Resource Allocation

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to resource allocation. More particularly, the present invention provides a . system and method for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation. Background of the invention

[0002] Enterprises such as financial institutions and insurance companies need to process numerous transactions on a daily basis. It is of paramount importance that enterprises adhere to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and agreed Turn Around Time (TAT) while processing the transactions. In order to achieve this, enterprise must efficiently allocate work amongst the available resources.

[0003] Conventionally, various systems and methods exist for processing transactions by automating resource allocation. For example, systems and methods exist that automatically allocate resources to meet desired SLAs for processing transactions. The existing systems and methods take into consideration information related to resources such as availability, skill set, experience, time efficiency etc. However, the existing systems and methods suffer from several disadvantages. The above- mentioned systems and methods do not analyze the information associated with resources for providing multiple options to stakeholders for allocating resources based on different criteria. Further, the existing systems and methods do not monitor and analyze processing of transaction at every stage of processing and therefore are unable to re-allocate resources to meet dynamic scenarios. Furthermore, the existing systems and methods do not source information from external systems that impact transaction processing.

[0004] In light of the abovementioned disadvantages, there is a need for a system and method for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation. Further, there is a need for a system and method that analyzes information related to one or more resources and provides multiple options for resource allocation based on different criteria. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method that monitors and analyzes processing of transaction at every stage of processing and re-allocates resources to meet dynamic scenarios. In addition, there is a need for a system and method that sources information from external systems that impact transaction processing for efficient resource allocation.

Summary of the invention

[0005] A system, computer- implemented method and computer program product for processing transactions by automating resource allocation is provided. The system comprises a task input module configured to receive one or more requests for processing of one or more transactions of one or more enterprises. The system further comprises a work assignment engine configured to classify and assign a priority value to each of the one or more received requests, wherein the one or more received requests are classified based on type of the one or more received requests. Furthermore, the system comprises one or more task queues configured to queue the one or more classified requests based on the priority value assigned to each of the one or more classified requests, identify one or more workflows corresponding to each of the one or more classified requests and fetch data corresponding to the identified one or more workflows from one or more data sources. In addition, the system comprises an analytical engine configured to analyse the fetched data using one or more pre- stored algorithms and one or more pre-stored rules. Also, the system comprises a recommendation engine configured to determine one or more options for allocating the one or more resources for processing of the one or more transactions, wherein the one or more options are determined based on one or more criteria.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more enterprises comprise banks, non-banking financial companies, financial institutions, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), trade finance companies, insurance companies and brokerage firms. In an embodiment of the present invention, the type of the one or more requests received by the banks comprise request for opening an account, request for issuing new chequebook, request for issuing new passbook, request for loan and request for closing an account. In an embodiment of the present invention, the priority value is assigned to each of the one or more classified requests based on one or more factors comprising Service Level Agreement (SLA) between parties, relationship of enterprise with customer, sector of operation, location of operation, type of request, credit worthiness of the customer, commission received by the enterprise and availability of the one or more resources.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more workflows comprise information related to sequence of events and resources for processing the one or more transactions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more workflows are configured by one or more users based on one or more operational factors of an enterprise comprising schedule, cost, efficiency, skills, customer priorities and any other operating factor. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more criteria for determining the one or more options comprise cost, schedule, efficiency, skills, customer priorities, transaction type, service level agreement, transaction commission and any other criteria.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the work assignment engine is further configured to assign the one or more received requests to the one or more resources based on the determined one or more options, track and monitor processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests and re-assign the one or more assigned requests in case of delay in processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests.

[0009] The computer-implemented method for processing transactions by automating resource allocation, via program instructions stored in a memory and executed by a processor, comprises receiving one or more requests for processing of one or more transactions of one or more enterprises. The computer-implemented method further comprises classifying and assigning a priority value to the one or more received requests, wherein the one or more received requests are classified based on type of the one or more received requests. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method comprises queueing the one or more classified requests based on the priority value assigned to each of the one or more classified requests. In addition, the computer- implemented method comprises identifying one or more workflows corresponding to each of the one or more classified requests. Also, the computer-implemented method comprises fetching data corresponding to the identified one or more workflows from one or more data sources. Further, the computer-implemented method comprises analysing the fetched data from the one or more data sources using one or more pre- stored algorithms and one or more pre-stored rules. Furthermore, the computer- implemented method comprises determining one or more options for allocating the one or more resources for processing of the one or more transactions, wherein the one or more options are determined based on one or more criteria.

