Enterprise task manager

Abstract

An enterprise task management system ( 24 ) for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications. System ( 24 ) includes a task manager module ( 60 ) and a task engine module ( 62 ). Task manager module ( 60 ) includes two primary graphical user interfaces: a user interface ( 64 ) and a system administrator interface ( 66 ). User interface ( 64 ) includes an enterprise task list ( 22 ), a preview text box ( 96 ), and an instructions text box ( 100 ). Task engine module ( 62 ) includes the following sub-modules: ETM system setup ( 70 ) and task generation ( 72 ). Another aspect of the present invention is a system architecture for centrally managing the creation of tasks. Additional aspects of the present invention include a method of generating data maintenance tasks within an enterprise information system a method of populating task data fields using task templates, and a method of automatically generating and performing tasks within system ( 24 ).

1 . An enterprise information system for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications within an enterprise, the system comprising:
 a storage medium;   a processor;   a task manager module configured in the storage medium, and having an enterprise task list, said enterprise task list including tasks generated outside the system at the multiple applications and tasks generated within the system; and   a task engine module configured in the storage medium adapted to create tasks, said task engine module in communication with said task manager module, wherein the processor is configured to effectuate the operation of the task manager module and the task engine module.   
   
   
       2 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 1 , wherein said task manager module further comprises predetermined task instructions for working each of the tasks. 
   
   
       3 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 1 , wherein said enterprise task list includes a plurality of data fields and said task manager module is adapted to sort said enterprise task list according to any one or more of said data fields. 
   
   
       4 . An enterprise information system for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications within an enterprise, the system comprising:
 a storage medium;   a processor;   a task manager module configured in the storage medium, and having an enterprise ask list, said enterprise task list including tasks generated outside the system at the multiple applications and tasks generated within the system; and   a task engine module configured in the storage medium adapted to create tasks, said task engine module in communication with said task manager module, wherein the processor is configured to effectuate the operation of the task manager module and the task engine module, further wherein tasks created within said task engine module are communicated to said task manager module for inclusion in said enterprise task list.   
   
   
       5 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 4 , wherein tasks created by said task engine module are automatically worked by the system. 
   
   
       6 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 4 , wherein tasks created by said task engine module are presented to be worked by a user. 
   
   
       7 . An enterprise information system for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications within an enterprise, the system comprising:
 a storage medium;   a processor;   a task manager module configured in the storage medium, and having an enterprise ask list, said enterprise task list including tasks generated outside the system at the multiple applications and tasks generated within the system; and   
     a task engine module configured in the storage medium adapted to create tasks, said task engine module in communication with said task manager module, wherein the processor is configured to effectuate the operation of the task manager module and the task engine module, further wherein said task engine module automatically creates tasks according to defined rules. 
   
   
       8 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 7 , wherein said task engine module mines data across the enterprise information system according to said defined rules to identify missing or incorrect data and automatically creates tasks for correcting the missing or incorrect data. 
   
   
       9 . An enterprise information system according to  claim 2 , wherein each of said predetermined task instructions includes one or more links to sites outside of the system. 
   
   
       10 .- 49 . (canceled)