WO2005015450A1

WO2005015450A1 - Quotation system and apparatus thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2005015450A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000800
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Malcolm Keys; Ramin Majidi; David Whiffin
Original assignee: Kenneth Malcolm Keys; Ramin Majidi; David Whiffin
Priority date: 2003-08-08
Filing date: 2004-06-18
Publication date: 2005-02-17
Also published as: AU2003904184A0

Abstract

A quotation system comprising recording means for recording details of the client for whom the quotation is being generated; selection means for selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of items and the quantity of each selected item; equipment means for detailing equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items; and costing means for calculating an amount of the quotation based on the selected items and the necessary equipment and ancillary items identified by the equipment means. The quotation system is particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use in the removals industry.

Description

"Quotation System and Apparatus Therefor"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a quotation system and apparatus therefor. The quotation system is particularly relevant to the removal industry.

Background Art

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Quotation of any removal work requires an understanding of a variety of variables. In undertaking to provide a quotation, the removalist will commonly note the items to be removed and their destination, amongst other factors. The removalist will then return to their office and calculate a quotation based on their notes. This quotation will then be sent to the client who requested the quote.

Generally, such a quotation is determined by the number of cubic metres of the items to be transported and the destination of such items and these details are recorded on the quotation. Further, if the quotation is subsequently accepted by the client, the removal is commonly undertaken in the absence of the person who generated the quote. The removalists may also not be provided with details from that person as to the scope of the removal, as accounted for in the quotation.

The problems with this arrangement, however, are many - namely:

• There is a significant amount of time needed to generate a quotation;

• The delay in providing a quotation to the client denies the person generating the quotation the opportunity to get the client's approval to undertake the removal at a time when the client is focused on the removal;

• The inclusion of the number of cubic metres of items to be transported allows competitors to rapidly produce a competing quotation; • The lack of communication between the person who provided the client with the quotation and the actual removalists can result in clients taking advantage of the removalists naϊvete by requesting additional items to be transported that were not within the scope of the quotation; and

• The potential for the person who provided the client with the quotation; through absent-mindedness or lack of knowledge, to forget to detail to the removalists the type and quantity of equipment and packing material needed to complete the removal. Alternatively, there is the potential for the person who provided the client with the quotation to incorrectly detail the type and quantity of equipment needed to complete the removal. In either case, time is unnecessarily wasted by the removalists as they source the additional equipment and packing material to complete the removal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a quotation system that seeks to reduce the effects of one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of the Invention

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a quotation system comprising: recording means for recording details of the client for whom the quotation is being generated; selection means for selecting items relevant to the quotation; equipment means for detailing the equipment and ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items; and costing means for calculating a total cost of the quotation based on at least the selected items and the equipment and ancillary items details by the equipment means.

Ideally, the quotation system is stored in a mobile computer, such as a tablet PC, stylus, personal digital assistant or hand-held PC. In such arrangements, data entry may be achieved through use of a mouse and keyboard, however, the mobility advantages associated with mobile computers is further increased if a data pen is used for data entry.

Quotations generated by the quotation system can be stored in a central database. Alternatively, a central database may be stored on an external server, a distributed system arrangement being used to co-ordinate between the central database and the quotation system. In this latter arrangement, multiple mobile computers having the quotation system stored thereon can be used in conjunction with a single external server, with quotations being able to be uploaded to, or downloaded from, the central database as necessary.

For reporting purposes, it is advantageous if the status details of the quotation are recorded - such as declined, accepted, pending or accepted with other party.

Reports showing the effectiveness of the quotation system can then be generated to assist a user in determining potential areas of concern within their business. Similarly, in situations where multiple users make use of a central database, reports can be generated on a per user basis. The reports generated may be based on a standard quantitative analysis, such as determining the percentage of the number of quotations accepted, or on a qualitative analysis, such as determining the value of quotations accepted as a percentage of monetary value.

The quotation system may also interact with the user's diary system to determine whether date/time entries for performing services and/or delivery of goods conflict with other appointments. Reminders to follow-up clients may also be implemented using the user's diary system, or an internal mechanism. Details of all follow-ups may also be recorded within the quotation system to appropriately track the life of a quotation. A reminder may also be generated on the date specified for performance of the service or delivery of the goods. In this manner, the client's view on the service or goods can be obtained in a timely manner and any problems can be dealt with immediately.

To assist the user in selling their goods and/or services to the client, multimedia or traditional presentations may be presented to the user in respect of individual goods/services or the user themselves. Details of the type of service or good may be recorded, and the presentation to be presented may be determine with reference to the recorded service or good type. Furthermore, the user can generate an inventory of all goods and/or services selected to ensure confirmation by the user prior to arriving at a quotation amount. This inventory report may be customisable so as to obscure or hide information from competitors necessary for the rapid generation of a competing quotation.

The inventory report may also be used by the actual service providers or goods deliverers as a checklist to ensure that they conform with the scope of services/goods as set out in the quotation.

The user may also record details of environmental factors that may effect the provision or price of the products and/or services. Such environmental factors may also have an effect on the equipment and ancillary items needed to complete the service or deliver the product the subject of the quotation. The quotation system is customisable, allowing the user to change or modify such factors as:

• the descriptions of items and their grouping within the system; β the type of equipment and ancillary items necessary to handle each item; and β the amount of equipment and ancillary items necessary to handle each item.

