Abstract: A global supply chain management system in an environment of multiple suppliers forming supply chains for one or more buyers connected over the Internet. The system includes a global processor with logic that maps “local” supply information for each buyer and each supplier, represented in one or more property tables having master information correlated to local information for each buyer and each supplier. The system manages processes from an input of lots to an output through supplier stages where clients each use fragmented different local information. A correlation means uses base lot indicators, one for each of the lots in common for all of said stages and executes supply chain management functions for tracking lots through the supplier stages and for dynamic creation of sets of purchase orders among groups of suppliers for processing the same lot through the supply chain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for business to business communication among trading partners that use differing business rules and processes. A trading partner server provides a center for communication between the trading partners enforcing the business rules and enabling the trading partners to communicate effectively. Legally binding and non-legally binding agreements necessary to support a business discourse are handled electronically through the trading partner server.

Abstract: A method and system for managing information in a multi-hub system for supply chain management and collaborative planning. A technique is presented from managing communications in a multi-hub model. First, consistency of data throughout the system is maintained by limiting which entities in the supply chain have the authority to write to the data. Various techniques for determining which entity has such authority are presented. Second, the relative complexity of transactions is determined by identifying how much computer processing is required. Transactions that require little processing are handled by lightweight servers; transactions that required moderate to extensive processing are sent to heavyweight servers. The end user receives information about the transaction more rapidly because the transactions are processed more efficiently.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique to prevent confusion between part numbers used by different suppliers and manufacturers. The invention includes a database that (1) creates an association between part numbers that are directed to comparable parts, (2) generates a universal number for comparable parts, and (3) creates an association between the part numbers and the universal part. This set of associations is used to generate documents that include part numbers that the recipient of the document is familiar with. Limitations are placed on what authorities may provide information about a set of associations. Generally, only the supplier of a part or the supplier of a comparable part may create associations between their parts. This limitation helps maintain the integrity of information in the database. This database is coupled to a shared service network such as a hub for design collaboration or supply chain control.

Abstract: A global supply chain management system in an environment of multiple suppliers forming supply chains for one or more buyers connected over the Internet. The system includes a global processor with logic that maps “local” supply information for each buyer and each supplier, represented in one or more property tables having master information correlated to local information for each buyer and each supplier. The system manages processes from an input of lots to an output through supplier stages where clients each use fragmented different local information. A correlation means uses base lot indicators, one for each of the lots in common for all of said stages and executes supply chain management functions for tracking lots through the supplier stages and for dynamic creation of sets of purchase orders among groups of suppliers for processing the same lot through the supply chain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for collaborative planning among multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners, in which individual collaborators and individual trading partners can both make use of global information regarding parties using the system, while still being able to maintain secure and separate information regarding how those individual parties treat their counterparts. The system includes a many-to-many hub at which multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners can exchange information, the hub including a global database having public information about those multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners; the system also includes within the hub a set of private databases having secure and separate information for individual collaborators or individual trading partners.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a B2B communication or integration environment, operating using a web browser to access systems protected by an enterprise network firewall, to transfer files in a manner that is reliable, restartable, and secure. After assuring the transfer is allowed, a web browser sends a signed applet to a file transfer client, which makes an out-of-band connection to a file transfer server. The file transfer client and file transfer server interact using a bi-directional protocol suited to file transfer operations. The techniques are applicable to transferring relatively large files, for example in excess of 1 Gigabyte, and relatively smaller files in network environments that are relatively less reliable.

Abstract: A global supply chain management system in an environment of multiple suppliers forming supply chains for one or more buyers connected over the Internet. The system includes a global processor with logic that maps “local” supply information for each buyer and each supplier, represented in one or more property tables having master information correlated to local information for each buyer and each supplier. The system manages processes from an input of lots to an output through supplier stages where clients each use fragmented different local information. A correlation means uses base lot indicators, one for each of the lots in common for all of said stages and executes supply chain management functions for tracking lots through the supplier stages and for dynamic creation of sets of purchase orders among groups of suppliers for processing the same lot through the supply chain.

Abstract: The invention provides a user interface, such as used by an electronic trading hub. The interface includes a representation that describes instances in which a participant has won some units, but less than the number of items initially bid on. The representation of this partial win is displayed on web pages that present information to a user. Another representation shows start and end times for at least some of the markets in which the user is currently participating, and the start and end times for future markets. Color-coding of temporal events may also be included in the graphical representation. A representation of activities occurring in markets owned by a user is generated and displayed. Such representations useful to commercial entities which take positions as both buyers and sellers. Another representation identifies which type of market is referred to such as English auctions, RFBs (request for bids), Dutch auctions and others.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for collaborative planning among multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners, in which individual collaborators and individual trading partners can both make use of global information regarding parties using the system, while still being able to maintain secure and separate information regarding how those individual parties treat their counterparts. The system includes a many-to-many hub at which multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners can exchange information, the hub including a global database having public information about those multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners; the system also includes within the hub a set of private databases having secure and separate information for individual collaborators or individual trading partners.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a B2B communication or integration environment, operating using a web browser to access systems protected by an enterprise network firewall, to transfer files in a manner that is reliable, restartable, and secure. After assuring the transfer is allowed, a web browser sends a signed applet to a file transfer client, which makes an out-of-band connection to a file transfer server. The file transfer client and file transfer server interact using a bi-directional protocol suited to file transfer operations. The techniques are applicable to transferring relatively large files, for example in excess of 1 Gigabyte, and relatively smaller files in network environments that are relatively less reliable.

Abstract: Methods and systems with which manufacturers can review reliable information about supply conditions including multiple supplier tiers, and maintain order collaboration for an extended supply chain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for tracking business to business communication among trading partners in a supply chain. Trading partners utilize a central hub to coordinate and track events. Prior to sending an event to other trading partners, a trading partner obtains an event tracking number from a central hub. Trading partners receiving the event can validate its unique status and validity by observing content within the event itself and by querying the central hub for additional information. Using the invention, the disparate communication systems used by trading partners and the lack of a system for clearly identifying and tracking events, no longer exists and the possibility of confusion as to the uniqueness of any one event when compared with another with similar characteristics is eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system for managing information in a multi-hub system for supply chain management and collaborative planning. A technique is presented from managing communications in a multi-hub model. First, consistency of data throughout the system is maintained by limiting which entities in the supply chain have the authority to write to the data. Various techniques for determining which entity has such authority are presented. Second, the relative complexity of transactions is determined by identifying how much computer processing is required. Transactions that require little processing are handled by lightweight servers; transactions that required moderate to extensive processing are sent to heavyweight servers. The end user receives information about the transaction more rapidly because the transactions are processed more efficiently.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for collaborative planning among multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners, in which individual collaborators and individual trading partners can both make use of global information regarding parties using the system, while still being able to maintain secure and separate information regarding how those individual parties treat their counterparts. The system includes a many-to-many hub at which multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners can exchange information, the hub including a global database having public information about those multiple collaborators and multiple trading partners; the system also includes within the hub a set of private databases having secure and separate information for individual collaborators or individual trading partners.

Abstract: A network directory, a translation element, a registration element and an execution management element provide business process integration between trading partners. The network directory includes information relating to business processes and communication techniques for use with those trading partners. This directory includes a repository of information about objects and entities included in a platform for supply chain management. It includes descriptions of trading partners, administrative functions, business processes, principals and others. The directory can be used to perform such tasks as service discovery, principal authentication and administrative functions. Other elements of the invention such as the translation element, registration element and execution management element can be coupled to the network directory and provide for receiving messages in one or more particular formats, registering new trading partners, integrating new trading partners and providing oversight functions.