[0010] The computer program product for processing transactions by automating resource allocation comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable program code stored thereon, the computer-readable program code comprising instructions that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive one or more requests for processing of one or more transactions of one or more enterprises. The processor further classifies and assigns a priority value to the one or more received requests, wherein the one or more received requests are classified based on type of the one or more received requests. Furthermore, the processor queues the one or more classified requests based on the priority value assigned to each of the one or more classified requests. In addition, the processor identifies one or more workflows corresponding to each of the one or more classified requests. Also, the processor fetches data corresponding to the identified one or more workflows from one or more data sources. The processor further analyses the fetched data from the one or more data sources using one or more pre-stored algorithms and one or more pre-stored rules. Furthermore, the processor determines one or more options for allocating the one or more resources for processing of the one or more transactions, wherein the one or more options are determined based on one or more criteria. Brief description of the accompanying drawings

[001 1] The present invention is described by way of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a workflow corresponding to a request for Letter of Credit (LC), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

Detailed description of the invention

[0016] A system and method for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation is described herein. The invention provides for a system and method that analyzes information related to one or more resources and provides multiple options for resource allocation based on different criteria. The invention further provides for a system and method that monitors and analyzes processing of transaction at every stage of processing and re-allocates resources to meet dynamic scenarios. Furthermore, the invention provides for a system and method that sources information from external systems that impact transaction processing for efficient ^• resource allocation. [0017] The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person- having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0018] The present invention would now be discussed in context of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a task input module 102, a work assignment engine 104, one or more task queues 106, data sources 108, an analytical engine 124 and a recommendation engine 126.

[0020] The task input module 102 is configured to receive one or more requests for processing of one or more transactions corresponding to one or more enterprises. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more enterprises include, but not limited to, banks, non-banking financial companies, financial institutions, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), trade finance companies, insurance companies and brokerage firms. In an embodiment of the present invention, type of the one or more requests received by a financial institution such as a bank include, but not limited to, request for opening an account, request for issuing new cheque/pass book, request for loan, request for closing an account and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, types of requests received by an insurance company include, but not limited to, a request for new insurance policy, a request for processing of an insurance claim, a request for change of nominee and the like. The one or more received requests are forwarded to the work assignment engine 104.

[0021] The work assignment engine 104 classify and assigns a priority value to the one or more received requests using one or more pre-defined dynamic rules. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more received requests are classified based on the type of the one or more received requests. Further, the priority value is assigned to each of the one or more classified requests based on one or more factors such as, but not limited to, SLA between parties, relationship of the enterprise with customer, sector of operation, location of operation, type of request, credit worthiness of the customer, commission received by the enterprise and availability of the resources. Further, the work assignment engine 104 communicates with one or more enterprise systems to seek information related to availability of one or more resources. The work assignment engine 104 then forwards the one or more classified requests to the one or more task queues corresponding to the type of request/transaction.

[0022] The one or more task queues 106 are configured to queue the one or more classified requests based on the assigned priority value. Further, the one or more task queues 106 communicate with the one or more data sources 108 to fetch data corresponding to the one or more classified requests based on the transaction type.

[0023] The one or more data sources 108 comprise workflows data storage 1 10, a Service Level Agreement (SLA) data storage 1 12, a Turn Around Time (TAT) data storage 1 14, a resource data storage 1 16, an internal systems interface 1 18, an external systems interface 120 and an historical data storage 122.