Ancillary items may be calculated on a fractional basis. While this can provide for a more accurate costing, it is important that adequate ancillary items be provided to complete the work the subject of the quotation. For this reason, where the total of an ancillary item includes a fraction, the total is rounded to the next integer to ensure that.sufficient quantities of that ancillary item are available to complete the work.

Preferably, the quotation system provides for the user to select additional ancillary services as required by the client and factor the costs of such ancillary services into the quotation. Costs that make up the quotation may also be broken down according to pre-defined cost centres to allow for more accurate tracking of costs.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, there is a quotation system for the removals industry. The quotation system is substantially as described in the first embodiment of the invention, however, the quotation system also makes provision for the user to specify a plurality of source and destination details. An appropriate data entry means, such as a checkbox, is then incorporated along with the selection means to allow the user to choose the appropriate source and/or destination of each selected item. A checkbox, or other appropriate data entry means, can also be used to indicate whether the selected item is remaining at its current location. These details may also be reflected in the inventory report provided to the removalists as well as the general condition of each selected item. The inventory report may also group the selected items according to source address, destination address or a combination of source and destination address.

The environmental information in this embodiment takes the form of access information.

Further, the quotation system may provide calculations of the total number of items (including packaging) to be transported. This allows for an appropriate number of labels to be generated without under or oversupply. Additionally, costing means can factor in the cost of transport based on the post codes of the source and destination addresses.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention there is a method of providing a quotation comprising: recording details of the client for whom the quotation is being generated; selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of items; selecting the quantity of each selected item to be provided; determining the equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items; and calculating the amount of the quotation based on at least the selected items and the determined necessary equipment and ancillary items.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention there is a method of providing a removals quotation comprising: recording details of the client for whom the removals quotation is being generated; selecting items to be removed relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of removable items; selecting the quantity of each selected item to be removed; determining the equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the removal based on the selected items; and calculating the total cost of removal based on at least the selected items and the determined necessary removal equipment and ancillary items.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention there is a data processing unit having software operable thereon to execute a quotation system in accordance with the first or second embodiments of the invention.

In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention there is software stored in a memory means that on execution in a data processing unit creates a quotation system according to either the first or second embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will not be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a screen shot of a user interface of a quotation system;

Figure 2a is a screen shot of a change quote status window of the quotation system superimposed over the user interface;

Figure 2b is a screen shot of the change quote status window of Figure 2a in isolation;

Figure 3a is a screen shot of an initial data entry request window of the quotation system superimposed over the user interface; Figure 3b is a screen shot of the initial data request window of Figure 3a in isolation;

Figure 4 is a screen shot of a main details screen of the quotation system;

Figure 5 is a first screen shot of an items screen of the quotation system;

Figure 6 is a second screen shot of an items screen of the quotation system;

Figure 7 is a third screen shot of an items screen of the quotation system;

Figure 8 is a screen shot of a totals A screen of the quotation system;

Figure 9a is a screen shot of a new follow up window superimposed on a follow- ups screen of the quotation system; and

Figure 9b is a screen shot of the new follow up window of Figure 9a in isolation.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a quotation system 10 for use within the removal industry. The quotation system 10 is stored on a mobile computer (not shown) having a mouse and keyboard (also not shown) for purposes of data entry. The quotation system 10 includes a user interface 12 and a database 14 and an administration program 16.

As shown at Figure 1 , the user interface 12 comprises a window 18, a menu bar 20, a first status field 22, a second status field 24, a drop-down list 26 and a pushbutton 28.

The window 18 acts as a general display. In respect of Figure 1 , window 18 displays summary details in respect of quotations 30 already generated and stored in database 14. These summary details include:

• Quotation number; • Date of inspection

» Time of inspection

• Name of the client for whom the quotation was generated;

• Details of the type of removal; and • Removal status

If the number of generated quotations 30 exceeds the number that can be displayed within window 18, a vertical scroll bar (not shown) appears to allow the user to access those generated quotations 30 not visible.

A user of the quotation system 10 may select one of the already generated quotations 30 - the selected quotation 30 thereafter being highlighted. Upon selection of an already generated quotation 30, first and second status fields 22, 24 are updated. First status field 22 is updated to record the quotation number of the selected quotation 30. Second status field 24 is updated to record the removal type of the selected quotation 30.

The menu bar 20 comprises a series of four push-buttons 32. Depressing pushbutton 32a initiates a series of data entry requests for creating a new quotation 30. These requests are described in more detail below. Depressing pushbuttons 32b or 32c allows the user to review or delete the selected quotation 30 respectively.

When push-button 32d is depressed, a change quote status window 34 is created (see Figures 2a and 2b). The change quote status window 34 comprises a quote number field 36 a series of status radio buttons 38 and action push buttons 40.

The quote number field 36 provides a reference as to the quotation 30 that has been selected and whose status is subject to change. The quote number field 36 can not be changed or otherwise modified through the change quote status window 34.

The status radio buttons 38 provide four status options to the user - Pending; Won; Lost; and Not Moving. When a quotation 30 is generated its status defaults to Pending. However, the status of a quotation 30 can be changed by selecting the appropriate status radio button 38. This status may change, for example, after a follow-up with the client.

Once the appropriate status of the quotation 30 has been chosen from status radio buttons 38, the "OK" action push button 40 is depressed to confirm the change in status. Otherwise, "Cancel" action push button 40 is depressed to cancel any proposed changes to the quotation's 30 status.

