuming that the members will work the same percentage amounts for the quote that have been worked for previous matters. Thus, in an embodiment, the user U is simply required to enter a total fee amount and select a team, and the system 10 enhances the data stored from previous time entries and/or quotes to generate the new quote. In this way, the system 10 improves processing efficiency and reduces data storage redundancy by enhancing and reusing previously available data, while also improving the accuracy of the new quote based on historical trends. In an embodiment, the user U creating the quote can then accept or adjust the percentage allocations determined by the system 10.
As illustrated, in an embodiment, the system 10 enables the user U to adjust the allocation percentage. In an embodiment, the system 10 is also configured to automatically adjust the allocation percentage based on work in progress or other quotes for one or more member. For example, the system 10 can use input data including at least one of the matter start date MS, matter end date ME and/or estimated duration ED to determine the expected commitment for each member during a particular time period. The system 10 is configured to determine whether each member is also committed to other work during this time period based on previous quotes, for example, by determining whether the new time period indicated by the input data overlaps with other time periods for which one or more team member has already been committed based on other quotes. The system 10 can therefore determine whether the percentage allocation and/or total hours for the current quote would push the member over a threshold for a particular time period. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically adjusts the allocation percentage to the maximum allowable allocation percentage for that member based on the threshold. In this way, the system 10 improves processing efficiency and reduces data storage redundancy by enhancing and reusing previously available data, while also improving the accuracy of the new quote using information regarding how much time one or more member can realistically perform over a given time period.
In an embodiment, the system 10 sends a notification to the user terminal 14 of each user U who is being added to a new quote after determining that the percentage allocation and/or total hours for the new quote would push the user U over the threshold for a particular time period. In an embodiment, each user U can use his or her user terminal 14 to accept or reject the new quote via his or her respective user terminal 14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload. In an embodiment, the system 10 removes the user U as a member of the new team upon rejection of the addition by the user U. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically creates a placeholder or adds another member with similar credentials in place of the user U who has rejected the membership.
In an embodiment, the system 10 stores rules which are implemented to automatically adjust the percentage allocations. For example, the system 10 can store rules about the minimum or maximum percentage of time that should be spent by certain levels of seniority (e.g., partner must perform at least 10%, junior associate must perform at least 50%, etc.). The system is therefore configured to ensure that particular thresholds are met and/or automatically adjust values when the thresholds have not been met.
In an embodiment, the system 10 retrieves utilization data for various users U to build a team for a new quote. The system 10 can retrieve the utilization data from the time entry system 18. In an embodiment, the system 10 generates a team based on users U with the lowest overall utilization. This way, the system 10 ensures that each team member is not being overworked and can effectively perform the work in the quote during the requested time period, and also that the first party P₁is efficiently and effectively using all employees.
FIG. 9 illustrates the third GUI 25C after the total percentage allocation has reached 100% (e.g., as shown by the allocation bar 78). Here, the system 10 has regenerated the hours, fee quote and contribution margin percentage (CM %) for each worker. In the illustrated embodiment based on the flat fee (e.g., here, $50,000), the system 10 generates the hours for each member based on the member's corresponding percentage allocation while also ensuring that the sum of the fee quotes for each member does not exceed the entered flat fee. The system 10 further determines the fee quote for each member based on the generated hours and proposed billing rate. The system determines the contribution margin percentage, for example, based by calculating CM as (Fee Quote-Cost)/(Fee Quote). In an embodiment, the system 10 flags the quote if a particular threshold is not met by the contribution margin percentage.
In an embodiment, the system 10 at this point is configured to determine whether each member can handle the workload being quoted. For example, the system 10 is configured to determine whether the total hours for the new quote would push any member over a predetermined threshold for a particular time period when combined with that member's existing hours that have been committed to an overlapping time period in other quotes. In an embodiment, the system 10 flags the member (another user U) and sends a notification to user terminal 14 of each user U who has surpassed the threshold. In an embodiment, each user U can use his or her user terminal 14 to accept or reject the new quote via his or her respective user terminal 14. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically removes the user U as a member of the new team upon rejection by the user U. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically creates a placeholder or adds another member with similar credentials in place of the user U who has rejected the team membership.
In an embodiment, upon determining that a workload threshold has been surpassed, the system 10 informs the user U creating the new quote of the workload conflict. In an embodiment, the system 10 further informs the user U how adjustments can be made so that there is no workload conflict. In an embodiment, the system 10 proposes a new member to replace a conflicted member, with the new member having for example the same title and/or practice group as the conflicted member. In an embodiment, the system 10 proposes a new matter start date MS, matter end date ME and/or estimated duration ED which would allow the conflicted member to complete the desired workload without surpassing the threshold. For example, the conflicted member may already be committed to a previous workload for the initial dates entered by the user U, but may be available if the dates are shifted and/or the duration is extended. In this way, the system 10 ensures that all quotes can be effectively completed by the team members within the particular time period being promised by the quote.
At step 106 of the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 , the user U selects the D&I icon 82. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 , the third GUI 25C includes the D&I icon 82. Thus, in an embodiment of step 106 of the method 100, the user U selects the D&I icon 82 on the third GUI 25C. Location of the D&I icon 82 on the same third GUI 25C used to create the client billing quote advantageously enables the user U to view the DEI grades while preparing the quote, so that the user U can readjust the team if certain thresholds are not met. In this way, the user U does not have to navigate to different screens to finish the client billing quote, thus conserving processing power and minimizing data storage. Thus, the display of the at least one grade can be triggered based on selection of an icon on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a fifth GUI 25E displayed on a user terminal 14 (e.g., a first user terminal 14 a) for a user U (e.g., a first user U₁) in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 is triggered to generate the fifth GUI 25E when the D&I icon 82 is selected in the third GUI 25C. As illustrated, pressing the D&I icon 82 triggers a rating panel 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the rating panel provides DEI ratings for both the firm as a whole and for the team that was created at step 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the firm and team are each rated in multiple categories: cultural diversity (“Cultural”), gender diversity (“Gender”), LGBT+ inclusivity (“LGBT+”), disability inclusivity (“Disability”), and initiative and accommodation (“Initiative”). In other embodiments, more or less categories can be used. In an embodiment, a user U can adjust the number of categories that are included on the rating panel 84. In the illustrated rating panel, each of the firm and team include a hide/show button, which allows the corresponding ratings to be hidden or shown in the client billing quote generated as discussed herein. In this way, the user U can choose whether the ratings are displayed on or hidden from the final client quote which is generated according to the method 100 as discussed herein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the ratings shown in the rating panel 84 are determined from member data for each of the illustrated categories. More specifically, each of the illustrated categories includes a plurality of key performance indicators (KPIs) that determine the rating. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the illustrated categories includes four KPIs. An example embodiment of the KPIs for each illustrated category is as follows. The following example is illustrated from the perspective of a law firm (e.g., with the professionals being licensed attorneys), but the same principles can be applied to other businesses such as consulting firms, accounting firms, etc. (e.g., with the professionals being the consultants, licensed accountants, etc.). Further, the KPIs can vary depending on current specifications and revised versions of member data based on the categories used in the current example embodiment. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the number of KPIs and subcategories can vary with different embodiments.
Gender Diversity KPIs:


