Abstract: A request is determined to move from a first location to a second location to receive an item, the request specifying a transport vehicle to move the mobile platform from the first location to the second location. The mobile platform is actuated to attach to the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing and solving an optimization problem involving trade-offs in a container delivery system (e.g., trade-offs at least between prioritizing crane movement and prioritizing the wait time for trucks that have already arrived in a port) are described. According to some aspects of the described techniques, a cost function of the optimization problem reflects both of these concerns (e.g., a cost function is described that penalizes crane movement, rewards clearing of containers, etc.). Among other advantages, the methods and systems described may result in increased port operation efficiency, improved container flow, etc.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be configured and deployed to maintain inventory and retrieve products for delivery. The UAVs can be equipped with a plurality of sensors used to assess the condition of inventory items, report the condition to a central control, and to retrieve inventory items. The UAVs can scan fruits and vegetables, for example, to determine the current ripeness. The UAV can then harvest the items if ready or provide a status update if they are not ready. The UAVs can be used in conjunction with transporters and harvesters to deliver products from the field or warehouse to a central control or directly to the customer. In scanning the products for readiness, the UAVs can also detect issues such as spoilage, fungus, and pests. This information can be used for the specific application of treatments.

Abstract: Systems and methods which invoke multiple shipment legs to provide an international shipment architecture adapted for efficient and reliable international shipping of items and facilitating configuration of aspects of one or more of the multiple shipment legs for particular shipments, shippers, recipients, origination countries, and/or destination countries are described. According to embodiments, an item is transported from a shipper to an international processing provider or other origination country egress processing point in an ingestion leg of an international shipment. The item is provided international processing and international border passage by the international processing provider in a bridge leg of the international shipment. In delivery leg of the international shipment, the item is transported from the international processing provider or other ingress processing point in the destination country to the recipient.

Abstract: A method, performed by a device, of providing a response message to a user input includes obtaining location information of the device; executing a service providing agent corresponding to the location information; receiving a speech input from a user; generating the response message based on the received speech input, the response message being related to a service provided by the executed service providing agent; and displaying the generated response message, wherein the executed service providing agent generates the response message using a model trained using an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, the trained model being one from among a plurality of trained models each corresponding to a respective service from among a plurality of services provided by a respective service providing agent from among a plurality of service providing agents, and wherein the trained model corresponds to the executed service providing agent.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to import data from a source, the data comprising a list of legs and a list of multi-leg truck loads (MTLs), each leg comprising a trip from an origin to a destination and each MTL comprising at least one leg, automatically generate an unapproved package comprising a sequence of MTLs selected and removed from the list of MTLs, store the unapproved package in a database, transmit the unapproved package to a client computing device for approval, and receive the approval of the unapproved package from the client computing device and store the unapproved package as an approved package in the database.

Abstract: A network computing system can maximize throughput for a common rendezvous location by determining estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to the common rendezvous location for matched users and/or the transport providers. Based on the ETAs of each of the transport providers, the computing system can generate a dynamic queue comprising the transport providers for the common rendezvous location, and manage the dynamic queue by sequentially routing the transport providers through the common rendezvous location. The computing system can further dynamically adjust the queue based on changes to the ETAs.

Abstract: Inactive areas of interest to a merchant delivery service may be identified and customers within those areas may be utilized to recruit eligible merchants to participate with a merchant delivery service so that the merchant delivery service can deliver customer ordered products on behalf of participating merchants to the customers within the area. In some implementations, the merchant delivery service may provide incentives to customer to incent the customers to recruit eligible merchants to participate with the merchant delivery service. Likewise, incentives may be provided to merchants to incent merchants to participate in the merchant delivery service. When an eligible merchant becomes a participating merchant, the merchant delivery service provides a reward to the customers that recruited the merchant.

Abstract: A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving, at a server, a request from a requestor to amend a booking on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route; amending, by the server, at least one of a group consisting of a routing, a weight, a volume, a special handling codes, a product, an allotment, a flight, a container type, and a change of responsible participant for charges of the booking based on the received request; and assigning, by the server, a new price for the booking based on the amendment unless a total price for the amended booking and a rate for the amended booking are both lower than an original total price and an original rate for the booking created at a time of the booking.

