Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/20—Administration of product repair or maintenance
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
  • G06Q10/025—Coordination of plural reservations, e.g. plural trip segments, transportation combined with accommodation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
  • G06Q40/08—Insurance
• • G06Q50/40—

Definitions

• the invention disclosed and claimed in the first filed parent cross referenced above relates generally to the field of an Internet enabled business-to-business intelligent communication link allowing a first business organization to have intelligent interaction with a second fully integrated business organization to facilitate the placing of orders or reservations for business services or goods, with the services or goods provider having a computer network linking multiple levels of its organization to provide for the smooth conduct of business between the two organizations. More particularly, this field relates to an Internet enabled automatic rental
• the user now has access to not just one integrated business but multiple businesses, some of which may but need not be, integrated businesses thereby extending the invention for use in a generic application to satisfy a user's needs for a good or service not just from one vendor but all vendors connected to the invention.
• the inventions disclosed in this application add to the functionality of the systems first disclosed in the two parent applications by providing features and advantages which increases its flexibility and adaptability to other business models as might be found in different countries for handling rental vehicle transactions.
• Computer technology has been embraced by many businesses in order to handle their ever increasing order flow as well as to mitigate the increasing blizzard of paper required to be produced to document this business.
• a significant benefit which often drives the implementation of technology is its further advantage in increasing productivity to thereby allow fewer people to handle greater volumes of business.
• One such good example demonstrating the efficiencies and value to be gained by implementing technology is the business model developed and followed by the assignee of the present invention.
• a rental car company at its heart the assignee transacts an ever increasing number of time sensitive, relatively low dollar volume, vehicle rentals which in many instances require authorizations to be made in advance, reservations of vehicles from available geographic and vehicle type selections, monitoring of the rental as it progresses including possibly extending the rental under certain circumstances, communications between the various parties involved in the transaction to ensure ultimate customer satisfaction, and financial accounting for the transaction including generating invoices and processing them for payment. While a significant portion of the vehicle rental business involves rental for leisure, business travel, etc., another significant business relationship has developed with insurance companies and the like in what has been termed as the replacement car rental service business.
• a vehicle insurance company may have many thousands of policyholders who are eligible to be involved in accidents, and other dislocations of use, requiring that a vehicle be rented for that customer's use while his own vehicle be made ready again for use.
• a multi-tiered business organization such as a vehicle insurance company represents a significant customer for repetitive vehicle rental services.
• this insurance company has as its business partner a vehicle rental company which is itself multi-tiered, such as the assignee of the present invention. This is because the needs, both geographically and in volume, are significant which require the dedication of a significant amount of resources.
• This integrated business computer network and software generally includes a mainframe server at the heart of a wide area network (WAN) which facilitates the transfer of vehicle rental information and orders company-wide.
• WAN wide area network
• This system generally comprised a second mainframe computer linked to the first mainframe of the integrated business network, with dedicated access lines being provided from this second mainframe to various levels of the multilevel business organization comprising the insurance company.
• this additional mainframe and dedicated pipeline access various individuals at the insurance company were permitted to directly interact with the integrated business computer network of the vehicle rental company as well as other selected service providers such as body shops where wrecked vehicles were being repaired.
• the implementation of this system provided a great step forward over the people intensive business activity previously required in order to handle the large number of transactions encountered in this business relationship.
• the replacement car market engendered large numbers of telephone calls being placed between the insurance company, the rental company, and the body shop where vehicle repair was being performed in order to authorize the rental, select and secure the desired replacement vehicle to be provided, monitor the progress of the repair work so that scheduling of the rental vehicle could be controlled, extending the vehicle rental in the event of delays in repair, authorizing various activities involved in the rental process including upgrades of vehicles or other charges for services, and subsequent billing of the rental service and processing the billing to the insurance company for payment. While the implementation of this system was successful and represented a tremendous step forward in automating the business relationship between the insurance company and the vehicle rental company, it did have certain limitations.
• the inventors herein have previously succeeded in designing and developing a means for substantially enhancing the business to business communication link between these two businesses which provide significant advantages over its prior embodiment. More particularly, the inventors have succeeded in replacing the dedicated pipeline access of the existing system with a web portal allowing Internet access to the mainframe with a browser based graphical user interface (GUI) presentation. This also made the system more readily accessible to smaller business partners as the expense of the "pipeline" was eliminated.
• GUI graphical user interface
• a claims adjuster, body shop, or any other business employee authorized to have access to the system may gain access at any site offering Internet access.
• present day technology that includes many mobile devices and appliances which are Internet enabled. As technology advances, it is conceivable that this access will extend to permit "24/7" access by any authorized person at any geographic location. This is a marked improvement providing immediate benefit and advantage over the dedicated pipeline access of the prior art system.
• a stateful connection refers to a "persistent" conversation, meaning that the client side and server side software components establish a connection to one anther once and multiple data transfers may occur without severing that connection.
• Common examples of a stateful connection include on-line chat, on-line gaming, and for virtually all on-line conferencing. This is distinguishable from the normal operation of web pages which typically establish a connection, transfer the object on the page, and then sever that connection. These types of connections are generally referred to as “stateless” connections.
• a second major advantage of the first parent's invention is its graphical user interface.
• the inventors have taken full advantage of this browser based GUI to streamline and organize the presentation of information to a user to actually guide him as he interacts in doing his business.
• One such example is customized design of the menus such that the user is guided and directed to answer only those questions required to be answered in order to conduct the particular transaction being addressed, and further to present choices to the user for his selection to minimize the need for the user to rely on his own memory or to be familiar with complicated and specialized codes to enter data or request transaction activity.
• This familiarity paves the way for easier training and quicker orientation of a new user to the present invention.
• the first parent's invention provides an immediate increase in worker productivity, and makes that improved efficiency available to many more workers who are not particularly skilled otherwise- in computer usage.
• Still another advantage provided by the first parent's invention is through the implementation of additional functionalities which are engendered by the browser/GUI interface.
