Method and system for leased asset management

Abstract

The method and system of the present invention provides an improved technique for leased asset management. Information is aggregated from a variety of sources into a centralized computerized database. Thereafter, as asset transitions occur, information from such transitions are input into the computerized database on a real-time basis. Each lease for each leased asset is monitored so that, upon the expiration or termination of the lease, the leased assets may be returned to the vendor in strict compliance with the terms of the lease.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT UNDER 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 & 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.78[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority based upon prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 342,031 filed Dec. 18, 2001 in the names of Shawn Thomas, Gregory Gray, Michael Woodfin, Warner Mizell and Brian Thomas, entitled "Method and System for Deploying, Tracking and Managing Technology-Related Resources."[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved method and system for leased asset management. More particularly, the present invention provides a means for aggregating information into a computerized database and using the information to track the status of leased assets. Information in the computerized database is updated simultaneously with any asset transition so that the information in the computerized database is continuously up-to-date. At the expiration or termination of each lease, the computerized database contains info...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved method and system for leased asset management. More particularly, the present invention provides a means for aggregating information into a computerized database and using the information to track the status of leased assets. Information in the computerized database is updated simultaneously with any asset transition so that the information in the computerized database is continuously up-to-date. At the expiration or termination of each lease, the computerized database contains information by which the leased assets can be returned to the leasing company in strict compliance with the terms of the lease.

Problems solved by technology

This fact, coupled with the proliferation of new hardware devices, such as PDAs, cell phones and laptops, creates an enormous problem when it comes to tracking each device.

However, by the end of the lease term, the computer, printer and monitor may have been separated and may no longer be located in the same office.

If leased assets cannot be accurately tracked, it will be difficult to monitor and return them at the end of the lease.

If the leased equipment is not returned to the leasing company in strict accordance with the terms of the lease, there are often penalties that must be paid by the enterprise.

For example, if the printer is not returned with the system described earlier, the leasing company may charge the enterprise for the price of a new printer to replace it.

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