Abstract: A method performed by a processor of a financial institution computing system includes allowing an account holder at the financial institution to initiate a transaction with the financial institution remotely (e.g., via smartphone app, online banking portal, etc.), by submitting a request for a branch of the financial institution to provide the specified transaction to the account holder's vehicle upon arrival of the account holder. The pickup and completion of the account holder requested transaction occurs in a designated spot near the financial institution's branch location and from the convenience of the account holder's vehicle. The curbside service alleviates the uncertainty and fluctuating time cost to engage in transactions at a branch of a financial institution by providing an account holder with a user interface to make a transaction request that will be ready to complete when the account holder arrives at the chosen time.

Abstract: A mobile master node apparatus is described for generating a corrective pickup notification related to an item being shipped based upon an intended pickup master node. The master node includes a processor, memory storage, location circuitry, and a communication interface. In operation, the mobile master node is unconventionally transformed to identify a location of the ID node; determine whether the location of the ID node and a detected location of the mobile master node indicates the item accompanies the mobile master node as it moves from a first location to a second location; identify an intended pickup master node from received shipping information related to the item; automatically sense an adverse pickup condition related to the item based upon the intended pickup master node and whether the item is accompanying the mobile master node; and generate the corrective pickup notification based upon the adverse pickup condition sensed.

Abstract: A system for managing the transportation of crude oil by rail includes a user terminal having a display screen and a processing system coupled to the user terminal through a communications link. The processing system is operable to generate a user interface on the display screen of the user terminal receiving input information from a user, including information indicating a loading facility for loading a selected set of railcars and an unloading facility for unloading the selected set of railcars. The processing system is further operable to forecast an arrival time for the set of cars at the loading facility and an arrival time for the set of cars at the unloading facility and display the forecasted arrival times at the loading and unloading facilities on the display screen of the user terminal.

Abstract: A method for recipient-initiated shipping includes receiving, at an internet connected server, recipient data (including a first shipping address) from a shipping recipient; providing delivery options to the shipping recipient based on a set of delivery option criteria and the recipient data; receiving a delivery choice from the shipping recipient; and notifying at least one of a shipping sender and a shipping carrier of the delivery choice.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a return label for merchandise being returned from a buyer or consumer in a first country to a merchant in a second country. A name and address of a consumer in the first country desiring to return merchandise and merchant or seller information including a merchant identifier is received. An address for receiving returns for the merchant or seller in the second country is accessed based on the merchant information. One or more machine readable identifiers for use by a first country carrier and for use by a second country carrier based at least on the consumer information, and information for routing the return merchandise are generated. A return label for merchandise being returned from the consumer to the merchant is generated. The return label can include the machine readable identifiers and a customs declaration for the merchandise.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems and/or computer readable mediums are provided. According to some embodiments, a method includes generating at least one shipment request data object based at least in part on at least one outbound delivery data object; generating at least one freight unit data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment request data object; generating at least one shipment data object based at least in part on the at least one freight unit data object; generating at least one invoice data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment data object; and generating at least one customs export document based at least in part on the at least one invoice.

Abstract: Freight transport load board platforms, systems, and applications comprising: a software module configured to allow creation of an availability post, the availability post comprising freight transport equipment information or freight information; a software module configured to allow creation of an order, the order comprising freight transport equipment information associated with freight information; and a software module configured to provide a user console display, the display comprising availability posts and orders; provided that the freight transport equipment information comprises information derived directly and automatically from an electronic device physically connected to the freight transport equipment, including methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the shipment of items wherein independent couriers and courier companies are registered and provided with a profile. Parameters associated with courier jobs are received from the courier businesses and it is determined which of the independent couriers are qualified to accept or bid on each courier job. A list detailing the parameters for each courier job that each independent courier is qualified to accept or bid on is provided to each independent courier. Each independent courier list is dynamically modified each time parameters for a new courier job each independent courier is qualified to accept or bid on is received.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.

Abstract: A system and method for a community shipping platform is described. A pool of community shippers operating within a geographical area including a geographical pickup location of a seller and a geographical delivery location of a buyer is identified. A request is generated to the pool of community shippers to fulfill a shipment from the geographical pickup location of the seller to the geographical delivery location of the buyer.