• additional features that add value through providing management information as well as by speeding transaction activity over the system may be implemented. For example, several of these features include the ability of a user to create an on demand report for transaction activity including summaries of transactions handled by a particular user or group of users which might either be open or closed.
• Another example of additional functionality which improves the efficiency of a user is the ability to create a repair facility call back list which allows a user to sort existing open vehicle rental reservations by repair facility (body shop) and date such that a user is presented with the list of open reservations at a particular repair facility which can be readily handled in a single telephone call while at the same time having the system on line to implement any needed changes such as extensions of reservations, etc. Additional functionality has also been provided to speed the processing of invoicing which of course also speeds their payment and cash receipts. For example, it was found that even despite the built-in error checking and ⁇ correction facilities provided to the users of the system, a repetitive pattern of mistakes involving incorrect claim numbers was discovered.
• invoice return which returns an invoice to a particular adjuster upon detection of an incorrect claim number for his human intervention and correction of the claim number.
• the first parent's invention also has as a significant advantage the ability to be further customized to meet the individual business partners' needs and desires as well as to provide additional functionality by offering additional features which become desirable upon accumulation of user data based on user experience. Furthermore, once implemented, they are immediately available system wide. While this allows for consistent usage, it is limited in the sense that all of the system users are forced to use the same menus, data definitions, etc. This is not seen as a limitation for the one-to-one business application intended to be primarily addressed by the first parent's invention.
• Still another advantage of the first parent's invention is that the graphical user interface incorporates point and click interaction, using buttons and tabs to present or conceal data for the user' s attention or inattention as the case may be, and provide a much more robust interaction capability through the creation of menu designs that allow for access to the most commonly needed features from any point in the menu architecture.
• This is to be contrasted with the prior system which consisted of a main frame character based interface while the first parent's invention with its GUI interface allows a user to point and click to navigate and to make selections by pull down selection, thereby reducing errors.
• the first parent's invention generally increases the interest of the user in using the system.
• the second parent's invention extends the first parent's invention and expands its capabilities and functionalities.
• a user may not only have access to its business partner, but also one or more competitors of its business partner through the same Internet portal. In this way, at least two needs are satisfied.
• the user can have access to a variety of providers to choose from where business needs or desires require. This allows the user to use a single portal and not have to sign on to a number of different portals, even should they be available. Furthermore, the user isn't troubled to learn how to access and use different portals even should they be available.
• providers are operating an Internet portal for offering their services, so by allowing business competitors to be accessible through the same portal, independent development of other portals is forestalled.
• the portal services might be offered for no additional cost to a competitor, eventually a fee might be charged which would at least partially offset the cost for owning and operating the portal.
• the design of the portal is elegant and offers great flexibility for customizing not only the menus for presentation to the user, but also in the design of the data base entries needed or desired by the user and/or the competitive provider. For example, some users might not know or care about the features of a vehicle rented and so those data entries may not be provided space on the menu for the user to fill in.
• the data base as handled by the networked computer system then need not keep track of that data for that customer. This feature is readily accommodated by the data base programming and is conveniently implemented.
• the web portal has the capability to accommodate the varying data requirements also of the various competitive providers, but also the level of their sophistication as evidenced in their respective computer systems and interface facilities.
• the web portal may be configured to communicate the user's order to the competitive provider via email, phone, or even through a connection directly to an integrated computer system having the same or substantially the same inter-operability as the integrated computer system of the assignee hereof.
• This capability extends to accommodating and matching the competing data requirements of the user and the competitive providers, and having the flexibility to design and implement menus that readily meet these competing needs .
• the second parent's invention allows for changes to be implemented by simple re-programming of the web portal which minimizes the effort and enhances the "user friendly" aspect to the present invention.
• one such improvement is the ability to "virtually" assign work groups within the user so that, for example, multiple adjusters might be made into a team with a shared work load so that all of the team members have access to the same pool of work, such as the placing of reservations for the same group of drivers.
• work groups may be readily re-assigned to match changing work loads without worrying about re-configuring hardware or internal network connections. This can be a very valuable feature to accommodate staffing issues over geographical distances that can be nationwide, with access through the web portal to reservation facilities which are themselves nationwide.
• Still another feature is the ability to customize an individual user's authorization limits.
• one of the mixed blessings of providing enhanced functionality to the individual users of any integrated computer system is that it places great power in the hands of the user which at the same time creates the potential for abuse.
• one feature is the ability to limit the financial commitments that a user may make during any pre-selected time period.
• the user's profile may limit his ability to make only a certain dollar limit of vehicle reservations over any certain number of work days.
• added safe guards may be conveniently provided, monitored by reporting capabilities, and changed as circumstances warrant, all with simple programming changes at the web portal.
• Examples include the ability to send confirmatory communications to the user that the reservation has been received and entered into the provider's system for fulfillment, custom report design including the capability to save and re-generate the custom report upon user command, increased flexibility to process and pay invoices, etc.
• Still other advantages and features have been developed and are newly disclosed and claimed more particularly herein. These advantages and features relate to usage of the present invention both domestically and abroad where there are idiosyncrasies in the business model that need to be accommodated. Still other features provide entirely new functionality.
• One such new feature involves adapting the present invention as a tool to market replacement vehicles for sale or lease to a customer who has had an accident significant enough that repair of his vehicle is not economically feasible. This is commonly referred to
• totaling a vehicle.
• the insurance industry totals about 3 million cars per year, of which approximately 17% are newer models (defined as within three years of current model year) . Once totaled, the owner needs to buy another car. Since car rental companies desire to sell more cars, any opportunity to tap into the total loss market will be bountiful.
• the present invention provides a window into the establishment of a total loss for a renter ' s/insured 1 s/claimant' s automobile. Any car that is deemed to be a total loss would be indicated as such in the present invention for reporting purposes. At this point the stored information could be used to help provide economic benefit to all parties, insurance company, rental car company, and automobile owner.
• the adjuster will try to ascertain the actual cash value (ACV) to be settled with the owner.
• the adjuster can use a third party tool, such as CCC's Pathways® product, to determine what ACV is.