[0024] The workflows .data storage 1 10 is configured to store one or more workflows for processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more classified requests. The one or more workflows comprise information related to sequence of events and resources for processing the one or more transactions. Further, the one or more workflows are configured by one or more users based on the needs and operational factors of the one or more enterprises including, but not limited to, schedule, cost, efficiency, skills, customer priorities and other operating factors. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more task queues 106 communicate with the workflows data storage 110 to identify the workflow associated with each of the one or more classified requests. The information related to the identified workflow is then forwarded to the analytical engine 124 for further processing. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a workflow corresponding to a request for Letter of Credit (LC) and its approval, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The SLA data storage 1 12 is configured to store SLA data associated with the one or more workflows. In an embodiment of the present invention, the SLA data comprises information related to timelines for executing entire workflows and each event of the workflows. The SLA data storage 1 12 forwards the SLA data associated with the identified workflow to the analytical engine 124.

[0026] The TAT data storage 1 14 is configured to store TAT data associated with processing of past transactions. The TAT data associated with processing of the past transactions include, but not limited, overall time taken to complete entire workflows and time taken by each of the one or more resources at each event of the workflows corresponding to the past transactions. The TAT data associated with the identified workflow is forwarded to the analytical engine 124.

[0027] The resource data storage 116 is configured to store data related to the one or more resources required for processing of transaction corresponding to the identified workflow. The one or more resources comprise human resources and system resources. The data related to the human resources include, but not limited to, domain knowledge, skill -set, experience and cost of the human resources. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data related to the human resources is sourced from a human resource management system of the enterprise and stored in the resource data storage 1 16. The data related to system resources comprise information related to systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions. The systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions include internal systems of the enterprise and external systems. The resource data storage 116 communicates with the internal systems of the enterprise via the internal systems interface 118. The internal systems include, but not limited to, human resource management system, customer information databases, enterprise hardware components such as, but not limited to, printers, scanners and facsimile machines and the like. The resource data storage 1 16 communicates with the external systems of the enterprise via the external systems interface 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the external systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions for a financial institution comprise, but not limited to, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) transaction monitoring systems, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) system, credit agencies and fraud and risk analysis systems. The resource data corresponding to the identified workflow is also forwarded to the analytical engine 124 for further processing.

[0028] The historical data storage 122 is configured to store historical data corresponding to past recommendations and transactions from the recommendation engine 126. The historical data include, but not limited to, past recommendations and related contextual information. The contextual information related to the past recommendations comprise information such as, but not limited to, transaction type, volume, time and resources utilized for processing, customer type and transaction priority. The historical data corresponding to the identified workflow is forwarded along with the data from other data sources to the analytical engine 124. [0029] The analytical engine 124 is configured to analyze the data corresponding to the identified workflow received from the one or more data sources 108 using one or more pre-stored algorithms and one or more pre-stored rules. The analytical engine 124 analyzes the defined SLA and historical TAT corresponding to the identified workflow, resource competency, resource cost, resource experience and past recommendations along with their contextual information and applies the one or more pre-stored algorithms and the one or more pre-stored rules. The analyzed data is forwarded to the recommendation engine 126. [0030] The recommendation engine 126 provides one or more options for efficient allocation of the one or more requests to the one or more resources by further processing the analyzed data from the analytical engine 124. The recommendation engine 126 is configured to process the analyzed data, received from the analytical engine 124, and check the identified workflow to determine any deviations/logic associated with the identified workflow for recommending the one or more resources. In an embodiment of the present invention, the recommendation engine 126 utilizes the analyzed data and the configuration data associated with the identified workflow such as, but not limited to, resource costing, resource skills, schedule, operation priorities, financial transaction type and the like to determine the one or more options for efficiently allocating the one or more requests. The recommendation engine 126 uses various algorithms such as, but not limited to, critical path method, assignment algorithms and linear and dynamic programming models during processing to determine the one or more options for allocating the one or more requests to the one or more resources.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more options are determined by the recommendation engine 126 based on one or more criteria. Further, the one or more criteria are selected based on results generated by executing the critical path algorithm. In an embodiment of the present invention, the recommendation engine 126 provides options to the one or more users to define the one or more criteria in the form of one or more dynamic rules. The one or more criteria include, but not limited to, cost, schedule, efficiency, skills, customer priorities, transaction type, defined SLA, transaction commission and any other criteria. In an embodiment of the present invention, the recommendation engine 126 determines the most cost efficient option for processing the transaction corresponding to a request. In another embodiment of the present invention, the recommendation engine 126 determines the most time efficient option for processing the transaction. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the recommendation engine 126 recommends the best available resource for processing the transaction based on the skills of the resource for a particular request. [0032] Once the one or more options for allocating the one or more requests are determined, the one or more received requests are assigned to the one or more resources based on the one or more determined options via the work assignment engine 104. Further, the work assignment engine 104 continuously tracks and monitors processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests to ensure adhering to the SLAs. Furthermore, the work assignment engine 104 and the recommendation engine 126 also facilitate re-assigning the one or more assigned requests in case of delay in processing at any stage of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more assigned requests are re-assigned to the next best available resource.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for efficiently processing transactions by automating resource allocation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] At step 302, one or more requests for processing of one or more transactions of one or more enterprises are received. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more enterprises include, but not limited to, banks, non-banking financial companies, financial institutions, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), trade finance companies, insurance companies and brokerage firms. In an embodiment of the present invention, type of one or more requests received by a financial institution such as a bank include, but not limited to, request for opening an account, request for issuing new cheque/pass book, request for loan, request for closing an account and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, type of requests received by an insurance company include, but not limited to, request for new insurance policy, request for processing of an insurance claim, request for change of nominee and the like.

