Enterprise asset management system and method

Abstract

A system and method for managing enterprise assets located at geographically distributed sites. The method includes storing in a database information relating to each asset, wherein the stored information includes cost of each asset and cost of service for each asset. The method further includes tracking and storing information relating to servicing of the assets, including the cost of servicing. Information relating to the assets is then displayed to a user of the system.

1 . A system for managing a plurality of assets of at least one distributed site of an enterprise and allowing a user to access asset information, the system comprising:
 (a) a central processor accessible on a computer network;   (b) a database in communication with the central processor, the database being configured to store service provider information and asset information for the plurality of assets of the at least one distributed site;   (c) at least one predetermined limited user access level programmed into the central processor, wherein the at least one predetermined limited user access level is configured to restrict access of the user to a predetermined subset of asset information based on a configurable user profile of the user;   (d) a client processor in communication with the central processor through the computer network, wherein the client processor is configured to allow a user to input, query, or download asset information from the central processor;   (e) filtering and compilation software associated with the central processor, the filtering and compilation software configured to allow a user to filter or compile asset information such that only desired asset information is compiled; and   (f) report software associated with the central processor, the report software configured to generate a report comprising the desired information and transmit the report to the user.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filtering and compilation software is further configured to prompt the user to define criterion for compiling the desired asset information. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the report software is further configured to transmit the report to the user via a monitor, an e-mail, a facsimile, or a print-out. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filtering and compilation software is configured to allow the user to filter or compile asset information such that only maintenance information is compiled. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filtering and compilation software is configured to allow the user to filter or compile asset information such that only repair information is compiled. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filtering and compilation software is configured to allow the user to filter or compile asset information such that only asset information relating to one or more specific assets is compiled. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filtering and compilation software is configured to allow the user to filter or compile asset information such that only asset information relating to one or more specific sites is compiled. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the central processor is in communication with an external database, wherein the central processor is configured to access information from the external database. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the central processor is in communication with the external database via the computer network. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising mapping software associated with the central processor, the mapping software configured to generate a map showing a geographic location for at least one of the plurality of assets. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the mapping software is further configured to generate queries for the user relating to the geographic location of at least one of the plurality of assets, and subsequently generate the map based on information provided by the user in response to the queries. 
   
   
       12 . A system for managing a plurality of assets of at least one distributed enterprise at at least one site and allowing a user to access asset information, the system comprising:
 (a) a central processor accessible on a computer network;   (b) a database in communication with the central processor, the database being configured to store service provider information and asset information for the plurality of assets;   (c) at least one predetermined limited user access level programmed into the central processor, wherein the at least one predetermined limited user access level is configured to restrict access of the user to a predetermined subset of asset information based on a configurable user profile of the user;   (d) at least one client processor in communication with the central processor through the computer network, wherein the at least one client processor is configured to allow at least one user to input, query, or download asset information from the central processor,   wherein at least one of the at least one client processors is a kiosk, the kiosk comprising a card reader configured to read an identification card of the at least one user, whereby any of the at least one users can access the system via the kiosk.   
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the kiosk further comprises a preconfigured menu configured to allow the user to input, query, or download asset information from the central processor. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the at least one users is a service provider, wherein the kiosk is configured to allow the service provider to input repair or maintenance information. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the kiosk further comprises a preconfigured menu configured to allow the service provider to input repair or maintenance information. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the repair or maintenance information comprises at least any replacement parts and a length of time that the service provider provided repair or maintenance services. 
   
   
       17 . A system for managing a plurality of assets of a plurality of distributed sites of an enterprise and allowing a user to access asset information, the system comprising:
 (a) a central processor accessible on a computer network;   (b) a database in communication with the central processor, the database being configured to store service provider information and asset information for the plurality of assets;   (c) at least one predetermined limited user access level programmed into the central processor, wherein the at least one predetermined limited user access level is configured to restrict access of the user to a predetermined subset of asset information based on a configurable user profile of the user;   (d) at least one client processor in communication with the central processor through the computer network, wherein the at least one client processor is configured to allow a user to input, query, or download asset information from the central processor, wherein at least one of the at least one client processors is a kiosk; and   (e) filtering and compilation software associated with the central processor, the filtering and compilation software configured to allow a user to filter or compile asset information such that only desired asset information is compiled.   
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one kiosk comprises a card reader configured to read an identification card of the user, whereby the user can access the system via the kiosk. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one kiosk is configured to restrict entry to a user who provides an appropriate code. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 (a) identification software associated with the central processor, the identification software configured to automatically identify an appropriate service provider for a particular asset based on the particular asset and the service provider information; and   (b) notification software associated with the central processor, the notification software configured to automatically alert the appropriate service provider of a service request.