Administering a contract over a data network

Abstract

A method implements change orders over a data communications network for a construction contract. The method includes entering a new change order request at a user interface connected to the data communications network, the new change order request includes a description of at least one of additional work or additional materials and a corresponding scheduled value. The method further includes determining whether the at least one of addition work or additional materials is associated with an existing line item of a schedule of values previously stored in a database accessible over the communications network via a web server. The existing line item is included in the change order request when the work to be performed is determined to be associated with the existing line item. The new change order request is sent to the web server over the communications network for approval.

Description

[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 673,142, filed Sep. 30, 2003, which application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 415,762, filed on Oct. 4, 2002, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the field of contract administration. More particularly, the present invention relates to efficiently administering a construction contract using the Internet or other commonly accessible data network.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Administration of a construction contract is a difficult and time consuming task. Typically, the efficiency with which a contract is administered means the difference between a profitable and unprofitable contract performance, especially from the point of view of the general contractor.[0006]The traditional roles involved in procurement and construct...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Administration of a construction contract is a difficult and time consuming task.

Typically, the efficiency with which a contract is administered means the difference between a profitable and unprofitable contract performance, especially from the point of view of the general contractor.

Tracking the progress is complicated by the fact that dozens of subcontractors, whose activities are coordinated by the general contractor, are performing integrated tasks at various stages of completion.

Each request for payment, each change order request, each payment, and their effects on the status of the overall project presents a significant accounting challenge.

However, these programs rely on conventional submission of payment requests and require manual data entry in order to function properly.

There currently is no efficient way in which the various contracting parties can efficiently communicate and exchange data relating to the status of contract performance, submission and approval of payment requests, submission and approval of change orders, and the like.

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