Data entry systems and methods utilizing data entry messages

A method of processing a message containing at least one data segment having:

• (a) a data field identifier selected from a set of predetermined data fields;
• and
• (b) a data field entry;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (c) creating a new database record having a plurality of data fields corresponding to the set of predetermined data fields;
• and
• (d) for each data segment, storing the data field entry in a data field corresponding to the data field identifier.

A data entry system comprising:

• (a) an input device configured to determine a data field identifier and to input a corresponding data field entry;
• (b) a message generator operatively coupled to the input device and configured to create a data entry message, wherein the data entry message comprises:
• (i) at least one data segment, each data segment including:
• I. a data field identifier corresponding to a data field selected from the set of predetermined data fields;
• and
• II. a data field entry;
• (c) a message transmitter operatively coupled to and configured to send the data entry message over, a communications network;
• (d) a receiver operatively coupled to the communications network and configured to receive the data entry message;
• (e) a message manager operatively coupled to the receiver and configured to retrieve from the data entry message the data field identifier and data field entry for each segment;
• (f) a database including a new database record having a plurality of data fields corresponding to a set of predetermined data fields;
• and
• (g) a database manager operatively coupled to the message manager and to the database and configured to, for each data segment, store in the database record the data field entry in a data field corresponding to the data field identifier.