Method and apparatus providing automated control of spending plans

US7966235B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Lawson Software, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Nancy B. Capelli · Woodside, US
• Rajesh Chandran · Thrissur, IN
• Prashant Fuloria · Mountain View, US
• Sarat C. Sankaran · Redwood City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 21, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/06
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method providing automatic allocation of a spending limit value among a plurality of recipient departments is disclosed. A spending plan, comprising a plurality of spending limit values, is created. Each spending limit value is associated with a department from among a plurality of departments. A first selected department is identified as a source for allocation of a first spending value. One or more recipient departments are identified as recipients of an allocation of the first spending value. The first spending value is then automatically allocated among the recipients under a specified allocation model, resulting in creating a plurality of allocated spending limit values that are associated with one of the recipient departments. As a result, delay in preparing spending plans is reduced because allocations are rapidly, automatically computed and distributed to department plans. Further, visibility of allocations is improved, enhancing management awareness of allocation values that are beyond the control of a recipient department.