Drop-down list 26 provides a selection of presentations that the user can select from. The presentations the user can select from correspond to the different removal types and ancillary services for which a quotation can be provided. Once a presentation has been selected, the presentation is initiated by depressing push-button 28. Each presentation may include multimedia components or be a traditional presentation of text and still pictures.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the initial data entry request window 42. The initial data entry request window 42 comprises removal type radio buttons 44, quote number field 46, client name field 48, inspection date drop-down list 50 and inspection time field 52.

Removal type radio buttons 44 list all the removal types the quotation system 10 can process. In the embodiment shown, such removal types are restricted to "Household" and "Office". As it is possible for a client to require one or more types of removal, such as in the case of a home office, the user may select one or more of the removal types listed.

Quote number field 46 displays the quotation number of the new quotation 30. The quotation number recorded is assigned the number next in the sequence adopted for quotation numbers. To illustrate, in this embodiment, quotation numbers increment by 1 , thus if the last quotation was assigned quotation number 1000, the next new quotation will be assigned quotation number 1001.

The quotation number can be changed at the user's discretion. If the user changes the quotation number, the next generated quote continues in series from the changed quotation number.

In any event, the quotation number displayed in the quotation number field 46 must be unique as this number acts as the primary key for the quotation as stored in database 14.

The client's surname and inspection time are entered into the client name field 48 and inspection time field 52, respectively, via the keyboard. The inspection date drop-down list 50 initially displays an assigned default value equal to the current date as determined by the real-time clock of the mobile computer. This default value is displayed as a "greyed" value compared to the font and style used for displaying other values in the initial data request window 42.

The user may select another date by activating the drop-down list 50. Upon activation the drop-down list 50 displays a series of monthly calendars which the user can navigate until the desired date for removal is found and selected. The selected date for inspection is then displayed in the inspection date drop-down list 50 using the same font and style as used for displaying other values in the initial data request window 42.

When values have been entered for both the inspection date drop down list 50 and inspection time field 52, the quotation system 10 interacts with the user's diary system (not shown) to ensure that there are no conflicting appointments set for that date/time combination. If there are no conflicting appointments, the checkbox 54 to the side of the inspection date entered records a tick and data is sent to the diary system to ensure that an appropriate diary entry is made for the inspection. If there is a conflicting appointment, the user is notified of this fact by disallowing the last data entry made whether it be the value entered in the inspection date drop down list 50 or the value entered in the inspection time field 52.

The user may proceed further with the new quotation by depressing action pushbutton 56a, thereby activating the main data entry sheet 58. Alternatively, the user may cancel the new quotation by depressing action push-button 56b.

Upon activation, the main data entry sheet 58 opens to fill window 18 (see Figure 4). Further, push-buttons 32 of menu bar 20 are replaced with a default list 60 of areas and/or removal objects appropriate to the selected removal type(s).

The main data entry sheet 58 has six tabs 62 that allow the user to change the data displayed in window 18. The six tabs 62 are, in order:

1. details tab 62a;

2. items tab 62b;

3. totals A tab 62c;

4. totals B tab 62d; 5. follow-ups tab 62e; and

6. pricing tab 62e.

Note: in Figure 4 only five tabs are shown, pricing tab 62e missing.

When activated, the main data entry sheet 58 defaults to select details tab 62a.

When details tab 62a is selected, window 18 displays a first form 64. First form 64 operates to records further details in respect of the removal. Details already entered in completing the initial data entry request window 42 are carried over to first form 64. The first form 64 also records further details 66 in respect of the user. These details include the name of the branch where the user is primarily employed and the user's initials. A summary 68 of the total number of cubic metres that are to be moved (as determined by other elements of the quotation system 10) is also recorded on first form 64.

First form 64 further includes a source/destination sheet 70. The source/destination sheet 70 is split into primary 72 and secondary tabs 74. Both primary tab 72 and secondary tab 74, allow the user to enter in details of the location from which the removal items are to be collected and the location to which the removal items are to be transported, (including contact numbers)

One of the details to be completed by the user relates to access to the premises. Access field 76 allows the user to select from a variety of access descriptions listed in a drop-down list. Depending on the access description chosen from the drop-down list, the user may be presented with a further window (not shown) asking whether the user wishes to apply a percentage premium or discount based on the difficulty or ease of access to the described premises.

The user is also encouraged to enter comments relating to the removal or delivery, as appropriate, within fields 78. Such comments may include details as to concerns of the client in respect of the removal.

First form 64 further includes pre-pack date/time fields 80; uplift date/time fields 82; delivery date/time fields 84 and unpack date/time fields (not shown). The prepack date/time fields 80 record the date and time when the appropriate personnel will be present at the designated "from" premises to attend to packing of the items to be removed where this service has been selected by the client. The uplift date/time fields 82 record the date and time when removalists will be present at the designated "from" premises to attend to the actual removal of the packed items. The delivery date/time fields 84 record the expected date and time when the removalists will be present at the designated "to" premises to deliver the removed items. The unpack date/time fields record the expected date and time when the appropriate personnel will be present at the designated "to" premises to attend to unpacking of the removed items where this service has been selected by the client.

In this manner, the source/destination sheet 70 can be used to record details of removals from two separate locations for delivery to a common destination or, alternatively, for removal from a common location to two separate destinations.