Abstract: A method for aggregating mobile phone orders for shipping to a recipient comprising analyzing, by a server computer, orders placed via a plurality of ordering systems, wherein the orders may comprises a plurality of ordered items; identifying, by the server computer, recipient addresses with common destinations; unifying, by the server computer, the identified recipient addresses with common destinations; determining, by the server computer, criteria for when to release an order for shipment to a recipient; accumulating, by the server computer, ordered items for the recipient; combining, by the server computer, the accumulated ordered items into a shipment, wherein a shipment comprises at least one container; and releasing, by the server computer, the container for shipment when at least one of the criteria is met.

Abstract: A transmodal and logistics method, comprising generating at least one transportation route for shipping a shipment using one or more different transportation modes and at least two transportation providers, and calculating a cost rate associated with the at least one transportation route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking items are provided. According to one method, a dispatcher receives from a courier, serving a customer, a request over a network to pickup an item addressed to the customer. A determination is made to see whether the dispatcher is available to process the item. If the dispatcher is available, the dispatcher notifies the courier, over the network, that the item is available for pickup by the courier when the dispatcher completes processing of the item. If the dispatcher is busy, the dispatcher notifies the courier, over the network, that the item is available for pick up by the courier at a later time.

Abstract: Order allocation techniques pertaining to stops that a container makes in the process of fulfilling a customer order is disclosed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by first identifying a pod that stocks the largest number of different items in a customer order. Then, a second pod is identified that stocks the largest number of remaining items in the customer order. The collection of pods defines a container path through the distribution center.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for collecting and providing information on loaded/empty status of vehicles, which gathers loaded and empty vehicle information via the Internet and then provides shipping arrangement agencies in various regions information on freight for which a vehicle has not been dispatched and information on empty vehicles, from information collected on loaded and empty vehicles. Accordingly, multilevel procurement for freight is avoided, and freight can be delivered to a destination in a timely manner as requested by a merchant, which reduces freight transport charges and procurement fees.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may reduce the amount of time a consumer spends coordinating a move. A system is provided which may guide the consumer through the process of planning the move, including developing an inventory of items to be transported. Based on the consumer's plan, quotes for the move may be provided from multiple movers, and each quote may be an exact price that a mover will charge, rather than merely an estimate. To enable movers to provide exact quotes, some embodiments of the invention implement a standard pricing methodology. The system may allow movers to define pricing information in accordance with the methodology, and this information may be used to calculate a quote for a move when a consumer requests one.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing orders are provided. In some embodiments, a retailer for fulfilling an order is chosen, and a predicted time of arrival for the customer to arrive at the retailer is determined. An order notification is transmitted to the retailer, which inserts the order into a preparation queue to be prepared and delivered to a pickup location by the predicted time of arrival. In some embodiments, the location of the customer is monitored and the predicted time of arrival may be updated if the location of the customer deviates from an expected location. In some embodiments, a string of orders is created. A set of retailers capable of fulfilling orders for a set of products is determined. A set of pickup locations associated with the set of retailers is determined, and path.

Abstract: A carrier selection method for the logistics network is disclosed to evaluate the network reliability of each carrier set for choosing an optimal carrier set. The logistics network includes a start, a terminal and a plurality of routes between the start and the terminal, and a plurality of minimal paths are composed of the routes. The carrier set is composed of carriers chosen in every route of the logistics network. The carrier selection method includes the steps of choosing one carrier for transporting; distributing a demand in the minimal paths, and each carrier having a plurality of capacities and a maximal capacity; calculating a network reliability for the carrier set transporting the demand in the minimal paths according to the demand, the capacities and the maximal capacity; and executing genetic algorithm for searching an optimal carrier set.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium is provided to provide a publisher with a single interface to a plurality of shipping service providers. To begin, the method may receive, through a message bus, a request event message sent by the publisher. The request event message may include a shipping service provider identifier. Next, the method may identify a shipping interface based on the shipping service provider identifier, where the shipping interface corresponds to a shipping service provider of the plurality of shipping service providers. The method may then send, using the shipping interface, a shipping service request to the shipping service provider, with the shipping service request corresponding to a shipping service provided by the shipping service provider.

