Benefit Administration System Automating Invoice Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing employee benefit programs are inefficient due to manual processing of diverse data formats from different sources, leading to errors, challenges in allocation and payment, and a lack of control over data entry and editing, which complicates cost effectiveness analysis and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a non-transitory memory, processor, and application that communicates with remote servers for various benefit programs, parses data using templates, determines payment ratios, adjusts payments based on cost effectiveness, and generates reports, automating the management and administration of employee benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processing methods are used to manage employee benefit programs, then flexibility in handling diverse data formats is maintained, but processing efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processing with an automated computer-based system that receives data from multiple providers in different formats, parses the data using templates, and automatically populates databases. This substitution dramatically improves processing efficiency while the system manages complexity through structured templates and automated workflows.
2Reliability
If diverse data formats from multiple providers are processed manually, then adaptability to different formats is maintained, but error rates and data entry challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces templates as intermediary structures that mediate between diverse data formats from different providers and the standardized database schema. The templates define expected data structures and validation rules, enabling the system to adapt to various formats while ensuring data accuracy through automated parsing and validation.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to improve processing efficiency, then productivity increases, but control over data entry and editing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated system parses data, populates databases, and generates reports that can be reviewed. The system maintains control through structured templates that guide data entry and validation, while still allowing for review and adjustment of results, thus balancing automation efficiency with operational control.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking and analysis of payment ratios are implemented, then cost effectiveness analysis improves, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex cost analysis into manageable components by tracking payments from employers and participants separately, calculating ratios for different benefit programs individually, and generating targeted reports. This segmentation enables precise cost effectiveness analysis while keeping the system complexity manageable through modular processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method discussed herein relate to the receipt and processing of invoices from benefit providers by an employer. The invoices may be received in varying electronic formats and a database may be populated with key fields from the invoices using a plurality of templates and an application. The application may determine historic and predictive cost effectiveness, compare cost effectiveness between and within benefit providers, determine variances in the number of participants covered, allocate funds including credits from benefit providers, and route allocations for approval and payment to the benefit providers.