Lastly, first form 64 includes check-box 86, push-button 88, last contact field 90 and follow-up field 92. When checked, check-box 86 results in the number of cubic metres taken up by each item to be removed to be detailed on an inventory report (not shown). The inventory report can then be generated by depressing push-button 88.

The inventory report lists all items selected using other features of the quotation system 10 described in more detail below. Each item listed on the inventory report is grouped according to firstly, destination, and secondly, location at source. The details displayed in respect of each item include its description and quantity, with the number of cubic metres taken up by the item also being displayed if check-box 86 has been checked. The quotation number and name of the client for whom the quotation has been prepared are also recorded on the top of each page of the inventory report.

Last contact field 90 records the date when the client was last contacted. This date cannot be amended by the user through the first form 64. The date of last contact is taken from the details of follow-ups entered at follow-up tab 62e.

The follow-up field 92 records the number of days from the date recorded in the last contact field 90 when a reminder should issue to contact the client. In this manner, the user is prompted to query with the client the status of the quotation (as described above).

If the user selects items tab 62b, window 18 displays a second form 94 as shown in Figures 5 to 7. Second form 94 is linked to menu bar 20, such that a template of information appropriately reflecting the area or removal object selected from the menu bar 20 is displayed as second form 94. To personalise a quote to the client, the name of each area or removal object in the menu bar 20 can be edited. As the user selects between areas or removal objects, the number and description of items shown in second form 94 change.

Second form 94 is split into two columns. Each column contains a series of rows. Each row relates to an item and contains, in order, the following:

• a domestic display push-button 96. When depressed, the display push-button 96 creates a window (not shown) in which a multimedia or traditional presentation of how the item will be packed for domestic transport and how the item will actually be transported; β an international display push-button 98. When depressed, the display push-button 98 creates a window (not shown) in which a multimedia or traditional presentation of how the item will be packed for international transport and how the item will actually be transported. • a secondary location check-box 100. When checked, the secondary location check-box 100 records that the item is to be transported to the secondary location, ie. that recorded at secondary sheet 74;

• a description 102 of the item. Each record represents an item commonly associated with the area or removal object selected. The descriptions 102 shown in respect of each selection in the default list 60 is set by a table stored in database 14. However, as it is not possible to cover all possible items that may be removed, at least one description 102 is recorded as "Other". In respect of these "Other" descriptions 102, the user is able to change the description 102 through appropriate data entry means;

• details of the quantity 104 of the item to be removed. This is a numerical field that records entries in integers. The user has the choice of entering in the appropriate amount directly through appropriate data entry means or using the adjacent up and down arrows to increment or decrement the quantity value as appropriate;

• details of the number of cubic metres 106 taken up by a single unit of the item. The default size, in cubic metres, of each item is taken from a table stored within database 14. However, the user has the choice of entering in a different amount directly through appropriate data entry means; β details of the total number of cubic metres 108 taken up by the quantity of the item to be removed. This is a simple calculation of the quantity multiplied by the number of cubic metres taken up by a single unit of the item; and β a "Not Going" check-box 110. When checked, this check-box 110 indicates that the item described is not to be transported. It should be noted that "Not Going" check-box 110 and secondary location check- box 100 are mutually exclusive.

The items recorded in each column are grouped according to items to be removed 112 and packing items 114. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the items to be removed 112 group may be spaced from the packing items 114 group. In the case of items forming part of the packing items 114 group, if the "not-going" check box 110 has been selected, this indicates that the item is to be packed but not to be removed.

When the user selects a description 102, such as by clicking on the description 102 with the mouse pointer, the description 102 is highlighted and the quantity 104 of the associated item is increased by 1. If the user continues selecting the description 102, the description 102 returns to its normal display, but the quantity 104 of the associated item is increased by 1 for each selection.

Further, as the quantity 104 of an item is increased, reference is made to a yet further table stored in database 14. This table details what equipment and packing materials necessary for the removal of that item as well as the necessary quantity of equipment and packing materials. In respect of some items, such as a piano, details of the equipment necessary for the removal of the item may be modified by the access description chosen for the access field 76.

Totals A tab 62c and Totals B tab 62d are identical in layout and processing, however, they differ in the information displayed. Totals A tab 62c displays information in respect of items selected at the items tab 62b that do not have the secondary location check-box 100 checked. Totals B tab 62d displays information in respect of items selected at the items tab 62b that do have the secondary location check-box 100 checked.

The layout and processing of Totals A tab 62c and Totals B tab 62d will now be described with reference to the Totals A tab 62c as shown at Figure 8.

Totals A tab 62c comprises an inventory list 116, a packing list 118 and an additional items list 120. Inventory list 116 records the description 102, quantity 104 and total 108 of each selected item. If the number of selected items exceeds the number that can be displayed within the inventory list 116 window, a vertical scroll bar is provided to allow the user to access those items not visible. Packing list 118 records the description 102, quantity 104 and total 108 of each selected packing item, ie. item in the packing items 114 group. Additional items list 120 records a description of each additional item, be it equipment or packing material, and the required quantity. As it is typical for the required quantity of packing material, as calculated with reference to the stored table, to have a fractional component, the quantity displayed in respect of such packing material is incremented to the next integer. In this manner, the removalist is assured of having enough packing material for the task as well as the appropriate equipment for the task.

Located underneath each list 116, 118, 120 is a summary field 122, 124, 126.