• Today an adjuster must input this information manually into a separate application.
• the present invention contains much of the necessary information needed to determine ACV: name, car make, model series, year.
• the present invention need merely send the necessary information electronically to a total loss product and request an electronic response. Once the necessary information is generated, the present invention would in turn take the ACV and cross reference the car rental database of inventory.. Necessary information might include but not be limited to: ACV, year, make, model series, comparable cars, etc.
• the car rental inventory can be filtered by geography and "holding requirements". As a reseller of vehicles, the car rental inventory is generally contractually required to be within the fleet as a rental for a predetermined amount of time prior to being available for sale to third parties . Once a car is past the holding requirement it is generally within the discretion of the car rental company to sell. Thus, instead of X% of cars available to the car rental company for retail sale, a virtual inventory of cars is available for retail sale to the owner of the car.
• the present invention delivers a list of available vehicles for sale. At this point the adjuster and owner review the available cars, decide the cars considered to be attractive, and the owner then decides which one he wishes to purchase.
• the user selects one or more potential vehicles and sends the request to the appropriate car rental location.
• the car rental location can then contact the owner of the vehicle to buy one of the selected vehicles.
• the list of vehicles and ACV information can be sent to the owner for further review and discussion.
• the adjuster is notified of the conclusion and the transaction is consummated either through the present invention or off-line. Still other features are disclosed and claimed herein which extend the functionality of the present invention.
• One such feature is providing for automatic extensions of existing rental authorization, so that some limited extension authority is granted to permit some flexibility to a particular user without burdening him with the need to obtain approval for the extension.
• Another feature could be referred to offline usage, and provides the functional advantage of permitting processing of reservation data in a computer not connected into the network, and then uploading/downloading between the offline computer as it is connected into the network, such as by dialing into the network over the internet, or through a portal.
• the type of data which could be processed includes virtually any related to the processing of vehicle rental transactions and other related data such as car repair scheduling, etc.
• This functionality provides an extension of the usability to the invention to mobile users who travel beyond the reach of the internet, which even further enhances its applicability to those places not covered by wireless coverage.
• Still another feature includes further integration of the internal data bases kept by permitting a user to automatically update not just one but several data bases with a single command once that new data is entered into a single menu. For example, in what can be referred to as "power templates", a user may enter a multiple number of rental reservations on a single menu and then click a single "approved” icon which would then enter all of them into the system. This represents an improvement over a previous implementation requiring a user to separately “approve” each reservation, and then suffer the system processing time for each reservation. This "batch" processing can result in significant improvement in throughput, and reduction of user interface time for processing multiple transactions.
• Still another feature provides the added functionality of processing customer satisfaction feedback through the system.
• This feature provides the capability for a user to enter customer feedback information, both positive and negative but perhaps more importantly negative, so that immediate awareness of any problem can be obtained and corrective action taken to mitigate or eliminate the difficulty.
• This feature also allows a user to indicate a suggested supervisory level of interaction, or the system may allow for automatic escalation of involvement for succeeding levels of supervisory attention as the dissatisfaction continues or even escalates.
• This feature can be significant to a service provider as the ultimate success of a service provider is directly dependent on the perception of satisfaction by the end customer. And, it is well known that the sooner a problem is identified and solved, the more likely a customer will have a satisfactory experience. Furthermore, from a strict economic viewpoint, the sooner some problem is addressed and solved, generally the less expensive the solution. A small accommodation can change a frown to a smile, if promptly offered.
• Still other features are now disclosed that have applicability perhaps in the domestic business model, but certainly offer needed functionality in other business models found in other countries.
• One of these includes multiple party involvement/management of a rental transaction. While the flexibility of allowing multiple adjusters within a group to "work on" a rental transaction has been previously described, this particular feature is different in that not only may these multiple adjusters not be within the same group, they might not be employed by the same employer, might not be adjusters themselves, and might have different authority for action on the transaction as is commonly found in different countries. For example, in some countries one adjuster authorizes and manages the rental reservation for the car while another adjuster authorizes and manages the insurance coverage for the rental. Still another feature allows third party or "independent party" management of the rental.
• a third party other than an insurance company such as a "credit hire” or “assist companies” or “repair facility” or “lawyer” or “fleet management company”.
• Each of these third parties, or any other third party may be permitted access to the system and a user profile created for them that defines their authority to process rental transactions through an administrative profile set up in advance through agreement with the authorizing agent, such as an insurance company.
• various individualized features may also provide data indigenous to a particular country, such as electronic access to the Schwackliste book for an adjuster to conveniently view a "class” for a car to determine what replacement vehicle is legally authorized for rental.
• Still another example of a feature needed to accommodate international capability is a need for a tiered rate system, and an hourly rental charge instead of a daily charge which predominates the domestic market.
• Processing of electronic signatures to satisfy local custom or legal requirement is yet another example of a feature for which the present invention is uniquely suited to provide.
• Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the computer systems comprising the first parent's invention
• Figure 2 is a flow chart of the software programs which communicate over the computer systems of fig. 1 to implement the first parent's invention.
• Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the computer systems comprising the second parent's invention.
• FIG. 1 The overall system architecture for the first parent's invention 20 is best shown in Fig. 1.
• an insurance company computer system 22 which itself may be virtually any computer configuration or even a stand alone PC accesses the Internet 24 through any convenient access point 26 such as even including an ISP (Internet service provider) , as known in the art.
• ISP Internet service provider
• This web portal 28 may be appropriately configured as desired to suit any particular business relationship or arrangement, although preferably the inventors herein and assignee of this invention have determined that a 24/7 or full time connection to the Internet 24 is preferable, except for scheduled downtimes for maintenance, etc.
• the service provider 30 which for purposes of explaining the first parent's preferred embodiment is preferably a vehicle rental organization, has itself an Internet portal mainframe 32 connected by a bi-directional communication link 34 to a second computer network 36 which may itself preferably have a mainframe server 38.
