WO2002019212A2

WO2002019212A2 - Method and apparatus for network-enabled real property project management

Info

Publication number: WO2002019212A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/026739
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Bjaam Environmental, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-08-29
Filing date: 2001-08-28
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: AU2001288440A1

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK-ENABLED REAL PROPERTY PROJECT MANAGEMENT

I. Backsround Of The Invention

A. Field Of Invention

This invention relates to the field of project management, and more particularly to network-enabled real property project management.

B. Description Of The Related Art GIS, or geographic information system, extends the functionality of a traditional database by combining spatial features with informational records. For example, a user might view a town map and be able to retrieve information such as street names, building construction dates, etc. The purpose of GIS is to use geographical representation for retrieval of underlying information. Current real property project management involves the collection of a wide array of site data and communication between numerous project participants. One of the current problems is that multiple systems must be used to obtain all the data and perform required communications.

Real property projects have historically suffered from poor project management (i.e. lack of effective and timely communication between involved parties, including regulators, inspectors, company managers and their prime contractors and nested subcontractors) which ultimately results in higher project costs and delays. Updated status reports, paper trails, phone calls, and job site meetings are the best available tools currently used to manage real property projects, and are often inadequate to keep all project participants properly informed. For example, during the construction of a site, it is typical to use plumbers, electricians, and other subcontractors. Under the current system of project management it is possible that the project administrator will have ordered alterations to the plans on several occasions; however, these changes may not have been relayed to the subcontractors, and therefore each subcontractor may be operating from a different set of plans.

However, with the present invention, real property project management is facilitated by having project data available to be viewed in its geographical context by any project participant via a computer network. A security system allows controlled access to various levels of project information. Project information stored on a GIS platform allows the viewer to click on any physical object located on the map and retrieve all data related to that object. The project administrator can let each of the subcontractors know that the most up to date version of the plans will always be at a particular location on the network.

Project management software is commonly used in the industry. However, there are no examples of network-enabled real property management software being used to bring together project participants from separate organizations. II. Summary Of The Invention In accordance with the present invention, a method for real property project management includes the steps of utilizing a computer network, providing real property project management information, the information being accessed from one source, and allowing access to the information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes providing data storage means, providing a geographic information system, providing data entry means for entering the information into the network, utilizing a global computer network, and providing controlled access to the information.

In accordance with another aspect of the current invention, the method includes utilizing a wide-area computer network. In accordance with still another aspect of the current invention, the method includes accessing the network, creating a new site, or editing the information, and updating the information.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a system for real property project management includes a computer network, real property project management information, and means for accessing the information.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the system includes means for allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a geographic information system, means for accessing the network, and means for providing controlled access to the information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a message board, a calendar, the message board and the calendar having multiple access levels, editing means for editing the information, updating means for updating the information, printing means for printing the information, and archiving means for archiving the information.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for network-enabled real property project management includes the steps of utilizing a global computer network, providing real property project management information, the information being accessed from one source, the information being collected from at least one of the following group comprising construction site, real estate management site, environmental compliance site, environmental investigation and remediation site, and natural resource management site, allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information, providing data storage means, providing a geographic information system, providing data entry means for entering the information, providing means for controlled access to the information, accessing the network, editing the information, and updating the information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a network- enabled real property project management system includes a global computer network, real property project management information, the information being collected from at least one of the following group comprising construction site, real estate management site, environmental compliance site, environmental investigation and remediation site, and natural resource management site, means for allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information, a geographic information system, means for accessing the network, means for providing controlled access to the network, a message board, a calendar, the message board and the calendar having multiple access levels, editing means for editing the information, updating means for updating the information, printing means for printing the information, and archiving means for archiving the information.

One advantage of the present invention is that numerous projects can be tied together via the computer network.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the information regarding the projects is easily manageable. Still another advantage of the present invention is that any project participant can access the data, given the appropriate permission.

Another advantage of the present invention is that all of the data and other information can be stored in one virtual location, which allows quick and easy retrieval and manipulation. Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. III. Definitions

Information - This term is also intended to have as broad a definition as possible. The information may include any data collected, or data related to the data collected, from a particular site. It may also include project plans, both graphical and verbal.