Summary field 122 records the number of selected items plus the number of packing items. This total is then used by the user to ensure that they have the correct number of stickers needed to appropriately label everything selected. Summary field 124 records the total number of cubic metres taken up by packing items. Summary field 126 records the total number of cubic metres to be removed (ie. the total number of cubic metres taken up by the items selected plus the total number of cubic metres taken up by packing items).

Upon selection of follow-up tab 62e, window 18 is replaced with a third form 128. Third form 128 is shown in Figure 9a.

Third form 128 records details of all follow-up entries. These details include the date of the follow-up, the time of the follow-up, the name of the person spoke to, and a general comment field.

Third form 128 also includes two push-buttons 130. Push-button 130a creates a new follow-up entry. Push-button 130b allows for the editing of a selected follow- up entry.

When push-button 130a is depressed, a new window 132 is created (see Figure 9b). Window 132 has a quote number field 134, a contact field 136, a contact date field 138, a contact time field 140 and a comment field 142. These fields allow the user to enter in details in respect of the follow-up. The information in respect of the follow-up can then be accepted or cancelled using the appropriate action push-button 144. If accepted, these details are then reflected in third form 128.

Upon selection of pricing tab 62f, information in window 18 is replaced with the pricing screen (not shown). This screen includes a breakdown of the quotation for transportation of the selected items according to:

• uplift costs;

• linehaul costs; • freight costs; • tranship costs;

• onforwarding costs; and

• delivery costs.

These costs are calculated on a per cubic meter basis. Additional costs for deviation and any modifications to pricing based on access conditions are also provided. If a profit margin has not been included in the above costs, a separate profit margin costs (worked out on a straight mark-up or percentage mark-up basis) is also included.

It should be noted that the linehaul costs are calculated by reference to post code. Database 14 includes a table that records details of costs for transporting from the selected postcode to the nearest depot and vice-versa. This table also includes details of costs for transporting between depots. Thus, using this information, the total linehaul cost (on a per cubic metre basis) can be calculated.

The pricing tab also allows the user to select any ancillary service that the user may require. For example, in the context of removals, car transport, pet transport and valet services. The cost of such services may be calculated with reference to the information already entered into the quotation system, such as the distance between the source and destination. These services may also be provided by sub-contractors, in which case details of their costing arrangements may be stored in database 14.

The total cost of the removal, including the costs of any ancillary services, is then prominently displayed for the user to convey to the client in an appropriate fashion.

The housekeeping program 16 provides an interface to database 14. The housekeeping program 16 can only be accessed by appropriately authorised users. Through the housekeeping program details of items displayed to the user on selection of an item in the default list 60 can be edited or added to. It should be noted, however, that for ease of use the number of items listed for each selection from the default list 60 be limited to that able to be displayed on a single screen without need of a scroll bar. Additional entries for the default list 60 can be created in the same manner.

The housekeeping program 16 allows the user to change pricing details and quantity information as required. It also allows the user to generate performance statistics that include details of the percentage of jobs successfully obtained by quantity and the percentage of jobs successfully obtained by monetary value.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, the quotation system 10 is stored in a stylus, tablet PC or other like device where data entry is undertaken by use of a data pen rather than mouse and keyboard. In this embodiment, all data entry requirements described above are performed using the data pen. Handwriting recognition software, as may be bundled with the stylus, tablet PC or other like device or would be available to the person skilled in the art, can be used to achieve the above data entry requirements.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, the quotation system 10 is implemented within a distributed system. The server contains the main database 14 and thereby controls such information as costing and performance data. A local database 14 is provided for the generation and storage of quotes while mobile. These quotes can be transferred to the central database at any time - the means of connection being either by modem connected to mobile phone or by standard Ethernet network connection. In this manner, data is centrally maintained while at the same time being flexible enough to allow for a particular user to receive instructions about a recently requested inspection. It also allows for details of the removal to be provided to all parties involved (including sub-contractors). It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiments described and that variations and modifications thereon fall within the scope of the invention. For example:

** The quotation system 10 may be adapted to include an assessment field. The assessment field records details of how the quotation has been arrived at - eg. by inspection; by reference to an inventory list provided by client, or by other means.

• The quotation system 10 may be adapted to provide the quote to the client by e-mail. In such an arrangement, the quotation system 10 must be adapted to record the e-mail details of the client.

• The quotation system 10 may be adapted to include a deviation charge, where either the source location or destination are significantly remote from a depot, or a deviation from the normal transportation route is required at the client's direction. • The housekeeping program 16 may be adapted to allow a user to filter quotations according to specific fields. For example, the quotations may be filtered on their inspection status; their next expected follow-up date; their name; their inspection number; and/or their quote status. • The quotation system 10 may be adapted to provide an additional follow-up in respect of successful quotations. This additional follow- up is desired to prompt the salesman who provided the quotation to call the client and check on their general satisfaction with the removal, on the day that this takes place, as well as attend to any concerns the client may have at that time.

• The quotations system 10 may be adapted to provide a general condition report. The general condition report can be used to record details of the condition of one or more of the items selected. In this manner, if a dispute arises as to the condition of a selected item following removal, reference can be made back to the general condition report as a possible means of settling the dispute.

Furthermore, features described in one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments to create .yet further embodiments.

The invention should also not be considered limited to the removals industry. The invention is considered just as easily applicable to the reticulation industry amongst others.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A quotation system comprising: recording means for recording details of the client for whom the quotation is being generated; selection means for selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of items and the quantity of each selected item; equipment means for detailing equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items; and costing means for calculating an amount of the quotation based on at least the selected items and the necessary equipment and ancillary items identified by the equipment means.