[0035] At step 304, the one or more received requests are classified and assigned a priority value using one or more pre-defined dynamic rules. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more received requests are classified based on the type of the one or more received requests. Further, the priority value is assigned to each of the one or more classified requests based on one or more factors such as, but not limited to, SLA between parties, relationship of the enterprise with customer, sector of operation, location of operation, type of request, credit worthiness of the customer, commission received by the enterprise and availability of the resources.

[0036] At step 306, each of the one or more classified requests are queued to corresponding task queues based on the type and the priority value assigned to each of the one or more classified requests.

[0037] At step 308, data corresponding to the one or more classified requests is fetched, based on their transaction type, from one or more data sources.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more data sources include, but not limited to, workflows data storage, Service Level Agreement (SLA) data storage, Turn Around Time (TAT) data storage, resource data storage, and historical data storage. The workflows data storage is configured to store one or more workflows for processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more classified requests. The one or more workflows comprise information related to sequence of events and required resources for processing the one or more transactions. Further, the one or more workflows are configured by one or more users based on the needs and operational factors of the one or more enterprises including, but not limited to, schedule, cost, efficiency, skills, customer priorities and any other operating factor.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more task queues communicate with the workflows data storage to identify the one or more workflows associated with each of the one or more classified requests. The one or more task queues then fetch data corresponding to the identified one or more workflows from other components of the one or more data sources. [0040] The SLA data storage is configured to store SLA data associated with the one or more workflows. In an embodiment of the present invention, the SLA data comprises information related to timelines for executing entire workflows and each event of the workflows.

[0041] The TAT data storage is configured to store TAT data associated with processing of past transactions. The TAT data associated with processing of the past transactions include, but not limited, overall time taken to complete entire workflows and time taken by each of the one or more resources at each event of the workflows corresponding to the past transactions.

[0042] The resource data storage is configured to store data related to the one or more resources required for processing of transaction corresponding to the identified workflow. The one or more resources comprise human resources and system resources of the enterprise. The data related to the human resources include, but not limited to, domain knowledge, skill set, experience and cost of the human resources. The data related to system resources comprise information related to systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions. The systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions include internal systems of the enterprise and external systems. The internal systems of the enterprise include, but not limited to, human resource management system, customer information databases, enterprise hardware components such as, but not limited to, printers, scanners and facsimile machines and the like. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the external systems involved in the processing of the one or more transactions for a financial institution comprise, but not limited to, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) transaction monitoring systems, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) system, credit agencies and fraud and risk analysis systems.

[0043] The historical data storage is configured to store historical data corresponding to past recommendations and transactions. The historical data include, but not limited to, past recommendations and related contextual information. The contextual information related to the past recommendations comprise information such as, but not limited to, transaction type, volume, time and resources utilized for processing, customer type and transaction priority.