One Source - This term is intended to encompass as broad a definition as possible under the inventive system. For example, a server farm would still be considered "one source'' under this definition. As long as the collective pieces are related or connected, they will be considered "one source" for this patent application.

Organization - an administrative and functional structure (as a business or a governmental entity); also the personnel of such a structure. For example, the contractor and site owner would be separate organizations in this patent application. For purposes of this application an individual can be considered an organization (i.e. a sole practitioner attorney, etc.)

Project participant - any person or entity that is working on, with, or in relation to the project. This may include the site owner, employees, contractors, subcontractors, regulators, attorneys, site managers, etc.

Real Property Project Management - Relating to tasks involved with coordinating and implementing work to be done on a site which relates to the physical condition of the property. Such work may include, but is not limited to, construction, environmental testing and engineering, and consulting services for such projects.

IV. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, one embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and herein: FIGURE 1 is an example of a login screen for the inventive system;

FIGURE 2 is an example of an account selection screen for the inventive system;

FIGURE 3 is an example of a site index screen for the inventive system;

FIGURE 4 is an example of a screen for entering data regarding a new site; FIGURE 5 is an example of a screen for editing the content of an existing site;

FIGURE 6 is an example of a site information screen;

FIGURE 7 is an example of a message board;

FIGURE 8 is an example of an account use management screen; FIGURE 9 is an example of a sample point-editing screen; FIGURE 10 is an example of a screen for selecting well information; and,

FIGURE 11 is an example of a screen for editing the well information. V. Description Of The Preferred Embodiment

The following description is merely one embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention in any manner. The software allows quick access to all geographic and project specific information. Geographic information, accessible through GIS components, may include such things as site maps, engineering drawings, topographic maps, sample points, etc. Project management information is managed through interactive message boards and scheduling calendars, which record communications relative to the project and show construction, inspection, compliance and reporting deadlines relative to the project. Other project data includes analytical results, prepared reports, expense and revenue spreadsheets, etc., and is stored using database tools and electronic filing cabinets.

The process starts with an account, which can have any number of physical sites. The physical sites may include, but are not limited to, property/real estate, construction sites, environmental compliance sites (i.e. sites that require environmental permits or licenses to comply with regulations), environmental investigation and remediation sites, natural resource management sites (i.e. oil wells, water wells, mines, forestry, etc.) This list is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the invention in any manner.

The operation, management, and construction of the particular sites are well known in the art and, for the sake of brevity, will not be further described herein. Also, the collection of data, and the operation of GIS software is well known in the art and will not be further described herein. The data is collected and entered into the inventive system in any known manner, as long as chosen using sound engineering j udgment. Example 1

In the present embodiment the network component is the Internet (i.e. global computer network). The first user interface of the present invention is a log-on screen that requires a user name as well as a password. Once the user enters the correct information they are taken to the Account Selection page, wherein the list of possible accounts for that user are listed. The user selects the desired account from the list and clicks the "Select" button. The user is then taken to the Site Index, which lists all the possible sites that are owned or operated by a particular account. A site is chosen from the list and the invention brings up the data for that particular site. Some of the possible tools available, once a site has been selected, include, but are not limited to, an atlas, topographical maps, engineering drawings, risk assessment calculator, administration, message boards, file cabinets, calendars, site data entry, etc.

If the user chooses to create a new site, the correct choice is made and then a blank form appears. The user fills in the relevant data for the creation of that site and the system creates a new entry for that site. If the user desires to edit or view an existing site, they simply choose that particular site from the list and the relevant data appears. Relevant data that has been collected or entered for that particular site is stored on the system. The information can be collected in any known manner. Some data is collected annually, some monthly, while some is collected continually. All of this data is collected and entered into the system and collected to allow effective project management.

The system allows the user to click on whatever type of information that is desired. For example, an oil company that wants to view a boring log for a gas station can open up their account, bring up a map of the U.S., zoom into the site they wish to view and all the relevant information will be available. The user may then click on the boring location on a^' site map and retrieve the related boring log.

In another section of the system, a message board allows all authorized users to post messages or questions regarding the site. The operation of the message board is well known in the art, and will not be further described herein. Along with the message board is an accessible calendar that the users can utilize to mark upcoming deadlines. The account administrator can grant differing levels of access to users of the system.