• This second computer system 36 is preferably a network having a database 40 for communication with what may be thousands of branch offices each of which has its own computer interface 44 which communicates to this second mainframe server 38 to conduct the integrated business functions of a service provider organization.
• a reservation may be communicated to a centralized location for further processing, such as a call center, and then relayed on to an appropriate branch office.
• mainframe refers solely to a computer which can provide large scale processing of large numbers of transactions in a timely enough manner to suit the particular business application.
• an IBM AS/400 mainframe computer is used as each of computers 32, 38.
• mainframe is not used in a limiting sense but merely to indicate that it is descriptive of a computer suited to handle the processing needs for a large scale business application.
• communication link 46 extending between the server 42 and each of the branch offices 44 may have alternative configurations. For example, in some applications access over the Internet may itself be adequate, recognizing the vagaries of Internet service availability, reliability, and processing speed.
• this communication link 46 could well be a dedicated pipeline providing broadband service connection full time with back up connections to ensure continuous communication between a particular branch office or groups of branch offices and the service providers business operations computer system 36. Some branch offices might even be served through satellite links. Indeed, it is even possible that a mixture of these wide variations of service level be present within a single organization's structure depending upon communication link cost and availability balanced against service needs. It should merely be noted for present purposes that this communication link 46 serves as the electronic umbilical cord through which branch offices 44 communicate with the business computer system 36 of the invention. Attached hereto as exhibits are functional descriptions of the software programs resident on the computers comprising the two computer systems 32, 38 which implement the first parent's invention.
• Exhibit A is a functional description of the software to implement the integrated business functions resident on the AS/400 or mainframe computer 38.
• Attached hereto as Exhibits B and C are related flow diagrams and explanatory text, respectively, for the software resident on the mainframe AS/400 computer 32.
• Attached hereto as Exhibit D is a functional description of the software resident on computer 32 but which also appears on the server 28 which creates the web portal for access to the mainframe 32 and its resident program.
• Server 28 may use a bi-directional GUI to character based interface translator program, well known to those skilled in the art, to present the displays and information obtained and transmitted between the user and the computer 32.
• Exhibit D could also be run on server 28, as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. It is believed that these functional descriptions and accompanying text as exemplified in these exhibits are adequate to enable an ordinary programmer to implement corresponding software programs for executing the preferred embodiment of the first parent's invention using ordinary programming skills and without inventive effort.
• Fig. 2 As a further example of the flow of data and the functional advantages provided by the first parent's invention, reference is made to Fig. 2. As shown therein, a right hand column is identified as "ECARS" which represents the integrated business software implemented as part of the mainframe operation 38 in computer network 36. The center column headed "ARMS" is resident on mainframe computer 32 and coordinates the communication of data.
• ECARS the integrated business software implemented as part of the mainframe operation 38 in computer network 36.
• the center column headed "ARMS” is resident on mainframe computer 32 and coordinates the communication of data.
• the left column headed "ARMS/WEB” represents the software resident on computer but which is presented on server 28 and accessible by users through the Internet.
• Fig. 2 are designated three separate sections of operational activity. These are “reservation” followed by “open” and concluded by “close”.
• the functional descriptions are arranged in chronological order proceeding from the top of Fig. 2 to the bottom.
• some functional features are permitted throughout the entirety of one of the three periods designated at the left side of Fig. 2.
• One such example is the "message” function which allows messages to be sent between users at one business organization 22 and branch offices 44 and others connected to the other business organization 30. Proceeding with a description of the transaction, the first set of communications allow for the reservation of the services.
• requests for authorization or a rescind authorization request to be sent from the service provider to the service purchaser.
• authorizations and authorization cancels can be sent from the services purchaser to the services provider. Confirmations are communicated upon confirmation of an authorized reservation request.
• Authorization changes may be made and communicated from the services purchaser to the service provider.
• Corresponding rental transaction changes may be communicated from the services provider to the services purchaser. As indicated, through the entirety of this process messages may be sent between users and others connected or having access to the integrated business software, as desired.
• the consummation of this portion of the transaction is a reservation that has been placed, authorized, confirmed, and provision is made for changes as necessary.
• a reservation is opened and services intended to be provided are started.
• a start and end date are established in the reservation process.
• transactional changes may be made, such as for changing the type of vehicle provided, extensions may be requested and entered from either business partner, messages may be transmitted between the business partners, and the transaction may be terminated such as by voiding the contract by one business partner or terminating the authority by the other business partner.
• the term "reservation" has been used herein to refer not only to the act of placing the order but also to filling the order for services including providing the rental vehicle to the ultimate user and even invoicing for those services .
• the last phase of the process involves closing the transaction.
• the contract is indicated as being closed and invoiced, the services purchaser can approve invoices, reject invoices, and also remit invoices.
• Such invoice remittance may also include the actual transfer of funds through an electronic funds transfer medium, or otherwise as previously arranged between the business partners.
• the first parent's invention creates almost an illusion that the services purchaser, and the great number of users at various levels of the multi-tier purchaser users, are actually part of the services provider organization in that immediate online access is provided to significant data which enable the user to make reservations for services, monitor those services as they are being provided, communicate with those providing the services, obtain information relating to the status of services as they are being provided, and close transactions, all by interacting with the services provider business organization over that user's PC and without human interaction required by the business providers personnel.
• the first parent's invention has taken the preexisting solution of providing electronic communication between the business partners to another level by "web enabling" this system for improved connectivity, improved usability, reduced training, enhanced mobility, and other advantages as described herein.
• a schematic diagram of the second parent's invention is shown in Fig. 3 and includes three levels of architecture.
• a user 52 such as an insurance company or other user has access through the Internet 54 to the computer system comprising and incorporating the invention.
• An Internet provider provides a link 56 through which Internet connections may be made to communicate with the further described system.
• this Internet connection may be considered as an Internet site or portal in that a user enters a URL and arrives at this connection.
• a firewall 58 as is known in the art is used for security purposes and to prevent hackers and the like from unauthorized access to the system.
