摘要:
Computerized resource accounting methods and systems, and in particular computerized utility resource management methods and systems, multi-user utility resource management methods and systems, and energy-consumption-based tracking methods and systems are described. In one implementation, a host computer includes a processor, an interface device and a database defined therein for maintaining information pertaining to one or more customers of one or more resources. Resource usage information is received into the host computer pertaining to consumption of one or more of the resources by one or more of the customers at one or more customer site. The resource usage information is processed to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with a respective customer's consumption of one or more of the resources. In a preferred aspect, each customer is provided with computer access to the computer-viewable data through the interface device, wherein the customer can view the data at a location which is remote from the host computer. Preferably, the computer-viewable data comes in the form of a plurality of different graphical reports, including numerical and tabulated reports, which can be selected by a customer. For customers with multiple sites, the viewable data for the various sites can be viewed remotely and in a plurality of different report formats. In a preferred implementation, utility resource usage information, e.g. electricity, gas, water, etc . . . , is tracked, maintained, and made available to facilitate decision making.
摘要:
Computerized billing and payment authorization methods and systems are described. In one aspect, a host system includes a database in which information associated with a billable entity from which payment is to be received is stored. Billing information is received from a billing entity and is associated with a bill for payment by the billable entity. The billable entity is provided with remote electronic access to the billing information in the host computer and can authorization payment thereof. In one implementation, the billing information is scrutinized in accordance with pre-determined tolerance parameters prior to the billable entity gaining access thereto. In another implementation, a plurality of billing entities provide billing information to the host system, with the billing information being subsequently checked and consolidated into a consolidated amount which can be remotely accessed by the billable entity. In a preferred implementation a plurality of utility providers are incorporated into the system and providing billing information for customers which may have a number of different, geographically-separated sites being serviced by different utilities. The billing information is consolidated and made available electronically through access which is initiated by the customer. Preferably, the systems and methodologies of the invention are implemented in connection with a multi-user computer network such as the Internet.
摘要:
Computerized billing and payment authorization methods and systems are described. In one aspect, a host system includes a database in which information associated with a billable entity from which payment is to be received is stored. Billing information is received from a billing entity and is associated with a bill for payment by the billable entity. The billable entity is provided with remote electronic access to the billing information in the host computer and can authorization payment thereof. In one implementation, the billing information is scrutinized in accordance with pre-determined tolerance parameters prior to the billable entity gaining access thereto. In another implementation, a plurality of billing entities provide billing information to the host system, with the billing information being subsequently checked and consolidated into a consolidated amount which can be remotely accessed by the billable entity. In a preferred implementation a plurality of utility providers are incorporated into the system and providing billing information for customers which may have a number of different, geographically-separated sites being serviced by different utilities. The billing information is consolidated and made available electronically through access which is initiated by the customer. Preferably, the systems and methodologies of the invention are implemented in connection with a multi-user computer network such as the Internet.
摘要:
Computerized resource accounting methods and systems, and in particular computerized utility resource management methods and systems, multi-user utility resource management methods and systems, and energy-consumption-based tracking methods and systems are described. In one implementation, a host computer includes a processor, an interface device and a database defined therein for maintaining information pertaining to one or more customers of one or more resources. Resource usage information is received into the host computer pertaining to consumption of one or more of the resources by one or more of the customers at one or more customer site. The resource usage information is processed to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with a respective customer's consumption of one or more of the resources. In a preferred aspect, each customer is provided with computer access to the computer-viewable data through the interface device, wherein the customer can view the data at a location which is remote from the host computer. Preferably, the computer-viewable data comes in the form of a plurality of different graphical reports, including numerical and tabulated reports, which can be selected by a customer. For customers with multiple sites, the viewable data for the various sites can be viewed remotely and in a plurality of different report formats. In a preferred implementation, utility resource usage information, e.g. electricity, gas, water, etc. . . , is tracked, maintained, and made available to facilitate decision making.