The previous Example 1 is intended only to illustrate one embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any manner. The actual operation of the computer software is well within the knowledge of one ordinarily skilled in the art of software programming.

The present invention is accessible via a computer network. This access to the computer network allows users all over the world to simultaneously and instantaneously access the relevant site information. For example, the entire project management can take place from a laptop computer in a hotel room. On the inventive system, the user can access all of the relevant information regarding any site, including deadlines and upcoming tests, meetings, constructions, etc., monitor any questions or comments, view maps of the site and the surrounding area, print out and organize the information, all via a computer network. All of the relevant site information, in the above-listed Example, is linked to a web-centric platform so that the user and/or his subcontractors can perform project management accessing the inventive system using a web browser. Posting of information, as well as access to posted information, can be restricted to authorized personnel determined and controlled by the administrator. The site information will be structured in an individual site database to provide multiple security levels for certain types of data. The information can be transferred from the inventive system to the user's system, so that the user can view the information off-line. Again, the storage of electronic information is well known in the art and will not be further described. The present invention has been described using both GIS software and a global computer network. However, these are merely particular embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. As stated above, any network can be used as long as chosen using sound engineeringjudgment. Also, any tool that allows the user to view and/or manipulate the information in a textual or pictorial format may be used, as long as chosen using sound engineeringjudgment. The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alternations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for real property project management, the method characterized by the steps of: utilizing a computer network; providing real property project management information, the information being accessed from one source; and, allowing access to the information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein allowing access to the information is further characterized by: allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method is further characterized by the steps of: providing data storage means; providing a geographic information system; and, providing data entry means for entering the information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein utilizing a computer network is further characterized by the step of: utilizing a wide-area computer network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein utilizing a computer network is further characterized by step of: utilizing a global computer network.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the method is further characterized by the step of: providing controlled access to the information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method is further characterized by the steps of: accessing the network; and, creating a new site.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the method is further characterized by the steps of: accessing the network; and, editing the information.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the method is further characterized by the step of: updating the information.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is further characterized by the step of: providing controlled access to the information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is further characterized by the steps of: accessing the network; and, creating a new site.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is further characterized by the steps of: accessing the network; and, editing the information.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is further characterized by the step of: updating the information.

14. A real property project management system, the system characterized by: a computer network; real property project management information; and, means for accessing the information.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein means for accessing the information is further characterized by: means for allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the system is further characterized by: a geographic information system; means for accessing the network; and, means for providing controlled access to the information.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the computer network is a wide-area computer network.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the computer network is a global computer network.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the information is from a construction site.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the information is from a real estate management site.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the information is from an environmental compliance site.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein the information is from an environmental investigation and remediation site.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the information is from a natural resource management site.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the information is from a construction site.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the information is from a real estate management site.

26. The system of claim 17, wherein the information is from an environmental compliance site.

27. The system of claim 17, wherein the information is from an environmental investigation and remediation site.

28. The system of claim 17, wherein the information is from a natural resource management site.

29. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is further characterized by: a message board; and, a calendar, the message board and the calendar having multiple access levels.

30. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is further characterized by: editing means for editing the information; updating means for updating the information; printing means for printing the information; and, archiving means for archiving the information.

31. A method for network-enabled real property project management, the method characterized by the steps of: utilizing a global computer network; providing real property project management information, the information being accessed from one source, the information being collected from at least one of the following group comprising construction site, real estate management site, environmental compliance site, environmental investigation and remediation site, and natural resource management site; allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information; providing data storage means; providing a geographic information system; providing data entry means for entering the information; providing controlled access to the information; accessing the network; editing the information; and, updating the information.

32. A network-enabled real property project management system, the system characterized by: a global computer network; means for allowing project participants from separate organizations access to the information; a geographic information system; means for accessing the network; means for providing controlled access to the network; a message board; a calendar, the message board and the calendar having multiple access levels; editing means for editing the information; updating means for updating the information; printing means for printing the information; and, archiving means for archiving the information.

L:\0900-0999\993\0013\working documents\010828.dat.pct appln.1.doc