• a first -set of servers 60 are interconnected in a network 62 and may preferably include an ancillary server 64 for running load balancing software or the like to balance the load and provide redundancy amongst what may be a plurality of web servers 60.
• These web servers 60 may preferably be Sun Microsystem servers running Apache web server software, or other such suitable software as would be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
• This first web server network of servers 60, 62 process the random and disorderly communications flowing to and from this system and the Internet before passing them through a firewall 66 as a further precautionary measure.
• This first layer of architecture identified as the Internet space/DMZ layer provides a secure interface and creates order out of the chaos of communications flowing between the system and others, as will be described.
• this embodiment eliminates the implementation difficulties encountered with the first parent's embodiment on the client. These implementation difficulties include installing extra software on the client side computers, and eliminates the need for special configuration of the internet access method, such as proxy servers or routers. For example, many proxy server are configured to disallow stateful connections for security reasons, i.e. to prevent unauthorized programs from establishing such connections. Another example is that routers are customarily configured with most ports closed and thereby unable to support stateful connections.
• the next layer of architecture 68 is noted in the figure as the "Enterprise private network" and is comprised of a plurality of servers 70 network connected with a network connection 72.
• Sun Microsystem's server/work station hardware is preferably used to provide the platform for running the application software for processing the various rental vehicle transactions, as will now be explained.
• Attached hereto as Exhibit E are a series of functional design specifications for the ARMS/WEB application software resident on servers 70 and which provide the detailed description of the operational features of the software and system. With these functional design specifications for the individual modules, it would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that programmers of ordinary skill would be able to write software to execute these functional specifications without using inventive effort.
• the ARMS/WEB application software permits a user to sign on and, when recognized, provides the series of menus presenting choices for the user to indicate the parameters for his reservation.
• a plethora of information is provided and accessible to the user through the various menus provided from which the user selects and enters data to process the reservation.
• An important feature of the ARMS/WEB application software is that it provides the user the opportunity to select to place his vehicle rental reservation not only with the integrated business computer system represented by the third level of architecture 74, described below, but also to route the reservation information back through the first architectural level 50 and into the Internet 54 for transmission to a competitive service provider 76.
• the network of servers 70 configured in accordance with the ARMS/WEB application software may utilize virtually any electronic means for transmitting the reservation information to a competitive services provider 76.
• competitive services provider 76 include email, automated telephone, facsimile, and other forms of electronic communication.
• the competitive services provider 76 may itself comprise an integrated business such that the level of interconnectivity provided to the user 52 may parallel that disclosed and described in connection with the integrated services provider system of the invention as well as the first parent's invention.
• This integrated business capability is represented as the third level 74 of the architectural topography shown in Fig. 3 which parallels portions of that shown in Fig. 1 in that a pair of network mainframe computers, such as AS/400 's 78, 80 may process reservations to and from various branch offices 82 which are geographically diverse.
• the Internet portal provided by the ARMS/WEB network configured servers 70 provide an Internet portal for communication with not only the integrated computer enabled business system of the resident services provider, but also a portal for placing reservations to other competitive services providers 76.
• the user 52 enjoys the capability of accessing multiple service providers for competitive services through a single Internet connection using a single set of protocols, menus, etc. for the conduct of this business activity.
• the software configured network of servers 70 is readily configured in Web Logic to adapt to changing user requirements, data requirements, unique competitive service provider requirements, and other upgrades or modifications in a convenient manner by simply modifying the software resident therein.
• the invention is sufficiently flexible to accommodate changes which are intended to adapt it for use with other business models, and especially those encountered in other countries. Furthermore, some of these changes add features that are equally applicable domestically.
• One such example is an "automated extensions" feature.
• an extension would then need to be requested through the system, with authorization requested and provided.
• the system may provide for some form of automatic extension authority. Preferably, this could be provided in any one of three modalities, or some combination thereof.
• a first modality would be for the service provider to have automatic extension authority, upon- communication to the customer, within certain pre-deter ined limits. For example, an initial authorization may be for 12 days of a vehicle rental. A request for an extension of 5 days may be made by the service provider and of that 5 days 3 days may be authorized automatically as being within 25% of the original rental term and a request for the additional 2 days requiring approval may be automatically generated. Still another variation would be for the insurance company to set a limit within the system of the total number of authorized days, which could be based on some other parameter such as labor hours or body shop hours or down time for the repairs to take place.
• Another feature is an offline usage feature which allows a user, such as an adjuster, to work with a laptop having loaded thereon a software program that emulates the connected network software for local processing of data, such as claims data.
• an adjuster would preferably first connect to the system and download or "synch" his laptop data base with the claims data resident in the system. The adjuster would then disconnect and use his local program to work offline. Such work could include the generation of new reservations, authorization of direct billings, extension of rentals, approval of invoices, and setting of termination dates for ongoing rentals, among other tasks. The user would then reconnect to the system, such as over an internet connection, sign in, and "synch" his laptop to the system which then transmits or executes his commands/communications to the central processor.
• the central processor checks the users "synch” data against its data file, advises the user of any “synch” data that is older than the current data, and requests the user to specify which data should be processed. After the processor is instructed by the user, it will then act on the "synch” data.
• a first "screen shot” is provided that illustrates a sign in log for a user who wants to initiate a "synch”
• a second "screen shot” is provided to illustrate a listing of activity that could have been created offline and which is available to be input to the system upon “synching”.
• a preferences feature is provided to allow a user to establish defaults for automatic syncing of the data.
• a history feature will allow the user to display all of the syncing activity from his connection or portal including error messages and conflicts noted.
• Yet another feature allows for a user to enter, or execute, a full menu of transactions without individually opening them from a summary menu. This has been referred to as a "power template" feature. Instead, a hyperlink is provided to allow a user to jump into another menu of details for an individual item should it need to be changed and not entered as suggested, requested or listed on a user's action list.
• Still another feature allows for the collection of user satisfaction feedback, and alerts to be entered for the attention to complaints, by the user right at his terminal.
• This capability allows for a text message to be entered as well as the name and contact information of the party making the feedback.
