Improved system and method for timekeeper input and work progress reporting

Abstract

The present invention includes improved time entry and recording systems and methods that greatly enhance the features and capabilities of such systems in the market. The most notable is that it allows its user to create and generate and edit work progress reports, which can greatly optimize the profitability of any professional company, particularly lawyer's office, by keeping the options on all charging entities closed. In particular, the user can run and directly edit the WIP report and all data found therein in real time. Automatic tagging and annotation for each field, as well as charging fields created and defined by the user, are provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 201580046277.0 and the title "Improved Systems and Methods for Timekeeper Input and Progress Reports", which was filed on June 30, 2015. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of systems and methods for timekeeping and bill generation for professionals, particularly those in the fields of lawyers, CPAs (Certified Public Accountants), architects, and other fields where data must be tracked, including but not limited to: clients, matters, descriptions of time spent, the hourly portion of time spent, fixed fee arrangements, and total billable hours per worker. Background Art

[0003] Currently, in the market, there are various different such systems and methods: for billing professionals to input time, and then automatically generate preliminary bills, then final bills, and then automatically generate bills on a monthly or other periodic basis, and format them for sending to clients who have contracted for services on an hourly or fixed rate basis. Some of these exemplary systems and methods in the prior art are shown below.

[0004] A system and method for a time and expense recording system are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,991,742. This disclosure includes a timekeeper connected to a microprocessor to identify and store time activities performed, and which can be paused for non-billable interruptions. The computer system also integrates the time and billing system with an address book, notepad, to-do list, and memo program, such that client and transaction information is shared between applications, which can help prevent duplicate data entry. The system allows for the generation of multiple reports, thus allowing users to track bills related to billable time with multiple clients and non-time-related costs. Additionally, the data is in a format that can be imported into accounting and billing systems. This method is different from the present invention because the present invention is superior to the prior art in multiple aspects, including providing creative features such as automatic translation, audit editing features, and will handle at multiple tax rates.

[0005] A system and method for tracking and reporting time spent on tasks is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,832,176 B2. This disclosure includes a timekeeping software application on an end-user computer and is capable of automatically tracking the time an end-user spends in different applications when performing tasks on the end-user computer. In some embodiments, the timekeeping application is integrated with some other application programs on the end-user computer. This integration allows the timekeeping application to detect and track events such as opening and closing files, which can represent start and stop times in tasks performed by the end-user. This disclosure also allows the timekeeping software to automatically suggest task categorization; for example, when a file is being processed by an application, the content of the document can be used for categorization. This method is different from the present invention because the present invention is superior to the prior art in several aspects, including the creative features of providing displays in multiple currencies, multiple billing rates, and multiple tax rates, and automatically translating data entry summaries into at least one additional foreign language.

[0006] In U.S. Patent 6,625,267 B1, the prior art discloses a billing system that includes a telephone, a printing device, a postage applicator, and a computer-based device. The method includes a system in which a first computer-based device can detect the time when one of the telephone, printing device, or postage applicator is started for use. A billing software application associated with the computer-based device is capable of recording customer data, service provider data, time, and other fields. Additionally, there can be another second computer associated with the first computer-based device for a first remote operation connection. This method is different from the present invention because the present invention is superior to the prior art in multiple aspects, including the creative feature of providing displays in multiple currencies, multiple billing rates, and multiple tax rates.

[0007] Furthermore, in U.S. Patent No. 6,735,574 B2, the prior art discloses a method and system for using a client / server configuration to track employee productivity (including time in a technical support specialist call center). This disclosure provides a productivity tracking system that includes a client component and a server component. At each representative's computer, the client component provides data entry fields that allow the representative to record productivity information including start and end times of activities. The server component receives productivity information from several client computers and stores the information in a central database. This method is different from the present invention because the present invention is superior to the prior art in several areas, including the creative feature of providing the ability to generate a list of data entries for more than one work data summary, where the user can directly edit at least one of the following data directly from the list of data entries: customer name, matter name, work hours, and description.

[0008] A system for tracking time by using a portable recorder and speech recognition is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,664,638 B2. It converts speech to text, analyzes the text, and determines the speech command and the time when the speech command occurs. There can be task names associated with the speech commands and time periods. These time periods and tasks can be packaged and stored for further processing.

[0009] A work-in-progress (WIP) tracking system for coordinating semiconductor supply chain operations is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,218,980 B1. Prior art embodiments provide WIP tracking reports as customer delivery arrangements. Another WIP tracking report describes the status of orders in process as WIP. The present disclosure includes WIP as a tracking report of the performance of various suppliers. One embodiment of the WIP tracking system performs a consistency check of WIP updates to detect and prevent lost or misleading WIP updates, thereby improving the accuracy of data representation.

[0010] With prior art systems, there would be multiple billing systems across the country and the world. Integrating information is time-consuming and difficult, especially when financial reports are required at the end of the month. Many servers mean more computer systems to maintain and more computer technicians. With prior art, accounting systems can vary by region and all accounting has to be merged manually. Additionally, there are different legal and fiduciary requirements in different countries around the world, all of which have to be handled manually and cannot be merged into a unified timekeeping and billing system. Finally, there is no automated system for handling joint bills and multi-payer accounts.

[0011] Therefore, in the prior art, there is no improved time entry and billing system having the following inventive features: automatically translating narratives into one or more languages, the ability to edit WIP or time entry lists in real time, the ability to mark fields and split documents, the ability to mark fields and combine documents, the ability to protect the system from unauthorized user access by providing security levels to those who access different parts of customer data; the ability to automatically track field edits in any given document or work data summary; the ability to transfer work data to a main database serving work centers across the country or even the world, and further the ability to input and evaluate one or more tax rates for matters charged to customers. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention includes improved systems and methods for inputting time and managing prepaid bills, which are commonly referred to in the business as "WIP forms" or work-in-progress schedules or work data summary lists or data summary lists. In the professional billing software market, codes or descriptors are typically assigned to billing entities or "timekeepers" to track the people working on each client matter. Typically, law firms track timekeepers or billing entities by their initials, such as JMD, KTP, GSW, etc., and then assign one or more rates to that timekeeper based on the client contract agreement of the billing entity. In most professional firms, it is important to track the timekeeper who brought the client to the firm so that the profit from the client can be properly attributed to that client initiator. Next, it is important to track all timekeepers or associate attorneys, architects, and engineers handling each transaction for each client according to a predefined set of rules.

