Automated Screenshot Linking for M&A Valuation Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, the reliance on commercial spreadsheet software for transaction comparables analysis often results in expired or updated HTML links, leading to delays and potential regulatory issues due to the lack of efficient source evidence management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a processor to display fields related to the transaction, prompts users for source evidence, and allows access to a document library database for linking screenshots to fields, ensuring all evidence is validated before generating a fairness opinion report.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commercial spreadsheet software is used to spread comparables and HTML links are copied or pasted as source evidence, then the valuation process can be completed, but the HTML links may expire or be updated to include different versions of the underlying source document, leading to delays and potential regulatory issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated screenshot capture that creates visual copies of source documents at the time of data extraction. Instead of relying on fragile HTML links that can expire or change, the system captures and stores static image copies of the source evidence, ensuring permanent and reliable documentation of the valuation data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated screenshot capture mechanism between the data extraction process and the source evidence storage. This intermediary automatically captures screenshots of source documents and links them to valuation data, eliminating the need for manual HTML link management and ensuring source evidence reliability without compromising productivity.
2Reliability
If manual methods are used to manage source evidence for dozens of values in an M&A transaction, then source evidence can be provided, but significant delays occur due to the time-consuming nature of manual link management and verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the screenshot capture process automatically identifies, captures, and links source evidence to valuation data without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the entire source evidence documentation process, from capturing screenshots to organizing and storing them, dramatically reducing the time required while ensuring complete and reliable source evidence for all transaction values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated screenshot capture and source evidence organization before the valuation process is completed. By pre-capturing and pre-organizing all necessary source evidence screenshots and linking them to valuation data in advance, the system eliminates time-consuming manual verification and link management during the transaction evaluation process.
3Ease of manufacture
If HTML links are used as source evidence, then the process is simple to implement, but incorrect or expired data may lead to regulatory fines and reputational damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile HTML link copies with stable screenshot image copies as the primary source evidence mechanism. Screenshots provide permanent, unchangeable visual documentation of source documents, eliminating the risk of expired or updated links while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated capture and storage processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by automatically capturing and storing screenshot copies of source documents before any potential link expiration or updates can occur. This pre-capture mechanism creates a protective buffer that shields the valuation process from regulatory risks and reputational damage associated with expired or changed source documents.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for providing source evidence in support of information to be used for conducting a transaction, such as a fairness opinion to be used for a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction, is provided. The method includes displaying, on a screen, a plurality of fields that relate to the transaction; receiving first user inputs that correspond to some of the fields; prompting the user to provide source evidence that relates to the received first user inputs; receiving a second user input that activates a button for accessing a document library; displaying a list of documents included in the document library; receiving third user inputs that correspond to respective documents selected by the user; displaying a content of each selected document; receiving fourth user inputs that correspond to screenshots of respective portions of the displayed content; and automatically linking the screenshots to the corresponding fields.