• customer satisfaction is important and the faster a complaint can be registered and communicated to the proper person for correction, and then corrected, the more likely that a customer will view his experience favorably.
• a pop up menu item capability a user may from any one of a number of menus immediately enter the description of the problem and send it to the proper person electronically with a minimal amount of effort and a high degree of reliability. A convenient record may then be made of these "feedback" issues and entered into the system database.
• This information stored electronically it may be conveniently searched and analyzed for any recurring patterns, thereby identifying any particular person, branch, facility, or type of problem that should be addressed for action beyond the solution of the immediate problem.
• a "screen shot” is provided to illustrate how the "pop up” menu may appear, although it could be varied to allow for entry of other or additional information such as "trouble codes” allowing for the type of problem to be user classified, etc.
• a flow diagram is also provided to illustrate the flow for complaints, a methodology for processing them including escalating their importance and level of attention as the matter remains unresolved over time.
• Still another feature that adds to the flexibility of the invention is a multiple adjuster feature, that can be extended to include an independent party control feature.
• an independent party control feature In some countries, and in some business models either domestically or abroad, it may be preferable to have more than one adjuster be empowered to interact with or authorize certain facets of a vehicle rental transaction. In those situations, the invention can provide the flexibility and control needed to separately empower and control the interaction of multiple adjusters.
• an "Administration" schedule is set up by an authorizing agent, such as someone at the supervisory level of either the insurance company or the service provider, which grants authority for performing certain work activities as well as possibly limiting the amount of monetary authority allowed that adjuster.
• a "screen shot” is attached which exemplifies such authorization, with work activities including creating/authorizing reservations, maintain/extend rentals, pay invoices, user maintenance, receive unassigned action items, and reporting.
• This capability could be used to separately authorize different adjusters acting on behalf of the insurance company and the individual. In other words, the individual may need the car for 5 days but the individual's insurance coverage may only apply for 3 days while the insurance may pay for five days rental. This capability may also be further extended to independent third parties.
• this capability further adapts the invention for use with agencies such as "credit hire”, “lawyer”, “fleet management companies”, or “repair facility”, or “assist companies”, all of which are found in other than domestic markets. Included herewith is an attachment which further explains the different types of independent parties routinely found at present, and examples of "screen shots" which provide the additional functionality of customizing authorizations for each of these independent parties for interacting with a rental transaction.
• Yet another feature provided by the invention is a facility for marketing cars for sale/lease to customers.
• a customer will occasionally be forced to replace his vehicle at the same time that he is renting a vehicle for temporary use.
• the value of the replacement vehicle, or the approved value that an insurance company will allow under coverage many times determines the available vehicles from which a customer will be allowed to select without personal expense.
• the invention is uniquely designed to provide a listing of available cars, and information about the cars, all from the existing rental car data base as is kept in routinely running the rental car company's main business of renting cars. It is a simple matter to provide a menu which allows a user to specify search through the car inventory with parameters such as zip code, vehicle category, make and model.
• a search inquiry will then produce a listing of available vehicles matching the parameters, along with additional information about the vehicle including mileage, selling price, and color as well as other accessories.
• a customer could then be advised of the search results and allowed to select a vehicle.
• the invention may, if agreed to by the insurance company, and possibly conditioned on the physical inspection of the car by the customer, then authorize the transfer of the vehicle to the customer as an outright settlement of his claim.
• a process preferably comprises the steps of an adjuster identifying the loss as a total loss which is preferably entered at the same time that a replacement vehicle rental is reserved, sending the vehicle data to a third party valuation tool for processing, determining the valuation of the vehicle by a suitable measure such as actual cash value (ACV) , sending the ACV to the system, using the search function to identify possible replacement vehicles available for the customer, finalizing the replacement process with the customer including executing transfer of title documentation if desired, and posting the results of the vehicle replacement in the system for access by the insurance adjuster so that he can confirm that the customer's claim has been satisfied.
• a flow chart describing this process is attached for further explanation.
• This User Guide offers step-by-step instructions that clearly guide you through each function of ARMS Web. It also shows you how to maximize the benefits ofthe system. Enterprise encourages you to keep the User Guide handy for future reference.
• ARMS Web forms a web-based computer link between your company and Enterprise Rent-A- Car. You can create reservations to set up rentals for your insured or claimants directly through the Enterprise computer system. You also have the ability to change existing reservations and rentals, view rates, extend authorizations, receive authorization requests and extension requests, send messages back and forth with Enterprise, and much more.
• a finger is what the cursor turns into when it is positioned over a button. Click to select that button.
• a button is an area on the screen that allows you to access, view, and/or change information. Sign On
• This Adjuster Selection pop-up window appears when no adjuster has been assigned to the selected claim.
• the window shown below displays an example of vehicle classes and the associated rates.
• the rates displayed in this window are determined by the telephone number keyed in the Phone Where Rental Is Needed field on the Create Reservation screen.
• ARMS Web uses this telephone number to locate the Enterprise office closest to where the renter needs the car.
• the vehicle classes and rates that display are valid only at that particular Enterprise office.
• This window also displays the Enterprise office location and phone number that you may wish to give to the renter.
• OPEN RENTAL The customer has picked up a car and has opened a rental ticket/contract.
• UNASSIGNED RESERVATION A direct bill request from Enterprise has yet to be assigned to an adjuster.
• the invoice is marked "PAID" in the ARMS Web system only. Your account will be credited upon receipt of payment.
• the Last Authorized Day field allows you to select rentals authorized up to and including the date provided.
• Adjustor Lookup - Display a list of adjusters (Appendix, page 5).
• This Change Reservation/Rental screen displays when a match is found for an unconfirmed reservation/ticket.
• the status displays in the upper left-hand comer o he screen.
• the information on each ofthe tabs depends upon the status ofthe reservation/rental.
• This Change Reservation/Rental screen displays when you click Next on the previous Change Reservation/Rental screen (page 6).
• TheNumber of Days and the Vehicle Rate fields are required to r ⁇ rrfi m the authorization/reservation. If you do Hotkey the number of days authorized, the reservation/ticket remains unconfirmed.