(1) Equity Partner Gender Diversity:
percentage of female equity partners
(2) Partner Gender Diversity: percentage of female
partners (including both equity and non-equity partners)
(3) Professional Gender Diversity: percentage of
female professionals (including partners)
(4) Employment Gender Diversity: percentage of
female employees (including professionals)

Cultural Diversity KPIs


(1) Equity Partner Cultural Diversity: percentage of
minority equity partners
(2) Partner Cultural Diversity: percentage of minority
partners (including both equity and non-equity partners)
(3) Professional Cultural Diversity: percentage of
minority lawyers (including professionals)
(4) Employment Cultural Diversity: percentage of
minority employees (including professionals)

LGBT+ Inclusivity KPIs


(1) LGBT+ Equity Partners: percentage of
LGBT+ equity partners
(2) LGBT+ Partners: percentage of LGBT+ partners
(including both equity and non-equity partners)
(3) LGBT+ Professionals: percentage of LGBT+
professionals (including partners)
(4) LGBT+ Employees: percentage of LGBT+
employees (including professionals)

Disability Inclusivity KPIs:


(1) Equity Partner with Disabilities: percentage of
equity partners with disabilities
(2) Partners with Disabilities: percentage of partners with
disabilities (including both equity and non-equity partners)
(3) Professionals with Disabilities: percentage of
professionals (including partners) with disabilities
(4) Employees with Disabilities: percentage of
employees (including professionals) with disabilities

Initiative and Accommodation KPIs:


(1) Flexible Working: percentage of employees eligible
for flexible working initiatives
(2) Diversity Initiative Involvement: percentage of
employees actively involved in a Diversity initiative
(3) Inclusivity or Equity Initiative Involvement:
percentage of employees actively involved
in an Inclusivity or Equity initiative
(4) Mental Health & Wellness: percentage of employees
who have engaged in a mental health/wellness initiative