[0013] For each client, each timekeeper or billing entity, and each client initiator that can be reviewed by others (such as the ABA or American Bar Association, CPA associations, etc.), it is very important to have a predefined set of rules and algorithms to enable the software to be recognized and safely used by relevant professionals in the market to prevent claims of misconduct or other harm to the public using such services.

[0014] Therefore, reliable, easily understandable software using appropriate algorithms and methods is very important in its design and use in its relevant field or market.

[0015] Although the software described herein is primarily targeted at the legal timekeeping and billing market, it should be understood that the concepts, algorithms, and ideas employed herein are readily implementable and suitable for any professional or even non-professional purpose to generate accurate bills in a variety of situations.

[0016] The system of the present invention is used by timekeepers to record their time into time slips or work data summaries for the given matters or phases they work on for a specific client. The timekeepers will record their time in a work data system that generates a list for review, where the time is verified and / or approved and closed, and then in a preferred embodiment, the work data summary is sent to an ERP or a master database. Once in the ERP, the work data summary is ready for editing through real-time WIP editing.

[0017] After the work data summary has been loaded into the ERP, a reconciliation process is performed to confirm that all work data summaries transferred from the time work data system have been correctly loaded into the ERP. There is a separate error handling function in the ERP to check, correct, and reprocess all time documents and flag any errors. A clear audit trail is maintained for all input work data entry summaries into the ERP so that they can be traced back to the time entry system.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved time entry data and billing system of the present invention will easily interface with the following data: work date, timekeeper, customer, matter, phase, work location, actual work location, legal area, hours (tenths of an hour, minutes, or quarter hours), activity, task, fixed fee, and detailed narrative. In addition, a comment field that can be uploaded to the ERP or master database will be provided. In actual use, when a timekeeper or billing entity provides some work to a customer on a specific date for a specific matter, she or he will enter the following information in the improved billing and timekeeping system: timekeeper ID, customer ID, matter, work phase, task, activity, fixed fee, legal area, and actual work location.

[0019] The system of the present invention will have the feature and advantage of being able to record time involving both local and global (non-local matters). In addition, the system will track non-billing entities responsible for entering and maintaining timekeeping information for any specific customer and matter. The system will further provide security checks and balances where certain deletions may not be possible, or they can be logged for later review. In some cases, large time entries for a specific customer can be routed to management for review. The system will provide real-time flagging to ensure the integrity of the data entered into the improved system.

[0020] The improved system will also be able to generate real-time or periodic reports that can reconcile the timekeeping records with some or all of the following databases: ERP, master data records, end-of-month captures, errors, and large changes in miscalculations. The user will also be able to create additional fields as needed for special customers and for cases where additional data storage is required for convenience or by court order or decree. The system will also be able to create a certain degree of confidentiality and security based on location, type of personnel (staff, attorney, paralegal, special counsel, etc.). The improved system will also be able to display certain fields while not displaying other fields based on the security level of the system viewer that has been predetermined by a set of algorithms inherent in the improved system.

[0021] The improved system can also be provided with a Project Delegator that can control the timing and billing of certain activities, rather than other activities. The improved system will be able to capture unknown discrete data elements (UDFs) for office or other reporting purposes.

[0022] In addition, as needed, detailed time narratives will be able to be translated into one or more foreign languages by the users or viewers of the improved system according to their users' needs.

[0023] When a timekeeper or the timekeeper's assistant enters data, the user will be able to quickly determine if any fields have errors, such as the timekeeper's name or code, activity name or code, task name or code, billing period name or code, etc. The improved timekeeping system will also be able to determine if the timekeeper has entered more time than some or all of the predetermined rules: 1) more than an 8-hour workday; 2) more than a preset workday (8 to 12 hours); or 3) more than 24 hours of work in a single day. The improved time entry system can also be set to exclude or issue a warning when the number of billed hours per week, month, or year exceeds the maximum for the user or firm. Using such a system can prevent improper conduct and fraud situations where a lawyer timekeeper, due to regulatory, client, or physical capacity limitations, performs the entered time.

[0024] The time entry system of the present invention can also quickly determine if certain timekeepers are sick, unable to work properly, absent from their workplace, or need assistance, or can further inquire as to why a timekeeper's working hours do not meet expected standards. Many companies require time to be entered quickly, usually in real-time or within 24 hours, and this will provide the system to determine if any billing entity has not entered time quickly and trigger an automatic query of the improved time management system.

[0025] In addition, when a timekeeper enters her or his time, the improved system may be able to automatically correct spelling and grammar errors. If these errors occur too frequently, the user of the system can be directed to a program that will clarify the spelling or grammar error for further reference so that the timekeeper does not repeat the problem.

[0026] As an additional feature, the improved system will be able to automatically and seamlessly perform one or more of the following tasks for the user: transfer time and cost entries to another matter; divide time and costs between matters; combine time entries based on the timekeeper and the work dates involved according to a set of predetermined rules, and then be able to adjust any time values and / or cost entries that are incorrectly recorded according to a predetermined set of rules and algorithms.

[0027] In the system of the present invention, the user will be provided with a WIP or Work in Progress editor or a work data summary list editor. The WIP editor will allow the user to perform one or more of the following tasks: edit the narrative of the description; spell check; transfer time entries or cost entries from one matter to another; split time and cost entries among multiple entries; edit task or activity codes among multiple entries; edit task and activity codes; change the narrative of wrongly posted entries, and combine multiple entries and line items into a single entry generated in a single date.

[0028] In addition, the WIP or work data summary editor will allow the user to transfer time from one office or location to another. It will further allow for quick and seamless translation of foreign languages. The WIP editor can run on periodic dates (end of month or beginning of month, middle of month, etc.) or as needed by the user, staff, or manager and in real time. The improved system will also allow the user to print hard copies for annotation or send soft copies for viewer electronic editing and email, text highlighting, and electronic escape. The improved WIP editor will allow for on-demand changes to any fields desired by the system user, including but not limited to: matter name, work date, posting date, timekeeper name or code, work hours, hourly rate, activity code, task code, fixed fee information, required cost, and quantity.