[0044] Once data associated with the one or more identified workflows corresponding to each of the one or more classified requests is fetched from the one or more data sources, the control is transferred to step 310.

[0045] At step 310, the fetched data corresponding to the one or more classified requests is analyzed and processed to determine one or more options for efficient allocation of the one or more classified requests to the one or more resources. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fetched data is analyzed using one or more pre-stored algorithms and one or more pre-stored rules. The analyzed data is then processed to determine one or more options for efficient allocation of the one or more requests to the one or more resources for processing. In an embodiment of the present invention, the configuration data such as, but not limited to, resource costing, resource skills, schedule, operation priorities, financial transaction type and the like associated with the identified workflow is used to determine the one or more options for efficiently allocating the one or more requests. Various algorithms such as, but not limited to, critical path method, assignment algorithms linear and dynamic programming models are also used to determine the one or more options for allocating the one or more requests to the one or more resources.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more options are determined based on one or more criteria. Further, the one or more criteria are selected based on results generated by executing the critical path algorithm. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more users define the one or more criteria in the form of one or more dynamic rules. The one or more criteria include, but not limited to, cost, schedule, efficiency, skills, customer priorities, transaction type, defined SLA and transaction commission. [0047] Once the one or more options for allocating the one or more requests are determined, the one or more requests are assigned to the one or more resources based on the one or more determined options. Further, processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests is continuously tracked and monitored to ensure adhering to the SLAs. Furthermore, the one or more assigned requests are re-assigned in case of delay in processing of the one or more transactions corresponding to the one or more assigned requests.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

[0049] The computer system 402 comprises a processor 404 and a memory 406. The processor 404 executes program instructions and may be a real processor. The processor 404 may also be a virtual processor. The computer system 402 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of described embodiments. For example, the computer system 402 may include, but not limited to, a general-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integrated circuit element, and other devices or arrangements of devices that are capable of implementing the steps that constitute the method of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the memory 406 may store software for implementing various embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 402 may have additional components. For example, the computer system 402 includes one or more communication channels 408, one or more input devices 410, one or more output devices 412, and storage 414. An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network, interconnects the components of the computer system 402. In various embodiments of the present invention, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for various softwares executing in the computer system 402, and manages different functionalities of the components of the computer system 402.

[0050] The communication channel(s) 408 allow communication over a communication medium to various other computing entities. The communication medium provides information such as program instructions, or other data in a communication media. The communication media includes, but not limited to, wired or wireless methodologies implemented with an electrical, optical, RF, infrared, acoustic, microwave, bluetooth or other transmission media.

[0051 ] The input device(s) 410 may include, but not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, pen, joystick, trackball, a voice device, a scanning device, or any another device that is capable of providing input to the computer system 402. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input device(s) 410 may be a sound card or similar device that accepts audio input in analog or digital form. The output device(s) 412 may include, but not limited to, a user interface on CRT or LCD, printer, speaker, CD/DVD writer, or any other device that provides output from the computer system 402.

[0052] The storage 414 may include, but not limited to, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, flash drives or any other medium which can be used to store information and can be accessed by the computer system 402. In various embodiments of the present invention, the storage 414 contains program instructions for implementing the described embodiments.

[0053] The present invention may suitably be embodied as a computer program product for use with the computer system 402. The method described herein is typically implemented as a computer program product, comprising a set of program instructions which is executed by the computer system 402 or any other similar device. The set of program instructions may be a series of computer readable codes stored on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable storage medium (storage 414), for example, diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, flash drives or hard disk, or transmittable to the computer system 402, via a modem or other interface device, over either a tangible medium, including but not limited to optical or analogue communications channel(s) 408. The implementation of the invention as a computer program product may be in an intangible form using wireless techniques, including but not limited to microwave, infrared, bluetooth or other transmission techniques. These instructions can be preloaded into a system or recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or made available for downloading over a network such as the internet or a mobile telephone network. The series of computer readable instructions may embody all or part of the functionality previously described herein.

[0054] The present invention may be implemented in numerous ways including as an apparatus, method, or a computer program product such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network wherein programming instructions are communicated from a remote location.

[0055] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or offending the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.