• This Change Reservation/Rental screen appears when a match is found for an open rental.
• the status displays in the upper left-hand corner ofthe screen.
• buttons please refer to page 8.
• the Cancel Reservation pop-up window appears when you click Cancel on the Change Reservation Rental screen (page 5) if the status is 'Vncorifirmed Reservation” or "Reservation.”
• Enterprise requests for only that adjuster display on the Select Reservations/ Rentals screen (page 2). Records appear in alphabetical order according to the renter name.
• the claim type is Insured or Theft, the Number of Days field and the Policy Coverage fields must be filled in (required). If the claim type is Claimant, the Number of Days field, the Vehicle Rate field, and the Direct Bill Percent field must all be filled in (required).
• Terminate Rental pop-up window appears when you click Terminate on a Change Reservation/ Rental screen (page 6) if the status is Open Rental.
• the status still displays as "Open Rental”; however, a message displays in the Message field stating that the rental has been terminated and by whom. If necessary, you can extend arental past atermination (seepage 6).
• This Assign Reservation/Rental screen appears when you click and highlight a name and click OK on the previous Assign Reservations/Rentals screen (page 2).
• the Adjuster field is blank because this unconfirmed reservation has not yet been assigned to an adjuster.
• the ECARS Workbook and Training System - AARTO 1 - have been designed to teach the basic skills for working with ECARS - Enterprise Computer Assisted Rental System. Dont be alarmed if what you read in this workbook and what you see on the screen is slightly different. ECARS is constantly being improved and enhanced to work more efficiently for you.
• the Rental Help Desk may be contacted at 1-800-416-8000. Specially trained ECARS personnel are available to answer questions and help with any problems you may encounter.
• Network Services may be contacted at 1-800-416-8000.
• a team ofNetwork Operators, who are RALPH experts, are available to correct any hardware problems experienced by the computer system.
• Names must be keyed in the correct format to help RALPH alphabetize names and distinguish between an individual or company name. Use these examples for keying names.
• numeric keypad located on the right side ofthe keyboard, to key mileage, rates, etc.
• the numeric keypad is designed in the same manner as a calculator; therefore, you may find it easier to work with.
• Reset I When data is keyed incorrectly, that field will be highlighted and an error message will inform you ofthe problem. Press Reset and re-key the data.
• the ECARS Training Menu consists ofthe most used options in ECARS. Each of these options will have a corresponding exercise in this workbook.
• Option 1 Open a Ticket: This option is used to open the majority of rental tickets in the office.
• Option 2 Correct a Ticket: This option allows you to correct and/or add information such as an additional driver, claim number, etc.
• Option 3 Switching Units/ This option is used to switch units and/or change rates. Changing Rates:
• Option 5 Closing a Ticket: This option is used to close all rental tickets.
• Option 12 Callbacks This option is used to authorize or extend rental tickets by the type of callback. (For example Body Shop, Service Department, Insurance Company Adjustor, or Customer.)
• Option IS - Cash Management This option allows you to balance the cash summary and make deposits.
• Exercise 1 will guide you through Option 11 - Reservations - to create, view, update, transfer, or cancel Branch Rental Reservations This option is very helpful in providing the branch(s) with better customer service, pickups, and deliveries
• any information keyed may be changed by keying directly over that which is displayed. Information may also be added or deleted if necessary.
• the Reservation Screen is very similar to that of Option 1 - Opening a Ticket
• Each one performs a function that may be used while creating or viewing a Branch Reservation
• F2 Cust List Displays a list of customer names and numbers that are to be used for sourcing. See example window below
• Page 1 -7 F14 Credit Chk NOTE: This function key is .available
• Page 1 -9 F21 ED Rntr Allows you to to locate previous renter information without exiting the reservation. See example screen below.
• Page 1 - 11 ENTER to accept your Reservation.
• Reminder! Scroll forward/backward to view all Customer Reservations.
• Option # Field Key Option Number 01.
• Branch Your branch number will be displayed in the field. C ⁇ ' to move the cursor to the next field.
• Res# Th ⁇ field ui remainblankforthis exercise. ANationalReservationNumber orBranchReservationNumberiskeyed in this field if one is known. l ENTER l toaccepttheinformationkeyedandadvancetothenextscreen.
• Page2- 1 The information that you had keyed into the reservation should have forwarded to the Open Rental Ticket. For those fields thatyou left blank, please fill them in appropriately
• F2 Oetails again to view a detailed branch list.
• Page2-5 Screen 2 is broken down into three sections
• Company Bill To This section requires a YES or NO answer. If yes, the Customer Number to be billed, the ID # and other company information are required
• Claim/Pol/PO# This section requires the Claim, Policy or Purchase Order Number along with information regarding the Damaged/Stolen Vehicle, Insurance Rate andShop Information.
• Page2 -7 Screen 3 is broken down into four sections.
• Callback Type A "Callback" is a service offered to all customers. The rental branch personnel places calls to Body Shops and Service Departments to check the status ofthe customer's vehicle Calls are then made to adjustors for extensions and to customers to pass along information (the car is ready, last day the insurance company will pay is XXX, etc.). This section requires the Callback Type to be marked with an "X” . The Callback Type will help RALPH distinguish the callback list to which this ticket should be assigned.
• Calendar/24 Hour/ Specials You can decide here whether billing will be on a Calendar day or 24- hour basis. You can also go to the "Specials" screen by placing an X next to Special.
• Taxes and Additional Chai es This section will display tax information, fuel charges, and additional charges that have been customized by Group/Branch. You can choose what charges apply by simply placing an X in front ofthe charge. You can also note if a drop charge applies: ,' '
• Page2-9 Screen 4 is broken down into six sections
• Car Type Requested/Rate Quoted This information will be pulled forward from the Branch or National Reservation. If a Car Type was not requested, or a rate was not quoted, NONE will be displayed in this field .