[0029] The WIP editor will have the ability to display billing amounts in multiple currencies as desired by the user and in real time or near real time, the billing amounts including but not limited to: group (USD) currency, local or legal currency, and billing entity currency. In addition, an interface will be provided to generate a set of local work data summaries, each local work data summary including: timekeeper (full name, timekeeper number, timekeeper position), client (client number and client name), matter (matter name and matter number), phase number and name, task code and description, activity code and description, fixed fee code and description, list and description of legal areas, and actual work location (name and code), which can be transferred to the global master data set at desired intervals or frequencies. In addition, the system of the present invention also has the ability to record the time of non-local timekeepers as well as local timekeepers, and it can also allow assistants and other non-timekeepers to enter time for the timekeeper. An additional feature of a preferred embodiment is the ability of the system of the present invention to import and export local work time data summaries and other information from one region to another.

[0030] Another important feature of the system of the present invention is as follows: At the time of input, the data will be immediately analyzed to find common errors and discrepancies, and these can be automatically corrected or a warning sound or mark can be generated by the system. The system of the present invention can record time as commonly used increments such as hours and minutes (e.g., 1:15 for one hour and fifteen minutes), or it can input time in decimals (1.25 means one hour and fifteen minutes), or it can input time in tenths of an hour. The system will also allow the user to undo time as needed. The system can track errors and corrections to ensure that time is not frequently reduced or exaggerated by a particular user. An automatic audit trail is another important feature of the system of the present invention.

[0031] The system of the present invention will allow its users to print summary sheets of WIP or time worked data in a variety of formats, and while providing a standard report format, it will also provide its users with a wide variety of customized formats.

[0032] In addition, the user will be able to edit narrative line items for time and cost; spell-check the narrative for line items with time, and transfer one or more time entries or time entries from a first matter to a second matter, including all time, whether billable or non-billable. The user will also be able to adjust any narrative for incorrectly posted time and cost corrections, and the user can combine time line items for the same timekeeper on the same date into a single document.

[0033] The system of the present invention will also allow its users to have the ability to present WIP report details or a summary list of work data to the billing partner on a live screen, and provide a method that facilitates the user to include notes and provide further instructions to the billing partner.

[0034] The system of the present invention will also allow the user to print a hard copy of any generated WIP or summary list report of work data for notes, and the system will also allow the user to send a soft copy of any WIP report for editing by others in the company or firm.

[0035] Generally speaking, the system of the present invention will allow the user to display a standard WIP valuation report with standard rates and customer values, where, if needed, the customer value can be based on customer exception rates.

[0036] The system of the present invention will allow its users to value WIP form inputs or reports in multiple currencies. In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, the system will display values to the customer in three currencies: group currency; legal or local currency and billing matter currency.

[0037] The system of the present invention will be provided with various password features such that the narrative will remain private and confidential to anyone other than the billing partner and those who need to know the basis of the customer and customer matters under discussion.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a billing coordinator role may also be included, wherein the ability to restrict the WIP or work data summary list editing process for billing coordination is limited to the office level to which a billing coordinator has been assigned.

[0039] The ability to align the WIP or work data summary list editing process for all offices with the shared service center arrangement will also be provided. In addition, a tracking method will be provided to ensure an audit trail for the WIP editing process within and between shared offices.

[0040] A conversion mechanism will be further provided for the following issues: unbilled time and cost documents; time documents with negative values; time documents with zero hours; time documents with more than 24 hours per day; time and cost time documents, which can be loaded in a standard format.

[0041] Other features provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention include, but are not limited to: the ability to return the WIP or work data summary list to its working or originating office; the ability to generate a WIP report or work data summary list showing the number of work hours and work value as well as the billed hours and value. The system of the present invention will also allow batch editing, or the ability to view and edit multiple documents or time records simultaneously during the entire WIP editing process.

[0042] The system of the present invention will allow its users to modify hard costs and transfer these from one client matter to another, or to a completely different client.

[0043] The system of the present invention will allow multiple WIP or work data summary list type reports, including but not limited to those generated by one or more of the following selection criteria: company code, office, partner function, practice group, client, matter, matter type, timekeeper, and group billing ID. When the system of the present invention is running, any client write-off can be charged to the cost center as a direct expense for the billing attorney for that transaction. When any cost is transferred from a billable matter to a non-billable matter, the relevant general ledger posting will move the cost from the balance sheet account to the expense account.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a three-way matching method from purchase to payment is used. When this method is used, WIP is recorded when goods and / or services are delivered to and received by the client.

[0045] The system of the present invention allows its users to perform a spell check on the entire WIP report at a single time. The system will also automatically verify task codes and log them in real time to the task code list, and transfer costs between matters as needed during the WIP editing or review process. When there is a customer matter to customer matter transfer process, the user is also able to select valid task codes from the list during the WIP editing or review process.

[0046] During the actual use of the improved WIP or work data summary list editing and processing system, the billing coordinator will generate a WIP report in another operating system that is typically available in the ERP or related market, listing the required matters or comments for a specific WIP report. Next, the billing coordinator will review the WIP report and make a decision on whether WIP adjustments are needed, and then she or he will make any necessary edits to the WIP line items in the ERP. Finally, the revised WIP report will be sent to the timekeeper, either as an online report, as a hard copy, or as an email attachment for the timekeeper to review and edit.

[0047] When the timekeeper receives the WIP or work data summary list form or attachment, she or he can make a decision on whether to perform additional edits to the WIP form and / or work data summary saved in the system of the present invention. If there are additional edits, these can be completed by the timekeeper, or the new edits can be passed back to the billing coordinator so that the billing coordinator or staff can make the edits for the timekeeper.

[0048] For most law firms and hourly billing businesses such as CPAs, architects, etc., there are various expenses or soft costs that must be billed back to the company. Soft costs or expenses can include one or more of the following items: copies, faxes, scans, prints, taxi fares, air tickets, meals, etc. These expenses or soft costs are typically tracked by a cost recovery system or a time entry system. Documents from the cost recovery system are collected and loaded into the ERP or the desired operating system at the desired frequency. Costs are created in the ERP and then recorded against specific client matters or cost codes and then provided to the WIP or work in progress system for viewing and editing. A reconciliation process can be performed to ensure that all costs or expenses from the cost recovery system have been transferred into the ERP. There will also be a separate error handling process in the ERP to reprocess any soft costs that contain errors. Costs can also be manually recorded in the ERP system. Costs such as copies, faxes, scans, and prints may come from the company or firm's Xerox machines, copiers, copier / scanners, or any other printer with a quick or onboard computer that is provided with automated accounting software. In the case of other expenses such as travel, hotels, air tickets, meals, fuel tickets, etc., the timekeeper or staff member is able to scan the receipts and these will automatically generate payment vouchers or cost vouchers for the automated entry system. Receipts generated by text or email can also be forwarded by the user to the automated entry system.