Abstract: A freight shipment ordering system comprising a shipping request portion, shipping processing portion and bid estimate portion. The shipping request portion is adapted to provide a first freight shipment request comprising one or more of a freight description, one or more freight locations, and one or more freight destination times. The shipping processing portion is adapted to receive the first freight shipment request, access one or more databases, determine a list comprising one or more freight carriers able to satisfy the first freight shipment request from the one or more databases, and provide at least a portion of the list to the shipping request portion. The bid estimate portion is adapted to receive a second freight shipment request from one of the shipping request portion and the shipping processing portion, and send a response to at least one of the shipping request portion and the shipping processing portion, the response comprising a price relating to the first freight shipment request.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media associated with using historic and real-time analytic data to select fulfillment entities and/or shipping options for a provider to use to fulfill an order from a customer. In various embodiments, an order may be received by a provider and order information may be made available to one or more fulfillment entities. The fulfillment entities may provide offers to fulfill the shipment to the provider, which may select one or more of the fulfillment entities based on application of business rules based at least in part on the historic and real-time analytic data. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: A goods delivery demand and supply mating system, which includes a goods delivery demand module, a goods delivery supply module and a data processing unit. The goods delivery demand module is for receiving at least one goods delivery demand order. The goods delivery supply module is for receiving at least one goods delivery supply order. The data processing unit connects to the goods delivery demand module and goods delivery supply module, and performs a mating process upon the goods delivery demand order and the goods delivery supply order to to find out a compatibility and generate a mating result base on the compatibility.

Abstract: A method of identifying prospective carriers or brokers for transporting a load of freight comprises profiling a plurality of carriers or brokers via a website portal established by a hosting service wherein each carrier is profiled according to freight accommodations, trailer type, and geographic transport preferences, receiving parameters via the website portal from a shipper for the load of freight as to load size, required equipment type, shipper type, and origin and destination, performing a matching function by which the load is matched with carrier or broker profiles according to the load profile and determining the carriers or brokers that have profiles that match the load parameters, and notifying the matching carriers or brokers of the matching load parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transportation management processes and systems. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method in a computer system for determining one or more routes for transporting items, including receiving multiple orders to transport items from an origination stop to a destination stop, generating one or more consolidations, and generating one or more shipments wherein each shipment includes a selected consolidation that meets at least one shipment parameter or an order. The method further includes generating one or more routes with an ordered sequence of stops wherein each route is associated with one or more shipments. The method still further includes selecting one or more routes based on one or more route parameters.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product determine carrier selection based on variable volumetric weight and variable completion times. A product is identified for production. The product for production has a variable weight and a variable dimension based on components included in the product for production. A projected volumetric weight of the product for production is determined. A projected completion time of the product for production is determined. A projected carrier assignment of the product for production is then determined in response to determining the projected volumetric weight of the product for production and determining the projected completion time of the product for production.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for mobile transport tendering. One process includes operations for identifying at least one transportation management server providing information on at least one shipping opportunity, each transportation management server associated with a shipper, identifying the at least one shipping opportunity associated with at least one of the identified transportation management servers at a mobile device, and presenting at least a subset of the at least one identified shipping opportunity at the mobile device. Identifying the at least one shipping opportunity associated with the at least one of the identified transportation management servers can include sending a request to each of the at least one identified transportation management servers for shipping opportunities associated with the shipper and receiving a set of shipping opportunities from at least one of the identified transportation management servers.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include an image processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, an image capture device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the image capture device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The image capture device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assigning mail items to carriers, comprising at least one server containing a mail assignment engine. The mail assignment engine is operative to receive delivery data from the mail processors, determine routes for delivery using the delivery data and a set of business rules, assign the mail items to carriers based on the determined routes, and transmit mail item assignment information to the mail processors. The mail assignment engine may determine the routes using a database including files for active, planned, and closed routes. The mail assignment engine may also use business rules, which may comprise cost consideration, delivery options, and route delay information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for analyzing package performance in a materials handling facility may include calculating an expected shipping cost for an item package and an actual shipping cost for the item package to determine excess shipping costs due to shipping item packages in the wrong container. The expected shipping cost may be the sum of the transportation cost and shipping materials cost when the item package is shipped in a recommended container. The actual shipping cost may be the sum of the transportation cost and shipping materials cost when the item is shipped in another container. The shipping materials costs may include the costs of the containers themselves and any non-item contents in the containers. A package performance analyzer may be configured to calculate excess shipping costs, generate various package performance reports according to received report parameters, and recommend corrective actions, including changing the available container types or providing training.