• Date Out/Current and Customer Ext Today's Date and Time will be supplied by Ralph. CurrentExt Dateappears if you placed an "X" inB/S, Adj or Service Callback. Customer Ext date appears ifyou placed an"X" inCustomerCallback.
• Option Field Key Option Number 01.
• Option 1 Daily Special.
• Option 2 Package Special (one price charged for a specific number of days and miles).
• the Start and Stop Dates are very important, especially if the renter has the vehicle for any length of time before or after the Special Rates apply.
• F3 Main Menu. Return to the ECARS Main Menu.
• F5 Rates/Rules. Allows access the Rates/Rules Screen.
• Exercise 5 will show you how to look up an open Daily Rental Ticket by Name or Ticket # This option is very helpful for identifying Gpbr, Unit Number and License Number information
• the Open Ticket Cross Reference displays the customer's Name, Gpbr, DR ticket number, Unit # and License #.
• Option 2 Correct a Ticket, allows you to correct add/delete information on an open Daily Rental Ticket This option is most commonly used to add claim information, shop information, additional drivers, etc This option is NOT used to switch units or change rates.
• Screen 2 includes the sections: •Current Rate Effective Date •Claim/PoUcy/PO# •Additional Charges •Employee Number
• This exercise will show you how to switch units and/or change rates on an open Daily Rental Contract Use the ticket # from Exercise 3 - Open a Ticket, 24 Hour.
• the screen is divided into 2 major sections.
• Switching Units The portion ofthe screen above the current date and lime is used to switch units.
• Calendar Day, 24 hour and Special may be changed by keying X, if necessary.
• a Special Rate may be addeddeleted, e.g.. daily rate or package rate. Do not update that information for this exercise
• Damage Waiver and PAI may be added/deleted/changed.
• Page 7 - 3 Cmd6 Rate Displays current rental Rate History on top portion of screen, followed by previous rate history information Date and Time charges started, Rate/per Day, Mileage (unlimited or charged). Damage Waiver orP Al purchased
• Exercise 8 will guide you through Option 12 - Callbacks - to view or update Open Rental Tickets and Reservations for your Branch or for another Branch on your machine Also, the callback history will remain with the ticket after it has been closed. This is helpful if you have an adjustor or customer who has a question about a closed rental ticket.
• the Body Shop Screen lists all body shops alphabetically, including phone numbers and the number of calls to be made to that shop.
• Reminder! Use your roll-up and roll-down keys to scroll backward or forward through Shop listings.
• New Information Displays all callback information to date. This is the most important and utilized part ofthe Callback System.
• RALPH automatically displays a record of all previous callback messages, date and time call was made, and employee number ofthe person who made the call. This record remains in the callback history ofthe closed ticket, for future reference. Use roll-up and roll-down keys to scroll backward and forward through the previous records, as needed.
• the Adjustor Screen lists all insurance companies alphabetically, including customer numbers, phone numbers and number of calls to be made to that office
• Reminder! Use your roll-up and roll-down keys to scroll backward or forward through the Insurance Company listings.
• the Customer option can also provide a list of customers who are paying by cash/check ONLY To view this list from the customer calls, on the Callback Menu Screen, key X in both the "Customer" field and "Cash/Check Only” field ENTER .
• Section 1 Customer Detail Screen
• An extension flag (*) indicates ticket has an extension date that is more than 2 days old. Hence make all extension flags a priority!
• Callback Status Adjustor - Displays adjustor callback status - LM (Left Message), DO (Make Call), OK (Call Made).
• the "All" Callback option provides a list of all Open Tickets, in alphabetical order, that need extensions
• An extension flag (*) indicates ticket has an extension date that is more than 2 days old. Hence make all extension flags a priority'
• Callback Type - Key X to select Callback Detail Record to display: B/S (Body Shop), ADJ (Adjustor), SVC (Service), and CST (Customer).
• a "#" by a Callback Type indicates a message has been left at that Callback Source (Body Shop, Adjustor, etc.). Press ⁇ ENTER
• the Callback-Incomplete Reservations Screen alphabetically lists all reservations marked as incomplete when the reservation was originally opened. Reservations are selected from this list to make contact with the customer and complete the reservation, as needed.
• Rental Type - Displays rental category - 1 (Insurance), B (Body Shop), D (Dealership), R (Regular), C (Corporate), O (Other).
• Each one performs a function that may be used while creating or viewing Callbacks.
• F2 Cust List Displays a list of customer names and numbers that are to be used for billing purposes.
• F4 ID List Displays a list of ID numbers for individual adjustors, agents, etc. for each customer number.
• F7 AAI Allows access to the Inquiry Programs.
• F8 Update Tkt Allows you to update Open Rental Ticket information such as claim numbers, shop name, etc., as needed.
• F9 Callback Notes Allows you to key additional information.
• F 10 Receipt Depos ' Allows you to update payments on Open Rental contracts.
• F12 Previous Retum to previous screen.
• Fl 3 Insurance Allows you to key renter insurance information.
• F14 Credit Check " ' >ws you to key credit check information.
• Fl 5 Reservation Allows you to continue to the next reservation.
• Closing Ticket # This section dispky. ⁇ eDR Ticket Number,Renter Name and theDate and Time the charges end. The current date and time are provided by the computer, but can bechanged by keying over date shown.
• Billing Dates (If different): This section allows you to key billing dates if they are different from the actual dates ofthe contract.
• Screen 2 breaks down all charges and displays the grand total. Use this screen to write down all charges on the rental ticket when the customer returns the vehicle.
• the total charges for this rental ticket are shown. There is also an amount that is to be billed to a third party - Your Name. An amount due may or may not be shown
• the name and address ofthe renter will be displayed along with the amount ofthe refund.
• the Cash Management Option - Option 15 on the ECARS Training Menu - provides important information regarding Credit Card and Check approval procedures It also includes a cash summary option that will allow you to balance the summary created while you opened and closed rental tickets in the previous exercises.
• This screen displays all cash and check transactions. Cash transactions are noted with a cash symbol ($) to the right ofthe dollar amount.

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