[0049] A reconciliation process is available to ensure that all costs from the cost recovery system have been transferred into the ERP. There will also be a separate error handling process in the ERP to reprocess any costs that contain errors. Costs can also be manually recorded into the ERP.

[0050] The system will also allow recording of costs with or without associated tasks and / or activity codes. In some cases, costs are associated with clients that have not yet been formally retained by the law firm, or potential clients for whom a retainer agreement has not yet been signed, or clients for whom a decision has not yet been made. Potential clients may often incur significant time and cost expenses before signing a retainer agreement or deciding to formally engage the firm or lawyer they have been calling or visiting.

[0051] Cost codes can be recorded in association with one or more of the following data: date, timekeeper name or number, client matter, task code, activity code, work office location, cost code, quantity or amount of the project, and an elaborate narrative or detailed description. Master data created from the above inputs can be recorded against one or more of the following: client name, client number, matter name, matter number, matter description; timekeeper name, timekeeper number, activity type or soft cost name and code; task code; activity code and the function is for expenses.

[0052] The system of the present invention may also have the ability to import costs from a cost recovery system into the ERP. Non-local offices need to provide cost data (including FedEx, etc.) into a file that can be processed by the ERP. The cost data will be processed in a pre-determined batch mode in real-time or at regular or desired intervals.

[0053] The system of the present invention for recording soft costs or expenses will include one or more of the following steps: the ability to load costs into the ERP through appropriate validation; the ability to distinguish between soft costs and hard costs; and an error handling system will be provided, including a system for identifying and reprocessing records containing data errors; any data errors must be quickly identified and notifications must be created and sent immediately to the timekeeper and billing coordinator (preferably once a day) and others interested in system errors for that particular customer or matter; error generation may include notifications sent to individual groups as needed. The system must take care to flag and / or eliminate duplicate costs before entering the ERP. Accounting clerks or work data clerks may be utilized to post, forward, or reprocess costs and processes in the ERP. A mechanism may also be provided such that when a zero quantity is entered, the system will automatically generate a value based on the cost code or activity rate type. The soft costs entered should also be classified as taxable or not subject to sales tax. When costs are received from non-local offices, the tax status of the cost should be set to the same tax status pre-selected by the main office or billing office.

[0054] The system of the present invention will also allow its users to directly manually record costs into the ERP, as well as automatically load tables into the system in any tabular format (such as Word, Excel, WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Open Office, and other spreadsheet formats). In addition, the system will accept tabular data in a.txt list in CSV or comma-separated values or in a.csv file format. The system of the present invention will provide storage memory to store reference data for any local or non-local office for internal reference.

[0055] In addition, the system of the present invention will provide an ERP interface that will take on cost loading in its current format and automatically convert it to other formats to make it available for input into the ERP. The system of the present invention is designed and configured such that a set of pre-determined validations can occur whether cost data is provided through an automated data generation process or through manual data entry. Whenever an error occurs in a data entry or the quantity has been set to zero, the system of the present invention will automatically generate a report or send an echo message to the billing partner.

[0056] For the system of the present invention, multiple timekeepers record the soft costs they charge for items preselected in the improved cost recovery system. The timekeepers will record any items for which there is no valid customer or item assigned to the cost, and the cost will be stored against the timekeeper's general account unless and until the cost is later assigned to a valid customer or item. The timekeepers will review the recorded software costs but there are no valid customer items or values for the day and will further process and post them from the billing system.

[0057] Next, the improved cost recovery system will generate a batch file of costs and input it into the ERP. These cost records will be loaded into the ERP and then transferred to the WIP. Then, the accounting processor can manually verify if there are any errors in the upload of the soft costs into the ERP, and the errors can be manually modified and then uploaded again for processing.

[0058] These and other modifications and configurations of systems and methods in the timekeeping field generally known to those skilled in the art should be considered as included in the above description of the invention as if fully set forth, and should be regarded as part of the present invention as claimed below.

[0059] Objectives of the Invention

[0060] Accordingly, a main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system that can record time sheets or time entries containing one or more of the following multiple data in real time: working date, timekeeper number, customer, item, phase, work location, actual work location, legal area, hours, activity code, task code, fixed charge code, and detailed description or narrative, and has a predetermined set of values to enhance data collection and processing.

[0061] Another main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system that can process master data of time sheets or work data entries processed on a global or local basis, and provide a timely WIP or work in progress schedule or a summary list of work data that can be viewed and edited in real time.

[0062] Another main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system that can process a data time summary into a WIP form capable of displaying time values or hourly billing at the following three rates: standard rate, item rate, and value rate. The standard rate is the normal rate of the firm, the item rate is the agreed-upon rate with exceptions, and the value rate is the discounted rate. Therefore, the WIP form should easily answer the question: "What would be my total charges and / or rates if I were to bill today?".

[0063] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, in which other staff members and timekeepers can input time sheets from other non-local and local offices to automatically enter the improved system, and the time is credited to the accounts of the billing partners.

[0064] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, in which a set of predetermined values is used to review and process any data input errors in the system, and the data input errors can be marked and / or automatically corrected in real time or near real time.

[0065] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, in which users can create and implement user-defined codes and data fields, which are not part of the standard timekeeping system that the invention system can temporarily process and sort.

[0066] In addition, another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, in which time can be recorded in multiple formats according to the needs of users, including tenths of an hour or quarters of an hour; whole minutes or decimal parts of hours in minutes, 24-hour format, and other formats commonly used in billing software.

[0067] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, in which users can correct and modify time sheets in real time in the WIP and use them for further processing after uploading the time sheet batches to the ERP.

[0068] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, which is provided with automatic error handling and an audit trail for repeated write-off of time or time addition after the fact.

[0069] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, which is provided with a comment field, so that users can comment on any field by clicking on a nearby icon for others or other people to view.

[0070] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, which can be used by both billing personnel (lawyers, paralegals, and legal clerks) and non-billing personnel (assistants, secretaries, managers, and administrators), and the system will track the entity that actually inputs the time and subsequent entity edits at any time.

[0071] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system, which is provided with methods for project clients, managers, and billing coordinators to run document reports (WIP) and other reports and edit time within the system.

