Automated task management and evaluation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for electronically managing the assignment of tasks to be completed. Preferred embodiments incorporate a computer network to gather and disseminate information for the processes of embodiments of the present invention. Task information is gathered until a task is sufficiently defined to be assigned. At this point the task is assigned to a service provider who is requested to respond to the assignment. The response is monitored arid if unacceptable or not received the task will be transferred to another service provider until a satisfactory response is received. An estimate of the cost of task completion may then be requested and authorization to complete the task may be contingent upon an acceptable estimate. Once a service provider is authorized to complete a task, the provider's progress is monitored and reported to interested parties. Provider quality ratings may be incorporated into some embodiments. Reports, analyses and other data may be automatically generated by embodiments of the present invention. Applications of embodiments of the present invention may be particularly useful in claims processing in the insurance industry.

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for automated assignment of tasks to service providers automated implementation of rules governing the performance of tasks monitoring of rules compliance by providers and evaluation of the providers overall ability to efficiently accomplish such tasks. It also includes an automatically updated database which matches willing and complying task service providers to interested task assignors. [0002] The system of embodiments of the present invention serves to coordinate and communicate between service consumers, service providers and insurers, warrantors, liability holders or other interested parties. When a task is entered into the system, the task is identified by type and a database of service providers is accessed so that a capable service provider, willing to comply with established rules of task performance, may be assigned that task. When a qualified service provider is found, the task is a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of quality rating data;

[0029]F

Problems solved by technology

Repair work on automobiles, residences, commercial buildings and other structures can often be an extensive and lengthy process.

However, some managers deal with far too many service providers to keep track of each one of them.

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