2. A quotation system according to claim 1 , including outcome means for recording the outcome of the quotation.

3. A quotation system according to claim 2, including reminder means, where the reminder means operates to initiate a reminder on a predetermined amount of time elapsing following generation of a quotation for a user to contact the client if the outcome of the quotation remains pending.

4. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, including typecast means for recording the type of service to be performed or type of goods to be delivered, where the selection means operates to provide items for selection in accordance with the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded type of goods to be delivered.

5. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, including presentation means for displaying a presentation relating to how the service is to be performed in respect of a selected item or relating to the good the subject of a selected item.

6. A quotation system according to claim 5, as dependent on claim 4, where the presentation means is also operable to display a presentation relating to the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded^' type of goods to be delivered.

7. A quotation system according to claim 5, as dependent on claim 4, where the presentation to be displayed is further determined by the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded type of goods to be delivered.

8. A quotation system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, where the presentation is a multimedia presentation.

9. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, including environmental means for recording environmental information relevant to the provision of the service or good the subject of the quotation, the costing means adapted to factor in the environmental information in determining the amount of the quotation.

10. A quotation system according to claim 9, where the equipment means factors in the environmental information in determining the equipment and/or ancillary items needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items.

11. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, where the costing means is operable to provide a breakdown of the calculated amount according to pre-defined cost centres.

12. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, further including user identification means and reporting means, where the user identification means operates to record details of users of the system and where the reporting means is operable to produce a statistical report on quotations handled by one or more specified users.

13. A quotation system according to claim 12, as dependent on claim 2, where the statistical report includes at least one of the following data sets: number of quotations having a successful outcome by user; sum of calculated amounts of quotations having a successful outcome by user; conversion rate of quotations by user.

14. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, where the equipment means details the type and quantity of each equipment and/or ancillary item needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items.

15. A quotation system according to claim 14, including inventory means, the inventory means operable to produce a report detailing each selected item, the quantity of each selected item, the necessary equipment, the quantity of each item of necessary equipment, the ancillary items needed and the quantity of each ancillary item needed.

16. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, including diary means, where the diary means operates to record the date and time or set of dates and times on which one or more aspects of the service to be performed are expected to be completed.

17. A quotation system according to claim 16, where the diary means operates to check that the recorded date and time, or each recorded date and time in the set of dates and times, does not conflict with previously recorded dates and times.

18. A quotation system according to claim 16 or claim 17, as dependent on claim 3, where the reminder means is further operable to initiate a reminder on the date and time, or at least one of the dates and times in the set of dates and times, on which one or more aspects of the service to be performed are expected to be completed.

19. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, where the items available for selection are grouped according to categories.

20. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, where the items available for selection can be modified as appropriate.

21. A quotation system according to any preceding claim, the system being implemented in software operable to execute on a data processing unit.

22. A quotation system according to claim 21 , where the data processing unit is a portable data processing unit.

23. A quotation system according to claim 22, where the portable data processing unit is one of the following: a tablet personal computer; a personal digital assistant; stylus; hand-held personal computer.

24. A quotation system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, where a data pen is used for inputting details of the client and selecting items relevant to the quotation.

25. A quotation system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, where details of each quotation are stored on a central server.

26. A removals quotation system comprising: recording means for recording details of the client for whom the removals quotation is being generated; selection means for selecting items to be removed relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of removable items and the quantity of each selected item; equipment means for detailing removal equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the removal based on the selected items; and costing means for calculating a total cost of removal based on at least the selected items and the necessary removal equipment and ancillary items identified by the equipment means.

27. A removals quotation system according to claim 26 including an outcome means for recording the outcome of the quotation.

28. A removals quotation system according to claim 27, where the outcome of the quotation represents one of the following: the quotation is successful, no decision has been made in respect of the quotation, the client is no longer moving, the quotation has been unsuccessful,

29. A removals quotation system according to claim 27 or claim 28, including reminder means, where the reminder means operates to initiate a reminder on a predetermined date following generation of a quotation for a user to contact the client if the outcome of the quotation remains pending.

30. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 29, including typecast means for recording the type of removal to be performed, where the selection means operates to provide removal items for selection in accordance with the recorded removal type.

31. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 30, including presentation means for displaying a presentation relating to how a selected item is to be removed

32. A removals quotation system according to claim 31 , as dependent on claim 30, the presentation means further operable to display a presentation relating to the recorded removal type.

33. A removals quotation system according to claim 31 , as dependent on claim 30, where the presentation to be displayed is further determined by the recorded removal type.

34. A removals quotation system according to claim 31 to claim 33, where the presentation is a multimedia presentation.

35. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims. 25 to 34, including environmental means for recording information relating to access to the selected items to be removed, the costing means adapted to factor in the access information in determining the amount of the quotation.

36. A removals quotation system according to claim 35, where the equipment means factors in the access information in determining the equipment and/or ancillary items needed to complete the removal.

37. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 36, where the costing means is operable to provide a breakdown of the calculated amount according to pre-defined cost centres, the pre-defined cost centres including at least one of the following: uplift costs; linehaul costs; freight costs; tranship costs; onforwarding costs; delivery costs; ancillary services costs.

38. A removals quotation system according to claim 37, where the predefined cost centres includes linehaul costs and where the linehaul costs are calculated with reference to the postal codes of the source and destination addresses.

39. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 38, further including user identification means and reporting means, where the user identification means operates to record details of users of the system and where the reporting means is operable to produce a statistical report on quotations handled by one or more specified users.

40. A removals quotation system according to claim 39, as dependent on claim 27 or claim 28, where the statistical report includes at least one of the following data sets: number of quotations having a successful outcome by user; sum of calculated amount of quotations having a successful outcome by user; conversion rate of quotations by user.

41. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 40, where the client may specify a removal from a single source address to multiple destination addresses or specify a removal from multiple source addresses to a single destination address.

42. A removals quotation system according to claim 41 , including source/destination means for recording the destination of each selected item from the specified multiple destination addresses or the source of each selected item from the specified multiple source addresses, as appropriate.

43. A removals quotation system according to claim 42, where the source/destination means is further operable to designate selected items as remaining at a source address.

44. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 43, where the equipment means details the type and quantity of each removal equipment and/or ancillary item needed to complete the removal based on the selected items.

45. A removals quotation system according to claim 44, including inventory means, the inventory means operable to produce a report detailing each selected item to be removed, the quantity of each selected item to be removed, the necessary removal equipment, the quantity of each item of necessary removal equipment, the ancillary items needed and the quantity of each ancillary item needed.

46. A removals quotation system according to claim 44 or claim 45, as dependent on claim 42 or claim 43, the report operable to group the selected items according to source address, destination address or a combination of source and destination address.

47. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 44 to claim 46, where the costing means calculates the amount of the quotation substantially on the basis of at least one factor, the at least one factor optionally being able to be detailed in the report.

48. A removals quotation system according to claim 47, where each selected item has a cubic meterage value associated therewith and the at least one factor (F) is calculated according to the following formula:

F =S cmι . qι 1=1 where: n = number of selected items; cm- = the cubic meterage value associated with selected item i; and qι = the quantity of selected item i.

49. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 45 to 48, as dependent on claim 45, where the report further includes information in respect of the general condition of each selected item.

50. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 49, including label generation means for calculating the number of labels needed for the selected items and generating the calculated number of labels.

51. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 50, where the removal items available for selection using the selecting means are grouped according to expected location, the selection means operable to display items available for selection according to the expected location selected.

52. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 51 , including diary means, where the diary means operates to record the date and time or set of dates and times on which one or more aspects of the removal are expected to be completed.

53. A removals quotation system according to claim 52, where the set of dates and times includes the date and time that at least one of the following aspects of the removal are expected to be completed: pre-pack; uplift; delivery; unpack.

54. A removals quotation system according to claim 52 or claim 53, where the diary means operates to check that the recorded date and time, or each recorded date and time in the set of dates and times, does not conflict with previously recorded dates and times.

55. A removals quotation system according to claim 53 or 54, as dependent on claim 29 and either of claim 27 or claim 28, where the reminder means is further operable to initiate a reminder on the date and time, or at least one of the dates and times in the set of dates and times, on which one or more aspects of the removal are expected to be completed.

56. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 55, where the items available for selection can be modified as appropriate.

57. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 26 to 56, the system being implemented in software operable to execute on a data processing unit.

58. A removals quotation system according to claim 57, where the data processing unit is a portable data processing unit.

59. A removals quotation system according to claim 58, where the portable data processing unit is one of the following: a tablet personal computer; a personal digital assistant.

60. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 57 to 59, where a data pen is used for inputting details of the client and selecting items to be removed relevant to the quotation.

61. A removals quotation system according to any one of claims 57 to 60, where details of each quotation are stored on a central server.

62. A method of providing a quotation comprising: recording details of the client for whom the quotation is being generated; selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of items; selecting the quantity of each selected item to be provided; determining the equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items; and calculating the amount of the quotation based on at least the selected items and the determined necessary equipment and ancillary items.

63. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 62, including the step of recording the outcome of the quotation.

64. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 63, including the step of initiating a reminder after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following generation of a quotation for a user to contact the client if the outcome of the quotation remains pending.

65. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 64, including the step of recording the type of service to be performed or type, of goods to be delivered, where the displayed list of items in the step of selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of items, only includes items that accord with the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded type of goods to be delivered.

66. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 65, including the step of displaying a presentation relating to how the service is to be performed in respect of a selected item or relating to the good the subject of a selected item.

67. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 66, as dependent on claim 65, including the step of displaying a presentation relating to the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded type of goods to be delivered.

68. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 66, as dependent on claim 65, where the step of displaying a presentation relating to how the service is to be performed in respect of a selected item or relating to the good the subject of a selected item is further determined by the recorded type of service to be performed or recorded type of goods to be delivered.

69. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 68, including the step of recording environmental information relevant to the provision of the service or good the subject of the quotation, and where the step of calculating the amount of the quotation based on the selected items and the determined necessary equipment and ancillary items also calculates the. amount of the quotation on the basis of the recorded environmental information.

70. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 69, where the step of determining the equipment and/or ancillary items needed to complete the service or good the subject of the quotation based on the selected items also determines the equipment and/or ancillary items needed on the basis of the recorded environmental information.

71. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 70, including the step of providing a breakdown of the calculated amount according to pre-defined cost centres.

72. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 71 , including the steps of recording details of users of the system and producing a statistical report on quotations handled by one or more specified users.

73. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 72, including the step of producing a report detailing each selected item, the quantity of each selected item, the necessary equipment and quantity thereof, and the ancillary items needed and quantity thereof.

74. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 73, including the step of recording the date and time or set of dates and times on which one or more aspects of the service to be performed are expected to be completed.

75. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 74, including the step of checking that the recorded date and time, or each recorded date and time in the set of dates and times, does not conflict with previously recorded dates and times.

76. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 74 or claim 75, including the step of initiating a reminder on the date and time, or at least one of the dates and times in the set of dates and times, on which one or more aspects of the service to be performed are expected to be completed.

77. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 76, including the step of grouping the items available for selection according to categories.

78. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 77, including the step of modifying one or more of the items available for selection.

79. A method of providing a quotation according to any one of claims 62 to 78, including the step of storing details of each quotation on a central server.

80. A method of providing a removals quotation comprising: recording details of the client for whom the removals quotation is being generated; selecting items to be removed relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of removable items; selecting the quantity of each selected item to be removed; determining the removal equipment and/or ancillary items, if any, needed to complete the removal based on the selected items; and calculating the total cost of removal based on at least the selected items and the determined necessary removal equipment and ancillary items.

81. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 80, including the step of recording the outcome of the quotation.

82. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 81 , including the step of initiating a reminder after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following generation of a removal quotation for a user to contact the client if the outcome of the removal quotation remains pending.

83. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 82, including the step of recording the type of removal to be performed, where the displayed list of items to be removed in the step of selecting items relevant to the quotation from a displayed list of removable items, only includes removable items that accord with the recorded type of removal.

84. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 83, including the step of displaying a presentation relating to how the removal is to be performed in respect of a selected item.

85. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 84, as dependent on claim 83, including the step of displaying a presentation relating to the recorded type of removal.

86. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 84, as dependent on claim 83, where the step of displaying a presentation relating to how the removal is to be performed in respect of a selected item is further determined by the recorded type of removal.

87. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 86, including the step of recording access information relevant to the removal, and where the step of calculating the amount of the removal quotation based on the selected items and the determined necessary removal equipment and ancillary items also calculates the amount of the removal quotation on the basis of the recorded access information.

88. A method of providing a quotation according to claim 87, where the step of determining the removal equipment and/or ancillary items needed to complete the removal based on the selected items also determines the removal equipment and/or ancillary items needed on the basis of the recorded access information.

89. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 88, including the step of providing a breakdown of the calculated amount according to pre-defined cost centres.

90. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 89, including the step of calculating linehaul costs with reference to the postal codes of the source and destination addresses, where one of the pre-defined cost centres is linehaul costs.

91. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 90, including the steps of recording details of users of the system and producing a statistical report on removal quotations handled by one or more specified users.

92. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 91 , including the step of specifying whether the removal will be from a single source address to multiple destination addresses or specifying whether the removal will be from multiple source addresses to a single destination address.

93. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 92, including the step of recording the destination of each selected item from the specified multiple destination addresses or recording the source of each selected item from the specified multiple source addresses, as appropriate.

94. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 93, including the step of designating selected items as remaining at a source address.

95. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 94, including the step of producing a report detailing each selected item, the quantity of each selected item, the necessary equipment and quantity thereof, and the ancillary items needed and quantity thereof.

96. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 95, where the step of producing a report also includes the sub-step of detailing the condition of each selected item.

97. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 95, as dependent on claim 93 or claim 94, including the step of grouping the selected items according to source address, destination address, or a combination of source and destination address.

98. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 96 or claim 97, where the step of calculating the amount of the removal quotation is based on at least one factor, the at least one factor optionally being able to be detailed in the report.

99. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 98, including the step of determining the amount of the at least one factor according to the following formula: n F =S cm, . qi 1=1 where: n = number of selected items; cm* = the cubic meterage value associated with selected item i; and q* = the quantity of selected item i.

100. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 99, including the steps of calculating the number of labels needed for the selected items and generating the calculated number of labels.

101. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 100, including the steps of grouping the removal items available for selecting according to expected location and displaying the items available for selection according to the expected location selected.

102. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 101 , including the step of recording the date and time or set of dates and times on which one or more aspects of the removal are expected to be completed. .

103. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 102, including the step of checking that the recorded date and time, or each recorded date and time in the set of dates and times, does not conflict with previously recorded dates and times.

104. A method of providing a removal quotation according to claim 102 or claim 103, as dependent on either claim 80 or claim 81 , including the step of initiating a reminder on the date and time, or at least one of the dates and times in the set of dates and times, on which one or more aspects of the removal are expected to be completed.

105. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 104, including the step of modifying one or more of the items available for selection.

106. A method of providing a removal quotation according to any one of claims 80 to 104, including the step of storing details of each quotation on a central server.

107. A data processing unit having software operable thereon to execute a quotation system according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

108. A data processing unit having software operable thereon to execute a removal quotation system according to any one of claims 27 to 61.

109. Software stored in a memory means that on execution in a data processing unit creates a quotation system according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

110. Software stored in a memory means that on execution in a data processing unit creates a removal quotation system according to any one of claims 27 to 61.

111. A quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

112. A removal quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

113. A method of providing a quotation substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings;

114. A method of providing a removal quotation substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

115. A data processing unit having software operable thereon to execute a quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

116. A data processing unit having software operable thereon to execute a removal quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

117. Software stored in a memory means that on execution in a data processing unit creates a quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

118. Software stored in a memory means that on execution in a data processing unit creates a removal quotation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.