[0072] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system which is provided with a security and audit trail when a timekeeper, a billing partner or a client initiator writes off time.

[0073] Another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system which is provided with customizable automated error flags, and the automated error flags alert its users to situations such as zero time, zero quantity in a payment document, missing or too short a description, etc.

[0074] Yet another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system which is provided with a method for displaying the value of any given document in various currencies, including currencies by region or country or group of countries such as the currency of the European Union.

[0075] In addition, another main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system which is provided with a method for flagging duplicate documents and excessive hours charged to a client (more than 8 hours per day, or 12 hours per day, or 180 hours per month or 2,000 hours per year) to address the ethical concerns and practices of overcharging clients.

[0076] The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved timekeeping and recording system which is provided with a unit for automating the confidentiality of time recorded through one or more of: a personal list, a group of billing entities, employee levels (lawyer, paralegal, legal clerk, secretary, staff, management) or local workgroups and global workgroups.

[0077] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention can be readily obtained from the following detailed description of the drawings taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and should be considered to be within the general scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 is a detailed flowchart of the system of the present invention, an improved time entry and recording system.

[0079] Figure 2 is a detailed flowchart of the system of the present invention, an improved time entry and recording system.

[0080] Figure 3 is a screenshot of the present invention when used in a mobile application format.

[0081] Figure 4 is a screenshot of the present invention when used in a mobile application format.

[0082] Figure 5 is a screenshot of the present invention when used in a mobile application format.

[0083] Figure 6 This is a screenshot of the present invention when used in the mobile application format.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a screenshot of the present invention when used in the mobile application format.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a screenshot of the present invention when used in the mobile application format. Detailed Description

[0086] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an improved time input and reporting system and method of the present invention, showing the initial stage of the improved system, the part for recording time, the part for analyzing time errors, or the improved time recording system 10, which is initialized by the user first entering some or all of the following time-related data entries: work date, timekeeper, customer, matter, phase, work location, legal type, hours, activity, task, fixed fee, and detailed description or narrative 12. In this part of the time input stage, the date is the date when the work is completed. In practice, the system of the present invention, the improved time input and reporting system, will also track the date when the time is entered to ensure that the time entry is not submitted before the billing time and that there is no inappropriate time lag between the time when the time is charged and the date when the time is entered into the time input and reporting system 10 of the present invention.

[0087] Customer fields can be assigned to store the actual name, nickname, and / or numeric code in System 10. Next, a billable matter will be provided to the user or can be created, which can be accessed by the name, nickname, and / or numeric code stored in System 10. Examples of billable matters can include: Smith v. Jones; Doe's real estate; the name of a patent or trademark, the name of a building being purchased or sold, etc. Additionally, the work location is entered into System 10 and it can also be stored by name, nickname, and / or numeric code. Next, the user can submit the time she or he has spent on a particular matter, and System 10 can record the hours in two different formats as the user desires; i.e., in decimal format (1.25, representing one hour and 15 minutes; 1.50, representing one hour and 30 minutes, etc.) or in hours and minutes (1:15, representing 1 hour and 15 minutes; 1:30, representing 1 hour and 30 minutes, etc.). Next, the user will enter the type of activity performed for the customer. Typical examples include: litigation, prosecution, transactional work, mediation, etc. The user can then enter the type of tasks involved in the work performed, such as: meeting at the company, meeting at the client's place, phone conversation, email, drafting documents, drafting pleadings, court appearance, etc. Finally, the user will provide a detailed description of the work performed, which will prompt the customer to pay the bill. For example: preparing investigations, water bills, and other documents for closing; drafting a response to an official action from the USPTO; meeting with a client in the office regarding estate planning. In this way, the firm can track the most profitable and popular tasks that lawyers and billing entities are involved in during their time at the firm.

[0088] Next, when entering time, the user will be able to create notes or marks by clicking on an icon next to any field on Screen 14. For example, the user may wish to check the time regarding a particular matter, and she or he will mark the time box and / or put a note as a reminder to check that field later. Additionally, the system itself is able to automatically generate a mark 16 when time is entered incorrectly according to a predefined set of rules or algorithms for errors.

[0089] After the time is tagged, the system adds and checks for any errors, and then at a predetermined time, it can be uploaded to the master data system 18, which can be accessed based on local data 20 and global data 22. At this stage, the time input date can be checked against the confidentiality checklist 24 so that it can be selectively made available to individuals or groups of entities by the billing partner or the client-initiated attorney. At this point, the system 10 can check for any overbilling practices 26, underbilling issues 28, and / or late billing issues 30. In the case of overbilling practices 26, the system of the present invention can provide checks on a daily, weekly, monthly, and / or annual basis. Generally, an attorney may not charge a client more than 8 to 12 hours per day, or 60 hours per week, or 180 to 200 hours per month, or more than 2,200 hours per year, or this may result in liability for the firm and / or an attorney ethics violation.

[0090] Similarly, late billing 30 can cause problems for the firm because time records may not be generated and recorded in a timely manner, indicating that the attorney may be making up time or that the time is incorrect. Additionally, depending on the billing, 30 tags can indicate illness, family problems or conditions, or another status that can be remedied by quickly assisting the attorney before it becomes a major employment issue. By utilizing such tags and controls, the firm can create a more efficient and profitable entity.

[0091] Furthermore, the time input system 10 of the present invention can be provided with an audit trail 32 that tracks all time changes, when the time changes occur, and who caused the time changes. The time input system 10 can then track changes indicating that an attorney habitually writes off time or artificially increases time after the fact. The written-off time is paid for by the attorney. Time added some time after the claimed date can be accumulated in the master database for further review by the billing partner or the client initiator.

[0092] Finally, the system 10 can generate a WIP or work in progress form 34 for the billing entity, the billing partner, the client initiator, as well as the staff and the administrator as a confidentiality control permitted by the system 10. These are WIP forms that can be edited locally and globally in real time. The WIP forms and the work data summary can display the time billing or billable value in three currencies, namely local, matter, and billing, taking into account different exchange rates. The calculations are automatic and in real time. They can be automatically collected from various constantly updated websites, such as "The Wall Street Journal", "The New York Times", and other major media that track world currency exchange rates. Additionally, the work data summary list or the WIP can display the number of rows preselected by the user. In this way, the data entry list can include only one row of data for the matter being billed, or it can include two or more rows of data for the matter being billed.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, WIP reports and time and payment entries can be monitored and displayed in a master data system globally, and the current exchange rate is reported and updated in real time. This may include hundreds of thousands of entries of large firms operating around the world in dozens of countries, which are input in real time every day and continuously calculated.