Abstract: A method and a system for a third party token system for anonymous shipping are described. A selection of shipping service providers approved by a recipient is received. A token corresponding to a mailing address of the recipient is generated. The token corresponding to the mailing address of the recipient is sent to a shipping service provider approved by the recipient. The token is valid only for the shipping service providers selected by the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for determining from a set of delivery times for each of a plurality of services for each of a plurality of carriers a potential delivery schedule for each of the plurality of services for each of the plurality of carriers in response to a request by each of a plurality of users, according to an input by each particular user of a shipping date, a set of parcel specifications for shipping a particular parcel, a set of shipping requirements for shipping the particular parcel, a particular origin postal code and a particular destination postal code. Each user accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, and each user client computer device has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buyer registers for a buyer's shipping account and uses the shipping account to pay shipping costs associated with purchases made over the Internet. When a buyer purchases merchandise over the Internet from either a retailer's website or from an individual through an online auction, the buyer is capable of controlling the shipping process by logging on to their buyer's shipping account. Among other things, the buyer can use their shipping account to select the desired type of shipping service (overnight air or ground) and populate a shipping label with shipping information such as delivery address, return address, and preferred delivery time windows. Once the shipping label has been populated and verified, the shipping label is electronically transferred to the seller for use in shipping the package. The system and methods of the present invention allow the buyer greater control over the shipping process.

Abstract: Systems and methods to outsource service and support operations are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes electronically maintaining an inventory at an outsourced service and support partner (OSSP) without intervention by a separate manufacturing entity by ordering inventory items from a supplier separate from the manufacturing entity and the OSSP at a cost determined based on an amount of similar or substantially identical inventory items obtained separately by the manufacturing entity for manufacturing units, and using the inventory to at least one of service a unit returned to the OSSP by a customer or ship an inventory item from the OSSP to the customer in response to receiving an order notification from the manufacturing entity at the OSSP.

Abstract: Distributing disaster relief supplies, in one aspect, may include determining cross shipping of disaster relief supplies between points of distribution using one or more combinations of information. The information may include one or more of on-hand inventory of each point of distribution, in-transit inventory to each point of distribution, demand queue of disaster victims at each point of distribution, traveling time between supply staging area and points of distribution, traveling time between points of distribution, number of transportation vehicles available for cross shipping, minimum batch size for cross shipping, frequency of cross shipping, and point of distribution activation status, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment is a fleet dispatch plan optimization system and method that provides a planning and assignment mechanism for assigning shipments of goods, supplies, cargo, or any other type of delivery to a driver and equipment. The method may include, for example, receiving as an input a plurality of shipments of items or goods that need to be assigned and a plurality of drivers available to handle the shipments. The drivers can include those from the private fleet or from a common carrier. The method may then include determining, using a simulation engine for example, the most cost effective assignment of one of the drivers to at least one of the shipments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing fuel costs, along with a corresponding apparatus, and a corresponding medium are described. The method includes receiving transaction information at a Network Administrator, the transaction information being associated with: (a) a shipper who has arranged for a shipment of goods from an origin to a destination; and (b) a corresponding carrier that has agreed to transport the shipment using a pre-determined maximum number of eligible units of fuel, where the fuel is purchased by the carrier at a pre-set base price per eligible unit, and where the fuel is purchased from pre-selected fueling locations. The maximum number of eligible units of fuel and the base price per eligible unit for the shipment are established between the shipper and the carrier, while the fueling locations are established by the Network Administrator. The actual price paid for the fuel is set by the market.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media associated with using historic analytic data to identify shipping options for a user to use when shipping a package. Historic analytic data may be received and maintained by a package shipment facilitation system. The analytics may then be used to generate business rules which may be applied to parameters for a package that is to be shipped. Through application of the business rules, one or more preferred shipping options may be identified. Business rules may be received after being manually-generated by a user, or may be automatically generated based at least in part on the maintained historic analytics. After a shipping option is chosen for the package, a shipping label may be printed for the package, and the package may be entered into a carrier's system for processing.

Abstract: A logistics system manages the shipments of goods supplied from a plurality of different shippers by a plurality of carriers. It has a variety of modules integrated with each other to perform various functionalities. For example, it may have a purchasing module evaluating proposals by shippers for respective shipments of goods and awarding contracts for the shipments to the plurality of carriers. It may have an optimization module analyzing the proposals and informing the purchasing module if an opportunity exists for at least some of the shipments to be consolidated, in which case at least one contract awarded by the purchasing module is for a consolidated group of the shipments. It may have a contract administration module maintaining information relating to the status of proposals received and contracts awarded by the purchasing module. It may have a scheduling module scheduling shipments according to the awarded contracts.