Abstract: An electronically-based transaction handling system utilizes a single transaction identifier during all phases of the order-to-cash trading cycle. Information regarding the various phases of the transaction is linked to or associated with the transaction identifier and readily accessible by a plurality of remotely located users. The transaction information preferably is updated to provide up-to-date information to the various parties involved in the transaction. The single transaction identifier eliminates the need for handling various papers and matching multiple sources of information that was previously required during a typical transaction.

Abstract: A system of employing a single bar code provided on a shipping label for coordinating shipping and receiving information between supplier and customer includes accessing a supplier digital processor including a parts database from a customer digital processor via a digital communication link. Purchase order information is selected in the parts database. Authorization is provided from the customer digital processor to the supplier digital processor for the immediate shipment of the selected purchase order by means of an authorization command, and a single bar code is generated and provided on a shipping label in response to the authorization command, whereby the single bar code is linked to a plurality of predetermined relevant purchase and shipping information associated with the purchase order.