[0094] Figure 2 A flowchart of the system of the present invention for editing documents and generating WIP 50 is shown. The system of the present invention for generating WIP 50 begins with recording a billing entry 52, which includes at least: the date of the work performed, the name of the billing entity or timekeeper, the customer name or nickname, the matter involved, the time spent on the matter, and a detailed description or narrative. Other fields may include legal type (patent, contract, trademark, litigation, etc.), activity, tasks performed, fixed fee setting (above which no billing is possible), etc.

[0095] Next, various operations on the data that the system 50 can perform on the data input into the billing entry are shown. The system 50 can transfer the detailed description or narrative 54 from one time entry to another, effectively overwriting the second time entry. Or, the system 50 can create a new document 56 with a repeated narrative. In addition, the system 50 can take a time entry and split it into two or more time entries, with the user determining the amount of time for each time entry involved 58. In addition, one or more time entries can be marked so that they can be combined together 60 into a new time entry, and the user will select which fields will appear in the resulting new combined time entry in this action.

[0096] In addition, before uploading to the master database, the user can change the customer, matter, activity, stage, work location, legal type, number of hours, etc. of any specific time entry 60. At this point, the user can also create additional notes or marks on any time entry so that they can be reviewed at a later date 64. Another feature of the system 50 of the present invention allows its user to select some or all of the fields to transfer from one time entry to a second time entry 68, effectively overwriting the data.

[0097] An additional feature of the system 50 of the present invention is to allow the user to create two abbreviations to shorten the typing task and allow the user to create a document template according to the matter of a specific customer. For example, the user can repeatedly type for a specific matter: timekeeper, detailed description, stage, location, legal type, activity, task, and only change the date and time. By creating a matter template, this will greatly shorten the typing load of a specific timekeeper or billing entity.

[0098] In addition, at any stage from the creation of time entries 52 to the generation of WIP, system 50 will be able to perform spell checking and translate the detailed description by simply selecting a task from a drop-down menu or button on the screen. Similarly, system 50 will create value fields on the screen for each time entry, and the value fields will be able to be displayed by the user in one to three currencies. Typical types of currencies displayed can be national, local currencies, such as groups of countries like the EU, or currencies found only on the Internet.

[0099] Finally, the system 50 of the present invention will be able to generate a pre-bill or WIP form, which will create values for taxes from a predetermined form, or can be directly downloaded from Internet sources in near real-time, such as Internet sources like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, etc. In this way, local taxes, county taxes, city taxes, and municipal taxes, and even value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax can be calculated and displayed in WIP format. After each of the above steps is implemented in system 50, the user will be able to create a WIP form displayed in an improved billing system, where any fields involved: working date, timekeeper name, customer name, matter, phase, work location, legal type, hours, activities, tasks, fixed fee data, and detailed description or narrative can be edited and stored in near real-time.

[0100] Figure 3 A screenshot of a mobile application version of the improved time and billing system 100 of the present invention is shown, where on the screen display unit 115, a timekeeper 112 is shown with a digital identifier, name, and picture; total billable hours 114 by actual and by target, by month and by date; fees billed and collected, annual year-to-date in bar format 116; buttons are provided to access other parts of the improved time and billing system 100, namely: home page 118, analysis section 120; record time 124; resource finder 126, and unsubmitted time 130. The screen display unit 115 also provides a log out option 132, and it allows the user to change the timekeeper 137.

[0101] Figure 4 An alternative screenshot of an alternative version of the improved time and billing system 100 of the present invention is shown, where a timekeeper 150 is shown on the screen display unit 115, billing analysis in 3-D bar chart format indicating billable hours, collections, locked dashboard key performance indicators (KPIs), realization figures consisting of analysis and accounts receivable numbers, and a WIP or work in progress chart. The screen display unit 115 also shows a home page icon 154, an analysis icon 156, a dashboard icon 158, a conference center icon 160, and a resource icon 162 to take the user to additional system resources. A paging icon 170 for sharing the page via email, text, twitter, or other means 170 and a settings icon 180 are also provided.

[0102] Figure 5 Another replacement screenshot showing an alternative version of the improved time and billing system 100 of the present invention, on which the following items of interest are displayed on the screen display unit 115: a summary 113 of the matter, which can be sorted by its user, usually a timekeeper 112, via the search field 136; icons 18 for the home page, analysis icon 120, record time icon 124, resource finder icon 126, and unsubmitted time icon 130 to take the user to these screen applications as needed. The screenshot also shows the area where the user can easily enter his or her time 150, and fields are available for the customer, customer ID number, matter, matter number, legal area, work date, number of work hours, whether the recorded time is billable, task type, task code, activity code, and a note for the currently entered billing. A bar chart for progress is also provided, which includes the number of hours timed and the number of hours budgeted 144. In addition, there is a start call icon 138, which will initiate a phone call that can be either audio only or it can be Skyped. Further, the user will be able to immediately submit the time entered via the icon 140, or she or he can save it via the icon 142 for later submission.

[0103] Figure 6 A screenshot version of the improved timekeeping and billing system 100 of the present invention, which displays the following fields: timekeeper 12, report name 162, billable hours report 164 in the form of numbers and bar charts, work value 166 in the form of numbers and bar charts; realized rate 168 in the form of a bar chart, timekeeper leverage, i.e., the number of work hours of non-equity partners working for each equity partner or (partner time vs. non-partner time), represented in a proportional format and in a floating icon format 172, areas are also provided for future versions 174 and 178 and data can be displayed for WIP and AR days 176. In addition, the report date, currency 180, period 182, region 184, and paging icons for sharing the page via email, text, twitter, or other means 170, and settings 180 are displayed.

[0104] Figure 7 Another screenshot showing the improved timekeeping and billing system 100 of the present invention, which displays the following items on the display unit 115: timekeeper 112, a pie chart of the fees of customer 192 and an AR or accounts receivable bar chart, a list of summary entries of billing data 194, and icons for going to other parts of the improved timekeeping and billing system 100, namely the home page icon 118, analysis icon 120; record time icon 124; resource finder 160 and unsubmitted time 130. In addition, a log out icon 132 is displayed, and the change timekeeper icon 134 is accessible by its user.