In the illustrated embodiment, each KPI is benchmarked against industry averages and/or best practice standards to reach an overall percentage amount that will correspond to a grade from A++ to C or “D&I Work Needed”. The system 10 uses this information to calculate at least one score for the team and/or firm based on member data related to one or more category including at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation. More specifically, the system 10 uses this information to calculate at least one score for the team and/or firm based on member data related to a plurality of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and/or (v) initiative and accommodation. The following is an example showing the calculation of scores for an example company (here, an example law firm).
Example Gender Diversity Scores:


GENDER	Company % (X)	Benchmark % (Y)	Score (Z)

Equity Partner	14%	50.8%	27.56
Gender Diversity
Partner Gender
	27%	50.8%	53.15
Diversity
Professional	43%	50.8%	84.65
Gender Diversity
Employee	58%	50.8%	100.00
Gender Diversity

TOTAL (T)	265.35

Example Cultural Diversity Scores:


CULTURAL	Company % (X)	Benchmark % (Y)	Score (Z)

Equity Partner	3%	39.7%	7.56
Cultural Diversity
Partner Cultural	6%	39.7%	15.11
Diversity
Professional	17%	39.7%	42.82
Cultural Diversity
Employee Cultural	26%	39.7%	65.49
Diversity

TOTAL (T)	130.98

Example LGBT+ Inclusivity Scores:


LGBT+	Company % (X)	Benchmark % (Y)	Score (Z)

LGBT+ Equity	2%	5.6%	35.71
Partner Inclusivity
LGBT+ Partner	4%	5.6%	71.43
Inclusivity
LGBT+ Professional	8%	5.6%	100.00
Inclusivity
LGBT+ Employee
	10%	5.6%	100.00
Inclusivity

TOTAL (T)	307.14

Example Disability Inclusivity Scores:


DISABILITY	Company % (X)	Benchmark % (Y)	Score (Z)

Equity Partners	5%	26.0%	19.23
with Disabilities
Partners with	10%	26.0%	38.46
Disabilities
Professional with	10%	26.0%	38.46
Disabilities
Employees with	11%	26.0%	42.31
Disabilities

TOTAL (T)	138.46

Example initiative and accommodation scores:


INITIATIVES	Company % (X)	Benchmark % (Y)	Score (Z)

Flexible	80%	100.0%	80.00
Working
Diversity	50%	100.0%	50.00
Initiative
Inclusivity	50%	100.0%	50.00
Initiative
Mental Health
	80%	100.0%	80.00
and Wellness

TOTAL (T)	260.00

In the above embodiment, the scores (Z) for each of the four KPI's are calculated according to the following equation:
Z=X/Y (Equation 1)
wherein X is the company % for that respective KPI and Y is the benchmark % for that respective KPI The company % includes or is determined from the member data for the selected team and/or the company as a whole, depending on whether the score is for the team or the firm as shown in FIG. 10 . The member data can include one or more designation or response for each user U with respect to each category. Thus calculating the at least one score can include comparing the member data to at least one benchmark. More specifically, the calculating the at least one score can include dividing the member data by at least one benchmark. The company % used for a team can be determined from the member data for selected members of that team. The company % used for a firm can be determined from the member data for all available members of the firm who are eligible to be placed on the team. Scoring in this way improves accuracy and reliability because it accounts for all current employees of the firm who are available for work in the database. This way, recent departures and hires are accounted for and the DEI data is always up to date at the time that the client billing quote is generated.
The total score (T) is then calculated by adding the scores from each KPI, for example, according to the following equation:
T=Z1+Z2+Z3+Z4
wherein Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are the scores for a respective KPI (e.g., for cultural diversity, Z=7.56, Z2=15.11, Z3=42.82, Z4=65.49). That is Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are subscores for the total score for that category.
In an embodiment, the calculation of the scores is performed at the central server 12 using member data stored by the central memory 22. More specifically, the calculation of the scores is performed by the central processor 20 by executing instructions stored on the central memory 22. By performing this calculation at the central server 12 instead of the user terminal 14, the user U cannot manipulate the calculation, thus ensuring that the scores/grades listed on the billing quote are accurate. At the same time, the user U retains the flexibility to reconfigure the team with the user terminal 14 and initiate new calculations at the central server 12.
In the illustrated embodiment, the scores for each grade are as follows: A++: Total score of 350+; A+: 300-349; A: 250-299; B: 150-249; C: 50-149; D&I Worked Needed: <50 points. Thus, the above examples of scores achieve the following grades:


	Categories	Company Grades

	Gender Diversity	A
	Cultural Diversity	C
	LGBT+ Inclusivity	A+
	Disability Inclusivity	C
	Initiative and Accommodation	A

As illustrated, the 265.35 score earned for gender diversity achieves an A grade, the 130.98 score earned for cultural diversity achieves a C grade, the 307.14 score earned for LGBT+ inclusivity achieves an A+ grade, the 138.46 score earned for disability inclusivity achieves a C grade, and the 260.00 score earned for initiative and accommodation achieves an A grade. The overall tier for the company is then determined based on the grades from each category. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the overall ratings in the rating panel are determined as follows:


	Tier	Required Grades

	TRAILBLAZER	A++ in 2 or more categories
	(TIER 0)	A+ in 3 or more categories
		A or above in all categories
	TIER 1	A++ in 1 category
		A+ in 2 categories
		A or more in at least 3 categories
	TIER 2	A+ in 1 category
		A or above in at least 2 categories
		B or above in all categories
	TIER 3	A in 1 category
		B or above in at least 2 categories
	TIER 4	B in 1 category
		C or above in all categories
	TIER 5	D&I Work Needed on at least 1 category
		and no more than C on all others

Using the above examples, the following example shows the company's tier.


	Categories	Company Grades

	Gender Diversity	A
	Cultural Diversity	C
	LGBT+ Inclusivity	A+
	Disability Inclusivity	C
	Initiative and Accommodation	A
	Tier:	TIER 1

In this example, the company received a Tier 1 grade due to having an A or more in at least three categories. The tier is also a grade. The tiers and grades can also be other forms, for example, besides letter grades or number tiers. In an embodiment, the grade can also be the score total. In an embodiment, the grade can also be one or more subscore.
At step 108 of the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 , it is determined whether the ratings shown in the rating panel 84 for the created team are adequate. In an embodiment, the ratings are adequate when they meet a threshold. The threshold can be determined by the user U on a case by cases basis or can be stored by the system 10, for example, at the central memory 22. In an embodiment, the threshold can be adjusted based on input data received from the second party P₂, for example, so that the needs of the second party P₂are met.
In an embodiment, the user U can manually determine whether the ratings shown in the rating panel 84 are adequate or inadequate. In this case, the user U can click out of the fifth GUI 25E of FIG. 10 and return to the third GUI 25C of FIG. 9 . If the user U has determined that the ratings shown in the rating panel 84 are inadequate, the user U can repeat step 104 by adding or removing additional members of the team. The user can then review the updated rating panel 84 by again selecting the D&I icon 82 is in the third GUI 25C. Thus, the location of the D&I icon 82 on the same third GUI 25C used to add/remove members advantageously enables the user U to quickly and easily readjust the team without navigating across excess screens to finish the client billing quote. After readjusting the team, the user U can again select the D&I icon 82 to view the updated rating panel 84.
In an embodiment, the system 10 includes threshold grades or tiers which must be met to proceed with the client billing quote. In this embodiment, the system 10 can highlight in the ratings panel which of the grades or tiers does not meet a threshold. In an embodiment, the user U can click out of the fifth GUI 25E of FIG. 10 and return to the third GUI 25C of FIG. 9 , where the user U can repeat step 104 by adding or removing additional members of the team so as to address the highlighted grades or tiers. In another embodiment, the system 10 can suggest changes to the team which would allow the threshold to be met. For example, the system 10 can suggest replacement of team members with other team members which have similar positions or specialties (e.g., replace a partner on the team with another partner in the same practice group). In an embodiment, the system 10 prevents the user U from moving to step 108 of the method unless the threshold grades or tiers are met.
In another embodiment, the ratings panel 84 is located directly on the third GUI 25C so that the user U does not have to select the D&I icon 82 to review the ratings panel 84. FIG. 11 illustrated an example embodiment of the ratings panel 84 being located directly on the third GUI 25C. By structuring the third GUI 25C this way, the third GUI 25C enables the user U to quickly and easily readjust the team to meet necessary thresholds without navigating across excess screens to finish the client billing quote. In an embodiment, the ratings panel 84 updates in real time as members of the team are adjusted. Thus, the display of the at least one grade can be on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.
At step 110 of the method 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 , the system 10 downloads the quote including one or more of the ratings from the ratings panel 84. In an embodiment, the quote is downloaded by selecting a Download icon on the ratings panel 84 or on the third GUI 25C.
At step 112, the system 10 shares the billing quote including the grades from the ratings panel 84. In an embodiment, the system 10 creates a single document of the billing quote including the grades from the ratings panel 84, which can then be sent to the second party P₂. In an embodiment, the system 10 transmits the billing quote including the grades directly to the second party P₂. In an embodiment, the system 10 sends the final billing quote including the grades from the ratings panel 84 to one or more member of the first party P₁for approval before transmission to the second party P₂. In an embodiment, the approval is required before the system 10 creates a single document of the billing quote including the grades from the ratings panel 84, which can then be sent to the second party P₂.
In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically sends a notification to the user terminal 14 of each user U who is being added as a member of the new team upon completion of a new quote. In an embodiment, each user U can accept or reject the new quote via his or her respective user terminal 14, thus ensuring that teams are created with members who are willing and able to handle an additional workload. In an embodiment, the system 10 further saves the time expectation from the new quote into the digital calendar of the user terminal 14 of the respective user U. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically compares the time expectations of each new quote with the previously existing time expectations for each member. In an embodiment, the system 10 also automatically compares the time expectations of each new quote with the current utilization of each existing member and/or with members that have not been chosen for the quote. In an embodiment, the system 10 automatically adjusts new quotes based on these comparisons.
The member data used to determine the scores at step 106 can be obtained from the users U who are available members that can be added to a team. In an embodiment, each user U enters his or her data into a respective user terminal 14, for example, by answering questions of a survey. In an embodiment, the user U may decline to answer the survey. In another embodiment, the input data 106 can be obtained from the time entry system 18 and/or the third party data source 19. In an embodiment, the benchmarks can also be obtained from a third party data source 19, thus ensuring that the benchmarks used by the system 10 are up to date and thus that the points are accurately calculated.
The present disclosure illustrates various GUIs 25 which are generated at one or more user terminal 14 in accordance with the methods described herein. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the disclosed GUIs 25 improve the user experience, conserve user time, and prevent errors in generated quotes, while the system 10 as a whole achieves improved processing efficiency and memory storage via the data enhancement methods used to generate these GUIs 25 and the corresponding quotes.
The systems and methods described herein are advantageous for processing and generating client billing quotes which account for DEI because they improve the user experience, optimize processing, and conserve memory space. The systems and methods described herein are also advantageous, for example, because the DEI of not only a company as a whole, but also of the team being quoted to a client, can be verified for the company receiving the billing quote. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the method described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without diminishing the intended advantages.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a connecting device.
The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of generating a client billing quote which accounts for diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations, the method comprising:

generating a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create a team from a plurality of available members;

calculating at least one score based on member data related to one or more category including at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation;

displaying on the first user terminal at least one grade based on the at least one score; and

generating the client billing quote including the at least one score or the at least one grade.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising

calculating the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising

calculating the at least one score based on member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein

calculating the at least one score includes comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein

calculating the at least one score includes adding a plurality of subscores for each category.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising

displaying the at least one grade on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising

triggering display of the at least one grade based on selection of an icon on the graphical user interface used to create the team from the plurality of available members.

8. A system programmed to perform the method of claim 1.

9. A method of generating a client billing quote which accounts for diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations, the method comprising:

storing member data for a plurality of available members eligible to be placed on a team, the member data relating to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation;

generating a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create the team from the plurality of available members;

calculating at least one score based on the member data; and

generating the client billing quote including the at least one score or at least one grade based thereon.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising

11. The method of claim 9, comprising

calculating the at least one score based member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein

13. The method of claim 9, wherein

14. A system programmed to perform the method of claim 9.

15. A system for generating a client billing quote which accounts for diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations, the system comprising:

at least one memory configured to store member data for a plurality of available members eligible to be placed on a team, the member data relating to at least one of (i) cultural diversity, (ii) gender diversity, (iii) LGBT+ inclusivity, (iv) disability inclusivity, and (v) initiative and accommodation; and

at least one processor programmed to: generate a graphical user interface on a first user terminal that enables a user to create the team from the plurality of available members; and generate the client billing quote including at least one score or grade determined from the member data.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based on member data for members of the team.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score based member data for the plurality of available members eligible to be placed on the team.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by comparing the member data to at least one benchmark.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score by dividing the member data by at least one benchmark.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein

the at least one processor is programmed to calculate the at least one score for a category by adding a plurality of subscores for each category.