[0105] Now, Figure 8 a preferred embodiment of the improved timekeeping and billing system of the present invention is shown in which shows an editable list 200 of work data summaries. In this particular embodiment of the billing and timekeeping system of the present invention, the work data summaries have been listed by customer 206 and they have been sorted according to customer 206, but they can also be sorted by date 212. In this particular view, the following can be edited directly on the work data summary list 200: date 212; narrative 210; timekeeper 214, activity 216, customer 218, hours spent 220, and rate of the timekeeper 222. This can be done directly on the electronic display screen in real time. The user can also select all active, unbilled documents or open documents 204. The user can also select a time period, in this case from 6 / 1 / 13 to 10 / 23 / 14, or any desired time period. The title gives the date and time 224 when the list was created. The page number 226 also aids the attorney, timekeeper, or staff when editing the work data summary list 200.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described in the foregoing detailed description with reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can effect modifications and alterations in the structure and arrangement of those embodiments other than those specifically set forth herein, and such modifications and alterations are considered to be within the general scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An improved billing data input system for use on a computer processing unit (CPU) having a data storage device for timekeeping and billing, wherein, the data storage device is configured to store electronic forms and databases of billing data; the computer processing unit is configured to perform the following operations: Input the following data into a data entry summary: customer name, matter name, number of work hours, description of the work performed, and billing rate; Automatically translate the description into at least one additional foreign language; Generate a data entry list containing more than one data entry summary; Transfer multiple data entry summaries to a main database; Calculate the value of each data entry summary to obtain a data entry summary value; Create a tax rate database including at least one tax rate for a given geographical area; Calculate taxes based on the data entry summary value and the at least one tax rate to bill the customer; Display a bar chart of work progress, which includes the number of work hours timed and the budgeted hours; Automatically collect multiple different currency exchange rates from multiple continuously updated websites and display the updated currency exchange rates in real time; and Automatically and in real time use the multiple collected currency exchange rates to calculate the time billing or billable value in multiple currencies and display the time billing or billable value in multiple different currencies; wherein the computer processing unit is further configured to perform the following operations: classify each timekeeper into one or more of the following types: managing partner, billing partner, client-initiated lawyer, legal clerk, staff, and paralegal, and provide access to the data entry summary based on the type of the timekeeper; wherein the billing data input system further includes: a system for automatic error handling, the system for automatic error handling sums up all of the user's time within a given time period, and the system for automatic error handling will be provided with at least one minimum time value and one maximum time value of the time period, and then when the user's total time is higher than the maximum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error notification to the user, and when the user's total time is lower than the minimum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error notification; wherein the computer processing unit is further configured to perform the following operations: automatically and seamlessly perform one or more of the following tasks: Select some or all fields to transfer from one time entry to a second time entry, effectively overwriting the data in the second time entry; or Transfer time and cost entries to another matter; Divide time and cost between matters; Combine time entries based on the timekeeping and the work dates involved according to a set of predetermined rules, and then be able to adjust any time values and / or cost entries of incorrect records according to a predetermined set of rules; Select the fields that appear in the new combined time entry.

2. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the following data in the list of data entries is editable: customer name, matter name, number of work hours, and the description.

3. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, the computer processing unit is configured to mark one or more of the five fields in the data entry summary: customer name, matter name, number of work hours, description of the work performed, and billing rate, to create a new data entry summary, and copy the data in the selected marked copy fields.

4. The billing data input system according to claim 1, the billing data input system being provided with a unit for marking fields on two or more data entry summaries to combine the data entry summaries into a new combined data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

5. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, the data entry summary includes: fields for the customer name, matter name, number of work hours, and work description; and the system is further provided with a unit for editing any field in the data entry summary and a unit for tracking all edits made to any field in the data entry summary.

6. The billing data input system according to claim 1, further comprising: the ability to transmit multiple data entry summaries to a main database of data entry summaries of multiple users including the billing data input system.

7. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, the user is further provided with a unit for calculating the value of the data entry summary, and the billing data input system is provided with at least one tax rate, and the billing data input system will calculate the tax based on the data entry summary value to bill the customer.

8. The billing data input system according to claim 2, the billing data input system being provided with a unit for marking fields on two or more data entry summaries to combine the data entry summaries into a new combined data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

9. The billing data input system according to claim 2, further comprising: a system for automatic error handling, the system for automatic error handling will sum up all of the user's time within a given time period, and the system for automatic error handling will be provided with at least one minimum time value for the time period and a maximum time value for the time period, and then when the user's total time is higher than the maximum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error notification to the user, and when the user's total time is lower than the minimum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error notification.

10. The billing data input system according to claim 2, wherein, The data entry summary includes fields for the customer name, matter name, hours worked, and work description, and the billing data entry system is also provided with a unit for editing any field in the data entry summary and a unit for tracking all edits made to any field in the data entry summary.

11. The billing data entry system according to claim 2, further comprising the ability to transfer multiple data entry summaries to a master database of data entry summaries of multiple users including the billing data entry system.

12. The billing data entry system according to claim 2 wherein the user is also provided with a unit for calculating the value of the data entry summary, and the billing data entry system is provided with at least one tax rate, and the system will calculate taxes based on the data entry summary value to bill the customer.

13. The billing data entry system according to claim 3, the billing data entry system being provided with a unit for marking fields on two or more data entry summaries to combine the data entry summaries into a new combined data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

14. The billing data entry system according to claim 3, further comprising: a system for automatic error handling, the system for automatic error handling summing all of the user's time over a given time period, and the system for automatic error handling being provided with at least one minimum time value for the time period and a maximum time value for the time period, and then when the user's total time falls above the maximum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error flag for the user, and when the user's total time is below the minimum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error flag.

15. The billing data entry system according to claim 3 wherein the data entry summary includes fields for the customer name, matter name, hours worked, and work description; and the system is further provided with a unit for editing any field in the data entry summary and a unit for tracking all edits made to any field in the data entry summary.

16. The billing data entry system according to claim 3, further comprising the ability to transfer multiple data entry summaries to a master database of data entry summaries of multiple users including the billing data entry system.

17. The billing data entry system according to claim 3 wherein the user is also provided with a unit for calculating the value of the data entry summary, and the billing data entry system is provided with at least one tax rate, and the billing data entry system will calculate taxes based on the data entry summary value to bill the customer.

18. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein the billing data input system is provided with a unit for marking fields on the summaries of two or more data entries to combine the summaries of the data entries into a new combined data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

19. The billing data input system according to claim 1, further comprising: a system for automatic error handling that sums up all of the time of the user over a given time period, and the system for automatic error handling will be provided with at least one minimum time value for the time period and a maximum time value for the time period, and then when the total time of the user falls above the maximum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error flag for the user, and when the total time of the user falls below the minimum time period, the system for automatic error handling will generate an error flag.

20. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, the data entry summary has fields for at least the customer name, matter name, number of work hours, and work description; and the billing data input system is further provided with a unit for editing any field in the data entry summary and a unit for tracking all edits made to any field in the data entry summary.

21. The billing data input system according to claim 1, further comprising the ability to transfer multiple data entry summaries to a main database of data entry summaries of multiple users including the billing data input system.

22. The billing data input system according to claim 1, wherein, the user is further provided with a unit for calculating the value of a data entry summary, and the billing data input system is provided with at least one tax rate, and the billing data input system will calculate taxes based on the data entry summary value to bill the customer.

23. A method for utilizing and implementing an improved billing data input system for timekeeping and billing, comprising the steps of: - providing a CPU and a data storage unit; the data storage device is configured to store electronic forms and databases of billing data; - inputting and storing at least the following data: work date, customer name, matter, time spent, and description of the work performed to create a data entry summary; - automatically translating at least the description into at least one foreign language; - generating a data entry list containing more than one data entry summary; - transferring multiple data entry summaries to a main database; - calculating the value of each data entry summary to obtain a data entry summary value; - creating a tax rate database including at least one tax rate for a given geographical area; - calculating taxes based on the data entry summary value and the at least one tax rate to bill the customer; - displaying a bar chart of work progress including the number of work hours timed and the number of budgeted hours; - automatically collecting multiple different currency exchange rates from multiple continuously updated websites and displaying the updated currency exchange rates in real time; - Automatically and in real-time calculate the time billing or billable values for multiple currencies using the collected multiple currency exchange rates, and display the time billing or billable values for multiple different currencies; - Input and store at least the following data: a narrative of the timekeeper; - Classify each timekeeper into one or more of the following: managing partner, billing partner, client-initiated attorney, legal clerk, staff, and paralegal, for security purposes; - Grant access to at least one summary of data entries based on the security classification of the timekeeper; - Sum up all the hours of the timekeeper within a given time period, generating a total time; - Provide the minimum time value and the maximum time value within the given time period, thereby creating an acceptable time range; And - When the total time exceeds the acceptable time range, display a warning notice to the user; - Automatically and seamlessly perform one or more of the following tasks: Select some or all fields to transfer from one time entry to a second time entry, effectively overwriting the data in the second time entry; or Transfer time and cost entries to another matter; Divide time and cost among matters; Combine time entries based on the timekeeping and the working dates involved according to a set of predetermined rules, and then be able to adjust any time values and / or cost entries that are incorrectly recorded according to a predetermined set of rules; Select the fields that appear in the new combined time entry.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Edit at least one of the following data directly from the list of data entries: client name, matter name, working hours, and description.

25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Mark one or more fields in the summary of data entries to create a new summary of data entries containing the data from the marked fields.

26. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: Mark fields on two or more summaries of data entries and combine them into a new summary of data entries based on the fields marked by the user.

27. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Edit at least one field in the summary of data entries; and - Track the edits made to a given summary of data entries.

28. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Create a main database capable of storing summaries of data entries for multiple timekeepers; and - Transfer multiple summaries of data entries to the main database.

29. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Calculate the tax payable on the client's bill by multiplying the at least one tax rate by the sum of the summaries of data entries for the client within a given time period; - And display the tax payable to the user electronically.

30. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the steps of: Mark fields on two or more summaries of data entries and combine the two or more summaries of data entries into a new summary of data entries based on the fields marked by the user.

31. The method according to claim 24, further comprises the following steps: - Summing all of the hours of the timekeepers within a given time period to produce a total time, - Providing a minimum time value and a maximum time value within the given time period so as to create an acceptable time range; - When the total time exceeds the acceptable time range, displaying a warning notification to the user.

32. The method according to claim 24, further comprises the following steps: - Editing at least one field in the data entry summary; and - Tracking the edits made to a given data entry summary.

33. The method according to claim 24, further comprises the following steps: - Creating a main database capable of storing data entry summaries for multiple timekeepers; and - Transmitting multiple data entry summaries into the main database.

34. The method according to claim 24, further comprises the following steps: - Calculating the tax payable on a customer's bill by multiplying the at least one tax rate by the sum of the customer's data entry summaries within a given time period.

35. The method according to claim 25, further comprises the following steps: Marking fields on two or more data entry summaries and combining the two or more data entry summaries into a new data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

36. The method according to claim 25, further comprises the following steps: - Summing all of the hours of the timekeepers within a given time period to produce a total time, - Providing a minimum time value and a maximum time value within the given time period so as to create an acceptable time range; - When the total time exceeds the acceptable time range, displaying a warning notification to the user.

37. The method according to claim 25, further comprises the following steps: - Editing at least one field in the data entry summary; and - Tracking the edits made to a given data entry summary.

38. The method according to claim 25, further comprises the following steps: - Creating a main database capable of storing data entry summaries for multiple timekeepers; and - Transmitting multiple data entry summaries into the main database.

39. The method according to claim 25, further comprises the following steps: - Calculating the tax payable on a customer's bill by multiplying the at least one tax rate by the sum of the customer's data entry summaries within a given time period.

40. The method according to claim 23, further comprises the following steps: Marking fields on two or more data entry summaries and combining the two or more data entry summaries into a new data entry summary based on the fields marked by the user.

41. The method according to claim 23, further comprises the following steps: - Summing all of the hours of the timekeepers within a given time period to produce a total time, - Providing a minimum time value and a maximum time value within the given time period so as to create an acceptable time range; - When the total time exceeds the acceptable time range, displaying a warning notification to the user.

42. The method according to claim 23, further comprises the following steps: - Edit at least one field in the summary of the data entry; and - Track edits made to the summary of a given data entry.

43. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Create a master database capable of storing summaries of data entries for multiple timekeepers; and - Transmit multiple data entry summaries into the master database.

44. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: - Calculate the tax payable on a customer's bill by multiplying the at least one tax rate by the sum of the data entry summaries of the customer over a given period.

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